Course Guide
BIBLE & RELIGION
Bible I
Bible I is an Old Testament survey course (one semester) required of Freshmen. The plan of the course is to discover what each book teaches and what its relation is to the whole of God's revelation. A study of key passages, characters, and historical events furnishes a basis for making many vital applications of the Old Testament to Christian living in the world today.
Bible II
Bible II is a New Testament survey course (one semester) required of Sophomores. Its purpose is to help students better understand the message and purpose of the New Testament. The course begins with an examination of the first century Palestinian culture in which Jesus lived and in which the New Testament was formed. Using this as background, the remainder of the semester consists of studying the New Testament writings: the gospels, Acts, the letters of Paul, the general letters, and Revelation. The goal is to help students better understand the New Testament from an academic perspective so they might grow in faith as they better understand how the New Testament speaks to God's people today. (This course is required of juniors or seniors who transfer to PCHS after their sophomore year and have not had Bible courses in their previous school.)
Bible IV
Required of Seniors during the second semester, this course is designed to help students think through the doctrines of the Christian faith. Topics covered include units on God, Sin, the Person & Work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Work of Redemption. Helping students build a Christian worldview will also be a focus of this class. The Bible is used as a textbook and guide to challenge students as they learn about the Reformed faith and seek to apply what they learn to their lives.
Christian Ethics
This is an elective course offered to Seniors during the first semester. The class examines a variety of topics such as life issues, war and peace, and the environment, all in the light of a Christian worldview. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis will be read to help students tackle these issues.
Reformation and Worship
The Reformation and Worship class is a elective designed to learn about Biblical worship. The history of worship will be studied, beginning with God's pattern for worship in the Old Testament to the present. One focus will be on how the Reformation shaped the worship that we practice today. Current issues in worship will also be discussed.
Church History
A one-semester elective course open primarily to juniors and seniors, Church History is offered opposite years with Comparative Religions. The purpose of the course is to examine how God has worked in and through His people from the early church in Roman times through the days of the Middle Ages and the Reformation to the church as we see it in the world today. Though historical and biographical in nature, the course will seek to keep the truths of Scripture and how they have been preserved as a major focus.
Comparative Religions
A one-semester elective course open to juniors and seniors, this course will be offered opposite years with Church History. Its aim is to examine the real and basic differences between the orthodox Christian faith and some of the major religions and cults of the world. Those studied include Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Mormonism, the Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, the Way, the Unification Church, Transcendental Meditation, the Children of God, Black Muslims, the New Age, and others as time permits. The study of other faiths can help a Christian examine his own theology and how his faith affects what he actually does and says and thinks.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Geography
Geography is a one-semester course required of sophomores in the second semester. The students gain a broader understanding of the world in which they live, both from the perspective and physical geography and human geography. Students will learn about the lands and peoples of all the continents, and will come to understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures that make up God's world. The themes of location, place, interactions, movement, and regions are followed. Map and globe skills will be emphasized.
World History
This two-semester required course at the sophomore level traces history from the time of the Egyptians to the present. Studying various cultures, the rise and fall of nations, and the major events that make up the history of the world from a Christian perspective helps us to better understand why the world is as it is today. A thorough study of the Greeks, Romans, the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and the development of the nations that exist today is pursued in this course.
American History
This two-semester required course is offered during the junior year. The first semester covers the period of history beginning with the discovery of America through the time of Reconstruction. The second semester covers the period of the Gilded Age to the present. Students are taught an appreciation of the history of our country as a blessing from God, and seek to critically examine the events of US history from a Christian point of view.
American Government
A one-semester required course for seniors during the first semester, American Government explores the heritage and philosophy of the American democratic system of government. Topics include how the federal system works, the Constitution, political parties and elections, voter behavior, special interest groups, Congress, the Presidency, and the courts. In addition, time is provided for a look at current events that relate to the issues discussed in American government and the responsibilities that we as Christians have in a country that has certainly been blessed by God.
Contemporary Affairs
This course is a one-semester elective for juniors or seniors. By using a weekly news magazine like Time, major domestic and foreign issues are discussed and analyzed. This is a current events course intended to help students be informed about what is happening in the US and the world right now, as well as the background to these events.
