Second Exit: What you need to know about McCaskey High School
Three Graduation Requirements:
1) 24 Credits: one credit is earned by passing one year-long class
4 Credits in CA
4 Credits in Math 3 Credits in Science 3 Credits in Social Studies 2 Credits in World Language 2 Credits in Wellness 0.5 Credit in Art or Music 5.5 Elective Credits--an elective is a class of your choosing and should be related to your career goals 2) Meet district standards in each content area and demonstrate proficiency on state and/or local assessments
3) Complete a senior project
Other Important Considerations:
|
All 9th graders will have the following courses:
Communication Arts
Social Studies
Math
Science
Fitness For Life
World Language
Communication Arts
Social Studies
Math
Science
Fitness For Life
World Language
You may choose ONE elective class in 9th grade.
Here are your choices:
Here are your choices:
1) Intro to Computer Science -- Designed to be the first computer science course for students who have never programmed before, it is a project based curriculum that aims to develop computational thinking skills and build excitement about coding. Students work in teams to create apps for mobile devices using MIT App Inventor®. They explore the impact of computing in society and build skills in digital citizenship and cyber security. Beyond learning the fundamentals of programming, students build computational-thinking skills by applying computer science to collaboration tools, modeling and simulation, and data analysis. In addition, students transfer the understanding of programming gained in App Inventor to text-based programming in Python® and apply their knowledge to create algorithms for games of chance and strategy. Some time will also be spent developing skills in Microsoft Office Basics.
2) Intro to Engineering Design -- This course is appropriate for students who are interested in design and engineering. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation and design. IED gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity and problem based learning. The course assumes no previous knowledge, but students should be concurrently enrolled in college preparatory level classes. Students will employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. In addition, students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges that increase in difficulty throughout the course. Students will also learn how to document their work, and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.
2) Intro to Engineering Design -- This course is appropriate for students who are interested in design and engineering. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation and design. IED gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity and problem based learning. The course assumes no previous knowledge, but students should be concurrently enrolled in college preparatory level classes. Students will employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. In addition, students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges that increase in difficulty throughout the course. Students will also learn how to document their work, and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.
3) Intro to Communications and Media -- This course is designed to introduce students to the world of mass media and communications. Units of study include introductions to speech and debate, communication theory, media studies, journalism, and performance technique. Students learn literacy skills, study skills, college vocabulary building and goal setting.
4) Leadership Seminar -- This first-year course is a requirement in the Public Leadership and Service SLC. The focus of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective communication, leadership, and service to others in the school and community. Students will pursue a variety of leadership roles in school and in the community.
4) Leadership Seminar -- This first-year course is a requirement in the Public Leadership and Service SLC. The focus of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective communication, leadership, and service to others in the school and community. Students will pursue a variety of leadership roles in school and in the community.
5) Foundations of Art -- In this introduction to the fundamentals of Art and Design, students focus on creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects. The class involves production, criticism, aesthetics, and art history.
6) Theater I -- Theater I is a technique course in movement and voice to help students acquire and hone stage-worthy skills. The course will enable students to build confidence by performing for others in group, solo improvisations, and theater games.
6) Theater I -- Theater I is a technique course in movement and voice to help students acquire and hone stage-worthy skills. The course will enable students to build confidence by performing for others in group, solo improvisations, and theater games.
7) Band -- (Requires permission) This is a one-year course. There is one band comprised of two components: Marching Band and Concert Band. Students are required to participate in both components. The Marching Band takes part in parades, community events, and performances in field shows at football games and exhibitions. The Marching Band rehearses throughout the summer, culminating in a one week, mandatory band camp during August. Students are required to purchase marching shoes, gloves, t-shirt, lyre, and a flip folder for their appropriate instrument. The Concert Band performs at several concerts and community events. Attendance at all rehearsal activities and performances is mandatory.
8) Mixed Chorus -- Membership in the Mixed Chorus is open to all students at McCaskey who enjoy studying and performing vocal music. The Mixed Chorus explores various vocal techniques used in several performing styles of music. These styles include: jazz, spirituals, contemporary, Latin American, and sacred. The Mixed Chorus performs in several concerts throughout the year. Participation in all rehearsal activities and performances is mandatory.
9) Orchestra -- (Requires permission) Membership in Orchestra is open to any student with previous playing experience on violin, viola, cello, or bass either in middle school or high school. Participation at all rehearsal activities and performances is mandatory.
