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General McLane High School
|
2006-2007
General McLane School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Dr. Stephen Barrett, Title IX Coordinator, or Mr. Jeff Fox, Section 504 Coordinator, at the Education Center, 11771 Edinboro Road Edinboro, PA 16412 (814) 734-1033. For information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, contact Mr. Fox.
General McLane High School is a comprehensive high school serving approximately 850 students in grades nine through twelve. The school is the only high school in the General McLane School District which serves approximately 2300 students from a 117 square mile area.
The school offers classes to meet a diversity of students' needs and aptitudes. A variety of science and math courses ranging from abstract presentations to practical applications is offered. A comprehensive elective program is also offered including three foreign languages (German, French, Spanish), several music performing ensembles, technology education, family living courses and programs in visual arts. In addition, classes in computer programming and computerized systems are offered. Grade point averages and class rank are computed using a weighted system whereby grades earned in accelerated classes are given stronger "weight" than those in other classes.
While the geographic area is classified as rural, the presence of Edinboro University in the district contributes to a unique student body. Approximately 8.5% of the student body is classified according to Pennsylvania standards as mentally gifted (Intelligence Quotient equal to 130 or greater). This compares to a national incidence of 2%. Approximately 68% of students pursue a four-year college program after graduation while another 12-15% pursue two-year programs. General McLane students have consistently scored above the state and national average on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. All this makes for a stimulating and challenging environment in which to learn.
The requirements for graduation from General McLane High School are established by the General McLane School Board. The requirements set forth by the School Board satisfy the requirements established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education. General McLane High School is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and by the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools.
| A. | Students with less than six (6) credits will be assigned to the freshman class. |
| B. | Students with six (6) credits but less than twelve (12) credits
will be assigned to the sophomore class. |
| C. | Students with twelve (12) credits but less than twenty (20) credits
will be assigned to the junior class. |
| D. | Students with twenty (20) credits will be assigned to the senior class to fulfill remaining graduation requirements. |
Students should consider their selection of courses very carefully. A student's schedule should provide the best possible preparation for further education or a job. For the school, course selections determine the scheduling of classes, the need for teaching staff and instructional budget for the year.
While schedule changes are discouraged, there are specific time frames (before the school year and during the school year) where changes may be requested. Parent permission will be required for core course changes and may be required for elective changes. Please be advised that even if the requested change is a legitimate one, class sizes will be taken into consideration and courses will not be overloaded.
1. All students are required to register for four (4) courses every nine week term. 2. Pre-registration - When students receive their course selection sheets, several courses will already be listed.
These courses have been prescheduled on the basis of the student's ability and recommendations from the faculty of the various departments. Deviations from those prescheduled courses should be discussed with the student's counselor.3. Seniors must complete graduation requirements before being certified for graduation. Participation in graduation ceremonies occurs ONLY when the student has earned all credits. 4. An overall average of "C+" in the academic curriculum is considered minimum for college recommendation.
To be eligible for a diploma from General McLane High School, a student must complete a prescribed set of courses and credits as well as a senior portfolio project. Credits toward graduation are accumulated beginning with grade nine. Graduation requirements are as follows:
Course Required Credits (Grades 9-12) English 4.00 Social Studies 3.00 Science 3.00 Mathematics 3.00 Humanities .50 Physical Education 1.75 Health Education 1.00 The Arts (menu)* 1.00 Computer (menu)* 1.00 Approved Electives 9.75 28.00
The normal sequence of courses for meeting graduation requirements is as follows:
Grade 9 Credits Grade 10 Credits English 9 1.00 English 10 1.00 U.S. History 1.00 U.S. History 1.00 1848 Through WWI 1870 to Present Science 1.00 Science 1.00 Mathematics 1.00 Mathematics 1.00 Physical Education .50 Drivers Education/ .50 Health .50 Physical Ed. 10 Electives 3.00 Electives 3.50 8.00 8.00 Grade 11 Credits Grade 12 Credits English 11 1.00 English 1.00 Economics .50 Arts & Humanities .50 Government .50 Physical Education .50 Mathematics 1.00 Electives 6.00 Science 1.00 8.00 Physical Education .50 Health .50 Electives 3.00 8.00
Computer Technology Computer Animation (.5) Computer Aided Drafting (.5) Digital Photography I, II (.5 each) Pre-Engineering (.5) Multimedia I (.5) Robotics (.5) Multimedia II (.5) Video Communications I (.5) Programming I, II, & III (.5 each) Video Communications II (1) Webmaster I (.5) Webmaster II (.5) Women in Technology (.5) Business English Computer Technology I (.5) Intro to Journalism & Publication Design (.5) Computer Technology II (.5) Newspaper (.5 or 1) Keyboarding (.5) Yearbook (1) Music Erie County Technical School Electronic Music (.5) Vocational Technical Class (1)
Art Music Art 1 (.5) Marching Band (.5) Painting (.5) Developmental Band (.5) Printmaking (.5) Concert Band (.5) Ceramics (.5) Symphonic Winds (.5) Drawing (.5) Holiday Choir (.5) Communication Graphics (.5) Broadway Dinner Choir (.5) Jewelry/Metalry (.5) Spring Concert Choir (.5) Digital Photography I, II (.5) Women's Ensemble (.5)
Jazz Improvisation I (.5) English Jazz Improvisation II (.5) Acting & Set Design (.5) Music Theory I (.5) Music Theory II (.5) Family Living Technology Advanced Foods & Nutrition (.5) Intro to Wood (.5) Basic Foods & Nutrition (.5) Intro to Metal (.5) Fashion Strategies (.5) Production Systems (1) Environmental Design (.5) Lancer Pantry (.5) Vocational Technical Classes (1)
Students attending the Erie County Technical School divide their day equally between General McLane High School and the Erie County Technical School. The purpose of technical training is to develop skills that will enable the students to enter a college, technical institution or enter directly into the world of employment at the completion of the course. Students make a one, two or three year commitment and may begin at ECTS in grades 10, 11, or 12. The following labs are available at the ECTS.
