DeSoto County High School

Registration Guidelines

Prior to selecting your courses, carefully read the introductory section of this booklet. Your counselors, teachers, and parents will assist you in selecting courses that will help you be successful at DeSoto County High School.

Make sure to do all of these things!

1. Know your Major Area of Interest.

2. Register for all the required credits.

3. List at least two alternate courses for your elective choices.

4. Obtain teacher consent for those courses requiring it.

5. Obtain CPT/ACT/SAT scores and permission to take DE courses if interested

All information regarding course and graduation requirements is subject to change

pending legislation and state mandate.

Courses may be dropped if there is not sufficient demand.

Student Progression – High School

Required Course of Study: Grades Nine through Twelve

A minimum number of credits is required for graduation. Each full credit shall represent

135 hours of instruction during the normal school year.

Subject Area	Graduation Requirements of 27 Credit	Graduation Requirements of Three Year,	Graduation Requirements of Three Year, 18
	Program	18 Credit College Preparatory Program Must be requested in writing before the end of 9^th grade	Credit Career Preparatory Program Must be requested in writing before the end of 9^th grade

English	4 credits, with major concentration in	4 credits, with major concentration in	4 credits, with major concentration in
	composition, reading for information, and	composition and literature	composition and literature
	literature
Mathematics	4 credits (Class of 2011 and beyond),	3 credits at the Algebra I level or above	3 credits, one of which must be Algebra I
	one of which must be Algebra I or its	from the list of courses that qualify for
	equivalent, or a higher-level	state university admissions (SUS)
	mathematics course

Science	2 credits in Earth/Space, Physical science	3 credits in Natural Science, two of	3 credits in Natural Science, two of which
	or Chemistry	which must have a laboratory	must have a laboratory component
	1 credit in Life Science	component
Social Studies	1 credit World History 1 credit American	1 credit World History 1 credit American	1 credit World History 1 credit American
	History .5 credit American Government	History .5 credit American Government	History .5 credit American Government .5
	.5 credit Economics	.5 credit Economics	credit Economics
Foreign Language	Not required for high school graduation,	2 credits in the same language or	Not required
	but required for admission into state	demonstrated proficiency in a second
	universities	language
Fine Arts or Performing Arts,	1 credit in Fine or Performing Arts,	Not Required	Not Required
Speech, Debate,	Speech and Debate, or Practical Arts
or Practical Arts	(eligible course specified in Course
courses Specified	Code Directory)
Physical Education	1 credit in HOPE- Health Opportunities through Physical Education	Not Required	Not required



Majors, Minors, or	11 credits - 4 credits in a Major Area	3 credits in electives	3 credits in single vocational/career
Electives	of Interest - 4 credits in elective courses		education program and 2 credits in
	which may be combined to allow for a		electives or 3 credits in single career/
	second Major Area of Interest, a minor		technical certificate dual enrollment and 2
	area of interest (3 credits), individual		credits in electives or 5 credits in vocational/
	elective courses or intensive reading or		career education (including 3 credits in one
	mathematics intervention courses		sequential career/technical education
			program)
Total	28 credits	18 credits	18 credits

State Assessment	Passing scores on the Grade 10 FCAT	Passing scores on the Grade 10 FCAT	Passing scores on the Grade 10 FCAT or
Requirements	or scores on a standardized test that is	or scores on a standardized test that is	scores on a standardized test that is
	concordant with passing scores on the	concordant with passing scores on the	concordant with passing scores on the
	FCAT (ACT of SAT)	FCAT (ACT or SAT)	FCAT (ACT or SAT)
Grade Point Average	Cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale	cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in	Cumulative weighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0
(GPA) Requirements		required courses and a weighted or	scale in the required courses and a
		unweighted grade that earns at least 3.0	weighted or unweighted grade that earns at
		points or its equivalent in each of the 18	least 2.0 points or its equivalent in each of
		required credits	The 18 required credits
Diploma Type	Standard	Standard	Standard

· Agriscience Foundations may be used in lieu of science (except Biology) unless counted for the Agriscience track.