Psychology
Psychology is a one-semester elective course open to juniors and seniors. Topics of study will include an introduction to psychology, biological influences on human behavior, child psychology, perception, states of consciousness, learning, motivation, emotion, theories of personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. The course is designed to help students better understand God's most wonderful creation, the human being; and to prepare students for future careers in the psychology field. Students will be given experiences in discussions, research, and classroom lectures. Evaluations will be on the basis of class participation, research reports, and exams.
Modern History
A one-semester elective course, particularly designed for upper-classmen who are interested in a more in-depth look at the last 50 years of history, both in America and in the world. The course will study the political-historical events of the recent past, but will also examine the cultural and social developments and issues as viewed through the Christian perspective. How the Christian should live in and respond to the secular culture is an important aspect of this class.
MUSIC
Instrumental Music (Band)
Instrumental music is offered both semesters. Throughout the year, various types of activities are planned to give students the opportunity to experience as wide a range of instrumental literature as possible. The basic unit in the instrumental program is Concert Band. This group will perform four concerts each year, as well as marching at Tulip Time. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. Students are scheduled for Pep Band. They may also participate in the Solo and Ensemble Contest in the spring, and outstanding student-musicians are encouraged to try out for the All-State Band or Orchestra in the fall.
Students are expected to attend all rehearsals, as well as lessons that are scheduled every second or third week. Lessons will be scheduled during the students' normal study hall periods. Students are required to practice at least nine hours each marking period, outside of band, with the exception of those who are also in Concert Choir. The requirement is then 4 1/2 hours for each ensemble. Report card grades will be given on the basis of practice time, performance in lessons, and student attitude and cooperation.
Junior Choir
Junior Choir is a two-semester elective open to all freshmen and sophomores interested in singing. Participation in this group will be on a non-audition basis. Since the development of refined singing requires students to work collectively, individually, accurately, and attentively, rehearsal and performance attendance is essential and is evaluated accordingly.
Students will be instructed in all vocal and music fundamentals to assist them in developing their singing skills. This will be enhanced through the singing of a variety of music. This music will range from unison songs and melodies for use in developing sight singing skills to those written in two, three, and four parts for development in choral listening as well as the actual singing fundamentals. This choral experience is a requirement for all those wishing to audition for Concert Choir. Exceptions may be granted for students who transfer after their freshman year.
Concert Choir
Concert Choir is a two-semester elective course for sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have successfully completed one year of Junior Choir. Participation for this Music Course is by audition only. Since the development of refined singing is an ongoing process, many of the activities begun in Junior Choir will be continued and developed through the Concert Choir experience. Students will continue to review and develop all the correct fundamentals for singing. This will be accomplished through the use of a variety of vocal exercises as well as carefully chosen choral repertoire for mixed voices. In this choir also, students will be evaluated not only on their vocal performance but will also be checked as to their cooperation and attendance in both rehearsals and performances. This choir is active in participating in five concerts each year.
FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCES
Creative Living
A two-semester course, Creative Living is an elective open to freshmen and sophomores. Life skills are explored in this course. The first semester includes units on personal care, fitness, personality development, relationships, child development and basic nutrition (with lab experiences). The second semester focuses on housing and interior design, history of fashion and its role in the design of today's clothing, basic sewing techniques (with clothing projects), maintaining personal appearance and clothing selection.
Stewardship of the environment, energy conservation, money management, and consumer decisions will be discussed throughout the course. Various career opportunities in each area of study will also be explored.
Housing/Interior Design
A one-semester course, Housing is an elective open to juniors and seniors. Course topics include study of periods and styles of houses and furnishings, coordinating color schemes, and applying the basic principles and elements of design. Other units include housing of the future, housing and the environment, house financing, making wise consumer decisions, new construction methods and remodeling options, the implications of life cycles and human needs in housing design, societal and technological trends in housing, and careers in the housing profession. Throughout the course, learning experiences applicable to everyday living are provided.
