Transcript Preparing for Freshman Year - West Jefferson Hills School

Scheduling & Helpful Tips for the Class of 2016
CLASS OF
Language Arts (English)
Social Studies
Science
Mathematics
Computers
Physical Education
Health
Arts and/or Humanities
Graduation Project
TOTAL CREDITS
2016
4
4
3
3
0.5
1.3
0.3
1
Yes
25.00
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4 year college/university
Technical/Vocational/Trade School
Military
Workforce
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Career Planning
 Utilize www.careercruising.com
▪ User: thomas
▪ Pass: jefferson
There isn’t one path that’s right for everyone, but you
have to make an effort to plan for what’s coming up.
 Do you like school? Do you have a particular interest?
 How will you support yourself?
 Tough, but important questions
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4 year College is not for everyone
Some people prefer to learn through hands-on methods and train
for a specific skill
 Trade/Vocational and Technical Schools offer programs that
provide the opportunity to do just that
 http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/05/02/the-return-ofvocational-high-schools-more-options-or-the-kiss-of-death
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There are many jobs out there that can provide a solid living
without having to earn a bachelor’s degree
 Almost 50% of students that attend 4 year schools don’t graduate
with in 6 years; so they end up spending a lot of money and not
having a great way to earn money
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Check out a number of different jobs that earn more than
$35,000/yr with a 2 year degree or less
Spreadsheet of Jobs/Careers in Trades and Technical Schools
 Radiation Therapists – earn more than $75,000/yr
 Medical Lab Technicians – up to $55,000/yr
 Truck Drivers – Median Wage: $35,000-$54,000/yr

4 year College/University
 What’s important in a school for you?
▪ Campus, location, major, cost
 What types of students are they looking for?
 Have I done enough to get accepted?
▪ QPA, Class Rank, SAT/ACT Scores
▪ Collegeboard.org – College Search Option
 Take SAT/ACT end of junior year and then again in the fall of senior year
 Visit schools, talk to students that attend
 Consider cost – student loans can be crippling. College is a huge investment,
and a worthwhile one, but you need to understand that you’re getting what
you put in.
Challenging courses are preferred by the most
competitive schools
 Advanced Placement classes are a way to earn
college credit at the high school level and look
impressive on college applications
 Important to schedule realistically as well – if a
student is a C student he or she is likely to struggle
in a college level course
 Check college admission requirements and compare
to course selections
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Your class rank and QPA are calculated based
upon your year end grades
Subject
Year End Gr
Quality Pts
Credits
QP Total
QPA
English 1
A
4
1.0
4.0
Algebra 1
B
3
1.0
3.0
QPA = QP
Total/Credits
Biology
A
4
1.2
4.8
US History 2
A
4
0.5
2.0
Global I
B
3
0.5
1.5
PE 9
A
4
0.4
1.6
Spanish 1
C
2
1.0
2.0
Band
A
4
1.0
4.0
QPA
7.1
22.9
3.23
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Your class rank and QPA are calculated based upon your year end grades
Bonus weight will be given for AP and Honors classes. .2 will be added to the
unweighted GPA for each AP course and .1 will be added for each honors course
Class rank is based upon cumulative QPA at end of junior year!
Subject
Year End
Gr
Unweighte
d Quality
Pts
x Credits
=
QP Total
QPA = QP
Total/Credi
ts
AP+Honors
Value
Added
English 3AP
A
4
1.0
4.0
+.2
Honors
Pre-Calc
B
3
1.0
3.0
+.1
AP Chem.
A
4
1.4 (2 labs)
5.6
+.2
AP US Hist.
A
4
1.0
4.0
+.2
PE 11
A
4
0.4
1.6
Spanish 3
C
2
1.0
2.0
Band
A
4
1.0
4.0
Simple
QPA
Weighted
QPA
6.8
24.2
3.56
4.26
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English class
Social Studies
Physical Education
Lunch
Electives /Core Classes so that you have no
more than 1 study hall every day

Colleges prefer to see 4 years of core classes
 Math – not required to have a 4th year
 Science – not required to have a 4th year
 Challenging courses that prepare you to not only be
admitted to colleges, but to be successful once you get
there

