Course Descriptions

Table of Contents

 

Graduation Requirements

Honors Diplomas: College Prep and Vocational

Minimum College Preparatory Requirements

Advanced Placement Courses

Post Secondary Enrollment Option

Credits Required for Class Advancement

Suggested Four-Year School Program

 

 

Course Selections

 

Agriculture Education

Art

Business

English

Family and Consumer Sciences

Foreign Language

Health/Physical Education

Industrial Technology

Math

Music

Science

Social Studies

Work Study

Tri Star Career Technology Education   


 

Graduation Requirements

 

 

GRADUATION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

 

A. All students must register for a minimum of 7 periods

B. Minimum graduation requirements

a. 4 units – English Language Arts, including ½ unit of Speech

b. 3 units – Math (one of these units will be granted to those students who have successfully completed eighth grade Algebra I)

c. 3 units – Science (1 unit biological, 1 unit physical science, and 1 elective)

d. 3 units – Social Studies (2 American & World Studies, 1 American Government)

e. ½ unit – Health

f. ½ unit – Physical Education

g. 7 units – Electives (must include one unit or two half-units of Business/Technology, Fine Arts, or Foreign Language)

21 total credits required for graduation

Successful passage of all sections of the Ohio Graduation Test

 


 

Honors Diploma Requirements

 

HONORS DIPLOMA/COLLEGE PREPARATORY

The student who has met all graduation requirements in high school shall meet at least EIGHT of the following nine criteria to earn the Honors Diploma. Recommended for all college prep students.

a.       Four units of English (not including Speech)

b.       Three units of mathematics including at least Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry

c.       Three units of science that include instructional emphasis on the physical, life, and earth and space sciences

d.       Three units of social studies

e.       Either three units of one foreign language or two units each of two foreign languages

f.        One unit of fine arts

g.       Either one unit of business/technology and two additional units in (a) through (f) above or earn three additional units in (a) through (f) above.

h.       Maintain an overall high school grade point average of 9.0 on Memorial’s 12 point scale at the completion of seven semesters (3.5 on a 4 point scale).

i.        Obtain a composite score of 27 on the American College Testing (ACT) tests or an equivalent composite score on the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT).

 

HONORS DIPLOMA/TECHNICAL

The student who has met all graduation requirements and two years of an intensive technical education curriculum shall meet at least NINE of the following ten criteria to earn an Honors Diploma. Recommended for all non-college prep students.

a.       Four units of English which may include one unit of applied communication

b.       Three units of mathematics, which should include algebra and geometry or a sequence of courses that contain equivalent content.

c.       Three units of science, that develop concepts for physical, life, and earth and space sciences.

d.       Three units of social studies

e.       Two units of a foreign language; or two units of business/technology, or one unit of each

f.        Three units in the student’s career technical education curriculum

g.       Two additional units in (a) through (f) above or fine arts

h.       Maintain an overall high school GPA of at least 9.0 on Memorial’s 12 point scale at the completion of seven semesters (3.5 on a 4 point scale).

i.        Complete a career passport that reflects achievement of the occupational proficiency benchmark established for the Ohio Vocation Competency Assessment or the equivalent

j.        Obtain a composite score of 27 on the ACT tests or an equivalent composite score on the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT).


MINIMUM COLLEGE PREPARATORY REQUIREMENTS

If a student plans to attend any of Ohio’s public or private four-year colleges or universities, the following coursework should be taken in high school. These courses are required for regular admission at most state post-secondary institutions. Students whose secondary school preparation does not meet these minimum standards may be admitted on a “conditional” basis that will require doing remedial work before beginning classes on a degree-granting program. Also, secondary course requirements may vary from one institution to another.

         

Minimum secondary requirements include:

4 credits of English with emphasis on composition

3 credits of mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry)

3 credits of social studies

3 credits of science (one physical, one biological, one full credit elective college prep science)

2 credits of same foreign language (three credits recommended)

1 credit of fine arts (visual or performing)

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

Advanced Placement courses are offered in Calculus, Biology II, Chemistry II, English III Grammar & Composition (AP English III),AP English Literature and Composition,  European History, and American Government. These courses follow the prescribed curriculum of the Advanced Placement Program and exams are offered at the end of the school year and are 50% paid for by the Board of Education. (Cost to the student is approximately $40.00 per test.) College credits may be awarded based upon the score earned on the AP examination.

 

POST SECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTION

Students in grades 9-12, who meet specific college requirements, have the option of attending college during part or all of the school day. Students and parents should attend an informational meeting on February 4 at 7:00 p.m. in study hall 18 and complete all paperwork at Memorial High School and the college by date announced at meeting.

 

Any student considering this option will complete a regular M.H.S. schedule, which will be adjusted appropriately in the fall upon presentation of the college schedule.