Consumer Health
A one-semester course, Consumer Health is an elective open to juniors and seniors. The health concerns of society and their impact on personal issues of health will be examined. Units covered in this course include wellness, nutrition, evaluation of diets in terms of nutrients and additives, substance use and abuse, personal hygiene, eating disorders, types of health care available, and quacks and quackery. Also covered are units on lifetime physical fitness, emergency medical care, CPR, emotional and social health, death and dying, sexually transmitted diseases, and the use of drugs in preventing, controlling, and treating diseases. Careers in health-related fields are also discussed. This course helps students make appropriate health decisions, improving their quality of life and encourages them to make wellness a lifelong habit.
Child Development
A one-semester course, Child Development is an elective open to juniors and seniors. Child development builds an understanding of all aspects of children's physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and moral development. Students will learn how to meet the needs of children in the best possible way through each stage of development from pre-natal to adolescence. Topics include parenting, pregnancy, family stresses and crises, child abuse, childhood illnesses, child care, and exceptional children.
Students will be introduced to family, marriage, parenting, and child development issues, and explore careers in the field of child development. Children are a gift from God and are a part of God's family through his covenant promises. Students learn to appreciate the life that God gives and how to care for it. This course helps prepare students for their responsibility in the lives of children around them now and in the future.
Nutritional Health
A one-semester course, Nutritional Health is an elective open to juniors and seniors. This course is an advanced study of nutrition, focusing on the relationship of diet to health and appearance, and on the principles and procedures of basic food preparation. Specific units of study include nutritional content of foods, weight control, basic safety and sanitation principles, proper selection and storage of food, meal planning and preparation, table etiquette, and use of the new food guide pyramid. Career opportunities in the areas of food and nutrition will be explored. Students will be encouraged to incorporate healthy food choices into their lifestyles and to make wise food purchasing decisions. Lab opportunities in food preparation are a part of this course.
INDUSTRIAL ARTS
Industrial Arts I
This two-semester course is offered to freshmen as an elective. Instruction and experiences will be provided in the areas of mechanical drawing, woodworking, and metal working. Drafting fundamentals will be taught using CAD Lt 98 software. In woodworking, opportunities for learning are provided through experiences in planning, using hand tools and materials, finishing procedures, and performing processes in the production of useful articles. Safety instruction and testing will be emphasized.
Industrial Arts II
This course is a two-semester elective for juniors. Instruction and experiences will be provided in the area of shop drawings, AC electricity, metal working, and welding. Safety precautions will be observed. Several methods of welding will be practiced, with most welding being completed through exercises and repair work.
Industrial Arts III
This is a two-semester elective course offered to seniors. Students study the problems of residential design, building construction, structural features, and exterior architecture. Complete working plans for a basic floor plan layout will be drawn and blueprinted. Emphasis will be to build on shop fundamentals of I and II, with advanced study of technical and industrial production techniques. The first semester will be devoted to a specific area of interest by each individual in the area of woodworking. In the first nine weeks of the second semester, students learn architectural drafting techniques, and in the last nine weeks, they complete a set of house plans on the computer, using CAD Lt 98 software.
BUSINESS
Computer Applications I
This is a one-semester course required of all freshmen. A short review of the keyboard will be covered at the beginning. The remainder of the semester will cover Microsoft Word and Excel software. Students will learn how to format student reports, create fliers, prepare their own resume, and create a short newsletter. In Excel, students will learn how to format spreadsheets, add formulas to the spreadsheet, use the IF command in formulas, and create simple amortization schedules.
Computer Applications II
This is a one-semester elective course that covers Access, Power Point, and introduction to Web Page design. Access will introduce the student to the designing of databases. Power Point will introduce the student to the making of slide show presentations. Students will be given group projects to work on as well as individual projects. At the end of the semester, students will have an opportunity to design web pages.
Consumer Economics
This is a one-semester elective course offered to both juniors and seniors. Topics covered include saving and investing, budgeting, being a wise consumer, insurance, and banking services. An emphasis is placed on the personal financial matters that everyone must deal with in real life.
General Business
General Business is a one-semester elective course offered to both juniors and seniors. This course examines the American economic system, the business world, information and communications systems, and the management of production, marketing, finances, and human resources.
