Course
Description
Manual
2014-2015
Class of 2018 – Grade 8
This manual is to be used as a guide for the
selection of courses for the 2014-2015
academic year. This guide can also be used to
assist you in the planning of your entire
educational program at Roy-Hart.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Counseling Department ..................... page
3-6
Art Department .................................. page
7-8
English Department............................ page
9-10
Foreign Language ............................... page
11-12
Humanities…………………………… page
13
Math Department ............................... page
14-16
Music Department .............................. page
17-18
Physical Education and Health .......... page
19
Science Department ............................ page
20-22
Social Studies Department ................. page
23-25
Technology Department ..................... page
26-30
Introduction
Careful course selection is a critical part of your High School experience. The
process of course selection is one way you can put into practice some of the decisionmaking strategies you have learned. Your schedule is the educational map for the school
year. The choice process is an expression of the partnership we seek to promote between
students, parents and school personnel.
This Course Description Manual has been prepared to assist you in that decision
making process. It contains all the courses offered with a short descriptive paragraph
giving pertinent information, course prerequisites, credits, etc. It is intended to give you as
accurate a course description as possible so that you may be aware of the content of each
subject and wisely make your selection.
Now is the time for careful consideration of your choices. You are accountable for
the decision. After your courses are chosen, we will build a master schedule that reflects
those choices. Once we make this commitment of our resources in the spring, changing
courses becomes very difficult.
If you or your parent/guardian have any questions about the courses described here
or the process of course selection please call the Counseling Department at (716) 735 –
2000. Counselors and faculty are always available to help throughout this process.
Students need to ask questions and check to make sure they are on track for graduation.
All Students should know what classes they need and what Regents Exams they need to
graduate!!
Counselor Assignments
Ms. Diana O’Rourke
Grades 9 &10
phone: x2353
Mrs. Colleen Albee
Grades 11 & 12
phone: x2300
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
TIMELINE FOR COURSE SELECTION PROCESS
January/ February
 Classroom visits by School Counselors (Grades 8-11)
 Read the Course Description Manual
 Complete the planning worksheet
 Consult present teachers, parents and counselors to discuss choices.
 Have individual or small group meetings with counselors
 Receive verification of course requests
 Contact Counseling Department if schedules need to be modified.
A
parent/counselor/student conference may be required. All requests for course
modifications must be made by May 31, 2014
April
 Receive a copy of their 2014-2015 final course requests. These will be mailed home
with the third quarter report card.
June/July
 Receive a copy of their 2014-2015 list of scheduled classes.
 Please note schedules changes will not be made after June 30th. Students will have
had numerous times to adjust their schedules. In an effort to have the start of
school run effectively students will no longer be able to make a change beyond June
30th. The only changes to be made after June 30th will be related to summer school
or at the discretion of school staff.
August
 Receive a final copy of schedule prior to the first day of school.
NYS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Regents Diploma
English
Social Studies
Science
Math
# of Credits
4
4
3
3
Health
The Arts
*Core Credits
1
Foreign Language(LOTE)
Physical Education
2
Electives(LOTE, CTE, or
The Arts/ or BOCES
**Total Credits
Required
.5
1
15.5
1
2
3.5 (+)
Regents Exams
Grade 11
Grade 10 &11
Must pass one Science exam
Must pass the Common Core Regents
Algebra exam
NO
NO
Students will have to pass three
credits in a Foreign Language
22
Students must score a 65% or higher on 5 Regents Exams in order to graduate with
Regents Diploma.
1
Foreign Language: All students must complete one credit of foreign language. If they
decide not to continue with the second and third year they must replace the three Foreign
Language Elective credits with five credits in either 2Career and Technical Education
(CTE) or The Arts.