 

CLASS ADVANCEMENT

Total credits needed for class advancement at Memorial High School:

 

5.50 credits to be a sophomore

11.00 credits to be a junior

16.50 credits to be a senior

 

21.00 credits required for graduation


 

Alternative Provision for Receiving a Diploma without passing all five OGT Tests.  The provision in state law originally enacted as part of Senate Bill 1 in 2001 is still effective. Since this provision includes a student’s high school attendance rate, it is important to share this information with your freshmen students. According to Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.615(A), students may graduate and receive a diploma without passing all five tests of the OGT if they meet the following requirements:

• Pass four of the five tests and have missed passing the fifth test by no more than 10 points;

• Have had a 97 percent attendance rate through all four years of high school and must not have had an expulsion in high school;

• Have a grade point average of 2.5 out of 4.0 in the subject area missed and have completed the curriculum requirement in the subject area missed;

• Have participated in any intervention programs offered by the school and must have had a 97 percent attendance rate in any program offered outside the normal school day;

• Obtain letters of recommendation from each teacher in the subject area not yet passed as well as the high school principal


SUGGESTED

FOUR YEAR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

Sample College Prep Program

Grade 9

English I

Algebra I/Geometry

Physical Science

Foreign Language

Health/PE

American & World Studies I

Elective

 

Grade 10

English II

Geometry/Algebra II

Biology

Foreign Language

Speech

American & World Studies II

Elective

 

Grade 11

CP English III or AP English Grammar and Composition

Chemistry/Physiology

Algebra II/Precalculus

Foreign Language

Electives

 

Grade 12

AP English Literature and Composition, Eng IV

Precalculus/Calculus/AP Calculus

American Government

Choose at least one of following:

Physiology/AP Chemistry II

Physics/AP Biology II

Sample Career Tech Program

Grade 9

English I

Integrated Math or Algebra I*

Applied Physical Science

Health/PE

American & World Studies I

Electives: Choose those pertaining to

Career interest

 

Grade 10

English II

Integrated Math/Algebra I*/Geometry**

Biology*/Applied Biology

Speech

American & World Studies II

Elective: Choose pertaining to career interest

 

 

Grade 11

CP English III or CT English III

Chemistry*or choice of science

Algebra*/Geometry**/Precalculus

Tri Star

 

 

Grade 12

English IV or CT Eng. IV

American Government

Tri Star

Electives

* Required for Tech Prep programs

** Required for some Tech Prep program

 







 

Course Selections

Memorial High School

2008-2009

 

AGRICULTURE

 

Agricultural Education I

Course AG110                                                                                                                                           1.26 Credit

Purpose:        To help students develop those traits and skills which will help them to be employable in the field of agriculture and able to conserve soil and other natural resources, market farm products, and produce farm crops and livestock commodities efficiently.

Content:        The content of this course includes livestock management, selection, breed identification and feeding, records and their use, elementary study of soils, wood and tool identification, carpentry, parliamentary procedure, agricultural occupations, basic welding, and FFA.

Length:          1 year (.50 life science credit, .76 agriculture credit)

Prerequisite:            Acceptance into the agricultural education program is subject to instructor

discretion

Special Notes:FFA participation is a requirement for the program. Open to grades 9-12

Fee:                $15.00 for FFA dues

 

Agricultural Education II

Course AG210                                                                                                                                            1.26 Credit

Purpose:        To help students develop those traits and skills which will help them to be employable in the field of agriculture and able to conserve soil and other natural resource, market farm products, and produce farm crops and livestock commodities efficiently.

Content:        The content of this course includes weed identification, herbicides, livestock nutrition, diseases, pests, small gas engines, oxyacetylene welding, wheat production, soybean production, corn production, and FFA.

Length:          1 year (.50 life science credit, .76 agriculture credit)

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the agricultural education program is subject to instructor discretion.

Special Notes: FFA participation is a requirement for the program.

Open to grades 10-12, AG110 prerequisite

Fee:                $15.00 for FFA dues


                                                        Agriculture Management A

Course AG310                                                                                                                                           1.25 credits

Purpose:        To help students develop those traits and skills which will help them to be employable in the field of agriculture and able to conserve soil and other natural resources, market farm products, and produce farm crops and livestock commodities efficiently.

Content:        The content of this course includes concrete and masonry, combines and combining, grain handling and drying systems, tillage operations, electricity, livestock genetics and reproduction, chemical laws, insurance, multi-cylinder engines, farm credit, and FFA.

Length:          1 year

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the agricultural education program is subject to instructor discretion. AG210 prerequisite

Special Notes: FFA participation is a requirement for the program.

Open to grades 11-12,  

Fee:                $30.00 ($15.00 of which is for FFA dues)

 

Agriculture Management B

Course AG410 (Not offered 2008-2009 school year)                                                                       1.25 Credits

Purpose:        To help students develop those traits and skills which will help them to be employable in the field of agriculture and able to conserve soil and other natural resources, market farm products, and produce farm crops and livestock commodities efficiently.