Students are required to choose a Major Area of Interest for their studies. Each year they will take at least on course in that Major. Students may update their choice annually.

Students taking normal class loads that earn a 4.0 GPA and above will be on the Principal’s List. Students who earn a 3.5 GPA will be on the Dean’s List. Students who earn a 3.0 with no D’s or F’s will be on the Honor Roll.

o FCAT score in the course content of Level 4 or higher (level 3 will be considered if all other requirements are met)

Dual Enrollment courses have required ACT/SAT/CPT scores – see guidance counselor

o To be classified as a tenth grade student, the student must have completed one year of high school and been awarded a minimum of six credits.

o To be classified as an eleventh grade student, the student must have completed two years of high school and been awarded a minimum of thirteen credits.

o To be classified as a twelfth grade student, the student must have completed three years of high school and been awarded a minimum of twenty credits or be at the beginning of the third year of high school and have a signed 18 credit option form on file.

The cumulative GPA will be increased by 0.02 for each semester of the following:

The cumulative GPA will increase by 0.04 for each semester of Dual Enrollment or Advanced Placement classes.

For class ranking purposes, GPA’s will be calculated at the end of the third nine weeks of the senior year. To be named first (valedictorian) or second (salutatorian) in the graduating class, a student must have attended DeSoto County High School for a minimum of three consecutive semesters by the end of the first semester of the senior year. A semester is equal to a nine-week grading period. There are a total of four semesters per year.

Students earning a 3.5 weighted grade point average at the end of each school year are eligible for an academic letter. The ceremony will be held in the fall to recognize students who earned a letter the previous year. Senior will also receive letters at the Senior Award Ceremony

Students wishing to participate in extra-curricular activities must comply with the requirements of Florida Statute 232.2463 and the Florida High School Activities Association.

A student shall be eligible during the first semester of his or her ninth grade year provided that it is the students’ first entry into the ninth grade, and he or she was regularly promoted from the eighth grade the immediate preceding year.

A student must have a cumulative unweighted high school grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent in all courses taken that are required by Florida Statute 232.246(1) at the conclusion of a semester, or s/he shall not be eligible during the following semester.

Students wishing to play sports in postsecondary schools should contact their coaches for NCAA rules.

In order to particulate in the dual enrollment classes through South Florida Community College, students must meet the following criteria:

It is in students’ best interest to enroll in dual enrollment courses that are directly related to students’ future course of study. All dual enrollment hours are calculated when students transfer to a university. A student should enroll only in courses that will be required for acceptance into his or her future program of study at a university. For information about Florida university program requirements, visit FACTS.ORG.

Dual Enrollment classes listed in this curriculum guide are subject to change based on faculty availability and number of student requests.

Students planning to attend a four-year college or university need to be in a program that will meet the entrance requirements. These will vary according to the college or university. The following are minimal admission requirements for freshmen entering Florida public universities. Each student has the responsibility of checking with the college of his or her choice to determine that school’s requirement.

Schedule change requests will be accepted until the end of the second day of a new term. During that time, elective change requests may be made. After the end of the second day of a term, schedule changes will be made for the following reasons only:

If a student is experiencing a problem in a course, the best solutions are the result of direct communication between the parent, student, and instructor. Please call or e-mail the instructor with your concerns. You may also arrange for conferences with the instructor and your child’s counselor by contacting the guidance office at the school.

Under state policy, students who receive a grade of D or F in a class may retake the class to improve their grade. Although both grades will appear on the transcript, the higher grade (C or better) will replace the D or F. For courses required in a progress sequence, grade forgiveness must occur before the next level of course is taken.

If a student fails one half of a course but passes the other half and the average of the two halves is a passing grade (60 or better), then the two half credits will be averaged and the whole credit for the averaged grade will appear on the transcript.

