INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this booklet is to help you select your senior high courses. Please study the material thoroughly and acquaint yourself with the requirements for graduation, the description of the courses offered, and any pre-requisites for those courses. How well prepared you are after four years of high school will depend on you. We have well-trained teachers and a well-equipped school; but these alone are not sufficient. Your primary responsibility to yourself and to society is to attend school and do the best that you possibly can. A GOOD EDUCATION WILL GIVE YOU THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE YOUR OWN PATH IN LIFE!
Graduation is an important goal for any student. Besides meeting the requirements of graduation, however, you should choose subjects that have a purpose and direction for you. Choose subjects that will enable you to do what you want to do. To some of you, high school will be that last opportunity to receive a formal education. To others of you, your high school education will serve as a basis for future educational opportunities. To all of you, make the best of what Tracy Area High School has to offer you.
This booklet contains descriptions of Tracy Area Senior High School course offerings. The principal, counselor, and faculty have prepared it with the following purpose in mind:
1. To give students information to aid them in choosing electives.
2. To help parents become familiar with senior high school subjects.
3. To acquaint parents with the subjects their son/daughter is taking.
No person shall on the basis of sex or race be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal Assistance.
The above statement means that Tracy Area High School cannot deny its students access to courses because of the student’s sex or race. Students are urged to select courses on the basis of their interest, values and abilities.
This booklet does not intend to answer all questions about each course. Your teachers and counselor are willing to answer further questions to help you with your decisions.
IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FOR REGISTRATION
Reminder for Tracy School Families:
Minnesota Law requires that all students attending school must have a record on file in the school health office showing proof of vaccination against certain diseases, or file a written exemption with the local school before the first day of school in September. Students who transfer to a new district must present this health information when registering. Students who do not meet the immunization requirements are not allowed to stay enrolled in school.
For more information about needed vaccinations, or claiming an exemption, visit the Tracy Area Public Schools website at or contact Mary Carter, RN, School Nurse at 629-5500 (High School) or 629-5518 (Elementary School).
INFORMATION FOR REGISTRATION
Each year students register for the courses of study they wish to take in grades 9-12. Students should plan for all high school years now. If there are any changes in plans, we can discuss them next year at registration time and revise your previous registration accordingly to fit your ability, interest, and future plans.
Each of you must take certain subjects, which are required of all students. The required subjects must be completed with a passing grade in order for you to graduate from high school. The required subjects are 9th Grade English, History, Math, Physical Science, P. E. and Health I; 10th grade English, History, Math and Biology; 11th grade English, Geography, Math and Chemistry; and in 12th grade English and Social Studies (and Math or Science if requirement is not yet met).
Each year in senior high school you are asked to choose other subjects that are called “Electives”. Some subjects have a pre-requisite, which means that the subject cannot be taken unless definite requirements have been satisfied. For example, you will not be able to take Algebra II unless you have had Algebra I, a pre-requisite.
A credit is earned in a subject in grades 9-12 if you obtain a passing grade in that subject. Credit courses are those requiring five class periods per week for the entire school year. Semester courses meeting five times a week are 1/2 credit. Each student must register for seven classes or subjects per year or per semester.
Students should remember that their cumulative high school GPA begins in ninth grade. (The exception to this is Algebra I if taken in the 8th grade. This class counts for high school credit AND in the student’s cumulative Grade Point Average.) In order to have a good Grade Point Average as a senior, you need to have a good GPA in 9th grade to build on. Students in grades 9-12 may receive an Academic Letter or star if they earn a GPA of 3.67 or above for 4 consecutive quarters. See the student handbook for additional details.
Some classes might require a certain expenditure of your own money. (EX: Shop, FACS, Art)
If a student desires to take a subject and does not feel he/she can afford the cost involved, he/she should contact the Principal, Counselor, or Instructor in charge, and perhaps some arrangements can be made.
Mid-Quarter Reports: Your marks are not only affected by the work you do in class, but also by attitude, conduct, and attendance. During the school year, notice will be sent at each mid-nine week period to parents of all students. Not all students are able to do A, B, or even C work. We expect our students to work to their ability. Few students will fail if this is done. Wise use of time, willingness to work, and seeking teacher help when in difficulty will do much to make your school work more enjoyable and profitable.
Plan carefully. On the basis of what you sign up to take next year, the Tracy Area High School program of courses is developed. It is very important that elective subjects for next year be selected carefully as teachers are assigned accordingly. There is no assurance that students “get” the courses they want if courses are changed in the fall. You make your reservation for certain subjects at registration time. Space in classes which you might want in the fall may not be available. So...to be sure of getting the subjects needed, make wise decisions now!!!! You should also select alternative courses to take if the electives you choose do not fit your schedule. We will make every effort to make your choices work but please realize that you may not get all courses for which you register.
