Spring Hill High School

Program Options

and

Course Descriptions

Grades 9-12

Spring Hill Independent School District

3101 Spring Hill Road

Longview, TX 75605

(903) – 323 – 7738

**Please keep this booklet your entire high school career.

www.springhill.esc7.net

Spring Hill High School

Spring Hill I.S.D.

3101 Spring Hill Road

Longview, Texas 75605

903-323-7738 FAX 903-323-7766

“A Vision for Excellence, A Mission to Succeed”

Dear Student and Parents/Guardians:

This course selection guide provides information needed to make decisions concerning the appropriate instructional program for each student. Descriptions of each course offered by Spring Hill High School are provided. This guide should prove useful in the selection of courses for the 2008-2009 school year as well as in setting long-range academic goals. Information including graduation requirements, course descriptions, academic planning, and testing is provided.

Since decisions made now will greatly affect future endeavors, every possible consideration should be made. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the school and/or visit with the counselors.

Your continued support is welcomed and encouraged as we strive toward the vision for excellence in education.

Sincerely,

Mr. Bobby Watkins, Principal

Steve Clark, Assistant Principal

Paige Childers, Guidance Counselor 10^th and 12^th Grades

Kayla Lindsey, Guidance Counselor 9^th and 11^th Grades

“It’s a great day to be alive and to be a Spring Hill Panther”

SPRING HILL HIGH SCHOOL

COURSE SELECTION GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

General Graduation Information and Plans

Testing

Non-Traditional Credits

Grade Relations

Audit Sheets

Course Descriptions:

Business

Cooperative Education

Consumer and Family Science

Driver’s Education

Fine Arts

Foreign Language

Language Arts

Leader’s Core

Mathematics

Peer Helping

Physical Fitness

Science

Social Studies

Special Education

Speech Communication

TAKS Remediation

Technology Education

Teen Leadership

Four Year Plan Worksheet

Sample Four Year Plans

Introduction

This booklet is designed to guide you in seeking the courses offered at Spring Hill High School in order to complete a desired program. Our school encourages students to give careful thought to their selection of courses in terms of graduation requirements and future goals. Students should consider courses that correlate with future career plans. Those who plan to attend college should select advanced academic courses that relate to their future college major or career goals. Those who do not plan to attend college should choose courses that will provide a broad academic background and the skills necessary to obtain career choices.

Students should involve teachers, parents, and counselors when making plans for high school and beyond. Students should discuss course selections with parents, and with the help of their grade-level counselor, prepare a written 4-year plan to serve as a guide while in high school and for the years immediately following graduation.

Over the course of each student’s high school career, the guidance staff will make every effort to monitor the student’s progress toward meeting state and local graduation requirements. However, it is the student’s responsibility to be aware of current requirements for graduation from high school and to do everything in his/her power to meet those requirements. Parents must play a very active part in the student’s future choices.

Course planning and registration should be taken very seriously. Students must select courses and programs that match their interests and academic abilities. Careful consideration should be given to the combination of courses selected and the demand on time for studying, practicing, performing, and/or competing. Our counseling staff is available to help students and parents plan courses to meet state and local graduation requirements while meeting their career goals.

State approved high school plans are subject to change by the TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY.

Revisions to the information in this booklet are subject to the mandates of the Texas Education Agency and the policies of the Spring Hill School Board.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Sring Hill Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing educational services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the American with Disabilities Act.

INTERNET INFORMATION

The Spring Hill ISD web site, www.springhill.esc7.net, is an additional resource of important information for parents and students. TAKS, faculty pages, school calendar, and lunch menus are some of the items available on the site. Please check it for updates and links to other sites.

GRADUATION INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

Graduation from Spring Hill High School signifies that a student has met the course requirements of the Texas State Board of Education and the Spring Hill Board of Education to include passing all portions of the TAKS test. The counseling staff will make every effort to ensure that students are enrolled in the courses required for graduation. However, parents and students must share the responsibility for students being enrolled in the appropriate courses. Students can meet the credit requirements through one of several graduation plans. The specifics of each plan are listed in this guide.

This course description guide has been written for a hybrid block schedule.

Courses are listed as either: ½ or 1 credits. Students will find the following to be true:

½ credit = 18 weeks = 1 semester

1 credit = 36 weeks = 2 semesters

Experience shows that those who plan an entire high school program early and frequently review the plan, will be able to graduate without difficulty.

We realize registration may bring about questions. Please call or email the appropriate grade level counselor if you have any questions. The grade level counselors are listed on page 1 of this book. The phone number is (903) 323-7738.