Advanced Regents Diploma
English
Social Studies
Science
Math
Health
The Arts
*Core Credits
1
Foreign Language(LOTE)
# of Credits
4
4
3
3
.5
1
15.5
1 (or 3)
Physical Education
2
Electives(LOTE, CTE, or
The Arts)
2
3.5
Regents Exams/Common Core
Grade 11
Grade 10 &11
Must pass two Science exams
Must pass three math exams
NO
NO
Must pass Regionally given
Comprehensive Exam after Span
3**(see below)
Students who take three credits in a
Foreign Language must pass the
Regionally
given
Comprehensive
Exam
**Total Credits Required
22
Students must score a 65% or higher on 8 Regents Exams in order to graduate.
**1
Foreign Language: All students must complete one unit of a foreign language. If they
decide not continue with the second and third year they must replace the three Foreign
Language Elective credits with five credits in either 2Career and Technical Education
(CTE) or The Arts.
ADVANCED COLLEGE PROGRAMS
Advanced Placement (AP)
The Advanced Placement program gives interested students opportunities both for collegelevel learning and for demonstrating their accomplishments through AP examinations. AP
courses are offered in English & American History. The cost of the AP examination is
approximately $85.00. It is expected that all students enrolled in AP courses will take the
corresponding AP examination(s).
Niagara University (NUSTEP): Calculus 1 (MAT 111) and Calculus 2 (MAT 112) are
taught in conjunction with Niagara University. Students enrolled in NUSTEP will receive
college credit hours upon successful completion of their course. An undergraduate tuition
fee is required for these courses for those students who wish to receive college credit. These
credits can be used toward a Baccalaureate Degree at Niagara University or may be
transferred to another college.
College Today Courses (GCC)-( Runs due to Senior Enrollment)
Students may have an opportunity to take a College Level Course at the GCC Media
Campus during their Senior year. This is year to year opportunity and will depend on
students’ availability and interest. The School Counselors will share more information with
students.
CAP (College Acceleration Program) NCCC – Spanish 4 and 5 (3 college credits each
course)
Pre-Calculus (4 college credits) Tuition for these courses handled through NCCC.
Course Change Policy
The purpose of this policy is to support our students as they strive to meet high standards.
Our goal is to prevent failure rather than react to it by students dropping out of courses.
This process involves early identification and intervention through personal contact and
conferencing so that all involved may work to promote success. As a result of increased
graduation requirements established by New York State, in order to receive a high school
diploma, students are required to take and to pass higher level courses.
After June 30, 2014 students will not be able to drop a full year or a first semester course.
It is VERY important that students keep the lines of communication open with their School
Counselors as far as what they are thinking about for their future- we are able to assist you in
selecting the best courses for you- based on your future plans… All students will have
numerous opportunities over the course of 4 years to learn more about their personality,
their strengthens and weaknesses… while participating in certain assessments such as :
INVISIONIT, PSAT and ASVAB. Students are encouraged to do their best on these
assessments so that accurate information and data can be used in their future planning!
ART COURSES
CREATIVE CRAFTS 1 & 2
Participating in art classes at Royalton-Hartland C.S. helps children gain the tools necessary for
understanding the human experience, adapting to and respecting others' ways of working and
thinking, developing creative problem-solving skills, and communicating thoughts and ideas in
a variety of ways. So, where do you begin? Start by remembering that teaching children
about art is not just about showing them how to recognize a van Gogh or Picasso; it's about
preparing young minds for a future of invaluable experiences, art related or otherwise.
At Royalton-Hartland we offer a variety of classes that all students can experience no matter
what their talent level may be. We encourage the students to explore and have fun learning
about art and perhaps maybe make a career out of it when they graduate.
The course selection for students enrolling in art for the 2014-15 school year will be as follows:
- Studio in Art and Creative Crafts are introductory classes and need to be taken
first and cannot be taken at the same time.
- Creative Crafts II, drawing/painting, ceramics and independent/advance art are
elective classes that are taken after the successful completion of Studio in Art and/or
Creative Crafts 1, depending on each elective course prerequisite.
When students select their art classes we must limit each student to 2 art classes per school
year. For Freshmen we request that they only select 1 Art class for their first HS
year.