Students who submit another’s work as their own, take answers from other students or download papers or essays from the Internet are guilty of plagiarism. Students who are caught cheating and/or plagiarizing by any means will be subject to disciplinary action. This may make students ineligible for membership in honor societies and clubs. Students who are already members of these organizations may be removed as a consequence.

Please review the Microsoft Word file for the Bright Futures Scholarship requirements.

This course is designed to provide students with an integrated, well-balanced program of instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the content areas of literature and language with an emphasis in FCAT skills. Representative works of fiction and nonfiction are read.

Content includes but is not limited to rigorous and relevant instruction in the critical analysis of major literary genres. Standardized test preparation including FCAT (goal of level 4 or 5) and PLAN is essential. Student will be introduced to concepts needed for success in Dual Enrollment courses.

Students planning to enroll in DE English in the future should take this course.

Designed to provide students with a well-organized program of instruction in the skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking with an emphasis on mastery of skills measured by FCAT reading and writing. Representative works of fiction and nonfiction are also read. Writing lessons will include practicing the conventions of standard written English and will emphasize writing with focus, organization, support development, conventions, and attention to audience.

Course content will include rigorous and relevant instruction in analysis and interpretation of major literary genres with an emphasis on vocabulary and comprehension skills. Students will develop research, writing, and presentation skills along with standardized test taking and knowledge strategies. Preparation for standardized tests such as FCAT, PLAN, ACT, and SAT are an integral part of this course. Intrinsic motivation to do well is a necessary component for success in this as well as progressive courses. Students will be introduced to further concepts related to success in DE courses.

Students planning to enroll in DE English in the future should take this course.

Designed to provide instruction in writing analytical and documented papers. Relative to this, reference and paraphrasing skills will be stressed. Assignments will be related to the study of American literature and will include the analysis of various examples of works in this genre.

Content will include rigorous and relevant instruction with frequent practice in writing essays and analytical and documented papers. Literature study will include written and oral analysis of American literary works. Reference skills will be taught in relation to the production of documented papers. Formal and informal oral communication activities are provided. Preparation for the ACT and SAT is emphasized.

Students planning to enroll in DE English in the future should take this course. Some students may plan to take DE English in lieu of this course.

Designed to examine the conventions of standard written English necessary for both contemporary society and for future educational needs. The course content also includes in-depth studies of British literature.

A grade below “C” will not receive college credit. This is a Gordon Rule course requiring a minimum of 6,000 words of writing.

This is a course in essay writing, incorporating some review of basic grammar, helping the student to develop skill in paragraph construction and concentration on methods of presentation. This course includes practice in critical reading and analysis of texts as well as an introduction to research and the proper documentation of sources.

This course examines the arts, religion, philosophy, and culture of past civilizations, focusing on how they affect our own, from earliest history through the Middle Ages. Substantial writing is required in this class

Designed to provide instruction in the fundamentals of oral communication. Content will include forms of oral communication, techniques of group discussion, effective listening skills, and techniques of public speaking and debate.

Designed to provide a broad overview of the study and practice of dramatic arts. The content includes history, traditions, literature, and operations of the theater. Students will begin experiences in acting and other aspects of theater.

Teacher approval required. Non performing students may be removed from the course at teacher/ guidance request.

Preference may be given to students able to take this course for the full year.

These are productions courses with an emphasis on the publishing of a school newspaper. The course covers the basics of newspaper production, including writing, design, editing, layout, photography, advertising, and publishing knowledge and experience.

Teacher approval required. Non-performing students may be removed from the course at teacher/ guidance request.

Preference may be given to students able to take this course for the full year.

A study of yearbook journalism plus practical publishing experience. Requirements will include preparing pages for the yearbook and selling advertising. Students will have the opportunity to learn about photography and computers. Enrollment is limited to members of the yearbook staff.

(English for Speakers of Other Languages) provides instruction to speakers of other languages who are classified as less than independent and/or proficient in English. The main goal of the program is the acquisition by the students of beginning English communication skills.