Accounting
Accounting is a two-semester elective course offered to juniors and seniors. It is designed to teach students how to keep financial records for a small service business and a merchandising business. Recordkeeping for a sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation is covered. Daily work will be done using manual (by hand) procedures. Accounting is designed for students interested in business but also provides students with basic knowledge of how money is handled.
Automated Accounting
Automated Accounting is offered to seniors who have completed at least one semester of Accounting. The course continues to teach students how to analyze and journalize transactions but all work is computerized. Using Peachtree, students will learn how to set up a business and maintain its day-to-day accounting tasks.
Computer Programming
This is an elective course of one semester for juniors and seniors. The course is designed to give students a hands-on learning experience in computer programming. The course teaches the True BASIC language as well as HTML and website editing. The course also spends time focusing on computer hardware. Computer programming is designed for students who have an interest in computers as well as students considering entering the business field.
LANGUAGE ARTS
English I
English I is a two-semester required course for freshmen. Each semester consists of thematic units which are integrated with reading, writing, listening, viewing, and applying language skills to the communicative process. Emphasis is placed on each student's improvement in all the facets of communication such as reading comprehension, clarity in writing and speaking, discernment in listening and viewing, and applying language skills to various situations.
English II
English II is a two-semester required course for sophomores. This course provides an overview and analysis of American literature from its beginnings to the present day. Organized by eras, students will be introduced to such ideas as Rationalism, Romanticism, and Realism, and the Christian perspective of each. Included in the course will be the writing of Unit Essays that challenges each student to formulate their own interpretations and which also reviews the expository writing with the emphasis on the process of composition. Major projects include the study of two novels, two outside book reviews, and the Research Paper in which the student will explore various vocational opportunities.
English III - General
This is a course designed for juniors who do not plan more formal education after high school. The course combines literature study, composition, and a review of the fundamentals of usage, punctuation, spelling, and the writing of business letters. Book reviews and vocabulary study are included in the course. Emphasis is on the interpretation and understanding of the type of literature and composition which will enable the student to increase his or her proficiency in practical business procedures and everyday communications.
English III - College Prep
English III CP is a two semester course which consists of reading and writing in the four (4) areas of exposition, narration, description, and persuasion. The instructor uses college level reading and writing assignments in those four areas to prepare students for reading and writing on the college level. Emphasis is also placed on vocabulary enrichment, a practical understanding of English usage and mechanics, and the student's ability to use exposition, narration, description, and persuasion in independent projects such as research papers and other writings. A writing portfolio is maintained through the duration of the course.
English IV
Recommended for college-bound seniors, this two-semester course provides analysis of classical and contemporary literature. Readings include at least one Shakespeare play, other contemporary and classic dramas, poetry, modern American short stories, and at least one novel. Students will keep a writing journal and write several short to mid-length papers, working to improve their writing style. Additional areas of exploration may include film study, linguistics, creative language use, vocabulary building and a review of traditional grammar.
Speech
Speech, a one-semester course for juniors and seniors, includes practice in a variety of speaking situations. In an attempt to improve one's speech and to develop confidence and skill in speaking before a group, the student learns to inform, demonstrate, persuade, and entertain. Both original speech writing and oral interpretation are emphasized along with some exposure to Radio News Broadcasting, Non-Verbals, Film Analysis, and Group Discussion.
Journalism
Offered during the fall semester to sophomores, juniors, and seniors, Journalism introduces students to various aspects of news gathering and reporting. Topics include interviewing skills, handling quotes, using news writing style, writing headlines, captions, and journalism ethics. In addition, students will learn techniques in writing editorials, feature stories, news and sports. Possibilities for study might include newspaper design and layout, photojournalism, and the history of American media. This course is a pre-requisite to Advanced Journalism.
Advanced Journalism
Students in Advanced Journalism, a full year course, will put to use skills learned in Journalism (news skills), Desktop Publishing (software and design skills), and/or Art IV (photography and design skills) to produce publications for PCHS including, but not limited to, Eagle's Cry, Memoirs, Reporter, music and play programs, homecoming booklet, etc. Students sell advertising to fund these publications, design pages, take photos, gather information, and write stories, headlines, and captions. Students use Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Students desiring to be an editor are encouraged to take pre-requisites freshman or sophomore year so that they are able to take a semester of Advanced Journalism as juniors and become editors as seniors. Editors set the direction for content, themes, and design of the publications and help to manage the business aspects of the course.
