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NORTH PLATTE HIGH SCHOOL

COURSE DESCRIPTION BOOK

2008-2009

NORTH PLATTE HIGH SCHOOL

1220 WEST 2ND STREET

NORTH PLATTE, NE 69101

PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE TELEPHONE

535-7105

COUNSELORS’ OFFICE FAX

308-696-3432

SCHOOL FAX NUMBER

308-535-7111

HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

PRINCIPAL: MR. JIM WHITNEY

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL: MR. JAMES AYRES

DEAN OF STUDENTS: MR. STEPHEN LALONDE

ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR: MR. RICH REINERT

HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS

MR. WES CARUSO A-G

MRS. MARY LYNN HORST H-N

MS. KERI HAMMOND O-Z

MRS. JOLENE PETTERA 9TH GRADE

MS. COLLEEN ASHBURN REGISTRAR

MRS. TERESA SCHUMACHER GUIDANCE SECRETARY

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER TO STUDENTS 3

SPECIAL REMINDERS 4

INDIVIDUAL PLAN OF ACTION 5

EXPLANATION OF GRADES 6

NPHS REQUIREMENTS 7 UNL-ADVANCED SCHOLARS 8 KEARNEY BOUND 9

UN CORE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS 10

NCAA 11

ART 13

BUSINESS/MARKETING 14 FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE 16

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY 17

LANGUAGE ARTS 20

MATHEMATICS 22

MUSIC 24

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 25

SCIENCE 26

SOCIAL STUDIES 27

WORLD LANGUAGES 29

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Dear NPHS students: This NPHS Course Description Handbook has been designed and prepared to assist you in planning a full program of studies for the coming school year. With the assistance of teachers, counselors, administrators, and your parents, you will be able to develop a balanced set of courses which will allow you to fulfill your own educational needs, as well as to meet the educational requirements set by the Board of Education necessary for graduation from high school. If you attended high school here last year, then you have already started this programming process, and you are selecting those courses leading toward graduation. Your task now is to carefully determine what you need to take during the 2008-2009 school year. If you are new to NPHS, you are beginning the process of selecting an overall program of studies. In either case, please take advantage of the diverse and comprehensive educational opportunities which are available at North Platte High School! Whether you are going on to college or university studies, to a vocational/technical school, or entering the work force, we have an outstanding list of courses from which you can choose. The education which you receive at NPHS is extremely important, and it will form the foundation for your future success. The entire high school faculty and staff are here to serve you. If you need assistance of any kind as you consider your class options, please don’t hesitate to ask for help! Sincerely, Jim Whitney, Principal

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SPECIAL REMINDERS

1. Classes, when successfully completed, will earn the student 5 credit hours per term.

2. Based on an 8 period day, freshman and sophomore students are required to be

enrolled in 7 classes per semester. Juniors and seniors are required to be enrolled in

6 periods each semester. Students dropping any class after the second week (10

Days) of the semester will expect to receive a failing grade in that class for the

semester.

3. Students involved in athletics and/or activities must pass a minimum of four classes

each semester.

4. Spring registration is considered final. The NPHS Master Schedule of classes is

composed, teachers are assigned, rooms are assigned and supplies/materials are

purchased based upon the number of students registered for specific classes.

If schedule adjustments are to be made based on changes in career goals or

other legitimate reasons, those adjustments must occur before the beginning of the

semester in which the changes take place. In other words, semester 1 changes must

be completed BEFORE the beginning of semester 1 and semester 2 changes must be

completed BEFORE the beginning of semester 2.

5. Registration: Registration will take place in the spring of each year. Although

students will receive specific instructions during that time from high school

personnel, the responsibility for appropriate graduation and career choices rests

with the students and his/her parents. The counseling staff is available to assist in

making decisions related to course selections.

6. Students out of school for long-term care (long-term defined as 10 days or longer)

are responsible for taking their books with them.

7. Students leaving school, transferring, or dropping are responsible for properly

checking out of school and returning all of their books.

WARNING

Students, please note: If you do not sign up for courses which FULLY PREPARE

you for life after high school (i.e., college university work; vocational/technical skills;

military service) you are SEVERELY limiting your own ability to perform well in these

situations.

Don’t take the easy courses just to GET BY. Enroll in classes that will completely

empower you to reach your highest academic potential. Courses at N.P.H.S. may appear

to be difficult now, but they will be even more difficult when you must experience them in

the future.

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NORTH PLATTE HIGH SCHOOL Individual Student Plan

SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2

Period 1

Period 2

Period 3

Period 4

Period 5

Period 6

Period 7

Period 8

RECOMMENDED CLASSES BY GRADE 9

th Grade 10

th Grade 11

th Grade 12

th Grade

English English English English Math Math Math American Government Physical Science Biology Science Geography World History United States History Basic Communications Healthy Lifestyles Rec Sports Team Sports Fitness Computer Applications NPHS Counselors recommend any student planning to eventually attend a 4 year college/university complete 4 years of high school English and Math

3 years of Science and Social Studies

2 years of foreign language

The student should also take the ACT the second half of the junior year.

A student should always check with his/her counselor about the SPECIFIC requirements for admission to individual colleges or university.

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EXPLANATION OF GRADES LETTER GRADE PERCENT GRADE A 93-100 4.0

B 86-92 3.0 C 78-85 2.0 D 70-77 1.0 F 69-Below 0.0 No Credit is earned for the following: U=Unsatisfactory; NC=No Credit; WP=Withdraw Passing; WF=Withdraw Failing; NG=No Grade; F=Failing; NP=No Pass. Credit may be earned on a Pass/Fail basis for a maximum of two classes during a student’s high school career. Instead of a grade, the student would receive a “P” for Pass or “NP” for Fail with no effect on grade point average. Student Aide- a student may earn 2.5 credits, a “P” (Passing), for being a teacher/office aide. Academic Intern may earn 5 credits.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CLASSES AND AP EXAMS All Advanced Placement (AP) classes may be taken to fulfill high school graduation requirements and to also receive college credit. In order to obtain college credit, the student must take the Advanced Placement (AP) Examination required for each individual class. A fee would have to be paid to take the college exam in order to receive such credit. Test results from this examination will dictate whether or not college credit will be granted. (Students should

check with their counselor about which colleges and/or universities give credits for taking

the AP Examinations and what score they must attain on the test(s) in order to qualify for

credit from a particular post-secondary institution.)

