Class of 2018Class of 2018Registration for Junior ClassesRegistration for Junior Classes

Independence High Independence High SchoolSchool

Home of the KnightsHome of the Knights

Sophomores, registration for next year’s classes will be

beginning soon!The IHS counselors will be meeting with

you February 8th- 11th.

Here is some information for you in order to prepare!

Academic & Course Academic & Course CatalogCatalog

The Academic & Course Catalogs are online! You can find the complete 2016-17 Academic Guide and Course Catalog online

on the Frisco ISD website at:

How Many Credits How Many Credits are Required to are Required to

Graduate?Graduate?A student needs 26 credits in order to A student needs 26 credits in order to graduate. A half-credit is earned each graduate. A half-credit is earned each

semester for each class passed with a 70 semester for each class passed with a 70 or above average.or above average.Next year, as a Next year, as a

junior, you must junior, you must take a minimum take a minimum

of 6 classes of 6 classes (most juniors still (most juniors still decide to take 8). decide to take 8).

Graduation Plans- What Credits are Graduation Plans- What Credits are required to graduate required to graduate

Subject Credits Required CoursesEnglish 4 English 1, 2, 3, 4Math 4 Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II, 4th mathScience 4 Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 4th science

OR Biology, IPC, Chemistry, PhysicsSocial Studies 4 World Geo, World History, U.S. History,

Government & EconomicsForeign Language 2 Spanish, French, Chinese, ASL* 1 & 2P.E. 1 P.E., Athletics/Training, Fall Band, Fall Color Guard, Drill Team, Cheer, Dance (not

an option for athletes)Health .5 Health, Health Science (Pre-req: Medical Terminology)Speech .5 Professional Communications Fine Arts 1 Art, Theater Arts, Choir, Band, Dance, Orchestra, DGA, Elements of

Floral Design (grade 10+)Technology 1 BIM, Digital Interactive Media, DGA, Computer Science, Web

Technologies, Computer Maintenance, Yearbook, Video Technology, Broadcast, IED, + possible additions

Electives (Endorsements) 4Total 26

*ASL does not meet all college admissions requirements.

**Chinese is online and ASL may be online.

Sophomores PLEASE REVIEW:

What is an What is an Elective?Elective?

•Any course taken that is not on the required list of classes, is an elective.

•This includes extra math, science, technology, etc. courses.

Arts & HumanitiesPolitical Science, World Languages, Cultural Studies, Literature, History,

Fine Arts

Business & IndustryInformation Technology, Finance,

Architecture, Ag Science

Sophomores must also earn an Sophomores must also earn an EndorsementEndorsement during high school (by taking classes in one (or during high school (by taking classes in one (or

more) of these areas:more) of these areas:

All IHS students will earn a All IHS students will earn a Multi-DisciplinaryMulti-Disciplinary endorsement by taking the 4 core classes endorsement by taking the 4 core classes

each yeareach year. Additional endorsements will be . Additional endorsements will be earned simply by the classes you take in high earned simply by the classes you take in high

school. school.

Public ServicesDoctor, Nurse, Criminal Investigator, Law Clerk, Teacher, Athletic Trainer

STEMScience, Technology,

Engineering, Mathematics

Endorsements continuedEndorsements continued

What’s Different About AP What’s Different About AP Courses?Courses?

•AP courses provide COLLEGE-LEVEL curriculum.•Requires more independent work outside of class•Take the same 3-hour AP exam at the same specified time in May as other students across the nation•AP Exam scores range from 1 - 5•Students scoring a 3, 4, or 5 may be eligible for college credit

Should I Sign Up for On-Level Should I Sign Up for On-Level or Pre-AP/AP in a Subject?or Pre-AP/AP in a Subject?

•Pre-AP/AP provides additional weight points and colleges like to see these on your transcript if you do well.•Consult with your teachers in that subject area; they know your abilities and study habits best.•Talk with your counselor and your parents.•Pre-AP/AP schedule changes only allowed after first six-weeks grading cycle and at semester.

