PamlicoCountyHigh School
Curriculum Bulletin 2013-2014
Educating Students Today
for Tomorrow’s Dreams
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PamlicoCountyHigh School Freshman-Sophomore-Junior Curriculum Bulletin 2013-2014
Table of Contents
GENERAL INFORMATION
Registration Procedure...... 2
Fees...... 3
Graduation Requirements...... 4
Early Junior Graduation...... 4
January Graduation...... 4-5
Promotion Requirements...... 5
High School Graduation Requirements...... 6-7
Grade Point Average and Class Rank...... 8-9
Graduation Honors and Awards...... 9
Senior Recognitions...... 9
Principal’s List and Honor Roll...... 9
Athletic Eligibility...... 9
High School Assessments...... 9-10
Assessment Instruments – College Bound Students...... 10-11
President’s Award for Educational Excellence...... 11
Selecting An area of Concentration...... 12
North Carolina Career Clusters...... 13-21
Public Notification...... 22
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Career and Technical Education Department...... 23-36
Arts Education Department...... 36-39
English Department...... 40-42
Healthful Living Department...... 43-44
Mathematics Department...... 44-47
Naval Science Department (NJROTC)...... 47-49
Science Department...... 49-51
Second Language Department...... 51-52
Social Studies Department...... 52-55
Alternate Choices for Course Offerings...... 55
Career and College Promise...... 55-58
School Counselors Contact Information...... 59
APPENDICES
Appendix A—UNC Colleges Minimum Course Requirements...... 60
NC Scholars Program...... 60
Appendix B – NCAA Eligibility Standards...... 61-62
Appendix C – Driver’s Education...... 63
Appendix D – Future ReadyFour-YearHigh School Plan...... 64
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PamlicoCountyHigh School Freshman-Sophomore-Junior Curriculum Bulletin 2013-2014
REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
Registration procedures will be completed in February and March. Courses are to be selected for the next full year. Course selections will be final decisions unless a course must be repeated. When course conflicts occur in scheduling, students will be enrolled in an alternate course.
There will be a Drop/Add period scheduled during the summer for five days only. Parents will be notified of the specific dates at a later time. Course changes for both first and second semesters must be made during this Drop/Add period. There will be no Drop/Add period between semesters.
Please follow these steps as you use this curriculum bulletin:
- Study the general information given to determine the courses needed for graduation, NC Scholars recognition, or college admission.
- Select courses based on the course descriptions and the list of course offerings (Note: Don’t forget to review the pre-requisites and grade levels for each course selected.)
- Consult the school counselor whenever you have questions.
- Use the Four-year Plan found in Appendix D as a draft to plan your course work. Do not forget to include the Concentration electives. (See pages 13-21)
- Teacher recommendation or approval is required for some courses.
Other Important Points to Consider When Registering
All students must register for 8 courses (or equivalent) plus 3 alternate courses for elective courses. When course conflicts occur in scheduling, students will be enrolled in an alternate course they have chosen.
Students willchoose courses for both semesters. In August, students will receive their schedules for the full year. There will be an opportunity for drop/add prior to the beginning of the school year. This is the only opportunity to change courses for the entire school year (first and second semester). There will not be another drop/add opportunity at the end of first semester.
Your 2nd period is your homeroom.
Block Scheduling
Under the Block Scheduling guidelines, students register for eight courses each year. Students are enrolled in four 90-minute classes each day. Each course is one semester in length and students receive a full course credit at the end of each semester for each course passed. Students have the opportunity to earn eight units of credit each year for a total of 32 credits over a four-year period.
FEES
STUDENTS TAKING THE FOLLOWING COURSE(S) WILL PAY APPLICABLE FEES TO THE APPROPRIATE TEACHER.
Course / Fee / Course / FeeAgriculture / 6.00 / Drafting-Engineering II & III / 5.00
Art / 10.00 / Earth/Environmental Science / 5.00
Band / 20.00 / Early Child Education / 10.00
Biology / 5.00 / Family/Consumer Sciences / 5.00
Carpentry / 5.00 / Health Occupations (per unit credit) / 10.00
Chemistry / 5.00 / Marine Biology / 5.00
Chorus / 8.00 / Math / 2.00
Accounting / 5.00 / Physical Ed (Health) / 3.00
Microsoft ITA / 10.00 / PE Uniform / 7.00
Drafting / 5.00 / Physical Science / 5.00
Drafting-Architectural II & III / 5.00 / Physics / 5.00
Note: These fees are subject to change.