Chad Anderson, Principal
Sonja Langerock, Guidance Counselor
SCHEDULE CHANGES
The Master Schedule is designed to give students as wide a choice of offerings as possible. Each student has the opportunity to select electives. IT IS EXPECTED THAT WHEN YOUR REGISTRATION FORM IS SIGNED AND TURNED IN, YOU WILL TAKE THE SUBJECTS YOU HAVE SELECTED FOR THE NEXT YEAR. Spend sufficient time on your selection now, thus avoiding unnecessary changes later. Reasons a change will be considered are:
- Teacher request
- Correct errors
- Injury or illness (example – PE)
- Parent request (after teacher/parent conference)
- Balancing classes
- Adjustment problems
- Improper course placement in terms of the student’s abilities
To facilitate these changes the following procedure must be followed:
- Student sees Guidance Office regarding change.
- Classes may be added to the schedule during the first week of a new semester.
- Classes may be dropped without penalty during the first ten (10) school days of each semester providing the student maintains his/her minimum course load.
- Change in a student’s schedule following the 15th day of class enrollment will necessitate a review of the student’s request by the teacher, principal and counselor.
If there are unusual circumstances, the principal may be consulted.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY STUDENTS
Admission requirements to college vary. Therefore, it is important that you plan early on possible careers or career clusters and become familiar with various college admission requirements. Whether you have possible careers in mind or not, it is advisable that you select and sequence courses from the advanced tracks in various academic disciplines.
Typical courses recommended for college include: English-4 years, with emphasis on writing, speaking, grammar, listening, and reading, Social Studies-3 years, Science-3 years, Math-3 years, Foreign Language-2 to 3 years of the same language, Arts-2 years including music, creative writing, drama art, and Computer Applications-1/2 year.
Acceptance into the college of your choice will most likely be based on the following criteria: (1) good academic record in a solid college prep program; (2) recommendations indicating support for academic and personal growth; (3) admissions test(s); (4) commitment to or involvement in some school, extracurricular, or community activity; (5) personal qualifications like energy, initiative, motivation, leadership, or creativity and (6) attendance.
College bound students should take the ACT (American College Test) as part of the junior testing program. The Guidance Office will assist students in registration. The ACT test is preferred by most Minnesota Colleges, in fact, most mid-western colleges, but it may be necessary to take the SAT if one plans to attend an Eastern College. Check in the college catalogs for specific individual admission requirements. Most Technical Colleges have no specific admission test requirements.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- FCCLA (FAMILY, CAREER & COMMUNITY LEADERS OF AMERICA) will include both boys and girls in junior and senior high who have or will be taking a Family and Consumer Science course. Chapter meetings are held 2 times a month during senior high lunch.
- FFA is a national organization of high school students enrolled in Agricultural Education classes. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through involvement in the many different FFA activities.
- TETON STAFF is responsible for preparing the school annual for publication.
- SPEECH PROGRAM encourages junior and senior high school students to take part in speech activities at Tracy Area High School. Too few realize the fun and benefits of participating in speech programs. Students interested in this area can take part in speech contests throughout the season.
- STUDENT COUNCIL is composed of elected class officers of the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades. The purpose of this organization is to develop attitudes of practice in good citizenship; promote harmonious relations throughout the student body; improve school morale; provide services as needed to the school; provide a forum for student expression; provide orderly direction of school activities, charter groups, and other organizations and promote the general welfare of the school.
- PEER HELPERS. This group’s primary goal is to make our high school a safe, nurturing environment in which to learn. They sponsor several lyceums, speakers, programs and activities designed to help students deal with various issues such as stress, drugs, alcohol, sex, peer pressure, tobacco use, discrimination, safe driving, eating disorders, etc. Students are selected by their peers in 9th grade and are trained before they begin grade 10. Non-peer selection is also a possibility arranged through the advisor.
- KNOWLEDGE BOWL features teams of 4 students who compete against neighboring schools in weekly contests featuring questions on a wide range of topics. It is open to students in grades 7-12.
- NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (NHS) members are chosen based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership and service. Activities and projects selected by this organization fulfill a need within the school or community.
- THEATRE ARTS PROGRAM: TAHS offers two school plays during the school year. There is a Fall Play and a One Act Play. Any students, grade 7-12, may audition. The One Act Play goes to competition, usually at the end of January. We try to cast as many students as are interested, but are a little limited by the roles each script requires. There is always need for more students to work backstage: costumes, make-up, set design or construction, props. We would also like to always have a stage manager to be the director’s “right hand”. To get involved, watch for announcements of the auditions to try out for a part as well as sign up to work backstage.
- ENGINEERING CLUB: As part of the Engineering Club, participants will work on a variety of engineering activities in order to gain an understanding of how to use a set of materials to accomplish a given task. Participants may be required to attend and assist at various engineering competitions.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
(REQUIRING CLASS TIME DURING THE SCHOOL DAY)
The following activities are scheduled into the regular school day. Thus, a student desiring to participate in the activities listed below should plan an hour during the course of the day.
1. CHOIRChoir is comprised of a group of boys and girls in senior high. See Choir 9-12,
page 17.
2. BANDBand rehearsal for senior high is held five days a week. Rehearsal attendance,
treated as any academic class, will be required of all members. Student
placement in sections is determined by auditions with the band director.