The student, whether receiving or taking a class for college credit, will also receive a grade that will count at the high school level. The test for college credit (if the student decides to take the test) and the subsequent score on the test is immaterial in regard to the student’s high school grade point average. Students may also take any of the Advanced Placement courses listed in this catalog without taking the college examination. Please note: All Advanced Placement (AP) courses are the equivalent of a college/university freshman - level class. Therefore, each course will require a significant amount of work both inside and outside of the class time. Students will be expected to concentrate their efforts toward rigorous reading schedules, extensive note taking and class discussions, and comprehensive examination of the material covered in the course. Additionally, instructors may provide sessions just prior to the AP exams, which are given in early to mid-May. Dual Credit Classes will be available (Dual credit = high school and college credit). Check with your counselor for specific classes available.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

CLASS OF: 2009+

ENGLISH 9 10 HOURS

BASIC COMMUNICATION 5 HOURS

ENGLISH 10 10 HOURS

ENGLISH 11 10 HOURS

ENGLISH 12 10 HOURS

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (9TH) 10 HOURS

BIOLOGY (10TH) 10 HOURS

SCIENCE ELECTIVE 10 HOURS

FRESHMAN MATH 10 HOURS

SOPHOMORE MATH 10 HOURS

MATH ELECTIVE 10 HOURS

GEOGRAPHY (9TH) 10 HOURS

WORLD HISTORY 10 HOURS

UNITED STATES HISTORY 10 HOURS

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 5 HOURS

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 1 5 HOURS

FINE ARTS/VOCATIONAL 15 HOURS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 10 HOURS

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES/FITNESS 10 HOURS

ELECTIVES 65 HOURS

TOTAL CREDITS 245 HOURS

All credit must be earned in Grades 9 – 12 Students may work as a teacher’s/office aide to fill a particular semester, 2.5 credits per semester will be given for such work. A student may earn a total of 10 credits as an aide. See specific course descriptions in this booklet for details about individual class requirements and grade levels. Juniors and seniors may work as an academic intern. 5 credits per semester will be given for such work.

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UNIVERSITY OF

Nebraska Lincoln__________________________________________________ ADVANCE SCHOLARS

November 1, 2006 Dear Parent/Guardian of a Student in High Academic Standing, North Platte High School (NPHS) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) are pleased to announce Advanced Scholars, an exciting new program which extends online UNL college courses to top high school students. Based on your student’s grades and academic maturity, your student has been selected as eligible to participate in Advanced Scholars.

Through a partnership between UNL and North Platte High, Advanced Scholars allows your student to earn college credit while still in high school. This partnership means your high school is offering select students like yours a chance to experience the rigors of college coursework, stay challenged academically, and get a head start on their college career. The online courses are general education courses typically taken by college freshman on the UNL campus and are taught by University faculty. Students who register for and successfully complete Advanced Scholars online courses earn UNL credit, verified by and official transcript.

By earning college credit during high school, students can get a head start on their undergraduate degree and have more flexibility in choosing courses their first year on campus. Advanced Scholars also exposes high school students to many of the same experiences they’ll encounter as freshmen. This allows students to become familiar with a university system while still in the high school environment, easing their transition to college.

Students participating in the Advanced Scholars program pay a one-time application fee to the University of Nebraska. Should your student decide to apply to the University as a regular undergraduate they will not need to pay the application fee again. And while students on the UNL campus pay $160 per credit hour plus fees, Advanced Scholars courses are $100 per credit hour, with no additional University fees. You may visit the Advanced Scholars website http://AdvancedScholars.unl.edu or contact Keri Hammond in the North Platte High School Counselor’s office for more information.

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KEARNEY BOUND

A partnership with the University of Nebraska at Kearney and selected Nebraska high schools

Objective To identify new high school students from families who meet the Federal government’s criteria for participation in TRIO programs and who also show academic promise; and to partner with the high school to maximize their opportunities for graduation from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Student Selection In early spring of the freshmen year, a maximum of 15 students from selected high schools will be selected. A committee composed of high school personnel, in consultation with UNK staff, will review available information and select participants using the following criteria:

• Demonstrated academic promise, ability, and motivation to participate

• First-generation college prospect (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree; or if single parent, the single parent does not have a bachelor’s degree)

• Nebraska resident and must have social security number

• Parental commitment to have the child participate

• Potential to be Pell Grand eligible

High School Program The participating high school will provide:

• Directed advising

• Tutoring

• Mentoring

• Transportation to UNK for motivational experiences and exposure to opportunities here on campus (2-3 times a year)

• Professional staff member to direct high school’s involvement and to be liaison with UNK staff

• Fee waivers for first ACT (no later than April of Junior year)

UNK will provide • Professional staff member to direct UNK’s

involvement and be liaison with the high school

• On-campus programming designed to motivate the students to earn a University degree

• UNK courses offered to students during their senior year at a reduced tuition rate

• Assistance with financial aid, scholarship, and financial planning sessions for students and parents

College Program • Directed academic and career advising

• Tutoring

• Mentoring

• Guaranteed financial aid coverage for direct cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, and books)

Requirements for Continuation in Program

While in High School: Students will be required to complete the core courses identified by UNK for admission to the University. The required courses include:

• 3 years of mathematics: 2 years of algebra plus geometry

• 4 years of college-prep English

• 3 years of science

• 3 years of social studies

• 2 years of the same foreign language

• 1 year of an academic core elective (preferably a 4th year of math)

In addition to completing a course of study that meets the UNK Admission requirements, these college preparatory students will:

• Complete the PLAN (pre-ACT) in their sophomore year

• Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of a 2.85 and a minimum 2.5 in the core courses. Students who fail to meet these grade requirements at the end of the sixth semester will be dismissed from the program

• Enroll in a ACT prep course provided by the high school prior to senior year

• Register for ACT three times starting no later than April of the junior year (ACT waivers will be provided to those eligible for one exam)

Students in this program will be expected to earn at least three credit hours of college coursework during their senior year of high school. While attending UNK the students will:

• Earn a 2.000 grade-point average each academic year while taking a minimum of 12 credit-hours a semester

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CORE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS

CATEGORY UNITS

(4) UNIVERSITY-WIDE REQUIREMENTS

English 4 units

All units must include intensive reading and writing experiences.