This course emphasizes the development of basic English skills for students learning the language and provides assistance to ESOL students who need help with work from other classes

Prerequisite for all foreign languages: Passing of prior course; courses must be taken in sequence.

Preference will be given to upper classmen and students scoring a “C” or higher in the prerequisite course.

Spanish I is an introduction to the language. It includes listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Cross cultural activities include gaining appreciation and sensitivity for Hispanic cultures.

Spanish II continues the learning process. Latin America is studied intensively. Each student will focus on a county project culminating in a “Trip to Mexico” simulation.

This course is a must for Spanish majors. Following the Honors designation, vocabulary and grammar are studied at a faster rate and in Spanish. Personal interaction and fluency are encouraged as the culture and geography of Spain are explored.

Here advanced grammar and vocabulary are studied while focusing on speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Students will read and analyze literature by Hispanic authors.

These classes are for native speakers: Spanish teachers will make the final determination of eligibility.

This is an introductory course in reading and writing the language. Verbal instruction will be given in Spanish. The focus is on vocabulary, grammar, spelling, written accents, and punctuation. Students will develop appreciation for their heritage.

This is an intermediate level course focusing on increased vocabulary development. Hispanic culture is explored through literature, films, and a comprehensive country project.

This course is designed for students who want to perfect their skills. It is required for Spanish Majors in this track. The focus of the course is preparation for college studies, business applications, and bilingual certification using the study of short stories and current events articles.

This course continues the perfection of verbal and written communication in Spanish. Students will read a novel by a Hispanic author and prepare a research paper in the language.

Students begin to acquire proficiency in American Sign Language through a linguistic, communicative, and cultural approach to language learning. Emphasis is placed on the development of receptive and expressive signing skills and on the acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar. Cross-cultural understanding is fostered and real-life applications are emphasized throughout the course.

Students build upon the vocabulary and grammatical rules of American Sign Language and to learn about deaf culture. Students will focus on facial grammar and non-manual markers. Through assignments both inside and outside of the classroom, students will learn about the deaf community and deaf culture. This class is taught primarily in ASL.

Intensive Reading and Writing classes are designed around a curriculum based on explicit and direct instruction on the FCAT reading and writing assessments. Teachers monitor student gains in testing skills through a variety of assessments. Students will be required to read and think aloud to the teacher and peers. Whole group initial instructional lessons will be followed by small group and intensive instruction with teacher guidance. All classes have direct input and interventions from a Reading Coach.

Required all year long for all Level 1 FCAT scorers for a total of two credits per year.

This course is also required for all Level 2 juniors and seniors who have not passed the FCAT or received a concordant score.

Intensive Reading is a remedial course designed for students scoring Level I on the FCAT reading test. Teachers use individual diagnostic assessments to determine appropriate reading Sunshine State Standards benchmarks for use with each student. Included in these courses is instruction in reading, critical thinking, problem solving and test-taking skills and strategies.

Beginning with students entering 9^th grade in 2010-2011, the series of course offerings is transitioning to better align with changes in the state assessment plan. These students will take Algebra 1, Algebra 1 Honors, Algebra 2, or Algebra 2 Honors. Students are advised to discuss the best choice with their current math teacher.

Students who have completed Integrated I and Integrated 2 will take Integrated 3, Algebra 2 or Geometry. These students are advised to speak with their current math teacher for advice on the choice which will best suit their needs.

Students who have completed Integrated Math 3 may take Probability and Statistics, Precalculus, or dual enrollment Algebra. Students are advised to discuss the best option with their current math teacher.

This course continues the work begun in Algebra IA. Problem-solving techniques are explored while working with linear, polynomial, quadratic, and rational functions, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and radical, and graphing.

This course completes the basic mathematics series with continued review of Algebra and Geometry.

This course continues the use of technology and real world problems to explore topic s such as systems of equations, trigonometric ratios, probability and statistics, polynomials, and graphing.