SCHEDULING

Scheduling will take place in the spring of each school year. Although students will receive specific instructions during that time from high school personnel, the responsibility for appropriate graduation and career choices rests with students and parents.

ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SCHOOL IS THE SCHEDULING OF STUDENTS. BASED UPON STUDENT INFORMATION, COURSES ARE SCHEDULED AND TEACHERS ARE EMPLOYED FOR THE NEXT YEAR; THEREFORE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT COURSE SELECTIONS BE GIVEN SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. SCHEDULE CHANGES WILL BE MADE ONLY TO CORRECT SCHEDULING ERRORS. PLEASE SEE YOUR COUNSELOR FOR SUCH CORRECTIONS.

ENROLLMENT

A student enrolling in the district for the first time must be accompanied by his/her parent(s) or legal guardian and must provide satisfactory evidence of required immunization, proof of residence (utility bill or lease agreement), and a withdrawal form from the previous school. To complete admission, the following demographic information is necessary: Social Security number, home address, home phone, mother’s name, place of business and work phone, father’s name, place of business and work phone, and a friend or relative’s name and phone number in case of emergency.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES AND EQUIVALENTS/WAIVERS One and one-half units of physical education are required for graduation by the state of Texas. In addition to the regular physical education courses, there are several ways to accumulate these credits: athletics, drill team, varsity cheerleading, marching band, and selected two or three hour vocational courses that provide waivers. See the section on health and physical education for additional information on this subject. One-half additional unit of P.E. may be counted as an elective toward graduation requirements.

CLASSIFICATION CREDIT

To receive a high school diploma from SHISD, a student must successfully complete the required number of credits (26) and pass the statewide exit-level examination. Students, are classified once a year, on the first school day based on the following scale:

Freshman less than 6 credits

Sophomore at least 6 credits

Junior at least 12 credits

Senior at least 18 credits

LOCAL CREDIT COURSES

Local Credit courses are courses approved for credit beyond the required state credits. Local Credits do not count for GPA.

TRANSCRIPT SEAL

All Spring Hill High School students who graduate receive identical diplomas, but the Academic Achievement Record (transcript) will be stamped with the state seal reflecting the graduation plan completed by the student. The transcript will reflect the completion of a Recommended, Distinguished, or Minimum graduation plan. The graduation options and program planning options are explained in this guide.

PREFERRED GRADUATION PROGRAM

If you take the courses needed to fulfill the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program, you will be well prepared to enter college, the workforce, or both. These programs are approved by the State Board of Education and endorsed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as courses of study that will help you become better prepared for the future. All students entering the high school will be automatically enrolled in the Recommended Program. Students may only graduate on the Minimum Program if 1) they receive Special Education Services and are placed in this program by the ARD committee, or 2) upon reaching classification as a senior, a committee comprised of the counselor, the principal, and the student’s parent(s) agree it is in the student’s best interest to be placed on the minimum plan.

GRADUATION CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

The Spring Hill Independent School District requires that all students accumulate 26 state credits to fulfill graduation requirements. Only students who have met the SHHS requirements (including passing all portions of the Exit Level TAKS test) can participate in the graduation ceremony and receive a diploma.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Class of 2009, 2010