Desktop Publishing
Students enrolled in Desktop Publishing, a one-semester elective, will work with text and graphics to design advertisements, brochures, newsletters, newspapers, posters, and yearbook pages. Software essential to graphic design artists are InDesign and Photoshop. Essential tools include digital cameras, scanners, and clip art.
Drama
This one-semester elective is offered to students in all grade levels, and is intended to help students learn to understand stage fright, speak dramatically, develop characterization on the stage, and put together a Children's Play (from study, to acting, to costuming, to staging, to performing). Part of the course will also include understanding the directing process, the theories of acting, and evaluating plays.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Spanish I
In Spanish I, a two-semester elective course for grades 9-12, students will develop basic listening (understanding), speaking, reading, and writing skills. As much Spanish as possible will be spoken by students and teacher to give the student as much contact as possible with the target language. Students will look at similarities and differences between the Spanish and English languages, between the South American and North American religious observance, and between the life of the Spaniard, the Hispanic, and the American in general.
Spanish II
In Spanish II, a two-semester elective course generally for grades 10-12, students will further develop the basic skills learned in first-year Spanish to give the student more competence in the language. Students will be exposed to more tenses. Some elementary literature and legends will be read, and geography and culture will continue to be stressed.
Spanish III
Spanish III, a two-semester elective course generally for grades 11-12, will continue with many of the objectives which were begun in Spanish I and II. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the Spanish language will continue to be taught. There will be a review of most of the grammar learned in Spanish I and II, and more grammar and tenses will be introduced. Literature study will be emphasized much more than in the first two levels. Spanish II will continue to cultivate an awareness of, appreciation for, and the acceptance of another culture.
Spanish IV
In Spanish IV, a two-semester elective course generally for grade 12, students will continue to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the Spanish language. Original Spanish literature will be used, instead of simplified versions which were used in earlier levels. Using solely Spanish in the classroom is encouraged. Most of the grammar from earlier levels is again reviewed, but much more work is done with the subjunctive. Customs and culture of the Spanish-speaking world will continue to be stressed at this level.
MATHEMATICS
(IMPORTANT NOTE: Math I, Math II, Algebra I, and Geometry will each be treated as a year-long unit. Students must earn a passing grade in the second semester of these courses in order to receive a unit credit. Credit will be issued in full units only for a given year. If a student passes the first semester but fails the second, he/she must repeat the entire year in sequence. Those who fail the first semester, but pass the second, will receive credit for the full year.)
Algebra I
Algebra I is a two-semester course intended for freshmen. The course of study begins with a review of real numbers and real number operations and properties. This is extended to operations on algebraic expressions including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, powers, and roots. Some topics studied are linear equations and graphs, linear inequalities, absolute value, systems of equations, quadratics, factoring, radicals, and fractions. Competence is gained in solving equations and inequalities using both algebraic and graphing methods. The mathematical concept of function is introduced.
Math I (Pre-Algebra)
Math I is a two-semester course intended for students who cannot maintain the pace of the standard one -year algebra course. This course reviews basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in algebraic equations. Other topics covered are fractions, decimals, percents, powers, and roots. Emphasis is placed on understanding number concepts as well as modeling, graphing, and basic geometry. Students are given many opportunities to review and make practical applications of math concepts.
Math II
Math II is a two-semester course for sophomores who are not presently enrolled in Geometry. It continues the direction initiated in Math I. The student continues to review and practice algebraic principles in working with integers and variables. It includes work with the six fundamental operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, powers, and roots. Students explore the use of algebra with linear equations, graphing and factoring while using the basic properties of mathematics (commutative, associative, distributive, inverse, etc). Students are encouraged to apply the principals studied to life situation through solving of story problems that relate to daily experiences. Completion of this course will give the students a thorough approach to the concepts of algebra.