This course continues the use of technology and real world problems to explore topics such as systems of equations, trigonometric ratios, probability and statistics, polynomials, and graphing. Prerequisite: Integrated Mathematics II.

This fourth math in the sequence is an Honors credit. Probability and Statistics continues Integrated Math by using technology and real world problems to explore topics in probability and statistics. Prerequisite: Integrated Mathematics III.

In this course students will apply algebraic concepts to solve equations, inequalities, and quadratics

This course is an expansion of the topics covered in Algebra I. It presents an in depth study of the theory and development of formulas and circular and trigonometric functions and their applications.

Credit may be given for this course taken in the 8^th grade if criteria are met.

In this course students will apply algebraic concepts to solve equations, inequalities, and quadratics. Additional topics include coordinate geometry, probability, exponents and powers, polynomials, and systems of equations.

This course explores various methods of reasoning as well as the interrelationships of given geometric figures. Some of the topics covered are polygons, transformations, congruency, three-dimensional figures, surface area and volume, coordinate geometry, similarity, and circles. A graphing calculator is recommended; a scientific calculator is required. This course is designed to assist students in preparation for entering the university system.

This course is an expansion of the topics covered in Algebra I Honors. It presents an in depth study of the theory and development of formulas and circular and trigonometric functions and their applications. A graphing calculator is required. Students are preparing to enter the university system.

This course is designed to cover topics in trigonometry, analytical geometry, and pre-calculus to review topics covered on the SAT/ACT. It is a rigorous course often taken as preparation for students planning to enroll in DE classes.

Students interested in this course should be mature independent thinkers with excellent work habits, capable of interpreting material in the test, contributing to class discussions and having good attendance. Independent work is required. Topics include elementary functions, limits and continuity, derivatives, anti-derivatives, definite integrals, and applications of integrals. Qualified students should be seeking university entrance.

College Algebra is a study of the basic principles of algebra, including algebraic expressions; equations and inequalities; polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions; techniques of graphing; matrices and determinants; and sequences.

Dual Enrollment Elementary Statistics (3 credit hours) is a study of fundamental statistical methods including organization, analysis and interpretation of numerical data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, statistical distributions, sampling

techniques, hypotheses testing, probability, z-tests, chi-square tests, correlations, and regression equations. This course requires substantial writing.

Dual Enrollment Calculus (3 credit hours) advanced mathematics. This course is designed for you if you have mastered the concepts of college algebra and trigonometry. Topics include functions, graphing, continuity, derivatives, integrals, analytical geometry, and applications. Prerequisite: Pre-calculus Honors with a grade of “B” or higher.

This course covers a broad sweep of the history of the Earth and all Earth-forming processes as well as celestial bodies and the forces that affect them. Disciplines within the Earth Sciences may include Astronomy, Climatology, Geology, Meteorology, and Oceanography. The course emphasis is on the basic scientific principles, theories, and environmental concerns of the Earth system. Laboratory exercises will introduce the students to basic tools of science and reinforce lecture concepts and readings.

This course is a more complex treatment of the topic with an increased emphasis on mathematical quantification and analysis. A requirement of this course is an extensive research project to be entered in the annual Science Fair. This project will include a documented research paper and experiment where the student collects and analyzes his or her own data.

Biology is the study of living organisms. Within this course of study are included structures, functions, and processes of the cell; genetics; ecology; classification of organisms; and how organisms have changed over time. Many laboratory activities are included.

This course is a more complex treatment of each topic including a detailed study of photosynthesis and cell respiration. A requirement of this course is an extensive research project to be entered in the annual Science Fair. This project will include a library-type research paper and an experiment where the student collects and analyzes his or her own data.

Physical Science includes the study of the structure of matter, force, energy, light, heat, sound and chemical composition, equations, and formulas as well as scientific problem-solving.

Prerequisite: See Honors Criteria and Algebra II Honors with a grade of “C” or higher.