Innovative interdisciplinary courses and courses in speech and

journalism may be substituted if they include substantial amounts of

reading and writing. Mathematics 3 units Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry (5)

Social Studies 3 units

1 unit drawn from American and/or world history; 1 additional unit

drawn from history, American government and/or geography; and a

third unit drawn from any social science discipline.

Natural Sciences 3 units

At least 2 units selected from biology, chemistry, physics and earth

sciences. 1 of the above units must include laboratory instruction.

Foreign Language 2 units Both units must be in the same language (6)

UNK UNL UNO

Additional

Academic

Requirements

1 unit 1 unit chosen from Mathematics: 1 additional 1 unit chosen

from

any academic Unit that builds on a Any academic

discipline. Knowledge of algebra. (7) discipline.

TOTAL UNITS 16 units 16 units 16 units 16 units

In addition to the above requirements, a student applicant must complete high school in the

upper ½ of her/his class or score 20 or higher on the ACT.

(4) A unit is a Carnegie Unit, comprising high school study for a period of one year. Equivalent requirements

or competencies may be substituted, with the approval of the appropriate University Campus.

(5) Students seeking admission to UNL will be required to complete an additional unit of mathematics (see

footnote 7 below).

(6) Students who are unable to take two years of foreign language in high school may still qualify for

admission. Such students will be required to take two semesters of foreign language at the University of

Nebraska. These students are still required to complete 16 units of academic courses for admission.

(7) It is not required that all students seeking entry to UNL take a trigonometry or pre-calculus course for

their fourth unit of mathematics.

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*COLLEGE ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for NCAA college athletics, you must:

1. Graduate from high school. 2. Earn a grade point average of at least 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in a core curriculum of at least

14 academic courses successfully completed during grades 9 through 12. Only courses listed as approved on the FHS “List of NCAA Core Courses” can be used to calculate your NCA GPA. No special values are allowed for “+ “or “ –“ grades. The chart below indicates the number of of years or NCAA core courses the must be completed. Core Unites Required for NCAA certification

Division 1 2005 – 2007 Division 1 2008 & after Division 11

English Core 4 years 4 years 3 years

Math Core* 2 years 3 years 2 years

Science Core 2 years 2 years 2 years

Social Studies 2 years 2 years 2 years

From English, Math, or Science

1 year 1 year 1 year

Additional Core (English Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language Computer Science, Philosophy, Non-doctrinal religion )

3 years 4 years 3 years

Total Core Unit Required 14 16 14

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Division 1 certification requires 2 years of math, Algebra I or higher.

3. Earn a sum of scores of at least 68 on the ACT or a combined score of at least 820 on SAT one national test date. For Division 1: The minimum grade point average in the 14 core courses and required ACT or SAT score vary according to the Initial-Eligibility Index below.

Core GPA ACT sum SAT Core GPA ACT sum SAT

2.500 and 68 820 2.225 78 930

above

2.475 69 830 2.200 79 940

2.450 70 840-850 2.175 80 950

2.425 70 860 2.150 80 960

2.400 71 860 2.125 81 960

2.375 72 870 2.100 82 970

2.350 73 880 2.075 83 980

2.325 74 890 2.050 84 990

2.300 75 900 2.025 85 1000

2.275 76 910 2.000 86 1010

Students are responsible for obtaining the “ for the College-Bound Student-Athlete”

from the guidance office, understanding eligibility guidelines and meeting all criteria.

To be eligible for NAIA college athletics, you must:

Meet two of the three entry-level requirements in order to be eligible to represent a member institution in any manner (Scrimmages or intercollegiate competitions:

a) Achieve a minimum or 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT on one test date. The ACT/SAT test must be taken on a national testing date and certified to the institution prior to the beginning of the term in which the student initially participates.

b) Achieve a minimum overall high school grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

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c) Graduate in the top half of your high school graduating class.

(NAIA schools in Nebraska include Hastings College of St. Mary, Doane, Dana and Midland Lutheran College

* Information and criteria are periodically revised. Students who plan to compete in athletics at the

college level must take personal responsibility for knowing and meeting criteria.

The NCAA no longer prints the Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete. It may be accessed by going to their website: ncaaclearinghouse.net

Clearinghouse Contact Information

NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse:

P.O. Box 4043 301 ACT Drive Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4043 Package or overnight delivery: 301 ACT Drive Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4043 Web address:

www.ncaaclearinghouse.net Clearinghouse customer service

Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central time, Monday through Friday. U.S. callers (toll-free): 877-262-1492 International callers: 319-337-1492 Fax: 319-337-1556