ALL STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN ANY ATHLETIC PROGRAM, AGRICULTURE COURSES, CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY, FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE COURSES, HEALTH OCCUPATIONS COURSES, OR PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES MUST BE COVERED BY SCHOOL INSURANCE OR PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE.
Additional fees for workbooks, lab manuals, instruments, and materials necessary for student participation will be suggested in some classes on an optional basis.
All students will be charged a laptop insurance fee of $25.00 annually.
FEES NOTE: No student shall be denied enrollment in any course because he/she is financially unable to pay the course fee. Economically disadvantaged students may apply for and receive a waiver of fees if their family’s income qualifies them for economic assistance. Waiver of Fee form may be obtained from the assistant principal. Complete the form and return to the assistant principal within four weeks of the student’s first day of class.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to graduate from Pamlico County High School, a student must successfully complete his/her Course of Study (requirements), earn twenty-eight(28) credits and pass all testing requirements.
Students shall meet the following requirements to receive a North Carolina high school diploma:
- Complete requirements in Future Ready Core Course of study.
- Complete a Graduation Project that is developed, monitored, and scored within the LEA using state-adopted rubrics; Requirements of the graduation project will include:
- a research paper written on an approved topic of the student’s choice
- a presentation to a panel of faculty and community members
- Successful completion of a minimum of twenty-eight (28) units of credit earned in Grades 9-12. See chart on pages 6 and 7.
EARLY JUNIOR GRADUATION
Students who have met requirements to graduate at the end of their junior year must submit a form to be reviewed by the principal during the spring of their sophomore year (see School Counselor to discuss this matter). If this procedure is not followed, the request may be denied for early graduation. Intent forms will be forwarded to the Superintendent and reviewed by both the Superintendent and the School Board.
Juniors must show satisfactory mastery of high school academic skills and concepts; take courses through the regular school program and meet all of the necessary requirements for graduation. Junior graduates will be allowed to participate in senior fall activities if they have completed at least 20 credits by the end of their sophomore year. Early junior graduates may participate in end-of-year graduation exercises and other spring semester activities (prom, awards ceremony, graduation practice, etc.). Students and parents should make arrangements for senior pictures the summer prior to graduation.
Note: All fees must be paid before a student will be allowed to receive his/her diploma.
JANUARY GRADUATION
A student must show satisfactory mastery of high school academic skills and concepts; take courses through the regular school program and meet all of the necessary requirements for graduation. January graduates may participate in end-of-year-graduation exercises and other spring semester activities (prom, awards ceremony, graduation practice, etc.). The student will be responsible for obtaining information concerning senior activities and for related cost. The school will not send individual mailings.
Students who have met graduation requirements must submit a form to be reviewed by the principal during the spring registration of their junior year to declare their intent to graduate in January of the following year (see School Counselor to discuss this matter). If this procedure is not followed, the request may be denied for early graduation. Intent forms will be forwarded to the Superintendent and reviewed by both the Superintendent and the School Board.
Note: All fees must be paid before a student will be allowed to receive his/her diploma.
PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS
Promotion requirements are determined by the Pamlico County Board of Education:
Promotion to Freshman Class (9th Grade)
Satisfactory completion of local requirements.
Promotion to Sophomore Class (10th Grade)
Satisfactory completion of at least six (6) credits including English I.
Promotion to Junior Class (11th Grade)
Satisfactory completion of at least thirteen (13) credits including English I and II.
Promotion to Senior Class (12th Grade)
Satisfactory completion of at least twenty (20) credits including English I, English II, and English III.
Graduation
Satisfactory completion of at least twenty-eight (28) credits and designated End of Course exams including all coursework required by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Pamlico County Schools..
High School Graduation Requirements
To be sure you are on track, remember that every high school student must meet course and credit requirements, complete the North Carolina Graduation Project, End-of-Course test requirements and local requirements. Your school counselor is available to answer any questions you may have about what you need to reach your goals of high school graduation. The course and credit requirements are listed in the chart below. Information about the North Carolina Graduation Project can be found at The project includes four components: a research paper, a portfolio, a product and a presentation.