Art & Design for Business Electronics Automotive Body Repair Facility Maintenance Technologies Automotive Technologies Graphic Communications Computer Information Systems Health Assistant Construction Trades Metal Fabrication Cosmetology Plastic Technologies Culinary Arts Tool & Die Drafting & Design Early Childhood Education Networking Technologies* Electrical Engineering Tourism & Lodging Management* *program for seniors only Suggested four-year Vocational Technical Curriculum
Grade 9 Credits Grade 10 Credits English 9 1.00 English 10 1.00 U.S. History I 1.00 U.S. History II 1.00 Science 1.00 Mathematics 1.00 Mathematics 1.00 Drivers Education .25 Physical Education .50 Physical Ed. 10 .25 Health .50 Government .50 Electives 3.00 ECTS Lab 4.00 8.00 8.00
Grade 11 Credits Grade 12 Credits
English 11 1.00 English 12 1.00 Science 1.00 Science 1.00 Mathematics 1.00 Economics .50 Health/PE 11 1.00 Elective (or PSSA Rem) .50 ECTS Lab 4.00 Physical Education .50 8.00 Arts & Humanities .50 ECTS Lab 4.00 8.00
Graduation requirements for ECTS students are the same as all other curricula. Students should attempt to complete the 1.00 elective credits in Arts and the 1.00 elective credits in Computer before they apply to attend the Erie County Technical School. At least 1.50 elective credits must be completed before a student may enroll at the ECTS. Students enrolled in the ECTS program must maintain satisfactory achievement in all courses. Not maintaining satisfactory academic achievement may jeopardize the opportunity to graduate with your original class.
Non instructional periods are of two basic types. These include: student apprentice periods and release periods.
Seniors may participate in any combination of those two options for a maximum of two (2) scheduling units. Juniors may participate in one (1) scheduling units of student apprentice periods. Mo academic credit will be given for release periods.STUDENT APPRENTICE PERIODS
Student apprentices will earn .25 credits for a nine week assignment. Juniors and seniors interested in serving as Student Apprentices must be on track for graduation with their credits.. Only juniors and seniors may participate in this program.
RELEASE PERIOD
Seniors may request to be released early a maximum of two terms provided that they:
1. |
are registered for all required graduation credits |
2. |
are carrying a load of at least six scheduling units (study hall and student aide periods may not count toward the total of six) |
3. |
have written permission of a parent or guardian |
4. |
do not owe obligations to the school. |
Release students must agree to not be in the school building during the release time without prior permission from an administrator and follow the school schedule on early dismissal days, activity period days, etc. Release period application forms are available from the guidance office. This release period will only be considered for seniors and no credit may be granted for release time.
RCI - COLLEGE
The RCI Erie County Academy for Collegiate and Advanced Studies is an opportunity for qualified high school students to enroll in academically rigorous courses not available in their home school. The "Academy" will offer half-day programs to students. Students in grades 11 and 12 will be able to enroll in courses for college credit. Students taking courses for college credit will pay a fee per credit and will also pay for their books. Transportation will be provided by the student's home school district.
Beginning in grade eleven, students are ranked numerically according to their grade point average. Class ranking is cumulative from one year to the next. Tanking is based on the final grade in each subject that a student has studied. The following method is used in deriving a student's grade point average:
Grade point average is determined by adding the total number of points that a student has earned and dividing that number by the number of credits a student had attempted, i.e.:
At the end of grade 11 a student had attempted 20.25 credits and has earned 78.5 points, his grade point average would be 3.87 (78.5 divided by 20.25 = 3.87).The following table outlines point totals
Grade Points A 4 B 3 C 2 F 0 When multiplying, grades earned in accelerated classes are given a weight of 1.2 and in Basic classes a weight of .8.
PLANNING ON A COLLEGE ATHLETIC CAREER?
Qualifying for athletic financial aid and participation at specific colleges (determined by Division status) depends on completion of a NCAA prescribed core of courses beginning in grade 9. Students' high school grade point average along with the standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT) will also determine one's qualifying status. The Clearinghouse form should be filed after the completion of the student's junior year. Seniors must be certified with the NCAA Clearinghouse to be qualified with a specific college. Final qualifying status occurs upon graduation. Detailed information on applying for certification with the NCAA Clearinghouse is available through your guidance counselor.
ARTICULATION AGREEMENT
An articulation agreement is a process which allows a student to receive college credits for course work done at the high school level. Several agreements have been reached by the Erie County Technical School with colleges in the Tri-State area. Currently, agreements have been reached between General McLane and Edinboro University of PA and California University of PA. These agreements permit accelerated classes to count as beginning level English, Math, Social Studies and Science courses. Also an agreement with the Technology Dept allowing students completing specific technology and academic courses at General McLane to earn credits toward specific classes at Edinboro University. A similar agreement has been negotiated with Penn State Behrend. In most agreements, certain grades must be obtained in order to earn college credit. For full details see your school counselor.
THREE-YEAR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
A student electing to graduate in a three-year high school program is required to fulfill the same graduation credit requirement as the normal four-year student. The candidate for a three-year high school diploma must meet with their guidance counselor prior to their junior year. It will be the responsibility of the student to inform the high school principal in writing of his or her intention to graduate in the three (3) year program by November 1st of his/her third year in high school. All courses to be considered for this program must be approved in advance. It will also be the responsibility of the student to have all transcripts of courses completed at other institutions forwarded to General McLane High School. To be considered as credit towards graduation the student must earn a grade of "C" (70%) or better in these courses, Students who plan to graduate in three years must take the senior Arts & Humanities course during their junior year.