New for 2016-17New for 2016-17AP CAPSTONE Program AP CAPSTONE Program

•AP Capstone is a two year sequence of courses- AP Seminar and AP Research.•AP Seminar will be offered in 2016-17 for any 10th-12th grader.• AP Seminar focuses on college-level analysis, writing, and research skills. •This class will count as an additional Social Studies credit. •For more information, make plans to attend the AP Capstone information night on: January 20th at 6:00 pm in the IHS auditorium

Class RankClass Rank•Class Rank is used for College Admission purposes•Rank is computed by Grade Point Average•Junior rank determines college admissions•Pre-AP, AP and college courses receive additional grade points•No points earned for failed classes•Refer to the Academic Guide for GPA guidelines•Class rank will be posted for 10th graders to Family Connection in mid-February—make sure that your email address is current in Family Connection

Rank in Class Rank in Class PolicyPolicy

Rank in class, honor graduate status, valedictorian and

salutatorian determination shall be based on a

weighted grade point average (GPA) system.Grades will be weighted

according to the level of the course.

AP/PAP Dual Credit

Regular Grade Point

9595 100100 5.55.5

9494 9999 5.45.49393 9898 5.35.3

9292 9797 5.25.29191 9696 5.15.19090 9595 100100 5.05.08989 9494 9999 4.94.98888 9393 9898 4.84.88787 9292 9797 4.74.78686 9191 9696 4.64.68585 9090 9595 4.54.58484 8989 9494 4.44.4

A Rank ExampleA Rank Example(Use Your Semester Grades to (Use Your Semester Grades to

calculate)calculate)On-level English – 89 = 3.9 grade pointsPre-AP W. Geog – 88 = 4.8 grade pointsAlgebra 1 – 68 = 0 grade pointsOn-level Biology – 79 = 2.9 grade pointsAdd the grade points: 3.9 + 4.8 + 0 + 2.9 = 11.6Divide 11.6 by 4 = 2.9 GPA

What Counts in College What Counts in College Admissions?Admissions?

Source: NACAC Admission Trends Survey Source: NACAC Admission Trends Survey 20112011

Top 10% RuleTop 10% Rule• Class Rank and GPA are used to

determine if you are in the “Top 10%” of your class.

• Students who are in the top 10% of their class (end of junior year) are automatically accepted into Texas public colleges. (UT Austin is now top 8%)

Promotion to 11Promotion to 11thth GradeGrade

•To become a junior, you must have earned at least 12 total credits before the beginning of next year!

Plan CarefullyPlan Carefully•Some classes have prerequisites. Consult the course catalog and plan your schedule carefully.•Example of a prerequisite:

•You must take Medical Terminology before you can take Health Science I.

•Pay attention to what you must first take in order to get to your ultimate goal.•This is very important for CTE classes!

Programs Needing Programs Needing Applications or Teacher Applications or Teacher

Approval at IHS:Approval at IHS:

CTE Courses that require an online application:

•Marketing Dynamics•Practicum in Marketing Dynamics•Practicum in Veterinary Medical Applications•Advanced Practicum in Veterinary Medical Applications•Instructional Practice in Health Science Technology - Clinical & Nursing Home Rotations (HST 2)•Practicum in Health Science Technology - Specialized Rotation (HST 3)•Practicum in Health Science Technology - Pharmacology•Practicum in Educational Practice•Advanced Practicum in Educational Practice•Child Guidance & Management•Practicum in Child Guidance & Management•Culinary Arts•Practicum in Culinary Arts•Sports Management•Practicum in Law Enforcement (This Practicum course is no longer available)•Practicum in Local Government•Practicum in Graphic Design & Illustration•Practicum in Architectural Design

***Online application is on the CTE Center’s website!

**The deadline for the completed application is Sunday, February 21st ** Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted

Special ProgramsSpecial Programs•Marketing Dynamics is a course that gives you credit for having a job. If you are employed, or will be in the fall, you might qualify for this class. A certain number of hours a week worked is required. (Requires online CTE application submitted). •Practicum in Educational Practice allows students the chance to work in a school setting. You plan and teach lessons at your assigned school, much like a student teacher. (Online application and interview required. Must have taken Survey of Ed. and Child Dev.)