For some Ninth Graders with Cognitive Disabilities 2000-> / For Ninth Graders Entering in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 / For Ninth Graders Entering in 2011-2012 and Later / For Ninth Graders Entering in 2012-2013 and LaterCONTENT AREA / OCCUPATIONAL Course of Study Requirements (Determined by an IEP team) / FUTURE-READY CORE / FUTURE-READY CORE / FUTURE-READY CORE
English / 4 Credits Occupational English I, II, III, IV / 4 Credits I, II, III, IV / 4 Credits I, II, III, IV / 4 Credits I, II, III, IV
Mathematics / 3 Credits Occupational Mathematics I, II, III / 4 Credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) OR (Integrated Math I, II, III) and a 4th Math course to be aligned with the student's post high school plans.
A student, in rare instances, may be able to take an alternative math course sequence as outlined under State Board of Education policy. Please see your school counselor for more details. / 4 Credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) OR (Integrated Math I, II, III) and a 4th Math course to be aligned with the student's post high school plans.
A student, in rare instances, may be able to take an alternative math course sequence as outlined under State Board of Education policy. Please see your school counselor for more details. / 4 Credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) OR (Integrated Math I, II, III) and a 4th Math course to be aligned with the student's post high school plans.
A student, in rare instances, may be able to take an alternative math course sequence as outlined under State Board of Education policy. Please see your school counselor for more details.
Science / 2 Credits Life Skills Science I, II / 3 Credits A physical science course, Biology, Earth/ Environmental Science / 3 Credits A physical science course, Biology, Earth/ Environmental Science / 3 Credits A physical science course, Biology, Earth/ Environmental Science
Social Studies / 2 Credits Social Studies I (Government/US History) Social Studies II (Self- Advocacy/Problem Solving) / 3 Credits
Civics and Economics, US History, World History / 3 Credits
Civics and Economics, American History I, World History / 4 Credits
Civics and Economics, American History I and II, OR AP US History*, World History
*Students who take AP US History instead of taking American History I and American History II must also take an additional social studies course in order to meet the four credits requirement.
Second Language / Not required / Not required for graduation. Required to meet MAR (minimum application requirements) for UNC. / Not required for graduation. Required to meet MAR (minimum application requirements) for UNC. / Not required for graduation. Required to meet MAR (minimum application requirements) for UNC.
Health and Physical Education / 1 Credit Health/Physical Education / 1 Credit Health/Physical Education / 1 Credit Health/Physical Education / 1 Credit Health/Physical Education
For some Ninth Graders with Cognitive Disabilities 2000-> / For Ninth Graders Entering in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 / For Ninth Graders Entering in 2011-2012 and Later / For Ninth Graders Entering in 2012-2013 and Later
CONTENT AREA / OCCUPATIONAL Course of Study Requirements (Determined by an IEP team) / FUTURE-READY CORE / FUTURE-READY CORE / FUTURE-READY CORE
Electives or other requirements*** / Occupational Preparation: 6 Credits Occupational Preparation I, II, III, IV :
6 Other Elective credits/ completion of IEP objectives/Career Portfolio required / 13 Credits required --
2 Elective credits of any combination from either:
--Career and Technical Education
--Arts Education
--Second Languages
4 Elective credits (four course concentration) from one of the following:
--Career and Technical Education
--JROTC
--Arts Education (e.g. band, music, visual arts)
--Any other subject area (e.g. mathematics, science, social studies, English)
-- AP classes, College classes
7 Elective credits-defined as any course that is not a required course / 13 Credits required --
2 Elective credits of any combination from either:
--Career and Technical Education
--Arts Education
--Second Languages
4 Elective credits (four course concentration) from one of the following:
--Career and Technical Education
--JROTC
--Arts Education (e.g. band, music, visual arts)
--Any other subject area (e.g. mathematics, science, social studies, English)
-- AP classes, College classes
7 Elective credits-defined as any course that is not a required course / 12 Credits required --
2 Elective credits of any combination from either:
--Career and Technical Education
--Arts Education
--Second Languages
4 Elective credits (four course concentration) from one of the following:
--Career and Technical Education
--JROTC
--Arts Education (e.g. band, music, visual arts)
--Any other subject area (e.g. mathematics, science, social studies, English)
-- AP classes, College classes
6 Elective credits-defined as any course that is not a required course
Career and Technical / 4 Credits Career and Technical Education electives
JROTC
Arts Education
Band, Music, Visual Arts)
Recommended: at least one credit in an arts discipline and/or requirement by local decision
Total / 28 Credits plus any local requirements / 28 Credits plus any local requirements / 28 Credits plus any local requirements / 28 Credits plus any local requirements
GRADE POINT AVERAGE ANDCLASS RANK
At PamlicoCountyHigh School, students' grade point averages (GPA) and class ranks are computed by NCWise using the weighted GPA 2 system. The first averaging and ranking are done after first semester of the freshman year. Thereafter, students' grade point averages and class ranks are done twice a year--at the end of first semester and at the end of the year.