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ART DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Art Department is to cultivate intellectual abilities and creative expression in the development of the whole person. The artistic scale of visualizing, observing, analyzing, reasoning, interpreting, evaluating, and producing will be covered. Our mission is one of providing learning experiences to individuals, which develop discriminative producers and audiences of art. ART 1 - LEVEL 1 Grades 9-12 1 Semester Requirements: $15.00 art fee and sketchbook This course replaces General Art and is considered an introductory class and is a prerequisite to other art classes. This course is designed to cover basic art fundamentals, the elements & principles of design and art history. Originality of design, creative self-expression, and the development of objective and decisive thought processes are greatly stressed in this foundations course. This is truly a foundation course and can be taken by anyone regardless of his or her drawing ability. ART II - LEVEL 2 Grades 9-12 1 Semester Requirements: Art I; $15.00 art fee and sketchbook This class is considered a level two class. This course is a prerequisite for all level three and four classes. Students will be expected to strive toward greater quality of craftsmanship, originality and creativity of design, and a greater degree of self-expression in all of their projects. Most of the class projects will have connections to the major historical art periods. The course projects will touch on numerous design and drawing techniques using a variety of art media. The elements and principles of drawing and design will be explored as well as linear perspective and color theory. Quizzes, tests and a completed written assignment will be part of the course requirements. Art II is designed for those students who have completed Art I and wish to strive toward mastery of basic art skills. PRINTMAKING – ART LEVEL 3 Grades 10-12 1 Semester Requirements: Art I and Art 2; $15.00 art fee and sketchbook (Offered every other year) This is an advanced course in the study of printmaking. The history of each process will be studied along with various methods and techniques inherent of the medium. Students will spend time in class discussion and comparative studies. Students will have the opportunity and responsibility in the development of project objectives. PAINTING – ART LEVEL 3 Grades 10-12 1 Semester Requirements: Art I and Art 2; $15.00 art fee and sketchbook This class will consist of an in-depth color theory study, historical painting survey and basic painting exercises through the use of tempera, watercolor and acrylic painting media. The framing, matting and displaying of student work will also be present. A higher degree of originality, craftsmanship and creativity is expected. PAINTING – ART LEVEL 4 Grades 11 – 12 1 Semester Requirements: Art I, Art 2 and Painting Level 3; $15.00 art fee and sketchbook This course is designed for students that have completed Painting 1 and are planning for a career in the field of visual art. This class will consist of modern painting survey and painting exercises through the use of watercolor and acrylic painting media. Students will learn the process of stretching a canvas, matting, framing and presenting artwork. A higher degree of craftsmanship, creativity and the student’s own personal style will be achieved through the study of modern painting techniques and individual expression.

CERAMICS 1 – ART LEVEL 3 Grades 10-12 1 Semester Requirements: Art I, Art 2; $15.00 art fee and sketchbook The ceramic students will complete a survey of ceramic history and the study of ceramic production, glazes, related chemistry and components. A proficiency in the major constructions methods will be required. A working knowledge of ceramic terminology, the processes, operations and aesthetics will be stressed.

CERAMICS II– ART LEVEL 4 Grades 11-12 1 Semester Requirements: Art I, Art 2 and Ceramics I, $15.00 art fee and sketchbook

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This Ceramics class is intended for the serious art student who has a greater than normal interest in further pursuing the visual arts. Mastery of technical and mechanical execution is emphasized. Projects will involve more complicated clay construction methods and processes. Examples; pulling handles, making sets of pottery, more in-depth ceramic construction, glaze components and other design finishes for ceramics. SCULPTURE I – ART LEVEL 3 Grades 10-12 1 Semester Requirements: Art Level I and Art Level 2, $15.00 art fee and sketchbook This course will provide the student with competence and processes to creatively express themselves in a three-dimensional manner. A refined quality of craftsmanship and execution will be stressed. This studio class will cover major methods of three-dimensional construction with various media surrounding a historical survey of sculpture. MULTIMEDIA – ART LEVEL 3 Grades 10-12 1 Semester Requirements: Art I and Art 2; $15.00 art fee and sketchbook (Offered every other year) Multimedia is a class designed for students to experience media processes not offered in other art classes. Example of mediums offered to students: textiles, fiber, weaving, papermaking, book making, architecture; including gargoyles. Art history, Aesthetics, Critique Scanning, Elements and Principals of Design and Color Theory will be taught. A higher degree of originality, craftsmanship and creativity is expected. ADVANCED DRAWING – LEVEL 3 Grades 10 –12 1 Semester Prerequisites: Art 1 and Art 2; $15.00 art fee and sketchbook This class will carry on a further study and use of traditional and contemporary techniques in drawing. Study will include figuration, portraiture, landscape and general illustration. Students will take notes, see films, observe demonstrations and report on periodicals. Student performance and projects will be measured in these areas: acquisition, application and individual use of skills learned, test scores, classroom cooperation, and work habits. ADVANCED ART STUDY Grade 12 1 Semester *Instructor’s permission Requirements: Art I, Art 2 and other level 5 art classes:$15.00 art fee and sketchbook Advanced Placement is a one-semester class offered to senior art students. This is designed for highly motivated and high interest art students. Emphasis will be placed on originality, craftsmanship and aesthetics. The course objectives will be created with an individual student-instructor contract. College bound students may focus on a portfolio. BUSINESS/MARKETING DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Business/Marketing Department is to educate students for and about business and technology and show them how these affect the lives of all individuals. BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 1 Grades 9-12 1 Semester This course is designed to improve the student’s word processing skills, as well as to introduce the students to basic spreadsheet and database functions. Students will also create documents using desktop publishing features and create slide presentations using Power Point. BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 2 Grades 9-12 1 Semester Requirement: Business Computer Applications 1 This course is designed to expand students’ ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. The student is also introduced to charts, form letters, merging, tables and desktop publishing. Students who take this course will have the opportunity to earn credit from UNL through the BSAD 150 waiver program. BUSINESS MULTIMEDIA Grades 9 – 12 1 Semester Requirement: Business Computer Applications 1 In this course, students will create projects that incorporate graphics, text, color, animation, and video. The course is divided into three main sections: (1) creating slide show presentations, (2) creating web pages, and (3) creating movies.