Special ProgramsSpecial Programs

•Child Guidance & Mgmt allows you the chance to work with infants and toddlers at the FISD daycare center. (Online application required. Must haven taken Survey of Ed. and Child Dev.)•Inst Practice in Health Science (2 and beyond) is designed for students interested in nursing or the medical field. (Online application and interview required. Must have completed Health Science 1)

Special ProgramsIndependent Study & Mentorship

(ISM)• ISM is a research-based course that gives

students the opportunity to research a career field and create an original product under the guidance of a mentor in that field. Student projects include all areas, including fine arts, science, math, finance, business, law, education, medicine, etc.

• Students must apply and interview to be accepted for this course. Applications will be available in the counseling office starting Feb. 1st.

Interested in Student Congress? Interested in Student Congress?

•Do not sign up for Student Congress on your course verification sheet (when you meet with the counselors in February).

•There will be an application process later in April for next year’s Student Congress!

Late Arrival/Early Late Arrival/Early ReleaseRelease•You can sign up for early release

if you are in good-standing and have enough credits.•May not be looked upon favorably by colleges.•No rank points or credit earned.•Must be off campus during scheduled time for late arrival or early release.•Therefore, must have transportation.

Aide PositionsAide Positions•Do not sign up for teacher aide or office aide during course selection…you may request this at schedule pick-up or during the first two weeks of school.•Office Aide and Teacher Aide positions are limited.•May not be looked upon favorably by colleges.•No rank points or credit earned.

Early GraduationEarly Graduation

Please visit with your counselor in order to determine if you are eligible to graduate early!

Schedule Schedule ChangesChanges•No elective changes, including

alternates, will be made after April 15, 2016.•Only approved program changes (in or out of athletics, band, etc.) can be made the first two weeks of the new semester.•PAP and AP students must complete the first six-weeks grade cycle before a change to on-level will be considered.

Thinking of Thinking of SummerSummerSchool???School???

•The following courses are typically offered in summer school for advancement:

•Business Information Mgmt (1 credit)•Digital & Interactive Media (1 credit)•Health (.5 credit)•Professional Communications (.5 credit)•Medical Terminology (.5 credit)•IPC (Integrated Physics & Chemistry) (1 credit)

Summer school registration information is available on the FISD website in late April. **Can take up to 1 full credit in summer school. Summer school grades do NOT count into GPA.**

Career Planner in Career Planner in HACHAC•Want to update your courses before you

meet with your counselor in February? •Starting January 15th, IHS students can update courses in Home Access under the “Class” icon by selecting the “Career Planner” tab.

Career Planner in Career Planner in HACHAC•This is an assignment you will complete

on your own, if you choose. Login to Home Access and modify your 4-year plan to reflect your new courses for the upcoming year(s). •This online function will close January 24th. The counselors will meet with you in February to review your selections and make any needed changes.

Dates to RememberDates to Remember•Jan. 15th-24th- Career Planner turned on in HAC for students to update 4 year plan if they choose to

•February 8th-11th – Counselors will meet individually with all sophomores

•February 18th- all course verification forms due back to the IHS counseling office

***If you do not turn in your course verification sheet, we will choose classes for you.

***Complete the alternate classes or we choose those for you! Alternates that end up on your schedule next year cannot be changed!

IHS IHS CounselorsCounselors Heather Holmes (A-B)

holmesh@friscoisd.org

Rosalyn Greer (C – J) greerr@friscoisd.org

Katie Puente (K-Q) puentek@friscoisd.org

Jason Wooden (R-Z) woodenj@friscoisd.org

We look forward to

seeing you in a few weeks for registration!