Electives that either confirm or rule out possible
career areas
 If you think you might want to get into business, taking
business courses; If you’re considering programming, take
programming courses
 Worst case scenario is you find out you don’t want to
spend money trying to become something you don’t really
have much interest in
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
English
Honors English*
Academic English 2
English 2
English 3AP*
Academic English 3
English 3
English 4AP*
English 4-1
English 4
Math
Honors Algebra II*
Algebra II
Geometry
Honors Pre-Calculus*
Pre-Calculus
Algebra 2
AP Calculus*
Calculus
Pre-Calculus
Probability/Statistics
Academic Chemistry
Chemistry
Physical Science
AP Chemistry*, Honors
Physics*
Academic Physics
Physics
Environmental Science
AP Biology*
AP Physics
Anatomy & Physiology
Environmental Science
AP US History *(Full Yr)
US History 3
US History 4
AP European History*
Global II
Global III
Science
Social Studies Government
Economics
* = .1 added to QPA for each Honors level class; .2 added to QPA for each AP class
12th Grade
English
English 4AP*
Academic English 4
English 4
English 4 AP Admission to this course is based on the provisions set forth in this handbook.
This course includes classical, world, and English literature. After reading significant poetic
works, plays, and novels, the students should be able to clearly express and logically defend
their ideas. Critical thinking is balanced with creative expression so that these supporting
ideas are not limited to discussions and compositions, but also include oral presentations
and dramatic interpretations. Accordingly, the ability to work well in group situations is
essential. A major requirement is an extensive research project. Taking the AP test in
May is an important component of this course and is highly encouraged. Quality points for
this course are awarded under the advanced placement scale.
12th Grade
English
English 4AP*
Academic English 4
English 4
Academic English 4 (formerly English 4-1)
The twelfth grade Academic English course is designed to emulate the requirements of first year collegiate literature
and composition courses in preparation for students’ first year at institutions of higher learning. British literature from
the Anglo-Saxon period through the twentieth century is studied chronologically and thematically using both an
objective viewpoint and various critical literary theories known as “lenses.” Special emphasis is paid to the application of
knowledge acquired from the course’s curriculum to cooperative group learning assignments, critical analyses, and
creative writing projects. A major collegiate–style research essay based on a current issue facing mankind or a
foreign policy simulation is required.
English 4 (formerly known as English 4-2)
This twelfth grade English course is based on a chronological study of British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to
modern day. Integrated within the interpretive study of literature of various genres is a refinement/enrichment of
critical thinking/reading, and effective writing/oral expression. A research project is required.
12th Grade
Math
AP Calculus*
Calculus
Pre-Calculus
Statistics & Probability
AP Calculus is an advanced placement course offered to selected students who have been successful in Honors PreCalculus. This course will include the study of rate of change, differentiation and integration methods. Applications to
curve sketching, max-min problems and related rates will also be studied. Area, volumes, length of a curve, surface
area, centroid and work applications will also be discussed. A detailed study of natural log, exponentials, trig functions
and inverses will also be included. Admission is based on previous demonstration of qualifications leading to
faculty recommendation. Students successfully taking the AP test may also earn college credit or entrance into an
honor course depending on the college and the score. Quality points for this course are awarded according to the
advanced placement scale. Taking the AP test in May is an important component of this course and is highly
encouraged.
Calculus
This course is designed to provide a firm background and understanding of the basic concepts of calculus, including
limits, differentiation, applications of derivatives, exponential/logarithmic functions, and an introduction to
techniques and applications of integrations.
12th Grade
Math
AP Calculus
Calculus
Pre-Calculus
Statistics & Probability
Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
This course includes advanced techniques using a graphing calculator with special emphasis in the areas of polynomial
and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry, systems of equations and inequalities,
matrices, sequences, counting, and probability.
Statistics and Probability – New course for 15-16
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the foundations of probability and statistics. Topics will include
probability, normal distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and Chi-Square tests and distributions. This
is course is designed for the students that have already completed Algebra II successfully.
12th Grade
Science
AP Biology
AP Physics
Anatomy & Physiology
Environmental Science
Advanced Placement Biology
This collegiate level course is designed to prepare students for the AP Biology test and is equivalent to an introductory biology
course offered to college freshmen intending to major in a biological science. This is a broadly based course encompassing such
diverse areas of biology as molecules and cells, genetics and evolution, organisms and populations. Extensive laboratory work
includes the use of various types of laboratory apparatus and instruments which are incorporated into exercises designed to
complement and supplement lecture topics. Taking the AP test in May is an important component of this course and is highly
encouraged. Students must have successfully completed chemistry before taking this course. AP classes require a summer work
assignment. Students selecting this course must see the appropriate teacher before the end of the previous school year.
Advanced Placement Physics