SUBJECT AREA	SBOE RECOMMENDED PROGRAM	DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM	MINIMUM PROGRAM
ENGLISH	4 credits English I, II, III, IV English 1301 and 1302 may be substituted for English IV	4 credits English I, II, III, IV English 1301 and 1302 may be substituted for English IV	4 credits English I, II, III, IV
MATH *	3 credits Must include: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II	3 credits Must include: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II	3 credits: Must include Algebra I, Geometry, 3rd Math (either Math Models or Algebra II)
SCIENCE	3 credits: Must include one of: Biology, IPC, Chemistry Biology, IPC, Physics Biology, Chemistry, Physics	3 credits: Must include one of: Biology, IPC, Chemistry Biology, IPC, Physics Biology, Chemistry, Physics	2 credits: Must include IPC and Biology A student may substitute Chemistry or Physics for IPC and then must use the second of these as an academic elective.
SOCIAL STUDIES	3 ½ credits World Geography, World History, US History, US Government	3 ½ credits World Geography, World History, US History, US Government	3 ½ credits World Geography or World History, US History, US Government
ECONOMICS	½ credit	½ credit	½ credit
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	2 credits Spanish I, Spanish II	3 credits Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III	0 credits
PHYSICAL EDUCATION	1 ½ credits** Must include Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) unless 3 PE/EQ waivers. (Limit 2 credits) Can substitute: Drill Team, marching band, cheerleading, athletics, Dance I-IV, or DCP.	1 ½ credits** Must include Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) unless 3 PE/EQ waivers. (Limit 2 credits) Can substitute: Drill Team, marching band, cheerleading, athletics, Dance I-IV, or DCP.	1 ½ credits** Must include Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) unless 3 PE/EQ waivers. (Limit 2 credits) Can substitute: Drill Team, marching band, cheerleading, athletics, Dance I-IV, or DCP.
HEALTH *	½ credit	½ credit	½ credit
SPEECH	½ credit Communication Applications	½ credit Communication Applications	½ credit Communication Applications
FINE ARTS	1 credit in the same course Art, Band, Choir, Theatre, Dance	1 credit in the same course Art, Band, Choir, Theatre, Dance	0 Credits
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS	1 credit from the following: Business Computer Information Systems I; Business Image Management and Multimedia, Computer Applications, Desktop Publishing, or Technology Systems	1 credit from the following: Business Computer Information Systems I; Business Image Management and Multimedia, Computer Applications, Desktop Publishing, or Technology Systems	1 credit from the following: Business Computer Information Systems I; Business Image Management and Multimedia, Computer Applications, Desktop Publishing, or Technology Systems
ELECTIVES	5 ½ credits	4 ½ credits	9 ½ credits
SPECIALIZATION COMPONENTS		In addition to the required credits, student must also complete 4 advanced measures for Distinguished Achievement Program.
TOTAL	26 credits	26 credits	26 credits

*If Algebra I, Spanish I, Keyboarding, or Health is taken in 8^th grade, it must be recorded on the transcript. **All physical education credits i.e. Athletics, P.E., Cheerleading, beyond these 2 credits must receive local credit only.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Class of 2011, 2012

SUBJECT AREA	SBOE RECOMMENDED PROGRAM	DISTINGUISHED PROGRAM	MINIMUM PROGRAM
ENGLISH	4 credits English I, II, III, IV English 1301 and 1302 may be substituted for English IV	4 credits English I, II, III, IV English 1301 and 1302 may be substituted for English IV	4 credits English I, II, III, IV
MATH	4 credits Must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 4th Math	4 credits: Must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 4th Math	3 credits: Must include Algebra I, Geometry, 3rd Math
SCIENCE	4 credits: Biology; 2 credits must be from IPC*, Chemistry or Physics; the fourth credit may be Anatomy & Physiology or AP Biology	4 credits: Must include Biology, Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, Physics and AP Biology or Anatomy & Physiology	2 credits: Must include IPC and Biology A student may substitute Chemistry or Physics for IPC and then must use the second of these as an academic elective
SOCIAL STUDIES	3 ½ credits World Geography, World History, US History, US Government	3 ½ credits World Geography, World History, US History, US Government	3 ½ credits World Geography or World History, US History, US Government
ECONOMICS	½ credit	½ credit	½ credit
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	2 credits Spanish I, Spanish II	3 credits Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III	0 credits
PHYSICAL EDUCATION	1 ½ credits** Must include Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) unless 3 PE/EQ waivers. (Limit 2 credits) Can substitute: Drill Team, marching band, cheerleading, athletics, Dance I-IV, or any 2 or 3 credit Career and Technology course.	1 ½ credits** Must include Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) unless 3 PE/EQ waivers. (Limit 2 credits) Can substitute: Drill Team, marching band, cheerleading, athletics, Dance I-IV, or any 2 or 3 credit Career and Technology course.	1 ½ credits** Must include Foundations of Personal Fitness (1/2 credit) unless 3 PE/EQ waivers. (Limit 2 credits) Can substitute: Drill Team, marching band, cheerleading, athletics, Dance I-IV, or any 2 or 3 credit Career and Technology course.
HEALTH	½ credit	½ credit	½ credit
SPEECH	½ credit Comm. Applications	½ credit Comm. Applications	½ credit Comm. Applications
FINE ARTS	1 credit in the same course Art, Band, Choir, Theatre, Dance	1 credit in the same course Art, Band, Choir, Theatre, Dance	0 Credits
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS	1 credit from the following: Business Computer Information Systems I, Computer Applications, Technology Systems	1 credit from the following: Business Computer Information Systems I, Computer Applications, Technology Systems	1 credit from the following: Business Computer Information Systems I, Computer Applications, Technology Systems
ELECTIVES	3 ½ credits	2 ½ credits	9 ½ credits
SPECIALIZATION COMPONENTS		In addition to the required credits, student must also complete 4 advanced measures for Distinguished Achievement Program.
TOTAL	26 credits