Content:        The content of this course includes soils, fertilizers, budgeting, inventories, construction of farm buildings, principles of marketing, types of businesses, farm taxes, legal liabilities of farmers, managing the farm, and FFA.

Length:          1 year

Prerequisites: Acceptance into agricultural education program is subject to instructor discretion. AG210 prerequisite

Special Notes:FFA participation is a requirement for the program. Open to seniors

Fee:                $30.00 ($15.00 of which is for FFA dues)


 

Agricultural Cooperative Education Program

Course AG420                                                                                                                                         1.00 Credit

Purpose:        The Co-op Program offers all qualified students majoring in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Soil Sciences, Animal Industry, Crop Protection, Horticulture, Mechanical Technology in Agriculture, and General Program in Agricultural Sciences, an opportunity to enhance their academic preparation, acquire valuable work experience, and explore career options.

Content:       Through this program, students alternate terms of full-time study with terms of full-time paid employment. The work experiences are supervised jointly by a mentor in the cooperating institution (private business or government agency) and a faculty member. A fundamental purpose of cooperative education is to give students the opportunity to learn under real world conditions.

Prerequisites: Be in 12th grade, have a completed at least 2 years of agricultural education, have employment in an agricultural business, signature of instructor

Length:          1 year


 

ART

General Art

Course ART105                                                                                                                                        .50 Credit

Purpose:        To introduce the student to the various areas of art.

Content:        Pencil drawing, beginning painting, simple perspective drawings, colored pencil, oil pastels, art appreciation, design, color theory, and charcoal and ink drawing.

Length:          ½ year

Special Notes: Open to grades 9-12

Fee:                $13.00, subject to minor adjustment

 

 

Art Design Techniques

Course: ART115                                                                                                                                       .50 Credit

Purpose:        To teach the basic art design fundamentals.

Content:        This course will explore design through “hands on” studio projects. The student will be introduced to 2 and 3 dimensional handcrafted art techniques. Art projects may include student designed items such as a large paper mache creation, batik wall hanging, linoleum printed items, ceramics, simulated stained glass, latch hook fabric, simple jewelry making.

Length:          ½ year

Special Note: Open to grades 9-12

Fee:                $15.00, subject to minor adjustment

 

Ceramics I

Course ART205                                                                                                                                       .50 Credit

Purpose:        To gain a basic knowledge, understanding and skill in designing functional and nonfunctional pottery.

Content:        To learn ceramic hand-building methods, glazing, and firing.

Length:          ½ year

Special Note: Open to grades 10-12

Fee:                $13.00, subject to minor adjustment

 

Ceramics II

Course ART215                                                                                                                                                                                           .50 Credit

Purpose:        To further develop skills and techniques of potter’s wheel thrown pottery.

Content:        To learn to throw on potter’s wheel and to use advanced level of glazing techniques. Student will be working on the wheel during the entire semester except when glazing the pottery.

Length:          ½ year

Prerequisite             Ceramics I

Special Note: Open to grades 10-12

Fee:                $13.00, subject to minor adjustment


 

Drawing I, II and III

Course ART225, ART235, ART305                                                                                                     .50 Credit

Purpose:        To further the skills in drawing for the interested student.

Content:        Experiment with the techniques of shading, drawing in perspective, various subjects and media (pencil, charcoal, pastel, water color wash)

Length:          ½ year

Prerequisite: General Art (ART105),  B- average or teacher approval

Special Note: Open grades to 10-12

Fee:                $13.00, subject to minor adjustment

 

Painting I

Course ART315                                                                                                                                    .50 Credit

Purpose:        To help student develop the basic techniques and skills in painting.

Content:        Students will be studying color theory and compositions. The students will explore in various subjects such as landscape, still life, portraits, animals and abstract designs in acrylic painting.

Length:          ½ year

Prerequisite:            Drawing I (ART225)

Special Notes: Painting kit and canvas boards are received. Open to grades 10-12.

Fee:                $13.00, subject to minor adjustment.

 

   Painting II

Course ART325                                                                                                                                        .50 Credit

Purpose:        To improve and experience the advanced techniques in painting.

Content:        Each student will paint several large paintings on canvas during this semester. Students will be encouraged to explore creative ideas for subject matter and self expression through their paintings.

Length:          ½ year

Prerequisite: Drawing I (ART105) or Painting I (ART315),  B- average or instructor approval

Special Notes: Painting kit and canvas boards are received. Open to grades 11-12

Fee:                $13.00, subject to minor adjustment

 

Sculpture

Course ART255                                                                                                                                        .50 Credit

Purpose:        Develop skills in working with various 3-D sculpting materials.

