KENNETT HIGH SCHOOL
EDUCATIONAL PLANNING GUIDE
2017-2018
KHS Guidance Department
Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348
DEDICATED TO IMPROVING STUDENT LEARNING.
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High School Credit Courses for Eighth Graders: Earning College-Level Education, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Technology
The process of selecting high school courses for eighth graders, including Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and the importance of maintaining a certain grade level. Students can earn college credit and high school credit, contributing to their cumulative GPA and preparing them for future academic endeavors.
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KENNETT HIGH SCHOOL
EDUCATIONAL PLANNING GUIDE
KHS Guidance Department
Kennett Consolidated School District
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348
DEDICATED TO IMPROVING STUDENT LEARNING.
EQUAL RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
The Kennett Consolidated School District will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices, based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, union membership or any other legally protected classification. (Announcement of this policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.) Kennett Consolidated School District employees and participants who have an inquiry or complaint of harassment or discrimination, or who need information about accommodations for persons with disabilities, should contact Dr. Barry Tomasetti, District Superintendent, 300 East South Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, telephone (610) 444-6600.
INTRODUCTION
While each student’s goals may not yet be completely decided upon, it is imperative that all students ready themselves for the 21st^ century by building the strongest possible educational foundation. To do this, students will need the help of their parents, teachers, and counselors. This resource has been created to provide the information that students will need as they plan their education so that they are prepared for the future.
Every student is assigned to a counselor who will remain with the student throughout high school. Through the partnership between the student, his or her teachers and parents, the counselor will provide advice to help each student identify his or her individual strengths, areas for growth, and interests. This information will assist each student to achieve personal success in high school and to develop a plan to get ready for further education or the work world. The counselor will discuss course selections with the student and ensure that the student is making progress towards meeting graduation requirements.
The counselor confers frequently with classroom teachers. The teacher helps the counselor understand how the student is performing in the classroom. The counselor helps the teacher understand the student’s academic background, special concerns, and individual goals. Parents also play an important role in the educational planning for their children. You are welcome to contact the school counselor with any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you and can be reached during the school day, either by phone (610-444-6636) or email.
Our objective is to help Kennett High School students develop educational plans that give them the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge they will need to be prepared for the future.
Counselor: Students with last names: Email address: Ms. Cassandra Allen A – D [email protected] Ms. Colleen Allen E – K [email protected] Ms. Heather Morihara L – Q [email protected] Mr. Francis Ryan R – Z [email protected]
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Board Policy No. 217
Subject Areas Credits English 4 Social Studies 4 Mathematics 4 Science 4 Physical Education. Health. Electives 8 (1 credit must be in technology*, 2 credits must be in the Humanities)
Total 25.2 credits
Graduation Project Required
Demonstrate Proficiency on state Keystone requirement beginning with the class of 2017 *Technology requirement is fulfilled through student portfolios.
High School courses completed in eighth grade High school courses that students complete while they are in the eighth grade will earn high school credit, will be included on the student's official transcript and will contribute to the student's cumulative GPA. Successful completion of these courses affords the student the opportunity to advance into higher level courses and further study during high school. However, graduation requirements are fulfilled only by courses completed in grades 9 through 12.
Minimum number of earned credits for promotion: Sophomore 6. Junior 12. Senior 18
Graduation Project All students graduating from Kennett High School must complete a Graduation Project that meets the standards and provisions stated by the Kennett Consolidated School District Board of Directors. It is imperative that students have a complete and thorough understanding of the project and the importance with which Kennett High School faculty and administration view the requirement.