This is a calculus based physics course intended for senior students who plan to enter the fields of engineering and/or physics.
The course is designed for those students to earn college credit (4 or 8 credits) with the appropriate passing score on the AP
Exam(s) as designated by the college or university of their choice. This course focuses on vectors, kinematics and dynamics in one
and two dimensions as well as electricity and magnetism. This physics course integrates the mathematical concepts of limits,
derivatives and integrals. Less time in AP Physics C is devoted to lab work since most of the lab work will have been done in Honors
Physics the previous year. The remaining time will be spent on rigorous problem solving, conceptual development and preparation
for the AP Exam in May. Taking the AP test in May is an important component of this course and is highly encouraged. Students can
register for the AP Physics C Exam in Mechanics or Electricity and Magnetism. Some may choose to take both exams. It is highly
recommended that students have successfully completed or have concurrent enrollment in Calculus. To be successful in this
class, it is also recommended that students have performed above average in their previous physics course.
12th Grade
Science
AP Biology
AP Physics
Anatomy & Physiology
Environmental Science
Anatomy and Physiology
This course is offered to students who wish to further their study of human anatomy and its systems. The course
focuses on the biological, biomedical and physiological bases of human body. Included in the course is an in-depth study
of the development and anatomy of the various systems of the human body. The student will gain an understanding of
the interrelationships of the body systems and an appreciation of the relationship which exists between the human body
and nature and society. Students may choose to take Anatomy & Physiology after completing Academic Biology as long as
they continue to follow the required science course sequence.
Environmental Science
This course will focus on society’s impact on the environment, natural resources and energy use. The course is dynamic
in the sense that it addresses issues of current concern regarding the environment. Activities include case studies of
historical environmental cases and issues, organized debates, group presentations, labs that simulate various
environmental conditions, outside field sampling and water quality analysis utilizing chemical test kits as well as digital
probes linked to the computer system. This course is recommended to a student with a background in biology that
wants to further their studies of environmental topics. A background in chemistry is recommended but not required.
This course will meet the third year science requirement needed for graduation for students who have completed
Physical Science.
12th Grade
Social Studies
AP European History*
Global II
Global III
Advanced Placement European History
This course will provide an intensive study of European history for selected seniors. Extensive collateral reading will be
required. There will be an emphasis on a critical and interpretative approach to the study of European history from the
Renaissance to the present. Admission will be based on previous demonstration of qualifications leading to faculty
recommendation. Taking the AP test in May is an important component of this course and is highly encouraged. In
conjunction with LaRoche College, underclassmen will have the opportunity to participate in the Scholar Program.
Students in this dual enrollment program will receive one credit at Thomas Jefferson High School for the Advanced
Placement European History course and three additional college credits. These credits are transferable to over fifty
different colleges/universities. For more information visit www.laroche.edu/academcs/scholar/index.htm
12th Grade
Social Studies
AP European History*
Global II
Global III
Global Studies II (1450-1789)
This course will provide students with a knowledge and understanding of Global history and culture from 1450 AD to 1789
AD. Possible topics in this course will be as follows: the Renaissance, the Reformation, Colonization, Absolutism, the
Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the unification of Germany and Italy. Map assignments, worksheets, quizzes,
homework, class participation, projects, reports, and examinations will be used to evaluate student progress.
Global Studies III (1600 – Present)
This course will provide students with a knowledge and understanding of global history and culture from 1600 with an
emphasis on 1945 to the present. As countries around the world strive to be contributors in the global community and
economics, industrialization becomes the foundation from which new global patterns emerge. Leadership decisions that
ultimately impact millions of lives must be based on respect, integrity, and responsibility. Topics may include Asia, Africa,
Latin America, the Middle East and Terrorism.
Map assignments, worksheets, quizzes, homework, class participation, projects, reports, and examinations will be used to
evaluate student progress.
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Rank your electives in order of preference.
You may not always get your first choices.
Choose classes based on your interests.
Look on the website for class descriptions at
www.wjhsd.net under TJHS  Student
Resources Approved Courses 15-16
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Foreign Language
 Spanish and French
▪ Colleges typically like to see two years of a foreign
language, sometimes more
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English Electives
 Creative Writing, Intro to Film Criticism, Film
Criticism, Intro to Public Relations, Journalism,
Performing arts, Public Speaking, Theatre
Orientation
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Science
 You may take multiple science courses beginning
in 10th grade
 Anatomy & Physiology is a full year elective
science class; Students need to understand this
course is similar to another core course
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Business and Information Tech (teacher provided information)

