Course Description Book for 00-01

This registration booklet has been prepared to provide direction as you plan your educational program at Schuyler Central High School. You should become familiar with the information contained in this booklet and design a course of study which is consistent with post-graduate plans.

Schuyler Central High School provides the opportunity for a well-rounded program of studies which will help you fill your role as an informed and responsible citizen. Of utmost importance to your success is your willingness to pursue your planned course of study. The benefits you will receive from school will increase if you plan your course of study carefully. Each student and his/her parents must take an active role in the planning process.

It is essential that each student be aware of graduation requirements. It is also essential that all elective classes be chosen with a specific goal in mind. This booklet is designed to assist planning.

Your high school years can serve as the doorway to better employment opportunities and a greater enjoyment of life. The faculty of Schuyler Central High School is committed to helping you plan toward the fulfillment of your individual goals.

SCHUYLER CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS REGISTRATION

INFORMATION AND PROCEDURE

The Guidance Counselor will visit classes to explain the registration process. Each student will receive a Course Description Book and a registration sheet. Students should complete and sign the form, obtain their parent signature, and return the form to the Guidance Counselor for a conference and final approval. These class choices are considered final. Limited schedule changes will be made for conflicts and class failures. Due to factors such as low or no enrollment, some courses described in this booklet may not be offered. Students with special circumstances such as failures or difficulty deciding what classes are required for colleges or work, should visit with the Guidance Counselor. Great care, thought, and consideration should be given to the choices. The block schedule may allow students to take sequential courses in one year, but that will not be considered a priority.

General Information

1. Prerequisite. A prerequisite is a subject required before you can take certain other subjects. Please note if consent of the instructor is needed. Example: Algebra I is a prerequisite for Geometry and Algebra II.

2. Students who register for modern languages, should complete at least four terms. Two terms do not give sufficient background to enable a student to use the skill taught. Freshman students registering for a foreign language must have scored at or above the 50 percentile or better on a reading achievement test or receive instructor permission.

3. Driver's Education: Students wanting driver education should indicate this on their registration form. Driver's Education is offered during the summer. Cost for the course is $195.00 which is due April 30, 2001.

4. Physical Education: All students will be required to take Physical Education. Students are excused from this requirement only upon written request from their medical doctor based on a physical exam which indicates the student should not take part in strenuous physical activity.

5. Computer Literacy Guidelines: Placement guidelines for Keyboarding are as follows:

Keyboarding: (Minimum of 30 wpm to test out and be able to key a letter with two or fewer errors.

Note: The 7th or 8th grade Keyboarding Instructor will implement the 3 minute speed test and insure proper technique is practiced during the test. Testing may also be done at the high school by appointment.

6. Schedule change: A student who drops a class after the 10th day of a term will receive a grade of withdraw passing (wp) or withdraw failing (wf) depending on the student's grade at the time.

College Preparatory Students

1. Early and careful planning is imperative as admission requirements vary. Your academic record is important in determining whether or not you are accepted by the college of your choice.

2. Factors considered by colleges in action upon application.

a. Class rank, ACT scores, high school courses studied (includes 1997 University of Nebraska admissions standards).

b. Activity record. The extent and quality of participation in the various extracurricular activities is a matter of interest to every college or employer. Do not permit your extra curricular activities jeopardize your academic record, but when you do participate, do so to the best of your ability.

c. High school courses studied.

d. High school recommendations.

3. Students planning to attend college should attempt to take as many challenging courses as possible which will prepare them for the demands of college. Many of the courses are required but beyond these requirements, students should enroll in classes which will provide them with the experiences which will benefit them in college. Math and science are elective areas which should be studied to make students familiar with as much content as possible.

4. UNL admissions - Overview of Entrance Requirements

The Board of Regents have established a set of entry requirements for all campuses of the University of Nebraska. In addition to being graduates of an accredited high school, or equivalent, all students seeking entry to the University must have successfully completed a core of selected high school courses spread over a number of disciplines. Additionally, students are required to meet performance criteria by being in the top half of their graduating high school class OR must meet certain performance criteria, based on scores on national examinations. The entrance requirements incorporate a process for admitting students who do not meet one or more of the admission criteria, yet show promise of academic success.