Geometry
Geometry is a two-semester course with Algebra I or the Math I & II sequence as a prerequisite. Discussion in geometry deals with both plane and solid geometry. The course emphasizes the use of logic in the development of a mathematical system. A thorough study is made of the relationships that exist between points, lines, & planes. The properties of all types of polygons are investigated and an introduction to analytic geometry is given. Topics covered in this course provide useful tools in day to day situations where measurement is important.
Algebra II
Algebra II includes a comprehensive review of Algebra I, which is a prerequisite. This is a two-semester course generally intended for juniors. The number system is expanded to complex numbers. The topics of quadratics, linear equations, and the concept of functions are enlarged. New topics include linear programming, logarithms, polynomial equations, analytic geometry, conic sections, progressions and series, and binomial expansions. This course is a prerequisite for Pre-Calculus and Physics. Algebra I or Math II is a prerequisite for Algebra II.
Pre-Calculus
Pre-Calculus is a two-semester elective course for seniors. It is an advanced course intended for students who are planning mathematical or scientific careers, or who enjoy math. Mathematical manipulations are continuously reviewed. Trigonometry, analytic geometry, and logarithms are studied rather extensively. A brief introduction is given to calculus and statistics to acquaint the students with potential advanced courses. Algebra II and Geometry are prerequisites.
SCIENCE
Physical Science
This course is required of all freshmen during the first semester. It is designed to introduce the students to the physical sciences, physics and chemistry. This is done with several small units covering forces, motion, gravity, atomic structure, and other topics, looking at both the theory and the mathematics of these areas.
Anatomy and Physiology
This course is required of all freshmen during the second semester. It is designed to acquaint the student with the structure and function of the human body. A detailed study is made of the body systems, studying their structure and how they function.
Anatomy and Physiology II
This is a one-semester elective course offered every other year to juniors and seniors. It will take a detailed and more in depth look at the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Body systems not covered in the freshman course will be explored as well as a review and continued study of systems that were covered in the freshman course. Different career options in the health/medical field will be explored, and this course is highly recommended for those students who have an interest in pursuing a career in the science/medical/ health fields.
Biology
Biology, a two-semester course required of all sophomores, is a course designed to give students a working knowledge of all living things. The emphasis during the first semester is on ecology, bio-chemistry, and cell biology. The emphasis during the second semester is on reproduction, genetics, DNA -protein synthesis, and evolution. Lab activities are designed to give students experiences in a wide variety of techniques used in biological study. Within each area of study, students will learn about their roles as stewards of the Creation.
Biology II
This is a one-semester elective course offered every other year to juniors and seniors. This course consists of the identification and study of living organisms, many of which can be found on the school campus and natural areas. Indoor and outdoor hands-on laboratory activities are performed to show how organisms are designed and adapted to live in their habitat. Understanding how each organism is unique and the role it plays in creation is essential to proper stewardship towards God's creation. Students will have the opportunity to do real science, to explore the unknown, and to use the scientific method. Topics will cover microbiology, botany, and zoology. Emphasis will be on organisms found here in Iowa. This course is recommended for students who are interested in the field of biology or who just like to learn about living things.
Chemistry
A two-semester elective course for juniors, chemistry is a science which deals with the structure and composition of matter as well as the changes in the composition of materials. Chemistry should help the student to develop abilities in analytical thinking. The lab exercises are an important part of chemistry. Laboratory techniques are learned as well as material corresponding to class discussion. This course is recommended for the student who plans to attend college, go into nurse's training, or is interested in some field of science as a career. Prerequisite: Algebra I.
Advanced Chemistry
A one-semester elective class for seniors, advanced chemistry continues where the junior chemistry class finished. A major focus of this class is laboratory work, as more than half the class time is spent doing lab work. The major areas studied are acid-base reactions and solutions, with an emphasis on writing chemical equations. Prerequisite: Chemistry.
Physics
Physics is a two-semester elective course usually taken in the senior year. Prerequisites are math through Algebra II, and Math IV is recommended for those who plan to pursue a career in science. The basic emphasis in Physics is upon the study of various forms of matter and energy. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations are correlated with the material being discussed. The basic course outline includes the study of vector applications, mechanics, Newton's laws of motion, heat energy, nuclear energy, wave energy (sound, light, and electromagnetic), optics, DC and AC electricity.