Personal Finance - In the words of so many of the kids that are or have taken this class
(and many of their parents)... Everyone should take this class. You will learn about
taxes, credit, identity theft, investing, savings, checking, financing cars, mortgages,
etc. Super practical for any student, not just business students. Full year course worth
1.0 credit.
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Marketing - This is for anyone considering going to college for business (even
accounting or finance) because these students will have to take at least
one marketing course in college. This gives the students a good introduction to the
marketing concepts they will apply in their own businesses or when working for
someone else. Many of the kids who have taken this class were surprised by how much
they enjoyed it and have gone on to major in marketing in college.

Retail Mgmt - This is the class that runs the Jaguar Den. Only students who have taken
at minimum of two business classes (or at bare minimum, will be enrolled in their
second simultaneously with Retail) may take this class. Also, they are required to get a
teacher recommendation. Only serious business students should be enrolled in this
class. You have to be available to work at least two days a week before school. It is an
awesome opportunity for any business student because they will get a chance to apply
what they learn in a real business!
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Business and Information Tech (Teacher
Info)
Accounting-Helpful for ALL students considering a career in
business. You will learn the “language of business”, such as:
 recording business transactions
 calculating employee paychecks
 what taxes are withheld
 determining profit or loss
 developing Financial Reports
 Accounting is the FIRST core course many business college
students take. Why not get a head start while in high
school?
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Technology Education
 Students who have taken Computer Aided
Drafting and Technology Systems are able to take
any of the other Tech Ed classes
 TJTV and Construction Tech are open to anyone
sophomores or older

Family & Consumer Sciences
 Child Development 1 is a pre-requisite for Child
Development 2
 Fab Fashion 1 is a pre-requisite for Fab Fashion 2
and 3
 Foods/Nutrition and Interior Design are open to
any student 10th grade or older
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Fine Arts
 Two sections of Choir – Varsity and Concert
▪ Concert requires an audition
 Band Courses
▪ Typically Mr. Mirabella will tell us who needs to be in
which section of Symphonic or Concert Band
▪ Other band electives can be taken in addition to Concert
& Symphonic
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Students attend TJ for core classes and then
go to SCVT for career & technical education.
Information will be given to all 9th graders
during class presentation on 2/13/15.
You can take a tour of SCVT on 2/20/15 if
interested in attending next year.
You must return signed permission form for
the tour!
SCVT counts as 3 elective credits.
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You must get teacher signatures this year!
Did you take your required computer class?
 Software Applications or Visual Basic
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Were you Proficient on Keystone Algebra &
Literature? – Any students not proficient will be
place in remediation or have to do a project
based assessment depending on the state’s
decision
You need Health credit - summer class available
Do you need to retake any classes?
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Think carefully about your class choices.
Get teacher and parent/guardian signatures.
Listen to your teachers’ recommendations.
Turn in signed form on:
Tuesday, February 10th in Social Studies Class
You will schedule in Computer Lab on
Thursday February 12th
No signed form= No scheduling
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Summer Health Form
 If you wish to take health over the summer, you
will need to return the yellow summer health form
to the guidance office with your preferred session
selected