WELCOME

1. WELCOME MARKHAM DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL GRADE 8 PARENTS’ NIGHT January 9, 2014

2. Agenda • Principal’s Welcome – Mr. K. Garner • Vice Principals’ Comments • Ms. D. Heron and Ms. K. Pummell • School Council Chair – Mrs. J. Amenta • Guidance Presentation - Ms. S. Joseph • Career Cruising: Course Planner - Ms. E. Kerhoulas • Students’ Council Reps • Closing Comments, Gifted Presentation & Tours of school

3. … and the “New” Markham District High School …opened September 2010 History of MDHS The original Markham High School opened in 1858 and then was erected on Joseph St. 1860 Then Markham District High Schoolopened in 1954 on Church St. and had additions over the next 20 years

4. General Information aboutMDHS • Student population ~1400 • 103 Teachers • 1 Principal and 2 Vice-Principals • a non- semestered high school • A strong academic program enhanced by the Arts, Business, and Technology • 150+ years of tradition

5. Positive School Climate Positive School Climate High Performance Athlete High Performance Athlete Classics & Latin Classics & Latin Clubs Gifted, AP and Enriched Gifted, AP and Enriched Clubs • eco-Markham • “Green” school • “ living wall” eco-Markham “Green” school“ “living wall” New School Construction 21stC Technology New School Construction 21stC Technology Leadership Opportunities LEAD & Peer Mentors Leadership Opportunities LEAD & Peer Mentors Strong EQAO Results and high academic standards Strong EQAO Results and high academic standards MDHS MDHS Successful Sports Teams Successful Sports Teams - Metro Bowl Football Champs! Active Students’ Council Active Students’ Council Composite non-semestered school with rich history Composite non-semestered school Tech  Hair & Aesthetics “New” Business  DECA Physical Education Arts Diversity of Special Education Programs Diversity of Special Education Programs Diverse Arts Programs – Music, Drama, Visual Diverse Arts Programs – Music, Drama, Visual SHSM Programs EOP + Alt Ed

6. Diploma Requirements (O.S.S.D.) for the 4 year program

7. 18 Compulsory Credits

8. Compulsory Credits (cont’d) Plus: Group 1: 1 additional credit in English, or French as a Second Language, or a Native Language/Studies, or a Classical or an International Language, orSocial Sciences and the Humanities, or Canadian and World Studies, or Guidance and Career Education (including Learning Strategies), or Cooperative Education*

9. Compulsory Credits (cont’d) Group 2: 1 additional credit in Health and Physical Education, or Business Studies, or the Arts (music, art, drama), or French as a Second Language or Cooperative Education* Group 3: 1 additional credit in science (grade 11 or 12) or technological education (grades 9-12), or French as a Second Language or Computer Studies or Cooperative Education*

10. The12 Optional Credits Electives Optional credits allow students to build an educational program over the 4 years that suit their individual interests and meet college, university, workplace and/or apprenticeship requirements. On TYKHS Day, grade 8 students toured the following areas: Business, Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Family Studies, Latin & Technology

11. The Grade 10 Literacy Test A Diploma requirement. Administered in late March or early April of the grade 10 year A test based on language and communication (reading and writing) expectations of curricula up to and including grade 9 Accommodations, deferrals and exemptions may be appropriate for some students If standard not met in first attempt, schools will provide remedial support; test is re-administered until student successfully completes the test or the Grade 12 Literacy Course

12. Community Involvement • A diploma requirement • Encourages civic responsibility, promotes community values and reinforces importance of volunteerism • Complete 40 hours before graduation • Can start in summer of grade 8 • Student responsibility to keep record of activities • Guidelines and forms will be provided to help track community involvement • A good way to explore career interests

15. Course Pathways Physical Education is the same for all students. Classes are divided by Male and Female.

16. OPTIONAL COURSES FOR GRADE 9 STUDENTS

17. Destinations … Four Pathways to Opportunity • Apprenticeship- prepare for training • College - hands on training & theory • University- theory and reasoning • Workplace- prepare for work When thinking about the future, ask yourself: • How do you learn best? • What are the admission requirements for College, Apprenticeships and University entrance? • What courses do you need to prepare for the work force?

18. Remember…. • Course and Post-Secondary Pathways • arechangeableand flexible. • As interests, skills and aptitudes • develop and mature, there will be • many opportunities to re-chart your • journey

19. Making Choices…??? • Parents/guardians and students will select courses in collaboration with elementary school teachers, guidance counsellors and administrators. • Grade 8 students and their parents or guardians choose grade 9 courses on the basis of the students’ needs, interests, strengths and past achievements. These choices may also be influenced by learning opportunities available outside the school.

20. Support for Students • Guidance Department • Learning Strategies (recommended by Principal) • ESL Courses • Student Advocacy Team • Peer Mentors

21. For More Information…… York Region District School Board Regional Course Directory www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca York Region District School Board www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca York Region District School Board Guidance Services www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/guidance.services Ministry of Education www.edu.gov.on.ca for policy and curriculum docs