COLLEGE COURSES - DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM
Juniors or seniors are permitted to register for courses at an accredited college or university and through the RCI Erie County Academy for Collegiate and Advanced Studies. These students are able to receive both high school and college credit for courses successfully completed when all of the following are met:
1. The course is taught at the college level and satisfies the definition of a planned course. 2. The student has advanced written permission from the high school administration for registration. 3. The student satisfactorily completes the requirements of the college course. 4. The college admitting the student accepts the college credits as fulfilling some portion of the requirements for the associate or bachelor's degree. 5. A copy of the final grade is submitted to the guidance counselor. Juniors and Seniors may be excused a maximum of two scheduling credit units each semester to participate in this program. College level courses are counted for credit toward graduation only. Grades in these courses are not used in figuring class rank or grade point average, nor do they count as accelerated credit.
SENIOR BY-PASS
Students who wish to participate in the Senior by-pass should contact the guidance office by November 1 of their junior year. Students may be required to have a minimum GPA and SAT score to be considered eligible by individual colleges. A senior by-pass proposal including college courses to be taken, parental approval, and the recommendation of the guidance counselor must be submitted to the principal for approval by February 28 of the student's junior year. Final approval of senior by-pas program will be contingent upon acceptance by an accredited college or university. Students intending to pursue a senior by-pass program must take the senior Arts & Humanities course during the junior year, and are required to fulfill all regular graduation requirements.
CAREER SHADOWING
The career shadowing program is designed to provide students with a one-day opportunity to "follow" a person performing a job in which the student may have an interest. This experience is an important part of helping students determine job components with which they feel comfortable and to motivate students along the path of career goal setting. This opportunity is open to juniors and seniors. A successful Career Shadowing experience motivates students to pledge a serious commitment toward career goals.
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Art I Ceramics Communication Graphics Drawing I Drawing II Painting I Painting II Jewelry/Metalry Printmaking Photo I Photo II
Video I Art I (Course #740) .50 credit
This course is a basic two-dimensional instructional course for beginning students in the Art program on the senior high school level. Emphasis is placed on the seeing/drawing process (visualization), learning to see and translating what you see into form and composition using a variety of materials and techniques. We address the art elements and principles of design in the projects we do.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grades: 9,10,11,12Ceramics (Course #750) .50 credit
This course will serve as an introduction to the process of working in clay. Hand building techniques including coil, slab and slip cast as well as additive and/or subtractive sculptural techniques will be explored.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Art I
grades: 9, 10,11,12Communication Graphics (Course #743) .50 credit
This course is a basic introduction to those areas of visual design that sells, inform, label and proclaim specific information. Students will learn to use Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to communicate specific ideas through the effective ordering of visual symbols and forms. Students will need to purchase photo printer paper and pay a lab fee.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Art I
grades: 9,10,11,12Drawing I (Course #742) .50 credit
A course which takes further in concepts and experience the problems presented in Art I. Emphasis is placed on the process of seeing (visualization), the formal elements of are, line, value, color, shape, drawing media and application techniques will be explored.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Art I
grade: 9,10,11,12Drawing II (Course #744) .50 credit
A course that extends the concepts and techniques covered in Drawing I. Extensive study of formal compositional principles: balance, unity, variety, rhythm, and movement while encouraging more advanced technical skill. Creative application of materials and techniques will be employed in the creation of more in depth illustrative projects.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Drawing I
grade: 9,10,11,12Jewelry/Metalry (Course #751) .50 credit
The creation of artwork in metals will be the focus of this class. An emphasis in sound design and developing skills with various tools and equipment will ne emphasized. Students will learn proper techniques in fabricating as will as casting metals.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Art I
grade: 9,10,11,12Painting I (Course # 741) .50 credit
This course will place emphasis on color dynamics through the study of various color relationships beyond those already touched on in Art I. Application and blending color to create form and depth will be emphasized and practiced. Students are encouraged to plan carefully each problem through sketching and through experimenting with color.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Art I and Drawing I
grade: 9,10,11,12Painting II (Course #745) .50 credit
A course that extends the concepts and techniques covered in Painting I. It incorporated various paint application techniques while focusing on compositional organization. Students will be exposed to numerous styles and approaches to historical and contemporary painting.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Painting I
grade: 9,10,11,12Printmaking (Course #746) .50 credit
Printmaking will be emphasized as a method through which the student may develop his/her visual and tactile knowledge. The course will build on the basic techniques introduced in Art I. Students will be given the opportunity to work in a variety of experiences in printmaking, some assigned, others as options. Rubbings, mono prints, linoleum blocks, collography embossments and dry point etchings are the traditional processes available. Unique creative approaches will be encouraged.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Art I
grade: 9,10,11,12Video Communications I (Course #760) .50 credit
This course is an introductory study of the basic concepts of news broadcasting and video production. Students will produce video projects demonstrating a variety of skills such as interviewing, special effects, and editing. All aspects of production will be exercised including planning, filming and post-production Some after school time may be required.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Teacher recommendation is to take Digital Photography One first.
grade: 9,10,11,12Video Communication II (Course #761) 1.00 credit
Students in this course will produce video announcements. They will apply what they learned in the introductory class to more challenging assignments. Students will also work with computers and learn nonlinear editing skills. A studio atmosphere will be developed where students can produce on-the-set material. Some after school time will be needed.