There is a one-unit graduation requirement in Music or Art. Students may pursue additional credits; Studio
in Art is a prerequisite for most art classes.
STUDIO IN ART
Open to students in Grades 9 through 12
40 weeks - 1 credit
Studio in Art is designed to recognize and understand the what, where and how of art. This course is designed as a
foundation course for all students following an art sequence. Students will use the elements of art in a wide variety of two
and three dimensional media, processes and techniques. They will also interpret and appreciate the major art movements
and styles past and present. Class activities include: drawing and painting in pencil, charcoal, pastels, pen and ink,
tempera, water color, lettering, perspective, art history, and sculpture.
CREATIVE CRAFTS I
Open to students in Grades 9 through 12
40 weeks - 1 credit
This course is an art elective course that covers the realm of contemporary crafts including a brief history of their
origin. Popular studio experiences such as weaving, copper tooling, paper-mache, 3-D construction, mask-making,
and paper-quilling are some of the techniques to be explored.
ENGLISH
COURSES
Required Courses
Grade
9
10
Required Course
Regents Exam
English 9 or 9E
English 10 or 10E
NO
NO
11
12
English 11 or Intro to AP English
English 12 or AP English
YES
NO
Elective Course
 Creative Writing
ENGLISH 9
40 weeks _ 1 credit
This Regents level course emphasizes the development of writing and reading skills as the first of three years' preparation
for the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English. Writing activities will focus on essay format with special
attention to skills required by the NYS Regents exam essay questions. Literature study will cover drama, the novel, short
stories, essays and poetry. Students will read full-length works including: Romeo and Juliet, The Outsiders and Homer’s
The Odyssey.
ENGLISH 9 – E (Enriched)
40 weeks _ 1 credit
This Regents level course emphasizes the development of writing and reading skills as the first of three years' preparation
for the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English. Writing activities will focus on essay format with special
attention to skills required by the NYS Regents exam essay questions. Literature study will cover drama, the novel, short
stories, essays and poetry. Students will read full-length works including: Romeo and Juliet, The Outsiders and Homer’s
The Odyssey.
*Students who enroll in English 9-Enriched will be expected to do more independent reading and
preparation to allow for a deeper discussion of course content and a higher level of engagement with
relevant concepts and material. There are a limited number of seats available for this course.
Enrollment will be based on grades, teacher
recommendation and the completion of summer reading assignments..
FOREIGN
LANGUAGE
SPANISH I
Open to students in Grades 9 through 12
40 weeks - 1 credit
This is a first level course, which serves as an introduction to the Spanish language and to the culture of the Spanish
speaking world. This course is the equivalent of Spanish 7 and 8 combined. In Level I, students will be exposed to
everyday Spanish used in practical situations. These situations will include topics such as asking and giving directions,
ordering food, or making travel plans. Students will study the four basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and
listening. At this level, the main emphasis will be to develop speaking and listening skills, while reading and writing will
be covered to a lesser extent. Integration of Spanish culture is an important aspect of the Level I course. Students learn
about the hobbies, and interests of Spanish youth. This course is designed for students who have not
yet completed the Level 1 graduation requirement.
SPANISH II
Open to students in Grades 9 through 12
Prerequisite: Spanish 7 and 8 or Spanish I
40 weeks - 1 credit
Level II Spanish combines both a review of previously learned skills in Level I with the introduction of new vocabulary,
grammar, and verbs. Students will continue to develop their listening and speaking skills. A greater emphasis will be
placed on reading and writing skills. These four basic language skills will be developed through a variety of activities that
will provide the student with the opportunity to communicate in real-life situations. Spanish culture will continue to be
integrated into the course. At the conclusion of Spanish II, a local exam will be given.