8) Mixed Chorus -- Membership in the Mixed Chorus is open to all students at McCaskey who enjoy studying and performing vocal music. The Mixed Chorus explores various vocal techniques used in several performing styles of music. These styles include: jazz, spirituals, contemporary, Latin American, and sacred. The Mixed Chorus performs in several concerts throughout the year. Participation in all rehearsal activities and performances is mandatory.
9) Orchestra -- (Requires permission) Membership in Orchestra is open to any student with previous playing experience on violin, viola, cello, or bass either in middle school or high school. Participation at all rehearsal activities and performances is mandatory.
10) Glee Club -- Glee Club members are selected by audition and are expected to be part of a rigorous schedule of engagements and concerts throughout the year. In this course, students will study inspirational choral music, a variety of singing styles, and composers. Participation at all rehearsal activities and performances is mandatory.
11) Second World Language -- French I, German I, Spanish I, Honors French I, Honors German I, Honors Spanish I, or Honors Spanish II.
12) World of Work -- This first-year course is a requirement in the Technical and Business Careers SLC. It is designed to focus on the changing nature of work, self and career exploration, job-seeking skills, including resume writing and interviewing, and the exploration of economic and business concepts to the work world. Students will be exposed to each of the various Career and Technical education programs.
13) Air Force Junior ROTC Program -- AIR FORCE AVIATION HISTORY: This course focuses on the development of flight throughout the centuries. The emphasis is on civilian and military contributions to aviation; the development, modernization, and transformation of the Air Force; and military applications of airpower from World War I to the present. It is interspersed with concise overviews of the principles of flight to include basic aeronautics, aircraft motion and control, flight power, and rockets. There is no military obligation resulting from participation in AFJROTC.
14) Intro to Art and Word Processing -- Intro to Art is an introductory education class for non-art majors that satisfies a graduation requirement. Word Processing teaches the basics of word processing, using Microsoft Word. Both of these courses are half-year courses and must be taken together.
15) Movement in Theater --This course provides an overview of the dance basics including jazz, ballet, tap, acting, hip-hop, and modern dance. Students learn basic terminology in each genre and study specific choreographers and their methods such as Cechetti, Fosse, Graham, Pan, Fatima. Students will become familiar with warm-ups, choreography, combinations, barre techniques, and across the floor drills specific to each genre. Grades are based upon participation, written exams, and practical exams.
Choose the one that most interests YOU
Each student must choose an SLC when they enter 10th Grade
A Small Learning Community (SLC) consists of a group of students who share classes, teachers and interests. They are similar to small schools within the larger high school. Each slc HAS CORRESPONDING ELECTIVE COURSES.
THE SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITIES (SLCs)
to be chosen for 10th grade. students are no longer placed in slc's for 9th grade
(you may find more information in the Course Selection Guide starting on page 16)
3) McCaskey School of Health Sciences (HCR)
The McCaskey School of Health Sciences provides students with the opportunity to study basic medical concepts and careers in allied health fields. Students who aspire to careers in health fields like nursing, radiology, and operating room technology gain early access to work-based experiences and technical training. Learners spend time in clinical/laboratory sites at Lancaster General Hospital and other allied health partners. Students will be better prepared to pursue a post-secondary education or employment in a health career having had these experiences. |
9th Grade Electives for students interested in HCR:
Art (0.5 credit) and Word Processing (0.5 credit) |
5) Honors/IB (HNR)
The Honors/IB SLC provides grade 9 and 10 students with rigorous academic study in preparation for International Baccalaureate (IB) and/or Advanced Placement (AP) course in their junior and senior years. These students utilize advanced reading, writing, and study skills. Instruction focuses on critical thinking and in-depth study in core content subjects, world language, and an elective. |
9th Grade Electives for students interested in HNR:
Foundations of Art Intro to Computer Science Theatre I Band Mixed Chorus Glee Club (audition) Vocal Ensemble (audition) Orchestra Second World Language *Two Electives are possible if the student gives up their lunch period. |
7) Technical and Business Careers (TBC)
This SLC is designed to prepare students with the specific academic and technical foundations needed to complete a nationally recognized certification within their chosen program. All lab completers will take the NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute) Exam which allows the students to earn the Pennsylvania Skills Certificate. The certification earned can either be used to enroll in a 2- or 4-year post-secondary institution, or gain advanced entry into their chosen trade upon high school graduation. The 7 state-certified career and technical programs offered include: building trades maintenance, business careers, accounting, computer aided drafting and design, cosmetology, early childhood education and electronics. |
9th Grade Electives for students interested in TBC:
World of Work |