One semester course
elective
prerequisite: Video I and instructor permission
grade: 10,11,12Visual Com/Digital Photography I (Course #764) .50 credit
This course is an introduction to digital photography. Students must have their own three megapixel or greater camera. Students will need to purchase photo printer paper. Students will learn to take well composed photographs and manipulate them in Adobe Photoshop. This course also requires students to shoot photo assignments over weekends. This course will have a lab free.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: must own an appropriate 35mm camera
grade: 9,10,11,12Visual Com.Digital Photography II (Course #765) .50 credit
This course is designed to further the experiences of the digital photography student, building on the concepts covered in Digital Photography I. Emphasis will be placed on learning to see the world with a more critical, visual eye, concentrating on design and composition to achieve a well organized, visual statement. Advanced features of Adobe Photoshop will be explored. Unique digital photography techniques and possibilities will be utilized. Students will need to purchase photo printer paper & pay a lab fee.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Visual Communication/Digital Photography I
grade: 9,10,11,12
Arts and Humanities (Course #150) .50 credit
The purpose of this course is to expose students to various artistic endeavors of mankind in the areas of art, music, drama, literature and philosophy. Students will explore the arts, man's thoughts and their own thoughts in subjects related to fears, technology, human relationships and heroes and villains.
One nine week course
required
prerequisite: none
grade: 12
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Business Concepts Career Preparation Keyboarding Accounting Business & Personal Law Small Business Management - The Pencil Box World of Business/Manufacturing Accounting I (Course #580) 1.00 credit
This is an introductory accounting course. Students will develop an understanding of the basic accounting cycle and then learn to apply those concepts and procedures to a merchandising business. Students will use special journals and a general journal. Basic accounting principles learned in this course are also applied to various personal finances, such as banking and tax returns.
Since Accounting is a required course for every business major in college, this course is highly recommended for students who are planning to attend college and major in any business field.
One semester course
elective
prerequisite: none
grade: 10,11,12College Accounting (Course #581) 1.00 credit
This is a rigorous course which encompasses the scope and sequence of a college-level introductory financial accounting class. A college-level textbook will be used. Students will focus on the principles and procedures for recording, classifying summarizing, reporting, and analyzing financial information.
Since Accounting is a required course for every business major in college, this course is highly recommended for students in Grades 11 or12 who are planning to attend college and major in any business field.
(Students may choose to take this course for college credit.)
One semester course
elective
prerequisite: "B" average or higher in Accounting I
grade: 10,11,12Business and Personal Law (Course #594) .50 credit
This course is designed to reacquaint students to aspects of our legal system and introduce students to business-related law as it applies to individuals and businesses. As students become familiar with concepts, they will understand the ways law affects them personally and how they interact legally in relationships with others and business.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grade: 10,11,12Business Concepts (Course #550) .50 credit
This introductory course covers our economic system and businesses' and individuals' roles in it. Students will learn the importance and processes of being a wise consumer, managing finances, and saving. Students will be able to describe the need for insurance and aspects of insurance as it affects them.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grade: 9,10,11,12Career Preparation (Course #592) .50 credit
In this course, students examine their own interests, abilities, attitudes and goals to determine which career areas are best suited for them. After exploring and researching various careers, students learn the elements of success in the job search process. These elements include: job leads, resumes, cover letters, job applications, and interview techniques. This course is recommended for students in grade 11.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grade: 9,10,11,12Keyboarding (Course #560) .50 credit
This class is recommended for all 9th graders to improve basic keyboarding skills. Students will review touch-typing (location of letter, number, and symbol keys) and develop skill and techniques to type at a modest, accurate rate. Students will also be able to format documents such as memos, letters, envelopes, and reports.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grade: 9,10,11,12International Business (Course #552) .50 credit
The focus of this course will be on current business issues relative to a global economy and on developing an understanding of the problems and opportunities faced by businesses trading internationally. Students will research business institutions, functions, and current business problems in the United States and selected countries.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Business Concepts
grade: 10,11,12Small Business Management - The Pencil Box (Course #591) 1.00 credit
This course applies classroom theory to the actual operation of the school's student store, The Pencil Box. Students assume full responsibility for the entire operation of the store - advertising and promotions, accounting, merchandising, inventory, purchasing, scheduling, and selling.
One semester course
elective
prerequisite: Business Concepts
grade: 10,11,12World of Business/Manufacturing (Course #551) .50 credit
This is the first class in the Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS) Program and is designed to better prepare students for success in the "real world." This course covers: principles of economics; employment prerequisites and skills; teamwork and problem-solving skills; business etiquette; and oral and written communication skills..
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Member of FAMS or Instructor's permission
grade: 10,11,12
Computer Technology Computer Technology II Multimedia Multimedia II Programming I Programming II Programming III Webmaster I Webmaster II Computer Animation Computer Animation (Course #349) .50 credit
Students will study computer animation along with graphics and video editing as it pertains to Web development. The animation will be used to enhance the content and design of a Web page.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Webmaster I
grades: 9,10,11,12Computer Technology I (Course #570) .50 credit
This introductory class is recommended for all 9th graders to give each student a background in basic computer applications. Microsoft Office will be used for Explorer, word processing, database, spreadsheets, and presentations. Topics to be covered also include basic concepts of the Windows environment and file management.