Math Courses
Required Courses: *All Students Must Pass a minimum of one Regents Exam
REQUIRED COURSE
Pre-Algebra
REGENTS EXAM
NO
Common Core/ Regents Algebra 1
Common Core/ Regents Geometry
YES Algebra
YES Geometry
Intermediate Algebra 2/Trigonometry
NO
Algebra 2/ Trigonometry
Algebra 2 /
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus (advanced Students)
Students who struggle with math may take one
of the following math electives in place of
Algebra 2/Trigonometry (for their unit in
Math)
•Intermediate Algebra 2 and Trigonometry
(1 credit)
or
•
Problem Solving ½ credit
And
Consumer Math ½ credit
ELECTIVES COURSES
 Pre Calculus (strongly recommended
for accelerated students)
 Calculus 1 & 2 (strongly
recommended
for
accelerated students)
 Problem-Solving/
Consumer Math
PRE – ALGEBRA
Open to students in 9th grade by teacher and/or counselor recommendation 40 weeks – 1 credit
This course is the first in a 2-year program designed to give students a stronger background in understanding the various
branches of mathematics. Major topics in Pre-Algebra that are covered if time allows: The language of Algebra
including expressions, equations, order of operations and properties, Integers: adding, subtracting, multiplying and
dividing, Addition and Subtraction Equations, solving equations with absolute value, mean median, mode and range,
Multiplication and Division equations, multi-step equations and solving equations with variables on both sides, solving
equation with grouping symbols ( ), [ ]or { }, Solving proportions, percent problems, percent of change and probability,
Relations, Functions, and variation, Linear equations, slope, writing equations in point-slope form, writing equations in
slope-intercept form, scatter plots, graphing linear equations, parallel and perpendicular lines, Powers and exponents,
multiplying and dividing exponents, negative exponents, scientific notation, square roots, and the Pythagorean Theorem,
Polynomials: adding and subtracting, multiply a polynomial by a monomial, multiply binomials and special products,
Factoring, GCF, factoring trinomials, special products, Graphing quadratic functions (parabolas), solving quadratic
equations by graphing or factoring, exponential functions, Solve inequalities, systems of equations and radicals
ALGEBRA
High School Algebra 1
Open to students in grades 9 and 10
40 weeks - 1 credit, Regents taken in June/ Common Core Exam
Concepts broken into 5 modules:
•
Relationships between Quantities and Reasoning with Equations
•
Descriptive Statistics
•
Linear and Exponential Relationships
•
Expressions and Equations
•
Quadratic Functions and Modeling.
GEOMETRY
Open to students in Grades 9, 10, and 11
Regents/ Common Core Exam
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
40 weeks - 1 credit
Geometry is a continuation of Algebra and extends the student's knowledge in algebraic concepts, probability, and
rectangular coordinate geometry. In addition, students will cover the following concepts: Mathematical Systems,
Euclidean Geometry, Analytical Geometry, Logic Quadratic Equations, and Transformational Geometry, Locus,
Similarity, and Probability. Emphasis will be placed more on the reasoning behind problems and proofs. Students will
take the Geometry Regents Exam in June.
Music
Courses
Music Theory I
Senior High Concert Band
Senior High Chorus
Senior High Orchestra
MUSIC
There is a ONE unit graduation requirement in MUSIC or ART. Students who pursue a three or five
unit sequence in Music must complete two or four units of performance music (Senior High Band, Senior
High Chorus, or Senior High Orchestra) and Music Theory I.
CONCERT BAND
Open to students in Grades 9 to 12
Prerequisite: Audition or recommendation of instructor
40 weeks - 1 credit
This course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic
understanding as they learn to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument(s). Band rehearsals take
place every day while small group lessons are scheduled every 7 – 10 days during times that rotate
throughout the marking periods. Study will focus on acquiring, developing, and refining tone quality and
technique, music reading capabilities, performance skills, team spirit, and responsible rehearsal/practice
habits. Students will also work to improve listening skills and their ability to discuss music and music
performances. Winter, Festival, and Spring concerts are course requirements. State and county music
festival participation will be strongly encouraged.
HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS
Open to students in Grades 9 to 12
40 weeks - 1 credit
This ensemble is designed for all students who wish to develop their musicianship through vocal training.