Environmental Science
The earth that we live on is a planet of vast resources. However, in the past thirty years, our lifestyles have begun to strain those resources. This course will look at how the earth "works," how our lifestyles are threatening our planet's ability to sustain us, and how environmentalism can insure that our natural resources will not become depleted. This is a one-semester elective course open to juniors and seniors.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education provides the student with many different activities. Emphasis is placed on developing various skills in different sports, physical fitness, good sportsmanship, favorable attitudes, and worthy use of leisure time. It is essential to discover ways to improve fitness, engage in activities that promote the development of motor skills, and encourage proper care of the human body through life-long recreation. All students in Grades 9-12 are required to be in PE, though students involved in an extracurricular athletic program may be waived from this requirement.
ART
All courses are taught through the use of visual media technology to give the students the most exposure to the specific art being studied. Each course also involves periodic "discussion days" which are aimed at developing the students awareness of the art world as well as encouraging critical thinking. Slide Identification quizzes are another tool used in each course once a month which allow the students to familiarize themselves with artists, artwork and their styles.
Art I
Art I is a one-semester elective course (offered both semesters). The principles and elements of design are emphasized through a variety of media such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking. This beginner's class covers the basics in Art including color theory, perspective, periods in Art history, how to draw what is really seen as well as developing expressive qualities in their art. The second 9 weeks focus on introducing communication qualities through symbolism and metaphor making the art making experience more meaningful.
Art II
Art II is a one-semester elective course. Striving for quality work that shows understanding of the elements and principles of design. The first 9 weeks are spent exploring various drawing media and techniques such as graphite, charcoal, conte crayon and chalk. These projects range from highly technical to very expressive and gestural. The second 9 weeks further develop the student's rendering skills by introducing painting. Some of the media used include acrylic, watercolor, and oil paint.
Art III
Art III is a one-semester elective course that covers are in its third dimension with sculpture and ceramics. Each unit is introduced with various artists that work in the media such as wire, wood, plaster, clay and found objects. The clay unit includes assignments using hand building and thrown methods ranging from functional to non-functional ceramics.
Art IV
Art IV is a one-semester elective course that introduces printmaking, photography and multi-cultural art. Printmaking is taught through the methods of lino-cut, collograph, silk-screen, mono-print and etching. Photography is introduced focusing on good design and basic terms of picture taking and developing. Students will be expected to purchase own film and pay processing fees as well as having access to a point-and-shoot camera. Multicultural art is taught through the study of various countries and regions and utilize a wide range of 2D and 3D media.
Art V
Art V is a one-semester elective course which allows the student to create projects in a variety of medias of both the 2nd and 3rd dimensions. Periods of art history and/or specific artists will be taught along with each project beginning with the Renaissance and continuing through present day post-modern art.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Students may apply for independent study during any semester of their high school career. The student's work is completed independent of any course, but will be supervised by a member of the teaching staff. Students receive 1/4 unit of credit per semester, and a pass/fail grade.
WELDING
Welding is a one-semester course offered to seniors during the first semester. The course is taught at Vermeer Manufacturing by Vermeer personnel. The course will include training in a variety of welding skills and will include Certification Testing. Students must purchase steel-toed work shoes; Vermeers will provide safety glasses, ear plugs, and helmets. Regular credit will be given and the grade will be included in the GPA. This course is beneficial to any senior considering a School-to-Work job at Vermeers during the second semester.
SCHOOL-TO-WORK
School-to-Work is a course for seniors offered during both semesters. Students must apply for entry into the course, and acceptance into the program depends on the availability of positions at the businesses in the program, the individual student's schedule and credit needs, and a successful application/interview procedure. Students must abide by all rules and regulations established by both school and business, and for their work will receive from the business both training and an hourly wage. The student must be enrolled in at least four courses in addition to School-to-Work, will attend a once-a-week class at school on work-related concerns, and will receive a regular unit credit with a letter grade.