Content:        Learn to sculpt with plaster of paris, wire, glass, clay and metal sheets, etc.

Length:          ½ year

Prerequisite: Art Design & Technique (ART 115) or General Art  (ART105)

Special Notes:Open to grades 10-12

Fee:                $10.00, subject to minor adjustment

 

 

                                                                                         Honors Art

 

Course #      ART335                                                                                                                              .50 Credit

Purpose:      To develop portfolio for art admission to colleges and further develop skills that will be required at the college level.

Content:       Students will work in depth on various art media such as in charcoal, mixed media, printmaking, pastel, oil pastel, pen and ink, plaster, clay, foam board, plaster of paris, and basic computer design.

                   Students will study art appreciation and theory which is required for college study.

Length:        ½ year

Pre-requisites:      Junior/Senior level course; approval of instructor upon submitted application.

Fee:             $20.00

 


 

BUSINESS

The Memorial High School Business Department has implemented a computer literacy program labeled “The Company” for teaching the computer classes. This program will help students become more independent in their learning, thinking, planning, and problem solving. The emphasis for these courses is on students’ choice, accountability, and competency.  All students must have a signed Internet Agreement Form turned in with the high school office to be in these classes.

Computer Literacy I

Course           BUS105                                                                                                                             .50 Credit

Content:       Students will start as beginners with the various software and work their way into the intermediate skill levels. “First time Employees” (students) will be required to complete a word processing and spread sheet application level, as well as a computer technology level and 3 other levels of their choice.  Some of the software to be used includes the following:

MICROSOFT OFFICE 2003                                                                        

Word – word processing                                                                

Excel – spreadsheet                                                                                

Access – database Presentations

PowerPoint – presentations

Publisher – desktop publishing

LEARNING THE INTERNET                               MACROMEDIA STUDIO MX

Pagemaker 6.5                                                       Dreamweaver

Front Page                                                             Flash

HTML                                                                     Fireworks

Special Notes: The intent is to add additional software each year and upgrade as necessary.

Length:          ½ year

Fee:                $7.00, subject to adjustment


Computer Literacy II

Course           BUS115                                                                                                                            .50 Credit

Content:        This course concentrates on the more INTERMEDIATE levels of the software used in Computer Literacy I. The students can continue with the software used in Computer Literacy I, or they can delve more deeply into any of the other applications offered. Students are encouraged to use their skills in other coursework and projects.

Length:          ½ year

Prerequisite:            Computer Literacy I (BUS105)

Fee:                $7.00, subject to adjustment

 

Computer Literacy III

Course           BUS205                                                                                                                             .50 Credit

Content:        This course concentrates on the more ADVANCED levels of the software introduced in Computer Literacy II. The students will continue to refine their skills in any previously studied software and any new software. INTEGRATION of the various software will be emphasized. Students will be encouraged to use their skills in other coursework and projects.

Length:          ½ year

Prerequisite:            Computer Literacy II (BUS115)

Fee:                $7.00, subject to adjustment

 

Computer Literacy IV

Course           BUS215                                                                                                                              .50 Credit

Content:        This course concentrates on integrating software into simulated projects. The students will also have the opportunity to investigate any new software since the software changes so rapidly.

Length:          ½ year

Prerequisite:            Computer Literacy III (BUS205)

Fee:                $7.00, subject to adjustment

 

Computer Literacy/Independent Study

Course           BUS305                                                                                                                             .50 Credit

Purpose:        This course is designed to provide the advanced computer student with in-depth computer training in the area of his/her choice. This is an individualized self-paced course in which the student selects the software that he/she learns.

Content:        Students will work with advanced software concepts such as online software training, web page design, and other relevant software that could lead to certification in Microsoft certification and other industry recognized certifications.

Length:          ½ year

Prerequisite:            Computer Literacy I, II, III, and IV with at least a B average

Special Note: This course is by instructor approval only.

 

Web Design I

 

Course           BUS245                                                                                                                              .50 Credit

Purpose:        Students will take a hands-on approach to learning the intricacies of web page design.

Content:        The course will include instruction in HTML, Macromedia Dreamweaver, digital photography, image capture, graphic editing, and E-journalism.  In addition to creating pages for the St. Marys High School Website, students will have various long-term projects gathering and reporting on various aspects of the St. Marys community.

Length:        ½ year

Prerequisite:         Computer Lit II or special permission of the instructor

 

Web Design II

 

Course           BUS255                                                                                                                               .50 Credit

Purpose:        Continuation of Web Design I.  Students will take a hands-on approach to learning the intricacies of web page design.

Content:        Advanced Web Design topics will be covered, including HTML, server-side scripting (PHP), Macromedia Flash, and advanced photo effects.  Students will continue to create pages for the St. Marys High School Website. 

Length:        ½ year

Prerequisite:         Web Design I

 

                                                                                      Web Design III

Course           BUS315