Students will work with their advisory teacher who helps guide the student toward meeting the necessary requirements of the project. The project begins in 9th grade and should be completed by the end of the student’s 11th grade year. During 11th^ grade, students will be assigned a date, time and evaluator to evaluate the completion of the project. The presentation of the project will take place during final exams. The process includes integrated skill building, which will be demonstrated through a career path investigation; community service; a written essay; and an oral/multimedia presentation. The student’s project mentor will evaluate all components of the project using the grading rubrics that are provided to the student in the Graduation Project packet. Kennett High School strongly encourages each student to select a project that is both challenging and significantly meaningful to the individual. The faculty will provide the direction and guidance necessary to help each student complete this requirement, but students need to recognize that the primary focus of this project rests on them, as individuals. Students should discuss the
EDUCATIONAL PLANNING
It is in each student’s best interest to enroll in the most challenging courses possible. Four-year colleges and universities evaluate a student’s qualifications for admission based upon the student’s academic record and achievements. Two-year colleges and technical schools often look at particular skills students have begun and wish to continue in post-secondary school. Computer classes, vocational training and practical skills are of particular importance.
9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
English English English English
World Studies I World Studies II American Studies Economics & American Government
Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics
Earth & Space Biology Chemistry Physics
PE / Health (& Lab)
PE / Health (& Lab)
(Lab / Study Hall) (Lab /Study Hall)
Elective Elective Elective Elective
Elective Elective Elective Elective
Elective Elective Elective Elective
4 Year Education Plan
Course Selection As students make academic plans for next year, they should : Talk over their plans with their parents, teachers and counselor. Read the course descriptions, including any special requirements courses may have. Choose courses that strengthen academic backgrounds and provide opportunities to explore new ideas. Keep in mind their future goals, talents, skills, interests, past school grades, assessment results and teacher recommendations.
The course selection process begins in the early part of the second semester with these steps: Counselors meet with students to review course sequences and elective choices. Students discuss their academic progress with their teachers. Based on these discussions, teachers make course recommendations for each student in core subject areas and electives requiring teacher recommendation.
Recommendations are a vital part of course selection and are based on data and multiple criteria including: Student achievement (historical grades, assessment scores, etc.)
The teacher’s knowledge of the curriculum Course expectations
Students will make selections for their elective course requests. A listing of a student’s complete course requests is mailed home for review in the third marking period. Students are welcome to make changes to their elective requests. Students must finalize course requests, making elective changes and requests for permission to override teacher course recommendations, by the date indicated in the letter mailed home with course requests. Requests made after this deadline will not be accommodated. Draft schedules ar e mailed home to review in early summer.
- Final schedules are distributed in advisory on the first day of school. Changes to student schedules at this time will only be initiated as a result of scheduling errors, irresolvable scheduling conflicts, previous course failures, or administrator recommendation. Any other type of schedule change request will not be honored.
After the start of school, the building principal must approve any schedule change request that occurs. Please note that schedule changes will not be made once the school year has started.
Core Course Options and Sequences Some subjects in education, such as mathematics and languages, must be studied in sequence. The knowledge and/or skills gained in one year are the foundation for the knowledge and skills to be gained in succeeding years. Teachers routinely recommend that students continue with the next course in a sequence if the student has demonstrated full understanding of the content and has met the expectations of the preceding course. The core course sequence that students follow is based upon their preparedness for each course. Movement between sequences is possible, depending upon the student’s achievement. Typical course sequences are outlined on the next page.
Course Request Worksheet for 2017-
Read through the course descriptions, and then complete this worksheet. Teachers will make recommendations for all students in: English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science and Advanced Placement courses Students should record the elective courses that interest them Students are expected to schedule classes for eight periods each day (not including lunch) The ability to fulfill student requests for specific courses may be limited by scheduling and staffing constraints and each student’s progress towards completing graduation requirements Requests for specific instructors or class meeting times cannot be honored.
Course Categories Course Name Teacher Recommendation English
Social Studies
Mathematics
Science
Physical Education (and Health for 9th^ graders; Advanced Health for 10th graders) Elective (1 full year or 2 semester courses)
Elective (1 full year or 2 semester courses)
Elective (1 full year or 2 semester courses)
Alternate Electives
Alternate Electives
Course Recommendations Teachers will advise students which course level is the most appropriate in each of the core subject areas. These teacher recommendations are based on the individual student’s achievement and preparedness. Every student is encouraged to strive to achieve at a higher level than he or she previously may have demonstrated. Setting such goals for achievement with teachers provides the student with the opportunity to demonstrate that he or she has mastered the skills, is up to the challenge, and can earn the course recommendation needed.