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ADVANCED BUSINESS MULTIMEDIA Grades 9 – 12 1 Semester Requirement: Business Multimedia This course is designed for those students who want to advance their skills in the areas of web design and digital editing (photo and video). Students will design, create and produce a wide variety of digital media products and web elements. WEB PAGE DESIGN Grades 11-12 1 or 2 Semesters Requirement: Business Multimedia This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to continue to develop skills within the area of web design. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own independent projects as well as maintain and create pages for the NPHS website. Students will also be exposed to topics such as developing websites using CSS and HTML. RECORDKEEPING Grades 9-12 1 Semester Students will learn the necessary recordkeeping skills associated with personal budgets, checking accounts, loans and credit cards. Students will practice these skills by completing “real life” applications. This class is a good foundation for Personal Finance, Personal Law, Beginning Accounting, and Advanced Accounting. BEGINNING ACCOUNTING Grades 10-12 2 Semesters This course provides a thorough background in the basic accounting procedures used to operate a business. The use of the multi-column journal approach will also serve as a solid background for employment in office jobs and preparation for studying accounting courses in college. Students will study the accounting cycle for sole-proprietorship and partnerships. ADVANCED ACCOUNTING Grades 11-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Beginning Accounting This course expands on topics learned in the first-year course while adding new topics. Included is the expansion of the student’s understanding of the principles and concepts of double-entry accounting as well as the further integration of computers for accounting applications and integration through the use of Quicken software. MARKETING Grades 10-12 2 Semesters This course is a foundational course in economics and marketing. Students will learn about the laws of supply and demand, scarcity of resources, types of economies, trends in retailing, understanding consumers, receiving and pricing merchandise, the promotional mix, selling, and inventory control. PERSONAL FINANCE Grades 11 – 12 1 Semester Students will acquire basic business knowledge and math skills for making “real life” financial decisions and solving problems in the areas of wages, budgets, taxes, banking and household purchases. Students will practice making good money decisions through “real life” applications. BUSINESS LAW Grades 10-12 1 Semester This course is designed to help students develop an appreciation for law and to gain a practical understanding of the legal framework within which individuals function. Included in this study are such topics as contracts, crimes, the court system, commercial paper, juvenile law and insurance. This course is not designed to prepare students to practice law, but to allow students to gain a basic understanding of their rights and responsibilities necessary to be informed and productive citizens, employees, employers and consumers in the free enterprise system. WORKPLACE READINESS Grade 12 1 Semester

*Students must be employed part – time to enroll in this course. Students must attend a class during the

first week of each semester.

Students will be provided with the skills to meet the challenges and changes of the workplace. They will focus on teamwork, self – management, problem solving, and job seeking skills.

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FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

The Mission of the Family and Consumer Science Department is to provide an opportunity for students to identify the problems and concerns of society, family, and the individual and to provide practical experiences in decision-making skills that will enable them to assume responsible adult roles in society. HEALTHY LIFESTYLES Grade 10 1 Semester Students will be given the opportunity to acquire accurate health information which will enable them to develop healthful attitudes and behavior patterns for a healthy lifestyle. A holistic approach of physical, mental and social health topics will be presented including communicable and non-communicable disease, healthful eating habits, stress management, substance use and abuse, and human sexuality.

BASIC FOODS Grades 9-12 1 Semester Requirement: $10.00 food fee Basic Foods is a lab-oriented class where students will make informed decisions in the areas of food selection, preparation and purchasing. Students will learn basic food preparation techniques for grain products, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and high protein foods. Students will study and compare nutritional value, taste, cost and quality of foods. An organization of a personal recipe collection and home cooking experience will be included. CULINARY ESSENTIALS/ADVANCED FOODS Grades 11 – 12 1 Semester Requirements: Completion of Basic Foods or permission from instructor and $10.00 food fee This course is for the student who has a strong understanding of food preparation skills and the desire to further enhance their culinary knowledge through lab experiences. This course introduces students to the essential knowledge and skills needed to become an asset to the food service industry. The following topics will be covered: customer service, safety and sanitation practices, equipment usage, nutrition principles, quantity food preparations and specialty food techniques. CAREERS Grades 10-12 1 Semester This class will assist students in examining their skills, aptitudes and abilities and will help them identify career options. Students will be given various assessments to help them with career decisions. Students will examine some of the basic requirements of any job including designing a resume, cover letter and follow – up letter as well as practice interview skills. Job shadowing experiences will be required to obtain a more realistic understanding of their career choice.

INTERIOR DESIGN Grades 9-12 1 Semester This course allows students with art ability to design living environments to meet the needs of people. The course would offer students exposure to related careers in interior design such as architecture, construction management, and real estate. Students will be encouraged to think creatively and apply design principles and elements. Topics which may be included are creativity, house and furniture design, and selecting background units (walls, floors, window treatments). Field trips will be used to enhance the classroom instruction and projects when time allows. A final design project will be required. INDEPENDENT LIVING Grades 10-12 or permission 1 Semester A comprehensive course designed to prepare students for making decisions for their future, being life-long learners and living independently. The responsibilities of being independent and managing resources are emphasized. This course will include finding a place to live, nutrition and meal planning, preparing quick healthy meals, making informed consumer decisions related to buying a car, analyzing insurance needs, money management, credit, cost of finance, checking accounts, savings accounts, and personal record keeping.

ADULT LIVING AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS Grades 10 – 12 1 Semester The focus of this class is to understand your role in your family now and in the future. You will develop skills to build a stronger, healthy family unit by learning ways to improve your communication and decision making skills. Techniques for coping with crisis and building positive relationships with family and friends throughout the life cycle will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the social, emotional and intellectual growth that influences relationships with family members.

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CHILD DEVELOPMENT Grades 10-12 1 Semester Child Development helps the student understand and accept responsibility for one’s own actions in relation to decisions about the choice of parenting as well as understanding the relationship between learning about children and being a nurturing parent. Units include: kinds of parents, making decisions about parenting, parenting options including adoption and abortion, pregnancy and birth defects. We study the infant and toddler years covering the physical, mental, social and emotional development of the child. A play school for 2-3 and 4 year old children may be included in this study. INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

The Mission of the Industrial Technology Department at North Platte High School is to provide both vocational and career opportunities for students in their preparation for life. These opportunities, from one semester to eight semesters of exposure, will enable the student to obtain an appreciation for technological, industrial and informational opportunities in life. Membership in Skills USA is highly encouraged. SMALL ENGINE MECHANICS Grades 9-12 1 Semester Requirements: $10.00 fee; students will be required to purchase parts as needed. This course will include theory, maintenance and overhaul of air-cooled engines. Units covered include theory, overhaul, ignition, fuel and maintenance.