Core Course Requirements

The core course requirements are summarized in the following broad areas of subject matter in which 1 unit represents one full year of study:

English 4 units Mathematics 4 units

Social Studies 3 units Natural Sciences 3 units

Foreign Language 2 units Additional requirements 1 unit

Performance Requirements

In addition to these core course requirements, freshman applicants should have an ACT of 20 or higher, or an SAT of 950 or higher, or rank in the top half of their graduating class. Retaking a Course

1. Courses in which a "D" is earned may be retaken if:

a. The course is a prerequisite for a higher level course

b. The student agrees to take the next course

Credit will not be awarded, but the new grade will be used with the previous grade to determine GPA, class rank, etc.

2. Courses in which an "F" is earned may be retaken if:

a. The course is required for graduation

b. The course is a prerequisite for a higher level course

c. The student agrees to take the next course

Credit will be awarded, and the new grade will be used with the previous grade to determine GPA, class rank, etc.

Mid-Term Graduates

Students who have reached Senior grade classification may, with parent/guardian approval, apply for mid-term graduation. Application for mid-term graduation shall be made to the Guidance Counselor on school-provided forms. All stated graduation requirements must be fulfilled in order to receive a Diploma from the District 123 Board of Education. Mid-term graduates may receive their Diploma at a Board meeting or at Commencement in May, and may participate in school events throughout third and fourth terms provided they observe stated school rules. Mid-term graduates may NOT participate in third and fourth term school activities sanctioned by the Nebraska School Activities Association.

Part-Time Students

Students who have reached Senior grade classification or the age of 18 may, with parent/guardian approval, request permission to attend school as a part-time student. Application for attending school as a part-time student shall be made to the Guidance Counselor on school-provided forms. Part-time students will be expected to attend a minimum of 2 consecutive blocks (10 credits) and observe stated school rules.

Acceptance of College Credit For High School Credit a student may take a college level course to earn credits for a high school course taken and failed. A student may take a college level course to supplement their course of study but not to replace courses offered but not taken at SCHS. In order to receive high school credit all college courses need to be approved in advance by the Principal or Guidance Counselor. Five high school credits will be granted for each three college credits earned. Seniors need to have all course work completed by April 1 if those credits will be used to determine eligibility for graduation. No student will be granted more than 40 credits from college level courses toward graduation from SCHS.

SCHUYLER CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

Schuyler Central High School students must complete fourteen (14) terms of attendance and a stated number of credits to graduate. A maximum of 15 non-academic credits may be applied toward graduation requirements. Each student must complete the following minimum course requirements to be eligible to participate in Commencement Exercises and graduate from Schuyler Central High School.

SUBJECT AREA CREDITS REQUIRED

ENGLISH 40

COMPUTER LITERACY 10

MATHEMATICS 30

Students will begin a Math sequence largely determined by

performance in 8th grade Math class

SOCIAL STUDIES 30

Grades 9-10 - World Geography 10

Grade 11 - American History 10

Grades 11-12 - American Government 10

SCIENCE 30

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH (Grades 9 or 10) 10

TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS 150

ELECTIVE CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION* 105

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION 255

GRADE-LEVEL PROMOTION: Students will be promoted at the end of each school year according to the chart below. The school reserves the right to promote students mid-year. Students may be promoted ahead of the customary four-year high school schedule by Board approval.

GRADE LEVEL CREDITS EARNED

9th grade 0-59

10th grade 60-119

11th grade 120-179

12th grade 180 or more

* Electives may be taken from any area of study. Once the requirements have been met in the required areas, additional courses taken within those areas are applied to elective credit.

FOUR-YEAR HIGH SCHOOL PLAN

CREDITS CREDITS

GRADE 9

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4.______________________ ______ 4.____________________ ______

1a._____________________ ______ 1a. ____________________ ______

1b._____________________ ______ 1b.____________________ ______

2.______________________ ______ 2.____________________ ______

3.______________________ ______ 3.____________________ ______

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GRADE 10