This course is a study of the theories and laws governing the interaction of matter, energy and the forces of nature. Contents: kinematics, dynamics, energy, work and power, heat and thermo-dynamics, weave characteristics, light, electricity and magnetism.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I Honors or Integrated Mathematics I and II with grades of “C” or higher and Biology.

Chemistry introduces students to the study of the composition, properties, and changes of matter. Content includes the classification and structure of matter, the atomic theory, the periodic table, bonding, formulas, reactions, and equations. Labs are an integral part of the course.

Prerequisite: See Honors criteria and enrollment in or completion of Algebra II Honors with a grade of “C” or higher.

This course allows students to delve into the principles of chemistry to a greater depth. All students will be involved in one or more research projects. Students completing this course will be encouraged to enroll in Physics or DE Biology for a fourth science.

DE Biology includes the study of the chemistry of life, cell structure, and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, evolution, and the diversity of living things.

This is a required course that provides students the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the chronological development of civilization by examining the political, economic, social, religious, military, dynastic, scientific, and cultural events that have affected humanity.

This course is an intensive study of Eastern and Western civilizations. Topics selected are designed to be catalysts to the mind.

This is a required course that provides students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the chronological development of the American people by examining the political, economic, social, religious, military, scientific, and cultural events that have affected the rise and growth of our nation.

Students will use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures, and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, social and employment settings.

This is a required course providing students the opportunity to acquire an understanding of the way in which society uses its limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. Primary concepts include the free market system, supply and demand, the U.S banking system, the role of government in the economy, economic cycles and the economy, and international economics.

Students are encouraged to look beyond the textbook and focus their attention on real economic systems. Special attention is given to capitalism, U.S. fiscal policy, and international trade.

This is a required course designed to provide an overview of the American governmental system. Students will study historical and current theories, the purposes, and

the responsibilities of our government. Each branch of the government will be analyzed. Students are challenged to determine their own roles as citizens in the political process.

This course is for highly motivated student who want to make informed political decisions and understand their roles in the political process.

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of human behavior. Coursework requires active intellectual and emotional involvement by the student, not only in learning about the science of psychology, but in life as well.

This elective offers students knowledge and understanding of the U. S. Constitution, laws, judicial systems, and the changing interpretations of the law.

This is a survey course that emphasizes the contribution of African-Americans and their experiences in the United States of America.

This is a class designed to develop competencies in areas of agricultural history, the global importance of agriculture, agricultural safety, principles of pest management, and management and marketing principles.

This course is designed to prepare the completers for advanced training and education in the fields of agriscience and agribusiness for employment. Work cooperative and OJT programs are offered to juniors and seniors in this program. Areas of instruction include livestock and crop production, marketing, sales and service, agricultural mechanics, employability skills, biological sciences, etc.

This independent study course may be taken for multiple credits. Students will work in individualized interests with studies directed by the teacher.

Prerequisite: 2.5 GPA and teacher approval. Non performing students will be removed from the class at teacher/ guidance discretion.

OJT is designed to provide cooperative on-the-job training for agriculturally related positions.

This course (formerly known as Business Systems Tech) is designed to provide a basic overview of current business and information systems and trends and introduce students to the basic skills and foundations required for today’s business environments. Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency with touch keyboarding and fundamental computer application, so that they can be used as communication tools for enhancing personal and work place proficiency in an information based society.

Admin Tech I is designed to assist with knowledge of administrative and general office duties in a support capacity. This course explores and expands the core competencies in the areas of personal and professional development and promotes application of higher-level office procedures tasks and communications skills through the use of technology.

Software I is designed to build upon the experiences and content in business systems and technology so that a fundamental core of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for today’s business environment is established. Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency with data base, spread sheet, presentation, and integrated software applications as tools for accomplishing business related job objectives and enhancing work place performance

Business Software Applications II 82121600 1 credit

Software II is designed to develop proficiency in using the advanced features of software programs to perform office-related tasks.