One nine week course
recommended elective
prerequisite: none
grades: 9,10,11,12Computer Technology II (Course #571) .50 credit
Students will learn advanced features of word processing, database, spreadsheets, and presentations using Microsoft Office. Students will be able to apply what is taught for school, business, and personal use.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Computer Technology
grade: 9,10,11,12Multimedia I (Course #345) .50 credit
This course is the study of multimedia and it's various uses. Students will create digital presentations which will include graphics, text, music, video, sound, and basic animation. Introductory video will also be covered.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grade: 9,10,11,12Multimedia II (Course #346) .50 credit
This course will focus on advanced uses of Multimedia. Students will also create 2D animations and media rich promotional items using Macromedia Flash.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Multimedia I
9,10,11,12Women in Technology (Course #) .50 credit
Female students will explore many of the concepts in computer information technology including Web design, computer programming, computer animation and data management. Students will also explore the opportunities available in the fields of computer and information sciences at the college level and in the work place. Current events in hardware, software and telecommunications will be discussed. Students will be encouraged to increase their skills for success in our knowledge-based economy.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grade: 9,10,11,12Programming I (Course #340) .50 credit
Students write programs using a visual programming environment to solve problems. Topics include input, output, decisions, loops and functions. Information regarding computer history, hardware, careers and trends will be discussed.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grade: 9,10,11,12Programming II (Course #341) .50 credit
Students reinforce and master the skills learned in Programming I. Topics include advanced functions, string manipulation, arrays, searches, sorts and file management. Information regarding computer software, companies and trends will be discussed.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Programming I
grade: 9,10,11,12Programming III (Course #342) .50 credit
Students reinforce and master the skills learned in Programming II. Topics include databases, advanced controls and programming in a second language, Information regarding computer networking, companies and trends will be discussed.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: Programming II
grade: 9,10,11,12Webmaster I (Course #347) .50 credit
Students design Web pages using a professional Web development tool. Topics include formatting text, graphics editing, layout tables, library items, navigation and site management. Final projects may be published on the district's Web site. Ease of use and consistency in design will be emphasized. Current events in computer technology will be discussed.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grade: 9,10,11,12Webmaster II (Course #348) .50 credit
Students design Web pages using a professional Web development tool. Students will improve the skills learned in Webmaster I by creating multiple projects to be published on the district's Web site. Advanced content such as animation and video editing will be explored. Current events in computer technology will be discussed.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grade: 9,10,11,12
Driver Education 0.00 credit
Behind the wheel driver's training affords the student the opportunity to learn to drive an automobile. From the basic fundamentals, the student moves to more complicated maneuvers such as getting out of skids and thruway driving.
(Scheduled by arrangement. Fee required)Driver Education Classroom
see Health and Physical Education
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 English Basic English Academic English Advanced English Accelerated = Acting and Stage Design Creative Writing Public Speaking Intro to Journalism Newspaper * Yearbook* SAT Prep * indicates permission required = indicates weighted grade course English 9 Basic (Course #103) 1.00
English 9 Basic is an on-level study of literature (short stories, the novel, nonfiction, and poetry); vocabulary; grammar; speech; composition and study skills. A study of The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet and the novels A Day No Pigs Would Die and Car are included. Major emphasis is placed on the development of reading comprehension, vocabulary building and sentence/paragraph writing.
One semester courseEnglish 9 Academic (Course #102) 1.00 credit
English 9 Academic is a more intensive study of grammar, paragraph and essay development, short stories, novels, drama, non-fiction, vocabulary, and study skills. Major emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills.
Reading List (in addition to an anthology): A Day No Pigs Would Die, The Car, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.
One semester courseEnglish 9 Advanced (Course #101) 1.00 credit
This course is a more intensive study of grammar; paragraph, and essay development, short stories, novels, drama, nonfiction, vocabulary, and speech. Mastery of the parts of speech and paragraph writing is expected at this level. Composition will be in the informative and persuasive modes. The student will also gain skill in research. The advanced course is designed to develop the skills necessary for college.
Reading List: The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Great Expectations, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, The Secret Life of Bees.
One semester courseEnglish 9 Accelerated (Course #100) 1.00 credit
English 9 Accelerated is a rigorous course designed to introduce students to literary analysis. The student will be challenged to develop skills to read, analyze and interpret a variety of literary selections from different genre. Composition study will focus on writing in a variety of discourses; narrative, informational, descriptive, and persuasive. Students will also be required to write annotated bibliographies. This course will continue the student's progress in the study of grammar, usage, and vocabulary. Mastery of the parts of speech and paragraph development is expected at this level. The accelerated class is designed to prepare students for advanced placement testing in their senior year.
Reading List (in addition to an anthology): The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Death Comes to the Archbishop, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, The Secret Life of Bees.
One semester courseEnglish 10 Basic (Course #113) 1.00 credit
English 10 Basic is the basic study of grammar, short stories, non-fiction, drama, novels, vocabulary, writing, and study skills. Major emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking and reading skills.
Reading List (in addition to an anthology): Bless the Beasts and the Children, Tales of Real Heroism.
One semester course
prerequisite: English 9English 10 Academic (Course #112) 1.00 credit
English 10 Academic is a more intense study of grammar, short stories, drama, the novel, poetry, vocabulary, speech and writing. Major emphasis is based on the enhancement of critical thinking skills. Tech preparation emphasizes communication skills for students going immediately to the workplace, a one-two year technical training program or college following graduation.
Reading List: Bless the Beast and the Children, Within Reach: My Everest Story.
One semester course
prerequisite: English 9English 10 Advanced (Course #111) 1.00 credit
English 10 Advanced enables a student to further develop writing, research and literature skills. This course reviews grammar skills and further develops vocabulary skills. The Advanced courses are designed to develop the skills necessary for college.
Reading List : Lord of the Flies, Grapes of Wrath, To Kill a Mockingbird.
One semester course
prerequisite: English 9English 10 Accelerated (Course #110) 1.00 credit
English 10 Accelerated is a rigorous study of major world authors and thinking and writing skills. Its purpose is to build students's ability to identify the themes of dramas, shot stories, essays, and novels and to logically and creatively develop their own themes in writing assignments and speeches. Students will also write a literary research paper. Accelerated classes are designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement testing in their senior year.