AUTO MECHANICS 1 Grades 11-12 2 Semesters NOTE: 10th grade students, who have a driver’s license/school permit and have completed Small Engines are eligible to take this class. Requirements: $10.00 Lab Fee. Student will be required to purchase parts as needed. This course will involve gaining an understanding of all automotive systems. Included in the course of study will be an in-depth acquisition of theory behind the auto systems with an increased knowledge of the modern car. Shop work will emphasize maintenance and light repair of all automotive systems. This course is designed for those students who want to learn how to work on their own car or those who want to enter the field of auto mechanics. Students will also learn how to buy and sell cars. *This class can also be taken for dual credit.

AUTO MECHANICS 2 Grades 11-12 2 Semesters Requirements: $10.00 Lab Fee. Students are to purchase parts as needed Auto 2 is for young men and women wanting to repair automobiles both new and old. By completing Auto 1 first you will be ready for the exciting challenges waiting for you in Auto 2. Students will explore all areas of the automobile. You will learn how new cars operate and apply these concepts to what you drive. You will repair electronic ignitions, brakes, and even onboard computers with confidence. You will perform tune-ups, starter and alternator overhaul, and replace suspension parts. *This class can also be taken for dual credit.

AUTO MECHANICS 3 Grades 11-12 2 Semesters Requirements: $10.00 Lab Fee. Students are to purchase parts as needed. *A student wishing to drop the class at term must reassemble the school’s engine before dropping the class and

receiving the term grade earned.

Auto 3 is for young men and women wanting to repair automobiles both new and old. By completing Auto 1 or Auto 2 first you will be ready for the exciting challenges waiting for you in Auto 3. Students will repair their own cars, explore automatic transmissions and transaxle repair, and overhaul an automobile engine. You may bring in your own engine for overhaul or a lab engine will be provided for you. Building an engine from the ground up is a great feeling and hearing and seeing your engine start for the first time is a real rush. *This class can also be taken for dual credit.

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AUTO MECHANICS 4 Grades 11 & 12 2 Terms (Class can be repeated) Requirements: 10.00 Lab Fee. Students purchase parts as needed. *Students must complete both terms to receive credit.

Auto 4 is for young men and women considering a career in mechanics. Auto 2 or Auto 3 must be completed first

and have the instructors permission to take this class. The student will work independently on live care work with

the shop manual as the textbook for this class. Students will find the Auto 4 program an active in depth study of the

entire vehicle including the engine, chassis and electrical systems. The action packed training program allows

students to properly understand and repair the automobile steering and suspension systems. Live car repair will

direct the area of study the student will pursue. Students will perform such operations as front wheel alignment and

diagnosis and repair of the electrical system. They will also troubleshoot and repair onboard computer systems

using their technical skills. Emphasis will be placed on technical knowledge, workmanship, following shop manual

procedures, accuracy in measuring, proper assembly and task completion.

ELECTRICITY Grades 9-12 1 Semester Requirements: A desire to learn about the field of electricity. Completed Pre-Algebra or enrolled in Algebra 1 –2; $10.00 Lab fee to be paid in the first two weeks of class.

Electricity is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental principles of electricity. Included in the course are the following passive electrical components: Laboratory safety, symbol identification, sources of electricity; passive current circuits, in series, parallel and combination circuits. The related physical laws and theorems governing electricity, instrumentation, and lab project construction are also included. Students may, if they desire, construct (electrical) projects at their own expense. ELECTRONICS Grades 10-12 2 Semesters Requirements: Algebra 1-2 & Electricity; $10.00 Lab fee to be paid in the first two weeks. Electronics is a class designed for the student to explore the field of electronics. Included within the framework of the course are the following areas: active component use with their symbol and circuit configurations; signal generation and amplification circuits in the first semester; digital circuitry with its related gating circuits and Boolean Algebra in the second semester. The laws and theorems governing the beginning of the field of electronics form the basis of this course. A project may be built by the student within his ability and at his own cost. Lab materials will be supplied, but project materials are to be supplied by the student at their own expense. *This class can also be taken as dual credit.

RESIDENTIAL WIRING Grades 9-12 1 Semester Requirement: Electricity and a $10.00 Lab fee to be paid in the first two weeks of the class. Residential wiring is a course where the fundamental circuits found in the home are constructed, tested, and trouble shot. The course is based upon the most recent National Wiring Codes. This course is taught from the stand point that each student will eventually own or rent a home. ENGINEERING DRAWING/CAD 1 Grades 9-12 1 Semester Engineering Drawing is a beginning drafting class designed to help the student become familiar with drafting tools and the techniques involved in using these tools in making drawings that are used in industry today. This class would be beneficial to anyone involved in occupations that require a knowledge of drawing and blueprint reading. Areas studied are drafting tools, multi-view drawing, isometric drawing, lettering, dimensioning, blueprint reading and computer aided drafting.

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN and DRAWING Grades 9-12 1 Semester Computer Aided Design (CADD) will allow the student to develop both skill and speed drawing on a computer. Auto CADD is used and it is the system being used at most colleges and technical schools. Hard copies of the drawings are made by plotting them on a plotter. There are many opportunities in the technological industries for those who have knowledge and skill in Computer Aided Design. *This class can also be taken as dual credit.