If a student and teacher do not agree on a course recommendation, the student is strongly urged to confer with that teacher to discuss strategies that may help the student improve his / her achievement. Since teachers reexamine student performance during the last marking period to confirm student preparedness for succeeding courses, adjustments to recommendations can be made to address significant improvement or decline in any subject area.
At the end of the academic year, if a student has not been recommended for a specific course but the student wishes to be considered for it, the student’s parent or guardian may complete the Request for Recommendation Override Form. The Principal will review all requests. Enrollment in courses through the override process will be probationary. Student achievement will be reviewed during the first month of the course.
Course Changes Students are always encouraged to challenge themselves by studying the most rigorous core courses in which they can be successful. If, however, a student is not making satisfactory progress, it may be necessary to assess if a course change is necessary. If initiated by the student, the first requirement is that the student must speak with his/her teacher and seek further information and/or help. Other sources for extra help are NHS tutoring, after school study center, or private tutoring. If, after these extra efforts, the student would like to request a course change, the student will complete a Class Change Request Form. The form requires information regarding: if the student has sought extra help; the number of classes the student has missed; the student’s performance on homework, quizzes and tests; the teacher’s comments; and the parent’s signature. The completed form is then returned to the student’s school counselor. It is only after the student has sought extra help that the principal will review any request to change a core course.
If the principal approves a departmentally related course change, the grade earned at that point will transfer to the new course, along with any previous grades earned in the course. For example, if a student changes from AP English Literature with a grade of a C in the 1st^ marking period to Honors British Literature, the C will be the 1st^ marking period grade for Honors British Literature. If a student changes mid marking period, the grades earned to that point will be transferred. If a student is requesting a change to an elective course, the student will be expected to substitute an alternate elective.
Honors and Advanced Placement Course Expectations Honors courses are designed for students seeking high-level academic challenges and are substantially more rigorous in terms of level and quantity of material covered than in regular or advanced courses. In these courses students are expected to manage an increased load of independent work and to learn at an accelerated pace. Students will be required to apply, analyze and synthesize course content cumulatively and to demonstrate learning through in-depth assignments and multiple modes of assessment. Advanced Placement courses allow students to study material that is equivalent to a first year college level course. Due to the rigors of Honors
GRADING SYSTEM
Grading Scales Grades are reported using two scales: Performance Scale : Unweighted grading scale that measures student accomplishment Achievement Scale : Weighted grading scale that acknowledges the rigor of Honors and AP courses and recognizes student achievement in those challenging courses Grades in Honors courses are awarded an additional 0.5 quality point Grades in Advanced Placement courses are awarded an additional 1.0 quality point
Letter / Numerical Grade to Quality Points Equivalencies (GPA points)
Marking Period / Mid & Final Exams
Numerical Grades
Regular Courses
Honor Courses
AP
Courses
A+ (^) 100 - 97 4.33 4.83 5.
A 96 - 93 4.00 4.50 5.
A- 92 - 90 3.67 4.17 4.
B+ 89 - 87 3.33 3.83 4.
B 86 - 83 3.00 3.50 4.
B- 82 - 80 2.67 3.17 3.
C+ 79 - 77 2.33 2.83 3.
C 76 - 73 2.00 2.50 3.
C- 72 - 70 1.67 2.17 2.
D+ 69 - 67 1.33 1.83 2.
D 66 - 60 1.00 1.50 2.
F (^) 59 - 50 0.00 0.00 0.
Y 0 - 49 0.00 0.00 0.