Reading List : Lord of the Flies, Hamlet, Oedipus Rex, and four additional novels or plays from a reading list
One semester course
prerequisite: English 9English 11 Basic (Course #123) 1.00 credit
In this course students will continue to develop basic English skills. The course will concentrate on themes in World literature. Grammar will be reviewed concentrating on usage and mechanics . Vocabulary will be emphasizing contextual analysis. Tech preparation provides communication skills for students going immediately to the workplace or a one-two year technical training program following graduation.
Reading List: Of Mice and Men.
One semester course
prerequisite: English 10English 11 Academic (Course #122) 1.00 credit
English 11 Academic will develop a knowledge of the major periods in American literature. The student will express this knowledge through effective oral and written communication. The student will also demonstrate proficiency in various language components. Students will be encouraged to relate the content of the course to other areas of the curriculum such as history, sociology, and arts and humanities. Tech preparation emphasizes communication skills for students going immediately to the workplace, a one-two year technical training program or college following graduation.
Reading List: The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald; Ethan Frome, E. Wharton; Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck; Old Man and the Sea, Hemingway; The Natural, B. Malamud; Night.
One semester course
prerequisite: English 10English 11 Advanced (Course #121) 1.00 credit
English 11 Advanced provides a program designed to give the student college preparatory instruction. It gives the student a survey of American literature, analytical composition exposure, and appropriate vocabulary building. It relies on analytical thinking strategies and emphasizes themes unique to American literature. The Advanced courses are designed to develop writing and research skills necessary for college.
Reading List: The Scarlet Letter, The Great Gatsby, Walden, The Natural, The Catcher in the Rye, The Crucible, Tuesdays with Morrie, The Five People you Meet in Heaven
One semester course
prerequisite: English 10English 11 Accelerated (Course #120) 1.00 credit
The central thread of English 11 Accelerated will be our tracing the development of American Literature from the Colonial period to the present. As we study American Literature, we will use the text as a lens to help us focus and define the American experience. As we chronicle the development of literature in America, we will ask ourselves difficult questions which should reveal provocative tensions and conflicts: What does American literature suggest about the American experience? What are American values? Does uniquely American culture exist? If so, how can it be defined? During this exploration, we will employ a variety of critical approaches, pressing beyond the simple analysis of formal characteristics of the literature we study. This course demands that you spend time in careful, critical reading of literature and thoughtful independent consideration of the complex of ideas that this close reading reveals. You will also be called upon to do a great deal of writing. Specific objectives and the criteria for evaluation will ne detailed for individual assignments; however, the general expectations is that essays are strictly organized with introduction that spell out the topic, thesis, and organization of the ensuing paper in unambiguous language with complete and sequential logic. Essays must them fulfill the promised organization, using clear transitions and the precise terminology established in the introduction. Appropriate evidence, often in the form of direct quotations from the texts we are studying, should be offered frequently and explicitly linked to the essay's arguments. A synthetic conclusion, which restates the essay's thesis and summarizes the arguments is also required. In short, the course requires you to write lucid, thoughtful, explicit, sequential, and convincing essays which reveal thoughtful consideration of the literature we study. Accelerated English classes are designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement testing in their senior year.
Reading List: The Great Gatsby, The Crucible, The Scarlet Letter, Walden, Huckleberry Finn, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Catcher in the Rye; Plays: All My Sons
One semester course
prerequisite: English 10English 12 Basic (Course #133) 1.00 credit
Students will continue to develop basic English skills. The course will concentrate on themes in World Literature. Grammar will be reviewed, concentrating on usage and mechanics. Vocabulary will emphasize contextual analysis.
Reading List (in addition to an anthology): The Tragedy of Macbeth, An Appointment with Death, and Tales of Real Escape.
One semester course
prerequisite: English 11English 12 Academic (Course #132) 1.00 credit
English 12 Academic is a course through which students will continue to develop reading skills and expand vocabulary skills. the course will include British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through the 20th Century. Expository writing skills will be reinforced and grammar usage will be integrated with composition units.
Reading List: Macbeth, Frankenstein, and Appointment With Death.
One semester course
prerequisite: English 11English 12 Advanced (Course #131) 1.00 credit
English 12 Advanced is a literature driven, writing intensive course designed to both familiarize students with the central themes at work in the development of British literature and prepare students for the demands of academic wetting. The course requires that students complete daily reading assignments. Students will also frequently be called upon to write about the literature they read-both formally in essays, and informally in journals. Finally, students will be given the opportunity to the study the structure of the language as we conduct a review of traditional grammar.
Reading List: Gulliver's Travels, J. Swift; Macbeth, W. Shakespeare, Heart of Darkness.
One semester course
prerequisite: English 11English 12 Accelerated (Course #130) 1.00 credit
English Accelerated 12 is a rigorous weighted course which focuses upon literary analysis through a chronological study of English Literature. Reinforcement of composition, grammar and vocabulary skills will be stressed. The student will be challenged to read, analyze and interpret selections from Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, Renaissance, Neo-Classical, Romantic and Modern periods. The student will be challenged to use both inductive and deductive reasoning, argumentative strategies and cross disciplinary references as they apply to the literature in question. The student must demonstrate cumulative competence in sophisticated vocabulary use. Analytical, argumentative and research writing assignments are required. Accelerated English classes are designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement testing in their senior year.
Reading List: Gulliver's Travels, J. Swift; Wuthering Heights, E. Bronte; Macbeth, W. Shakespeare; The Heart of the Matter, Greene; Portrait of the Artist as as Young Man, J. Joyce.