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ADVANCED ENGINEERING DRAWING/CAD I, II, III Grades 9-12 1,2 or 3 Semesters Requirement: Engineering Drawing/CAD I Highly Recommended: Computer Aided Design and Drawing * This is an individualized class and the student will be placed at the appropriate level. Advanced Engineering Drawing is a continuation of Engineering Drawing 1. This class will progress through additional drafting units increasing in complexity as skills and knowledge are developed. Each successive term adds depth to experiences gained previously. Each semester is designed to be independently administered. These units of study are beneficial to anyone entering careers requiring knowledge of mechanical drafting such as the drafting, engineering and design fields. Units include sketching, oblique drawing, sectional drawings, auxiliaries, architectural drafting, sheet metal drawings and Computer Aided Drafting. Additional units cover tolerancing, threads, pictorial drawings, design and working drawings. A portfolio is to be developed as evidence of work achieved.

ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTING Grades 10-12 2 Semesters Requirements: Engineering Drawing & Computer Aided Design and Drawing This beginning architectural class is for those students who would like to explore the area of architectural design and drafting. The student will study individual room design, sketch, and make drawings of selected rooms. Students will also design a home and make a complete set of architectural plans which may include: the floor, foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating, sections, elevations, and other plans according to specifications from the instructor. Additional knowledge and experience will include room design, home planning, building codes and computer aided drafting “CAD”. This is taught from the standpoint that each student will eventually become a homebuyer or home- owner. Also this class is designed for students going into architecture or related fields. METALS MANUFACTURING Grades 9-12 1 Semester Requirement: $15.00 fee Metals is a course covering the very basics of metalworking. Units covered in this course include: metal identification, welding (stick, mig, oxyfuel), cutting (oxyfuel, plasma), heat treating, safety and use of various tools. You also have the opportunity to build a small project. WELDING MANUFACTURING 1 Grades 10-12 2 Semester Requirement: $15.00 fee

The Welding Technology program provides students with training in current welding practices and procedures. Instruction covers operations in SMAW (stick), GMAW (mig), GTAW (tig), OAW (oxyacetylene), and FCAW (flux core). Skills will be developed in the use of the machine and hand cutting operations utilizing the process of Plasma, Arc Air, and Oxyfuel cutting. In addition, students will learn about manufacturing, CNC milling, metallurgy, fundamentals of testing the strength of materials, measurements and layouts, joint design, blueprint reading, symbols, and the latest in technology advancements. Also students will have the opportunity to build projects and do repair work.

WELDING MANUFACTURING 2 Grades 11 – 12 2 Semesters Requirements: Completion of Welding 1 $15.00 fee This is an advanced technology course with most of the welding being done out of position on such metals as steel, aluminum, stainless steel and cast iron. Some of the welding processes incorporated will include stick, mig, tig and oxyfuel welding. Related areas will include manufacturing, CNC mill and plasma, computers programming, safety, and career opportunities. A project will be encouraged that will include the latest technology, creativity, and problem solving. Skills USA will also be included in the curriculum. *This can also be taken for dual credit.

WELDING MANUFACTURING 3 Grades 11-12 1 Semester Requirements: Permission of the Instructor ;$15.00 fee *This class must be individually arranged with the instructor. This course is to be structured to extend the study and skill development of the student who is expressing the interest

and skills to consider beginning career steps in the welding manufacturing area. Some of the welding processes

incorporated will include SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and OAW. Students will be able to perform entry level skills in the

welding field after completing this course.

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WOOD MANUFACTURING 1 Grades 9-12 1 Semester Requirement: Fee $10 This is a beginning (entry level) course in woodworking. This course provides a working foundation for the courses of Wood Manufacturing 2 and Construction . Hand, portable power, and stationary power tools will be studied and utilized. Using a variety of teaching techniques and student activities, the student will become more competent in the areas of basic woodworking knowledge and skills used for basic woodworking and general employability skills. Students are required to pay for materials used in personal projects. CONSTRUCTION Grades 10 – 12 1 Semester (Double Class Period) Requirement: Wood Manufacturing 1 This course is designed to expose students to a variety of domestic and commercial construction techniques. Areas of study: construction tools, materials, processed (both modern and traditional), and safety. The course will provide a foundation for a student interested in job entry as well as a student interested in further training in construction.

WOOD MANUFACTURING 2 Grades 10-12 1 Semester Requirements: Wood Manufacturing 1 or Construction ; $10.00 fee This class deals primarily with furniture construction and cabinet making and extends employability skills. Tools introduced in Woods 1 will be utilized to a greater extent. Students enrolled in this course should have successfully completed Woodworking 1 or Construction Tech. If you successfully complete Woods 2 for credit, you are eligible to participate in Wood Manufacturing 3. Students are required to pay for materials used in their projects. WOOD MANUFACTURING 3 Grades 10-12 1 or 2 Semesters Requirements: Course of Wood Manufacturing 1 and 2 *This class must be individually arranged with the instructor.

This course intended to independently extend the knowledge base and skill level of the student who is or has

expressed the interest in a career in this area. High level project work will be expected and may be in the areas of

construction, cabinet making or related career fields.

LANGUAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Language Arts Department curriculum is to provide, through required, sequential and elective offerings, the development of basic reading, writing, and speaking skills, as well as the practice and the mastery of those same skills. These courses are designed to meet the requirements of the NE standards. ENGLISH 9 Grade 9 2 Semesters This course offers students greater opportunities for the study of literary terms as they apply to themes in literature, research, expository writing, vocabulary enhancement and improvement of study skills. A research project is required for this course to address the NE State Standards. BASIC COMMUNICATION Grade 9 1 Semester This course will provide instruction and practice in basic communication skills: verbal and non - verbal communication, listening, group discussion and public speaking. Students will give a variety of speeches including impromptu, informative and persuasive speeches. BEGINNING DEBATE 1-2 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters Beginning Debate is a course in argumentation, logical thinking, and speaking skills. It teaches a student to analyze problems and reach a logical solution. The student can convey this through the art of speaking. It teaches the student to research, think, and express oneself. It also offers opportunities for competition against other schools. Debate can be taken for six terms if the student so desires. ADVANCED FORENSICS Grades 11-12 2 Semesters This course, which can be taken for 4 semesters (2 semesters per year), continues the study of debate theory. Speaking, thinking, and research skills will be expanded upon. Individual speaking events will be explored and practiced. The student will compete against other schools on a competitive level in both speech and debate.