The chorus yields 40 to 65 members. Chorus involves one scheduled rehearsal per day and one small group
lesson per week. Lessons are scheduled on a rotating “pull-out” basis. Students will be exposed to a wide
variety of vocal literature as well as having the opportunity to develop his/her personal vocal technique.
Basic music skills are also developed and strengthened on a consistent daily basis throughout the year. This
includes tonal and rhythm pattern recognition as well as daily sight-singing exercises. Performance
evaluations are administered, periodically, to ensure that students are maintaining an appropriate level of
achievement. Students are expected to participate in all Chorus activities including concerts, and are
encouraged to participate in State and County competitions.
ORCHESTRA
Open to students in Grades 9 to 12
40 weeks - 1 credit
Senior High Orchestra involves one scheduled rehearsal per day and one small group or individual lesson per
week. Lessons are scheduled on a rotating “pull-out” basis, and students are expected to make up class work
missed because of lessons. Students are expected to participate in all orchestra activities including concerts,
and encouraged to participate in NYSSMA and NCMEA festivals and solo and ensemble competition.
Physical Education
&
Health
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All Students grades 9-12
Required for Graduation
40 weeks - ½ credit (alternate days)
All students attending Royalton-Hartland Schools are required to participate in Physical Education and
receive a passing grade. Physical Education is a State required course of study. Each student will receive 1/2
credit for each year of successful completion of Physical Education for a four-year total of two credits. This
credit must be earned to complete requirements for graduation. Emphasis is placed upon a program of
sequential instruction which is directed toward the student's individual needs and which covers a wide range
of activities such as basic athletic skills, self-testing activities, lifetime sports, physical fitness, and team sports
activities. Students are required to dress in appropriate P.E. clothing. A student who is physically unable to
attend classes must secure a written excuse from a physician. The school nurse or physical education
instructor may issue temporary excuses which do not exceed two weeks. Grading is based upon participation,
preparedness, ability, effort, and a written skills test.
SCIENCE
COURSES
Required Courses:
*Required Course
*Earth Science
Regents Exam
YES
*Living Environment
YES
Students must have at
least more of the
following courses to
completed 3rd Science:
Elective Courses
 Advanced Biology (For College Credit)
 Forensic Science
 Environmental Science
 Chemistry (Regents Exam)
 Physics (Regents Exam)
SCIENCE
PHYSICAL SETTING: EARTH SCIENCE
Open to students Grades 9 through 12
40 weeks - 1 credit
Earth Science is a study of the earth, the materials composing it, the processes acting upon it, and its
environment and history. Completion of the minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory activities is a course
requirement. The culminating assessment is a New York State Regents examination. Typically this course is
taken during 9th or 10th grade.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Open to students in Grades 9 through 12
40 weeks - 1 credit
Living Environment is intended to provide a basic understanding of the general areas of Biology. These areas
include the Study of Life, both at biochemical and metabolic levels, energy transformations, the study of the
process of aerobic respiration and photosynthesis in both plants and animals, reproduction and development,
heredity, evolution, and ecology. Completion of the minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory exercises is a
course requirement. Students will take the New York State Regents Examination in June.
SOCIAL STUDIES
COURSES
Required Courses:
Required Course
Regents Exam
Global Studies 9
Global Studies 9 E
NO
Global Studies 10
Global 10 E
YES
US History or
YES
AP History
YES
Participation in
Government &
Economics
NO
Elective Courses:
 Niagara County Legislative Internship (can be used in place of PIG if
student is chosen to participate- See Mrs. Albee for details)
SOCIAL STUDIES
GLOBAL HISTORY 9 OR 9E
40 weeks - 1 credit
This course provides students with the historic, economic, social and political background of the major nonwestern cultural regions of the world and the ability to understand the multi-ethnic nature of those cultures.
In doing so the course aims to foster a global outlook and to cultivate the knowledge, skills and attitudes
needed to function effectively in an increasingly interdependent world. At the end of the course students
should be able to compare and contrast ideas, peoples and events across the globe. Successful completion of a
local final exam will be expected at the end of the course. Information learned in this course will be tested as
part of the Global Studies 10 NYS Regents exam.