One semester course
prerequisite: English 11Acting and Set Design (Course #168) .50 credit
This course will offer a broad overview of many areas of theater including set design and construction, lighting designs, stage movement, stage combat and character development. Each student will perform at least three monologues and will act in several group scenes including a combat situation. Each student will also design and construct a model of a set.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grades: 9,10,11,12Public Speaking (Course #167) .50 credit
In this course, students will be introduced and develop skills in public speaking, debate, interpersonal communication, and oral interpretation. The skills to be developed will be diction, volume, use of visual aids, and organization.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grades: 9,10,11,12Creative Writing (Course #169) .50 credit
The course is an introduction to creative writing. Emphasis is placed on developing creative skills and on the use of the elements of fiction, poetry, and drama. A variety of genres will be explored. The course requires a portfolio, revision, and student-generated project.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grades: 9,10,11,12Intro to Journalism and Publication Design (Course #166) .50 credit
This course introduces students to the many facets of journalism and publication design. Students learn specific writing styles for news stories, editorials, and features. The students practice interviewing skills and write effective leads. Ethics in journalism, including libel, The Journalist's Code of Ethics, and proper documentation to ensure accuracy are discussed. InDesign desktop publishing skills, and the basics of layout and design are covered.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: none
grades: 9,10,11,12Newspaper (Course #160) 1.00 credit
Newspaper (Course #161) .50 credit
Students learn all aspects of journalism as it relates to the productions of a newspaper. This class will apply skills learned in the introductory class to produce the monthly student publication, The Lancer Ledger. All Staff members will write, design page layout and paste-up pages of the publication. Some after school time may be required. This course can be taken for nine weeks or a full semester.
One semester course (#160)
One nine week course (#161)
elective
prerequisite: Intro to Journalism and instructor permission
grades: 9,10,11,12Yearbook (Course #165) 1.00 credit
Yearbook, is an in-depth study of all the skills needed to produce a professional magazine-format publication. Strong emphasis is places on writing copy, photo captions and headlines. Page design, layout, photo cropping, scheduling and financing are explored, mastered and applied to the production of the Imperator, the General McLane High School Yearbook. Because time demands exceed the classroom hours allotted, interested students should contact Mr. Mennow for schedule details. Evaluation is based on objective test scores, copy submissions, page designs, participating in advertising and book sales campaigns and the ability to meet deadlines.
One semester course
elective
prerequisite: Intro to Journalism and instructor permission. "B" in the most recent English course (preferably advanced or accelerated)
grades: 10,11,12SAT Prep Class (Course #180) .50 credit
The course is designed for juniors and seniors planning to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) at the conclusion of the class. Students will learn test taking strategies and will receive review in the reading. writing and math portions of the test. A $35 course fee is required for materials which the student will keep. Fee can be waived for demonstrated financial need.
One nine week course
elective
prerequisite: 2 credits completed in Math & English
grade: 11,12
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Basic Food & Nutrition Environmental Design Child Development I Fashion Strategies Reality Check Relationships Basic Food and Nutrition (Course #690) .50 credit
The focus of this course is an introduction to food preparation, measuring, reading recipes, recipe terminology & recipe conversions. Students will be introduced to food safety, sanitation and food borne illnesses. Students will develop team building skills as well as being able to work independently. They will be able to demonstrate their learned skill by planning, preparing, serving, and cleaning up an entire meal for their family.
Lab Fee: $15.00
One nine week course
prerequisite: none
elective
grades: 9,10,11,12Advanced Food Techniques (Course #691) .50 credit
The focus of this course is foods, nutrition and meal planning. Students will advance basic skills and enrich previous knowledge in essential nutrition, practical cookery and meal management. Weekly home projects will demonstrate independence and knowledge of skills learned.
Lab Fee: $20.00
One nine week course
prerequisite: Basic Foods and Nutrition
elective
grades: 9,10,11,12Child Development I (Course #680) .50 credit
The class introduces the students to the subject of child development and helps them appreciate its relevance to their own life. It will introduce the students to the challenges of teem parenthood. This course will also help students understand the beginnings of human life, pregnancy and birth. They will explore the many changes that take place from the time of conception through the baby's first days at home.
One nine week course
prerequisite: none
elective
grades:10,11,12Child Development II (Course #681) .50 credit
Child Development II introduces the students to four developmental areas. The students will learn how they can encourage physical, intellectual, social and emotional development in infants and toddlers. Effective parenting skills, safety guidelines when caring for a child, and how to promote positive behavior in children will be explored.
One nine week course
prerequisite: Child Development I
elective
grades:10,11,12Environmental Design (Course #682) .50 credit
Housing and home furnishing are the focus of this course. Information pertinent to the design, selection of furnishings, color and room planning for the home are provided. Students will have an understanding of the importance of diagramming rooms and wall elevations as well as how quarter inch scale drawings can save money and time.
One nine week course
prerequisite: none
elective
grades: 9,10,11,12Fashion Strategies (Course #683) .50 credit
This course introduces students to a foundation of the world of fashion strategies. Students will have the opportunity to learn and apply basic concepts of selecting and purchasing clothing based on color and design. We will look at future directions and tends that fashion is likely to take. This course will also describe the many career opportunities related to fashion and apparel.
One nine week course
prerequisite: none
elective
grades:10,11,12The Lancer Pantry (Course #692) .50 credit
The Lancer Pantry is a course designed to encourage students to further develop their culinary skills. It is a course designed to empower students in making career choices, specifically in Pastry Arts. It will include preparing, baking and finishing baked goods in five areas: Yeast breads, Quick Breads, Cookies, Pies and Decorating. Students will calculate costs and learn management skills for production and sale of their finished products.