Private lessons and sectional rehearsals are scheduled in addition to the class
hour to emphasize solo and ensemble work. See Band 9-12, page 17.
CREDITS NEEDED TO GRADUATE
Credits begin to accumulate in Grade 9. (Exception: Intermediate Algebra counts if taken in 8th grade.)
Students graduating in 2010 need a total of at least 27 credits to graduate.
Students graduating in 2016 need .5 credit P.E. and .5 credit Health.
REQUIRED COURSES
GRADE 9GRADE 10
ENGLISH 91 CREDITENGLISH 101 CREDIT
U.S. HISTORY 91 CREDITWORLD HISTORY I &.5 CREDIT
INTER. ALGEBRA or1 CREDITWORLD HISTORY II or.5 CREDIT
INTER. ALGEBRA CONCEPTS AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
GEOMETRYGEOMETRY or1 CREDIT
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 91 CREDITGEOMETRY CONCEPTS
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 9.50 CREDITGEOMETRY ESL
HEALTH 9.50 CREDITINTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA
MUST TAKE 2 CREDITS OF THE FOLLOWING:ALGEBRA II
BAND orBIOLOGY1 CREDIT
CHOIR or
AG 9/TECH 9 or
FACS 9/ART 9
GRADE 11GRADE 12
AMERICAN LITERATURE & .5 CREDITENGLISH 12 or1 CREDIT
SPEAKING & WRITINGor.5 CREDITENGLISH 151: ACADEMIC WRITING
ESSENT OF SPKING & LISTENING 110AMERICAN GOVERNMENT &.5 CREDIT
U. S. GEOGRAPHY.5 CREDITECONOMICS or.5 CREDIT
WORLD GEOGRAPHY or.5 CREDITPOLITICAL SCI. 120: AM NAT’L GOV
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHYMATH *if requirements not yet met
ALGEBRA II or1 CREDITSCIENCE *if requirements not yet met
GEOMETRY
ALGEBRA II CONCEPTS
CHEMISTRY 1 CREDIT
TRACY AREA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
ENGLISH4 CREDITS
SOCIAL SCIENCE4 CREDITS
MATH3 CREDITS
SCIENCE3 CREDITS
PHYS ED/HEALTH.50 CREDIT EACH
FINE ARTS1 CREDIT
REQUIRED AND ELECTIVE COURSES
OFFERED AT TRACY AREA SCHOOL
ENGLISH
ENGLISH 9
REQUIREDFULL YEAR
GRADE 91 CREDIT
COURSE #101A/B
English 9 is a course that works to build students’ skills in the areas of grammar, writing, reading, literature, spelling and vocabulary. The skills learned in this class will build on student’s current knowledge of the English language and will push students to become more diverse writers who use a variety of sentence, paragraph and essay structure. The class also works to prepare students for the BST writing test. Pieces of literature covered are Anthem, Of Mice and Men, and Romeo and Juliet. Students write several five-paragraph essays, learn proper sentence structure, use the Image Grammar program to develop descriptive writing skills, and continue Accelerated Reader. Spelling and vocabulary units continue using the Vocabulary from Greek and Latin Roots program.
ENGLISH 10
REQUIREDFULL YEAR
GRADE 101 CREDIT
COURSE #102A/B
English 10 is a course that works to build students’ skills in the areas of reading, literature, grammar, writing, speaking, spelling, and vocabulary. The skills learned in this class will build on students’ current knowledge of the English language and will push students to a deeper understanding of the genres of literature. Students will read the novel Buried Onions, short stories, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Antigone, poetry and nonfiction. Students will be introduced to MLA documentation in research papers, and the class will prepare students for the MCA II reading test. Spelling and vocabulary units continue using the Vocabulary from Greek and Latin Roots program.
AMERICAN LITERATURE
REQUIREDSEMESTER
GRADE 11.5 CREDIT
COURSE #103A
This semester course surveys the literature of America from a historical perspective: eighteenth century, nineteenth century, and twentieth century. Literature will include speeches, letters, and biographies as well as poetry, short stories, and the novel The Great Gatsby. Grades will be given for study question completion, quizzes, unit tests, and an occasional theme. Weekly spelling/vocabulary tests will be given.
SPEAKING AND WRITING
REQUIREDSEMESTER
GRADE 11.5 CREDIT
COURSE #103B
This semester course covers 18 weeks of speech and writing. Students will be required to prepare and present several individual speeches consisting of informative, persuasive, demonstration, and impromptu. The writing quarter will require using a defined process to prepare several papers with the emphasis on expository writing. Weekly spelling/vocabulary tests will be given.
ENGLISH 12
REQUIREDFULL YEAR
GRADE 121 CREDIT
COURSE #104A/B
English 12 is a course that acts as a culmination of English skills. Writing, critical thinking and literature are emphasized. The skills learned in this class will cement students’ knowledge of the English language, help them look back on their elementary and high school experiences through writing, and prepare them to use English in their futures. Major units of study include writing children’s books, advertising, persuasion, Shakespeare and modern translations, resume writing, and essay writing. Spelling and vocabulary units continue using the Vocabulary from Greek and Latin Roots program.