QUALITY POINTS
The standardized transcript will use a 4.0 scale broken down as follows for Academiccourses:
96-100=4.0095=3.8894=3.75
93=3.6392=3.5091=3.38
90=3.2589=3.1388=3.00
87=2.8886=2.7585=2.63
84= 2.5083=2.3882=2.25
81=2.1380=2.0079=1.88
78=1.7577=1.6376=1.50
75=1.3874=1.2573=1.13
70-72=1.0000-69=0.00
The standardized transcript will use a 4.0 scale broken down as follows for Honorscourses;
96-100=5.0095=4.8894=4.75
93=4.6392=4.5091=4.38
90=4.2589=4.1388=4.00
87=3.8886=3.7585=3.63
84= 3.5083=3.3882=3.25
81=3.1380=3.0079=2.88
78=2.7577=2.6376=2.50
75=2.3874=2.2573=2.13
70-72=2.0000-69=0.00
The standardized transcript will use a 4.0 scale broken down as follows for AP courses:
96-100=6.0095=5.8894=5.75
93=5.6392=5.5091=5.38
90=5.2589=5.1388=5.00
87=4.8886=4.7585=4.63
84= 4.5083=4.3882=4.25
81=4.1380=4.0079=3.88
78=3.7577=3.6376=3.50
75=3.3874=3.2573=3.13
70-72=3.0000-69=0.00
Pamlico County Schools will use a weighted GPA to determine students' class ranks. The weighted GPA will be used to determine Beta Club membership, Honor Roll, and Principal’s List.
GRADUATION HONORS AND AWARDS
The valedictorian, the salutatorian, and the graduation marshals are determined by the weighted system. The valedictorian and salutatorian are determined at the end of the school year. The senior with the highest weighted GPA will be the valedictorian, and the senior with the next highest weighted GPA will be the salutatorian. These students must have been enrolled at PamlicoCountyHigh School for four consecutive semesters prior to graduation. The junior with the highest weighted GPA will be the chief marshal. Ten other juniors will be selected based on the next highest weighted GPA calculations. The graduation marshals are determined at the end of the first semester of each year. Juniors only will serve as graduation marshals.
SENIOR RECOGNITIONS
- Seniors who have earned a weighted GPA of 3.25 or higher are named honor graduates.
- Seniors who have successfully completed the North Carolina Academic Scholars' Program are recognized in the graduation program. (See Appendix A)
PRINCIPAL’S LIST AND HONOR ROLL
- Students with a weighted GPA of 3.88 are eligible for the Principal’s List based upon the GPA of the current semester.
- Students with a weighted GPA of 3.2 are eligible for the Honor Roll based upon the GPA of the current semester.
ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY
In order for a student to participate on any athletic team at PamlicoCountyHigh School, he/she must have passed 3 subjects the previous semester, meet requirements for promotionand not have more than 13 absences per semester. Eighth graders who are promoted to ninth grade will be eligible to participate in high school sports for the first semester.
Student athletes should see their coaches or the PCHS Athletic Director for NCAA Freshman
Eligibility Standards. Special Note: All student-athletes must register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse if they are planning to participate in college level sports. Register at
HIGH SCHOOLASSESSMENTS
End-of-Course Tests
Certain courses require a state End-of-Course Test. Students who are enrolled in those courses must take the end-of-course test as well as earn a minimum grade of 70 in the course itself in order to receive credit for the course. The following courses currently have end-of-course tests: Algebra I, English I, and Biology. The End-of-Course tests count 25% of the final grade.
North Carolina Instructional Management System (IMS)
The North Carolina Instructional Management System (IMS) is a competency-based, computer-managed instructional management system. The system provides data on student performance and achievement in all Career and Technical Education courses. The tests are administered at the end of each semester.