Calculation of final course grades Marking period grades account for 80% of the final course grade. Examination grades account for 20% of the final grade. A final grade of “D” or better must be earned in order to receive course credit. All students are also required to earn passing grades in either the final marking period or the final semester examination in the course. Any student who does not take the required examination (mid-term or final) of a course will receive an “NS,” which indicates a “no show.” If an “NS” is received as the final examination grade, then an “F” will be received as the
final course grade. In such cases should the student need or desire credit for the course, the entire course must be repeated.
If a student withdraws from a class after 50% of the course length is over, the course will be noted in the student’s academic record as Withdrawn Passing (WP) or Withdrawn Failing (WF), based on the student’s grade at the time of withdrawal. Zero credit will be issued for courses that are partially completed or withdrawn.
Grade point average The grade point average (GPA) is the numerical average of the quality point values for all high school course grades, prorated by the amount of course credit awarded to the course. Two GPA’s will be calculated, Performance (unweighted) and Achievement (weighted). GPA is calculated and reported on the report card each marking period.
Cumulative grade point average The cumulative grade point average is a composite of all of the student’s final GPA’s for every year. It is calculated only at the end of the academic year. Two cumulative GPA’s will be computed and reported, Performance (unweighted) and Achievement (weighted). The cumulative GPA is used to determine a student’s rank in class. Some colleges and universities use the high school cumulative GPA’s as part of the application procedure. Some institutions recalculate the high school cumulative GPA’s based upon their own criteria.
Rank in class Rank in class is a listing of all of the students in a particular grade in order, from highest cumulative GPA to lowest cumulative GPA using the Achievement (weighted) scale. Rank in class is calculated and reported only at the end of each year. No numerical distinction is made between students who rank in the top 5% of the class and all students who earn that distinction will be recognized. All other students will be ranked numerically with an exact rank.
Honor Roll Honor Roll is awarded each marking period. The student’s grades, using the Performance (unweighted) scale, are averaged to determine if the student qualifies for Honor Roll. The qualifications for Honor Roll are:
Distinguished Honor Roll: Honor Roll: Minimum G.P.A: 3.75 Minimum GPA: 3. No grade below B- No grade below C Students earning Incomplete, F or Y grades are ineligible for Honor Rolls
On-line Grade Book Students and their parents/guardians can access the student’s grades in the courses in which the student is currently enrolled through the Skyward Home Access program. To register for an individual account, email [email protected].
optional Writing test. It is offered six times a year: September, October, December, February, April, and June. Registration for the ACT is completed online at www.act.org.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SUPPORTS
Advanced Placement Courses Advanced Placement (AP) courses enable students to study a subject at the college level while in high school. The curriculum is demanding and is designed to prepare students for the nationally administered AP exams. Strong performance in AP classes is a prestigious credential for college admission. Additionally, students have the opportunity to earn college credit by submitting their scores on the AP exams to the colleges of their choice. Students enrolled in any of the 19 Advanced Placement courses at Kennett High School are required to take the AP Examinations, administered in May, in place of the final examinations in these courses. Students who have gained extensive content information may also choose to take any of the 34 AP exams without enrolling in the AP course. Most colleges and universities grant credit if the student scores at appropriate levels (often 3, 4, or 5) on the AP examinations. However, different schools of higher education, and even different departments within a university, have varying standards for awarding credit for AP courses. Individuals should check directly with colleges or universities in which they are interested to see how AP is handled. The College Board also maintains a website with this information – – http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/home. It is realistic for students to gain three to fifteen college credits through AP courses. AP charges $92 for each examination. Financial aid is available. Kennett offers the following AP Courses:
Biology Calculus AB Calculus BC Chemistry Comparative Government and Politics Computer Science A English Language and Composition English Literature and Composition Environmental Science European History French Language German Language Latin Macroeconomics Music Theory Physics 1 Physics C: Mechanics Psychology Spanish Language Statistics United States History United States Government & Politics
Original Research Project The opportunity is available for students to develop an original project on a topic of personal interest. The student will complete the year-long project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The project will include the components of development of the plan, exploration of resources and compilation of information into a final product. Additionally, there will be periodic seminar sessions throughout the year where students will collaborate with other project participants.