Accounting I emphasizes double entry accounting, methods and principles of recording business transactions, the preparation of various documents used in recording income, expenses, acquisition of assets, incurrence of liabilities, and changes in equity, and the preparation and basic interpretation of financial statements.

Accounting II is designed for students to continue the study of accounting principles. Topics include depreciation, inventory, accruals, deferrals, notes, payroll, and tax-related forms.

These courses are designed to continue the study of accounting principles and the operation of the Bulldog Bank. This program emphasizes the real life operations of a computerized banking system. Topics include Customer Service Information, Teller, Accounting/General Ledger and Management Operations.

Prerequisite: Enrollment in or completion of any business course other than Computing for College and Career. Open to 11^th and 12^th grade students who have business related jobs.

Teacher approval required. Non performing students will be removed from the class at teaher/guidance discretion.

This course prepares students to work in the food industry. Students learn to plan menus, prepare meals of several courses, and learn measurements for large crowds.

This course will provide students with a basic knowledge of house construction, including reading blueprints, plumbing, and electrical systems.

This course offers students the knowledge and skills about designing, estimating, bidding, and contracting.

This course will provide students with the ability to master technical skills in construction with emphasis on research, experimentation and computer literacy related to construction.

· Note: Students are responsible for providing some construction materials. Materials can be purchased through the construction store.

First in the Gold Seal Track, this course is designed to familiarize students with the structure and function of the human body and its relation to health and disease. This course is required for the Health Careers Academy.

Prerequisite: Completion of Health Science I with a grade of “C” or better. Open to juniors and seniors only.

This is the second in the Gold Seal Track/ Health Careers Academy designed to provide the basic knowledge necessary for any health occupation career. Students are taught medical skills and services. The course will also provide the opportunity for certification in CPR and Basic First Aid.

Prerequisite: Completion of Health Science II with a grade of “C” or better and instructor approval . Open to seniors only. This course must be taken concurrently with Home Health Aide and EKG Tech Aide.

This is the third course in this Gold Seal Track/ Health Careers Academy and is designed to prepare students for employment as nursing assistants in health care facilities. Clinical experience is part of this program. Students will be eligible to take the Nurse Assistant exam for State Certification. In order to take the Nursing Assistant exam, the student must have the required hours for lectures and clinicals per the Department of Nursing.

This course is designed to prepare students to take a 12 lead EKG and to recognize cardiac arrhythmias.

Tech II is a continuation of technology studies which provides students with an intermediate understanding of the knowledge, human relations, and technological skills found today in technical professions. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with technology equipment, tools and materials appropriate to the course content.

Tech III provides students with an advanced understanding of the knowledge, human relations, and technological skills found today in technical professions. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with technology equipment, tools and materials appropriate to the course content.

This course includes the introduction to the components and uses of microcomputer systems. Basic computing concepts including input, output, processing, secondary storage, operating systems, data communications, software applications, and ethical and responsible computer use will be covered. The student will gain hands-on experience in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software through using Microsoft Office software. This course satisfies the general education computer literacy requirement for an AA degree.

This introductory class is required prior to any other visual arts courses. It provides students with a basic working knowledge of vocabulary, media and skills. Students will work with both two and three dimensional media, and gain experience making aesthetic judgments.

Prerequisite: Students must have had at least TWO previous art classes in the correct dimension and the instructor’s approval to take a Level Three class.

Two terms per year are required on the block schedule. All performances (football games, parades, concerts, competitions, etc.) are mandatory.

Audition required. Non performing students may be removed at teacher/guidance discretion.

Band is designed for students who are looking to increase their musical ability through further studies of band literature and performances. Term I will concentrate on marching band music and marching techniques. Term 2 will focus on concert band music.

Audition required. All performances are mandatory. Non performing students may be removed at teacher/ guidance discretion.

This course is available for students who have musical experience on saxophone, brass, guitar, and percussion instruments. The ensemble will perform different styles ranging from early Dixieland to modern rock and roll.

This course is designed to enhance the student’s awareness of music by focusing on fundamentals and music appreciation. No musical background is required.

