Grade 9 Course Selection Night March 5, 2012

1. Grade 9Course Selection NightMarch 5, 2012 Littleton High School

2. Welcome & Opening Remarks Agenda for the Evening Course Scheduling Department & Course Information John M. Harrington, Ed.D Principal Cheryl A. Temple, Assistant Principal Jan Nolan & Chris Christy Guidance Counselors Mark Levine, English Kelly Ogden, Mathematics Marian Dyer, Social Studies Cheryl Harrington, Science Elizabeth Kelley, World Languages Meredith Perry, Health & Wellness Maureen Caouette, Fine & Performing Arts Sarah Dorfman, Guidance Services Michael Lynn, Athletic Director Tonight’s Program

3. Tonight’s Agenda • Course Selection Process, Timeline & Planning • College Prep & Honors Criteria • Department Chair Presentations • Athletics & Co-curricular Activities • Meet the Department Chairs- Q & A

4. NEASC • New England Association of Schools and Colleges will visit and evaluate LHS, May 5-8, 2013 • Comprehensive review of the high school in according to NEASC Standards: Core Values, Beliefs, Expectations Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, School Culture and Leadership, School Resources and Community Resources for Learning

5. 21st Century Skills Emphasis • Accessing and analyzing information • Collaboration across networks and leading by influence • Effective oral and written communication • Agility, adaptability, initiative, and entrepreneurialism • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving • Curiosity and imagination (The Global Achievement Gap, Wagner, 2008)

6. Rigorous Content Standards include 21st century skills • The 4 Cs • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving • Communication • Collaboration • Creativity and Innovation

7. Revised Mission & Expectations Statement Littleton High School Commitment to student learning and educational excellence • Littleton High School is a safe, caring, supportive, and academically challenging learning community that cultivates and models respect, responsibility, integrity, accountability, perseverance, and teamwork. • We pursue excellence in learning and the development of each student’s growth and potential through collaborative and dedicated attention to our core values, beliefs, and learning expectations. • We work together to guide our students in becoming self-reliant, responsible, and contributing citizens in a constantly changing world.

8. Our Core Values • Respect • Responsibility • Integrity • Accountability • Perseverance • Teamwork

9. Academic Expectations • Develop and apply critical thinking and problem solving skills • Demonstrate clear and effective reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills • Work independently and collaboratively to accomplish goals • Demonstrate creativity and innovation • Use technology skills as they research and communicate their learning • Engage in activities that promote physical fitness and personal health • Exhibit and employ observation, interpretation, and imagination within the arts • Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary challenges and global issues

10. Social Expectations • Respect and understand diversity and different perspectives • Become active participants in their school community

11. Civic Expectations • Understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship • Make positive contributions through community service and civic participation

12. Guidance Highlights • Naviance Parent and Student online Accounts -Planning tools for post-secondary life -Research database for Colleges, Careers & Scholarships -Account for managing and monitoring college applications & admissions process -Automated College Application System • Edline Parent Portal -Password protected site linking home to school- Active now -Web-pages featuring courses, assignments, calendars, student schedules, teacher updates, progress reports, and term grades

13. Course Selection Timeline • March 5: Posting of Program of Studies and Distribution of Sample Course Sheets • March 6: Course Selection Sheets distributed to Middle School teachers for Course Recommendations • March 27 & 28: High School Guidance Counselors meet with Middle School Students and review course selections

14. Course Selection Timeline • March 30: Course Selection sheets mailed home to Grade 8 Parents for verification • April 9: Course Selection Corrections due to Guidance • May/June: Course Schedules sent to students • August: Freshman Orientation

15. Considerations for Selections • Student’s current achievement and motivation • Honors vs College Prep criteria • Teacher recommendations • Remember each teacher is likely considering one specific subject when making recommendation. • Managing entire workload • Graduation requirements

16. Schedule Planning • Full year courses= 5.0 Credits • Semester Course= 2.5 Credits • 7 Periods/Modules to be scheduled • Students can take up to 35.0 Credits per year • Students must have a minimum of 30.0 credits when filling out course selection sheet. They should go beyond the minimum. • Students need 110 credits to fulfill graduation requirements

17. Academic Preparation Chart

18. Honors Criteria • More genuine interest in subject and self-direction • Accelerated pace with less repetition of previous work • More rigorous work and demanding requirements • Students with past academic achievement, more maturity, organization and motivation • Independent initiative and more out of class preparation • More emphasis on Analysis, Evaluation and Synthesis

19. College Prep Criteria • Develop fundamentals • Much more instructional support • Still building independent study skills • Deliberate pace with more reinforcement and review • Emphasis on Knowledge, Comprehension, and Application skills

20. Scope and SequenceEnglish Language Arts

21. Proposed 4 YearMathematics Requirement • Littleton High School has proposed a new 4 year Mathematics requirement that will start with the Class of 2015 (current Freshmen) • The MA Board of Higher Education now plans to require 4 years of Math for admission to state college and universities • This new requirement is aligned with the Mass Core Curriculum for high schools

22. Scope and SequenceMathematics

23. Scope and SequenceHistory and Social Science

24. VHS- Virtual High School • www.govhs.org • 25 available seats each semester for LHS students • Array of expansive course offerings • Site Coordinator: Mrs. Marian Dyer

25. Biology Honors Biology College Prep Scope and Sequence Science Electives AP Biology Anatomy & Physiology 9th 10th 11th Physics Honors Chemistry Honors AP Physics Environmental Science Physics College Prep Chemistry College Prep Oceanography Forensic Science Engineering I Unleveled Engineering II Unleveled

26. Scope and SequenceWorld Languages

27. Child Development Health Sports and Games Sports and Games Sports and Games Health Health Nutrition Scope and Sequence Wellness Graduation Requirements Electives Path 1 Path 2 Path 3 Fitness and Conditioning Fitness and Conditioning Fitness and Conditioning

28. Fine & Performing Arts Art Foundations & Graphics Digital Media Painting & Drawing Ceramics & Photography AP Studio Art & Art Portfolio Instrumental Music- Band & Jazz Choral Music

29. Special Education Inclusive classrooms & Learning Center- • Accommodations • Modifications • Curriculum Skills Classes • Individualized Support • Alternative classes • Personalized transition process

30. InterscholasticSports

31. Student Council Class Officers Art Club Peer Leadership & Mediation Debate Club Model UN Club Literary Magazine Ski/Snowboard Club Weightlifting Club Humanitarian Club Rocketry Club Math League National Honor Society Drama Yearbook Jazz Ensemble Dance Club Gay/Straight Alliance Health Club Japanese Culture Club Latin Club International Club Co-Curricular Activities

32. Questions Call us: (978) 952-2555 Email us: jharrington@littletonps.org • All faculty/staff can be emailed by typing the first initial of his/her first name and his/her last name.