Lab Fee: $20.00
One nine week course
prerequisite: successful completion of Advanced Foods or "A" in Basic Foods
elective
grades: 10,11,12Reality Check (Course #686) .50 credit
Reality Check is a comprehensive course designed to help students prepare themselves for the future. It aids students in becoming more independent and designed to help with time and money management, personal finances, housing choices and other important consumer issues.
One nine week course
prerequisite: none
elective
grades: 11,12Relationships (Course #685) .50 credit
Relationships is a course open to all juniors and seniors. While presenting a look at life in today's world, it offers an understanding of development as an individual, as a family member, and as a part of society. This course explores all aspects of life; building a foundation for life, general relationship skills, how to improve relationships with family, friends, and mate.
One nine week course
prerequisite: none
elective
grades:11,12
French I French II French III French IV ACC 9,10,11,12 10,11,12 10,11,12 11,12 Spanish I Spanish II Spanish III Spanish IV ACC * Spanish V 9,10,11,12 10,11,12 10,11,12 11,12 German I ** German II * German III ** German IV ACC * German V 9,10,11,12 10,11,12 10,11,12 11,12 *offered 1st semester only **offered 2nd semester only French I (Course #500) 1.00 credit
French I is designed for the student who desires to learn basic French. Grammar & vocabulary will be taught so the student will be able to have comprehension and conversation in simple French.
One semester course
prerequisite: none
elective
grades: 9,10,11,12French II (Course #501) 1.00 credit
The students will continue to develop their working knowledge of French and to refine it. The four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension) will be greatly expanded.
One semester course
prerequisite: French I
elective
grades: 10,11,12French III (Course #502) 1.00 credit
Emphasis on reading and discussing articles, newspapers, magazines, etc. Review of grammar: verbs, tenses and sentence structure.
One semester course
prerequisite: French II
elective
grade: 10,11,12French IV ACC (Course #503) 1.00 credit
This course is a continuation of French III. As with the preceding courses, French IV ACC continues to build upon the vocabulary and grammar studied in French I, II, and III. This course receives accelerated weight.
One semester course
prerequisite: French III
elective
grades: 11,12German I (Course #520) 1.00 credit
The course is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the basic grammar as well as meaningful and useful vocabulary of words and expressions basic to everyday German conversation. This introductory course prepares the students for a follow-up in German education, namely German II.
One semester course
prerequisite: none
elective
grades: 9,10,11,12German II (Course # 521) 1.00 credit
The course is designed as a follow-up to German I. Grammar and vocabulary preciously learned in German I are reviewed and fortified, and the expanded to involve new concepts and usage. A new tense is learned as well as the passive voice of all the tenses. The course involves intensive vocabulary building as well as extensive use of strong verbs in the tenses learned. The four language skills are strengthened, in that reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension are paramount to success in this course.
One semester course
prerequisite: German I
elective
grades: 10,11,12German III (Course #522) 1.00 credit
The course is designed as a follow-up to German II. Grammar and vocabulary previously learned in German I and II are reviewed and fortified and then expanded to involve new concepts and usage. A new case is learned and new grammatical concepts such as the comparative and superlative degrees are learned. Beginning in this course, geography, history and cultural information involving Germany are included in all film lessons. Short story readings are also included with each film.
One semester course
prerequisite: German II
elective
grades: 10,11,12German IV ACC (Course #523) 1.00 credit
The course is designed as a follow-up to German III, and more importantly, as a review of all grammar learned in German I, II, and III, as well as an introduction to all remaining grammatical aspects of German. This includes all remaining tenses, two kinds of subjunctive in the present, past and future, and much more involving pronouns, adjective and adverbs. Beginning in this course, poetry is included in all film units. There is also more history, geography and cultural information included in each film course, along with short story readings. This course receives accelerated weight.
One semester course
prerequisite: German III
elective
grades: 11,12German V (Course #524) .50 credit
This course will focus on higher levels of conversations in German, with reading and writing at advances levels. Students will transcribe from German recordings and do all "Rosetta Stone" computer quizzes.
One nine week course
prerequisite: German IV
elective
grades11,12Spanish I (Course #510) 1.00 credit
This course is an introduction to the Spanish curriculum, designed to give students an understanding of basic grammatical structures, useful vocabulary, and cultural highlights of the Spanish speaking world. This program utilizes the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. There is a great deal of emphasis on listening and repetition to develop good pronunciation habits.
One semester course
prerequisite: none
elective
grades: 9,10,11,12Spanish II (Course # 511) 1.00 credit
Material provides listening and speaking practice, drills, structure exercises, as well as practice in reading and writing and further exposure to Hispanic culture.
One semester course
prerequisite: Spanish I
elective
grades: 10,11,12Spanish III (Course #512) 1.00 credit
It is the beginning of more advanced study of the Spanish language at a quicker rate of speed. New grammatical features are included with each lessons as well as a review of previously learned grammar. Each unit contains a cultural lesson involving Spain: slide recognition of important sights of main cities, geography, some historical notes and some present data. Idiomatic expressions, vocabulary and pronunciations are greatly increased. Students work with the first six episodes of the video series "La Catrina".
One semester course
prerequisite: Spanish II
elective
grades: 10,11,12Spanish IV ACC (Course #513) 1.00
Designed as follow-up to Spanish III, it is a review of all grammar dealing with verbs in all tenses, both indicative and subjunctive, passive and active. Units include readings used for translation, discussion, grammar review and intensive vocabulary building; and Latin-American culture clusters, including geography, historical main events, present facts of a given Latin-American country. Composition writing is an integral part of this course. Students also complete the video series "La Catrina". This course receives accelerated weight.
One semester course
prerequisite: S