Naviance: Family Connection Program Family Connection is a web based program that helps students explore information about careers and colleges. Each student has access to his or her own personalized account. Naviance: Family Connection also provides the high school with a communication tool that allows us to send email blasts about up-coming meetings, events, local scholarship opportunities and other web resources for college and career information. The program has three main features: · About Me – a planning tool that incorporates the student’s individualized scholastic information along with the student’s future plans. · Careers - a resource with career clusters and occupation descriptions that include the training and education needed for a wide variety of careers. Through two different assessments tools related to students’ interests and personality type, students can gain insight into their individual strengths and styles, and learn which career clusters would be matches for their talents and interests. · Colleges – data base tools for researching, comparing and applying to colleges. Through the college search features, students can create customized lists of colleges that meet their particular criteria, including such factors as size, cost, location, majors, sports/activities and selectivity. The program can compare the student’s scholastic record with those of Kennett students who have previously applied to colleges to give the student a realistic prediction of the likelihood of being accepted. When students apply to college, they can track their application status through the program. Additionally, students can sign up to visit with college representatives who visit Kennett High School and they can research local, national and school specific scholarships through the listing and data bases that are posted in the program.
Students are introduced and registered with a Family Connection account during ninth grade classroom presentations. They begin by completing the Career Interest Profiler assessment. They can use the results from this interest inventory to help them complete the Career Path Investigation component of the KHS Graduation Project. Classroom presentations are made to juniors to share information about the SAT and how to register. Additional classroom sessions are conducted to prepare students for the college exploration and application process as well as utilizing the various related resources within Family Connection to assist students through this process. To access your student’s Family Connection account, go to http://connection.naviance.com/kennetths. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s counselor. We will be happy to help.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
The National Honor Society is an organization founded by the National Association of Secondary Principals in 1921. Membership in the NHS is an honor bestowed upon a student. This honor recognizes the student who possesses the qualities of good character, service to the school and community, leadership and scholarship. To be eligible for membership selection, a student must meet the following qualifications:
1. The student must be in his/her junior or senior year.
2. The student must have attended Kennett High School for the equivalent of at least one
semester.
3. The student must have a weighted cumulative GPA of at least 3.
- The student must demonstrate involvement in at least two school activities prior to and during the time of selection. Future activities are not eligible for consideration. Activities consist of co-curricular and extra-curricular sports and clubs associated with the high school.
Students who meet these qualifications will be considered candidates for selection. Selection of seniors will be conducted following the first marking period. Selection of juniors will be conducted following the second marking period. If a student wishes to pursue his/her candidacy he/she must complete an Activity Resume which verifiably documents his/her high school co-curricular and community activities and leadership positions. Every faculty member will be given a ballot to evaluate those who seek membership. Each faculty member is asked to give a number value from 1 to 6 to evaluate the student’s leadership and character as it is perceived in the classroom and school-related activities. Students will verify their service to outside organization for the service component of selection. A rotating faculty council, representative of the faculty and selected by the principal, will review the results of the faculty balloting and student Activity Resume in order to make the final selection. The Faculty Council bases their selection on the results of the faculty data and the Activity Resume. An incomplete resume will terminate the candidacy. Students will be notified by mail as to whether or not they were selected for membership.
The following guidelines are used in defining leadership, service and character:
Leadership The student who exercises leadership
- is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles and making suggestions
- demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities
- exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals
- contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school
- is able to delegate responsibilities
- exemplifies positive attitudes
- inspires positive attitudes
- demonstrates academic initiative •successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility, conducting business effectively and efficiently, and without prodding demonstrates reliability and dependability
- is a forerunner in the classroom, at work, and in school or community activities
- is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted