Century High School
GHAP Program
Century High SchoolGATE, Honors, Advanced Placement
GHAP Program
2009 - 0210
Administration
Margie Salcedo
Principal
Roger Frazier
Assistant Principal
Maria Gumucio
Assistant Principal
Brent Nagele
Activities Director
Laura Rubio
Assistant Principal
Counselors
Tomas Hernandez
Beau Menchaca
Jennifer Ruvalcaba
Dan Sampson
Marta Sanchez
Mireya Vazquez
Matt Cavanaugh
Higher Education Center
SANTA ANA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board of Education
Jose Alfredo Hernandez
President
Rob Richardson
Vice President
Audrey Yamagata-Noji, Ph.D.
Clerk
John Palacio
Member
Roman Reyna
Member
Central Administration
Jane A. Russo
Superintendent
Cathie A. Olsky, Ed.D.
Deputy Superintendent
Ron Murrey
Associate Superintendent, Business Services
Juan M. Lopéz
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Herman Mendez
Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Education
Alexander Ayala
Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Education
Doreen Lohnes
Assistant Superintendent, Support Services
Joe Dixon
Assistant Superintendent, Facilities and Governmental Relations
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to the GATE/Honors/Advanced Placement (GHAP) Team:
Ruth Abatzoglou, Science
Ali Ashkiani, Mathematics Curriculum Specialist
Alan Armstrong, Social Science
John Beaumont, Science
Bob Bolander, GATE Coordinator
Joe Bookataub, Science
Matt Cavanaugh, Higher Education Program Specialist
George Chen, Mathematics
Mary Dreyer, English
Gerry Elizondo, Mathematics
Art Enriquez, Social Science
Jesse Gomez, Science
Elizabeth Guerrero, Foreign Language
James Hazlett, Title One Coordinator
Tessa Heaney, English
Rebecca Holliman, Mathematics
Martha Ikner Science
Greg Katz, English
Kamala Kavati, English
Maria Kennedy, English
Judy Kooi, English
Andrew Leung, Mathematics
Amber Nong, Mathematics
Kim Olson, Visual Arts
James Oveson, Social Science
Chris Pallan, Foreign Language
Michael Powe, Mathematics
Gary Rodebaugh, English
Laura Rubio, Assistant Principal
Cathleen Sanchez, Social Science
Laura Stern, Mathematics
Sheri Turner, Social Science
Billy West, Social Science
Program Guide
GATE/Honors/Advanced Placement Program
What will I find in this GHAP Program Guide?
GHAP Program Mission Statement 10
GHAP Program FAQs 10
Academic/Citizenship Standards 12
Letter from the Principal 15
District Honors Contract 16
Teacher/Counselor/Administrator Responsibilities 17
In Danger of Failing Notice (IDOF) Policies and Procedures 18
Sample copy of IDOF Notice 19
Sample Letter to Parents of Class Re-designation 20
Student Support Offered 21
GHAP Course Descriptions 22
College and University Information 31
Mission Statement
Students enter the GATE/Honors/Advanced Placement Program (GHAP) to prepare for college and be successful. GHAP students commit to diligently developing their academic skills.
GHAP Program FAQs
All students may enroll in an Honors or Advanced Placement class at Century High School. The following FAQs should be carefully considered by students and their parents:
How do I enroll in the AP/Honors program?
· See your counselor and teachers
What is the Gate/Honors/Advancement Placement (GHAP) program?
· A special program that supports the needs of GATE/Honors/Advanced Placement students.
· A set of criteria that sets a standard of admission and continuation in the GHAP program.
· A program that increases students’ success on AP exams, college acceptance, high school graduation, and standardized testing.
Why do I want to enroll in the honors program?
· Participate in quality instruction from dedicated, knowledgeable teachers.
· Attend classes with other motivated students who share common goals and interests.
· Prepare for college level work by engaging in rigorous curriculum.
· Have the opportunity to become high-level thinkers.
· Make informed post-secondary choices.
· Be well prepared for taking standardized tests.
· Evaluate my performance to see if my education is meeting my goals and needs.
What are SOME of the characteristics of students enrolling in GHAP?
· Successful participation in honors level classes.
· Highly motivated and enjoys challenging curriculum.
· Independent thinker and self-starter.
· Welcomes work that is beyond the classroom and over and above traditional school hours, including but not limited to evenings and Saturdays.
· Focused on attending a four-year university.
· Identified GATE student.
What are the expectations of the GHAP program on students?
· Exemplary attendance.
· Adherence to school rules.
· Willingness to participate in workshops, study sessions, and study hall.
· Maintain a 2.0 GPA in GHAP classes.
· Satisfy the continuation criteria.
Is there homework over the summer?
· Some AP courses may require summer homework.
· Designed to provide students with an opportunity to prepare for the rigors of the AP curriculum.
· Allows students a jump-start in their studies and be prepared for the AP Exam.
· Encourages students to form study groups that allow for student-directed activities.
· Summer homework may be required by your AP teacher. Check with the appropriate AP teacher in the spring before you leave for the summer.
What happens if I do not do the summer homework?
· Consequences vary from class to class.
· Remember: You get out of it what you put into it.
· Check with each teacher.
· Non-participants will be “out of the loop” and not as prepared for the serious study required for success in advanced college prep classes.
What happens if I do not pass a class?
· See AP/Honors Academic/Citizenship Standards
If I am experiencing difficulty, where do I go for help?
· Study groups are established in each curricular area.
· Core subject days will be established.
· Tutorial programs are available throughout the various departments.
· AVID is available for all students who are motivated.
· Study Skills class is available.
How can parents support students who are enrolled in Honors/AP courses?
· Emphasize the school-work to be done at home.
· Understand that homework is required in AP classes.
· Provide time for students to do school work.
· Communicate with teachers on a formal basis (GATE Informational Night, Back to School Night, Open House).
· Communicate with teachers and counselors on an informal basis as necessary (conferences, phone calls, etc.).
· Support the student in academic pursuits as is possible and necessary.
· Purchase supplemental resources and tools for students’ home use.
· Provide transportation for academic research, school and/or public library use and school events.
What does it mean to be on probation in GHAP?
· See AP/Honors Academic/Citizenship Standards.
Academic/Citizenship Standards
EXPECTATIONS:
Student * Maintain a C or higher semester grade with satisfactory citizenship
* Attendance in academic standards conference if needed
* If you are enrolled in an AP class, you must plan on registering for and taking the
AP Exam in May
Parent * Make direct contact with teachers about any concerns
* Provide support to student
* Attend academic standards conference if needed
Teacher * Provide instruction, support, and intervention in the program for students while instructing the GHAP curriculum and attendance in academic standards
* Maintain communication with parents
* Participate in training for the California Standards for Gifted Instruction and provide differentiated instruction for students in the GATE Program
Counselor * Appropriately place students in GHAP classes
* Attend parent-teacher-student-administrator academic semester standards conference and assist if needed in alternative placement
* Encourage students to participate in support programs
Administration * Oversee the program/process and provide support to facilitate the expectations of the program
* Conference with students that receive an In Danger of Failing Notice (IDOF)
* Assistant Principals of Guidance and Curriculum will arrange parent notification of academic standards conference with student, parent, counselor, and teacher
* Provide various forms required – contract/acceptance into the program, promotion/recruitment, and IDOF notification
TIMELINE:
Student * If a student’s academic/citizenship performance falls below a
C/S grade at the end of the first and/or second grading period, the student will receive from the administrator an IDOF notice. The student must return the IDOF notice back to the teacher, by the parent, within three days
Parent * Receive and review their child’s report card each grading period and at the conclusion of each semester
Teacher * Notify each student of his/her grade each grading period and at the conclusion of each semester
Counselor * Review the student’s grade at the end of each grading period and at the semester
Administration * Maintain and monitor the grading/standards/continuation process
PROCEDURES:
Student * If a student receives an academic grade of D or F or a citizenship grade of N or U during the first 9 weeks of the semester, the student will receive from an administrator an IDOF notice that must be taken home and signed by a parent and/or guardian. The notice is to be returned to the teacher of record within three days
* If a student fails the semester, the student is now at risk of being removed from the program at the end of the year and must have an immediate meeting with the parent, administrator, and counselor within these first 9 weeks of the semester
* Students in danger of failing will be advised of intervention programs and during the standards meeting with the teacher, administrator, and counselor, be advised of future continuation within the GHAP program
* After the conclusion of the current semester, a student who is reassigned from a class as a “non-participant” may apply to reenter GHAP for the following year. The student must attain a B grade or higher in the subject, have a teacher recommendation, and attend a parent conference.
Parent * Attend the semester standards meeting with their student and be advised of their student’s future options in the GHAP program
Teacher * Hand in to the administrator an IDOF notice if a student earns a D or F grade, or citizenship grade of N or U, during the first 9 weeks of the semester.
* This notice will then be given to the student from the administrator with recommended interventions
* The teacher will receive the IDOF notice from the student, signed by the parent of the student within three days
* The teacher will hand in a copy of the IDOF notice, complete with all signatures, to administration immediately following receipt from the student
* If at the semester a student is receiving a D or F grade and/or N or U in citizenship, the teacher will turn in immediately an IDOF notice to administration, at the conclusion of the semester, on or before the deadline that grades are due to be turned into the office
* Attend the semester standards meeting with the student, parent, counselor, and administrator
Counselor * Participate in the GHAP parent meeting and if necessary help provide intervention information to the parent and student
Administrator * Receive all IDOF notices from teachers
* The IDOF notice will be given to the student by the administrator at an arranged meeting. The student and the administrator will sign the IDOF notice(s). IDOF notices will be kept in a file in the administration office. The administrator will discuss student recommended interventions
* Initiate and attend all meetings with student, parent, counselor, and teacher
* Review with students the consequences for those who do not return the IDOF notice to their teacher within three days of distribution
Parents of Outstanding Students,
We are excited that your child has indicated an interest in participating in the GATE/Honors/AP program at Century High School for the coming school year. The Honors classes are taught at a higher level than our College Prep classes, with the goal of successfully preparing students for college admission. Honors coursework is available to students in all academic areas. The grades in Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes are weighted, thus recognizing the challenging work the students have undertaken when calculating grade point averages. The Advanced Placement (AP) classes are taught like college classes, and require additional amount of student work outside of the regular classroom. Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide challenging college level learning experiences, which culminate in national AP exams in May.
Students who want to experience the highest level of academic rigor are encouraged to take these classes, because this effort reflects favorably in the college admission process, and students may earn college credit with high scores on national exams. Since the college admission process is becoming more competitive each year, it is recommended that students who are strong academically take AP classes as their first choice whenever possible.
All students selecting AP courses are not only encouraged, but are expected to take the national AP exam in May for each course in which they are enrolled. While there is a fee for each exam (currently $85.00) due by March 1st, there are often “fee waivers” available to significantly reduce this cost. The cost of the exam should not be a factor in the decision to participate in the Advanced Placement courses.
Parents of students entering these Honors and AP classes need to be aware that there is a high level of expectations, since students are being prepared to compete with students from all schools. Teachers will support student effort and provide opportunities for assistance, but we do not expect to remove students from these classes for trivial reasons such as “the work is too hard”. Since admission to the prestigious GATE/Honors/AP program is a commitment to academic rigor by the best and brightest students at Century, we ask that we have the signed permission of both student and parent prior to enrollment in this program. To further answer questions you may have, an informational meeting, for which you will receive a separate invitation, will be offered in the near future.
Please sign and return the attached agreement to your child’s counselor. Thank you for your commitment to your child’s academic success at Century High School.