Chorus is designed for students who are looking to increase their vocal abilities through choral training and performances. .

Audition Required. All performances are mandatory. Non performing students may be removed at teacher/ guidance discretion.

HOPE is a required class generally taken in the freshman year. It provide students with opportunities to develop an individual optimal level of physical fitness, acquire knowledge of physical fitness concepts, acquire knowledge of the significance of lifestyle on health and fitness, and develop sound decision making skills.

These courses are designed to include knowledge and application skills, techniques, strategies, rules and safety practices necessary to participate in team activities.

These courses include knowledge and application of skills, techniques, strategies, rules and safety practices necessary to participate in individual or partner sports.

These courses provide the student with an introductory to advanced level of knowledge in the development of muscular strength and endurance while accentuating the benefits of muscular development as a key ingredient to overall health and wellness.

Counselor/ sponsor approval required. Non performing students may be removed from the program at sponsor/counselor request. Student placement is at the discretion of the sponsor. Students with past or current disciplinary issues, lack of regular attendance, or poor grades are not eligible. Peer Counseling hours may be used to fulfill Bright Futures volunteer hours.

Peer Counseling is designed for juniors and seniors who wish to serve as mentors to younger students. Those eligible for “Big Brothers/ Big Sisters may apply for that program to mentor at DMS. Other students will mentor at DHS. Some time will be spent assisting teachers and staff as well.

Failure to participate in JROTC activities as prescribed by the SAI will result in removal from the class.

JROTC is a four-year program involving 360 required contact hours and 180 hours of additional contact hours per year, plus extra-curricular activities associated with the program. On a block schedule it is taken year round for two credits per year.

Courses are designed to promote patriotism and character. Enrollment in the Army Junior ROTC Program is an important step toward a student’s future. Success in any career requires leadership, and the ability to lead can be learned and developed. This is what the JROTC program is all about – leadership, self-discipline, responsibility, self-awareness and the ability to get things organized and accomplished. The intent of the program is to develop good citizens. Students are under no military service obligation by taking any JROTC class; however, students completing 3 – 4 years of JROTC can be recommended for early promotion should they choose to enter any branch of the armed forces. Additional topics include such areas as ethics, communication skills, wellness and fitness, career planning and financial skills and personal growth topics.

On the block schedule, students must be enrolled for a full semester in order to earn one credit and college credit. Students who leave the program after nine weeks will receive no credit. Each semester includes a nine week vocational course and a nine week lab.

Students will study the basics of high voltage electric systems installation and maintenance, and utility safe work practices. Participants will also learn how to assemble and install equipment used in the high voltage industry. Most of the course work takes place out of doors where the participants learn how to work with the tools of the trade, operate bucket trucks and pole setting trucks, climb poles and work with ropes and other line rigging equipment. Total program length is 1500 hours.

DE Electrical Distribution Technology features utility sponsored scholarships for graduating seniors and summer jobs for qualified students with utility line crews. Summer job opportunities pay $12 and $15.00 per hour. Top performing students can expect to make about $70,000.00 per year within two years of graduation with the SFCC Associates Degree in Applied Science in Electrical Distribution Technology.

On the block schedule, students must be enrolled for the full year in order to earn DHS and college credit. This schedule includes three labs and one vocational course. Students who leave the program prior to the end of the year will receive no college credit.

The Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing occupational certificate prepares the student for employment in the auto collision repair and refinishing industry as a repair technician or an auto collision painter. Course content includes, but is not limited to, fundamentals of auto body repair, basic sheet metal repair, painting techniques, science of uni-body repair, and panel repair and replacement. Total program length is 1620 hours.

The Automotive Service Technology occupational certificate prepares the student to enter the automotive service industry as a technician. Course content includes, but is not limited to, brake systems, steering, suspension, manual and automatic transmissions, automotive heating and air-conditioning, electrical systems, and engine repair. Total program length is 2100 hours.