GLOBAL HISTORY 9 E / OR 10E (Enriched) Students who enroll in Global 9 Enriched will be excepted to do
more independent reading and preparation to allow for a deeper discussion of course content and a higher level
of engagement with relevant concepts and material. There are a limited number of seats available for this course.
Enrollment will based on grades, teacher recommendation and the completion of summer reading assignments.
Technology
Courses
DDP- DRAFTING/CAD
ADVANCED CAD
INTERIOR DESIGN
INDEPENDENT CAD STUDY
MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATION
MATERIAL PROCESSING
ADVANCED MATERIAL PROCESSING IND. STUDY
PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING
PROGRAMMING/ WEB DESIGN
ENERGY / TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Design/CAD Track
DDP-Drafting/ CAD
(40 weeks 1 credit)
Manufacturing
(40 weeks 1 credit)
Interior Design
(40 weeks 1 credit)
Advanced CAD
(40 weeks 1 credit)
Independent CAD Study
(40 weeks 1 credit)
DDP-Drafting/ CAD
Prerequisite – None/Open to students in Grades 9 through 12
40 weeks-1 credit
Technical Drawing is an introduction to the world of drafting. The students will be
exposed to drafting equipment, basic drafting principles, general drawing concepts, and
industry standards. Hand drafting will allow the students an opportunity to explore
design, learning basic drafting concepts that will be carried forward into other design
classes.
Introduction to CAD explores the computer-aided design software, AutoCAD. Basic
drawing and editing commands will be presented, giving the students the skills to begin to
draw single view, multi-view, and pictorial view drawings. Students will explore the basics
of CAD using industry standards. A modern, hands-on approach through the use of
tutorials and basic projects provide students an immediate opportunity to start drawing.
Students will continue to develop drafting techniques using AutoCAD. Throughout the
semester, students will continue to be challenged with new projects resulting in a collection
of drawings for a portfolio.
Topics to be included: industry standards, measurement, scale, basic lettering and
dimensioning, single view drawings, multi-view drawings, CAD history, applications,
industry standards, design concepts, basics of AutoCAD, drawing management, soft &
hard copies of drawings
Recommended course: if planning to pursue additional technology coursework.
Evaluation: drawings, projects, tests/quizzes
Articulation Agreement with NCCC – upon successful completion of this course, students may
receive college credit
Manufacturing
Prerequisite –DDP/CAD
40 weeks-1 credit
This course offers the student an opportunity to explore the design
process, from conception to engineered product. They will be given
design challenges, including a variety of criteria, to which they will
brainstorm, generate concepts/ideas/possible solutions, which in
turn will be produced, creating a finished product. This class
provides opportunities in design and drawing through creative thinking, decision making,
and problem-solving experiences. Students will be given issues/problems, which in turn,
they will need to design/draw in CAD, develop a prototype, and produce a viable solution.
This project oriented course, will develop advanced CAD techniques. Each student will
continue to develop their own portfolio, including a compilation of completed work for this
course.
Evaluation: drawings, projects, tests/quizzes Articulation Agreement with NCCC – upon
successful completion of this course, students may receive college credit
Engineering Track
Traditional Engineering
Computer Engineering
Materials processing
(40 Weeks 1 credit)
Microcomputer Applications
(40 Weeks 1 credit)
Advanced Materials Processing
(40 Weeks 1 credit)
Programming/Web Design
(40 Weeks 1 credit)
Energy/Transportation Systems
(40 Weeks 1 credit)
Principles of Engineering
(40 week 1 credit)
Microcomputer Applications
Open to students in Grades 9 through 12
40 weeks – 1 credit
Basic Computer Literacy is a full year course designed to expose students to typical home
and office use of Windows operating system computers. Students will explore Microsoft
Word, Microsoft Excel, Internet Explorer, Windows operating system, Power Point, and
Microsoft Publisher.