Students who have taken Beginning Debate or have been on the speech team are eligible for this class.

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BEGINNING ACTING Grades 10-12 1 Semester Requirement: Basic Communication This is a one-term course designed to teach the basic fundamentals of the theater, both as an actor and as an audience. A student is exposed to directions, memorizing of lines, and learning the wants, needs, and ideals of theater audiences. Performances in these areas are required.

ADVANCED ACTING Grades 11-12 1 Semester Requirement: Beginning Acting This course will go into greater detail in the history of drama, the different types of drama, the audience, its likes and dislikes, and the idea of “You as a critic of the Theater.” The student will learn and use techniques for believable theater. The student will memorize lines, perform, write and direct acting scenes.

ENGLISH 10 Grade 10 2 Semesters This course will continue the study of literature. Students will read a selection of short stories, drama, poetry, nonfiction and novels. Students will write expository essays, developing themes from the literature. A research paper is required. ENGLISH 11 Grade 11 2 Semesters Requirement: Must have successfully completed English 10. This course is a general survey of selected American writers and their literature. Students enrolled in this course will read various novels, short stories, and poetry and write expository essays based on the ideas and concepts of the literature. A research paper is required for this course. ADVANCED ENGLISH 11 Grade 11 2 Semesters Requirement: Must have successfully completed English 10. Advanced English 11 is a requirement for admission into Advanced Composition or AP Literature and Composition unless permission is granted by instructors of these courses. This college preparatory course is designed for juniors who anticipate entering an academic college after graduation. As an intensive study of novels, short stories, plays and poetry, it stresses composition assignments, which are comparable college level work. A research paper is required for this course. ENGLISH 12 Grade 12 2 Semesters English 12 is a literature and writing course. Written expression will include poetry and expository essays. Practical application of language skills as well as critical thinking will be stressed. This course will also emphasize reading skills, vocabulary and analytical thinking. A research project is required.

ADVANCED COMPOSITION Grade 12 2 Semesters Requirement: Must have taken both English 10 and Advanced English 11 and passed both with a minimum of a “C” average or permission of the instructor. Advanced Composition is a class designed to help the college-bound student make a successful transition into post- secondary education. As such, this class defines the prevalent forms of expository prose used in post-secondary education: the paragraph, the journal, the essay, the critical analysis and the research paper. Specifically, the student will write a number of paragraphs and essays using a variety of developmental methods, write a critical analysis of a short story and of a novel, write a position paper, and write a research paper. All documentation will be conducted according to MLA guidelines of which the student should have some prior knowledge. *This class can also be taken for dual credit.

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION Grade 12 2 Semesters Requirements: Must have taken and received an A or B in Advanced English 10 or permission of instructor This college level course is designed for those students who genuinely desire an intensive study of both literature and composition. This course demands consistent long-range task commitment to the careful and perceptive reading of college-level prose, poetry and drama. It also demands the completion of extensive and numerous essays covering that material. The satisfactory completion of the national exam for college credit is only an ostensible goal.

BEGINNING JOURNALISM Grades 9-12 1 Semester This course involves writing, editing and layout techniques for high school publications. The class requires quite a bit of writing as well as other techniques needed to prepare both newspapers and yearbooks. NEWS LAB Grades 10-12 1or 2 Semesters Requirements: Minimum of an A or B in Beginning Journalism or instructor permission. Newspaper staff members write, edit and do page layout and computer preparation of high school newspaper. Extensive computer work is required. YEARBOOK LAB Grades 10-12 1 or 2 Semesters Requirements: Minimum of an A or B in Beginning Journalism or instructor permission. Yearbook staff members write copy and headlines, design computer layouts, take and crop pictures, and work with digital photos. Extensive computer work is required.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

The mission of the math department is to provide, through required sequential and elective courses, the development of day-to-day mathematical survival skills, skills required for advancement toward “pure” mathematical careers, develop an appreciation for mathematics, and the application of mathematics to other disciplines. PRE-ALGEBRA Grade 9 2 Semesters Students will understand and use basic properties of the real number system. They will solve problems involving signed number operations, simple equations, order of operations, perimeter / circumference, area, surface area and volume of shapes. As a result, they will then utilize these concepts in real – life applications. APPLIED MATHEMATICS Grades 10-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Algebra 1 - 2 Students will utilize arithmetic operations, problem solving techniques, estimation of answers, measurement skills, geometry, data handling, simple statistics, and algebraic formulas to solve problems. ALGEBRA 1-2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters Requirement: 8th Grade Math or Pre-Algebra Students will solve and graph one variable equations and inequalities and solve systems of equations using graphing, substitution and linear combinations. They will analyze data and model linear (1st degree) equations and inequalities. They will solve and graph quadratic equations (2 degree) and perform operations of polynomials.

MATH STRATEGIES Grades 9-12 2 Semesters Requirement: By counselor or faculty recommendation. *This class will be taken for an elective credit. This course is to be taken as elective credit and is designed for students who are not proficient in the requisite skills needed for successful completion of Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1-2. Students will use remediation resources to address high school mathematics deficiencies. The student will use proper study skills to enhance their ability to find success within a high school mathematics class. The course must be taken with Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1-2.

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GEOMETRY Grades 9-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Algebra 1-2 Students will use the properties of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes and will also calculate perimeter, circumference, area, surface area and volume. They will use reasoning and methods of proof to verify geometric properties.

ALGEBRA 3-4 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters Requirement: “C” or better in Algebra 1-2 Students will solve and graph linear (1st degree) and quadratic (2nd degree) functions. Students will solve systems of linear equations (using matrices) and non-linear equations and inequalities. They will apply probability and statistics to theoretical and real-life problems. Students will graph and solve polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational functions. COLLEGE ALGEBRA Grades 11-12 2 Semesters

Requirement: Student must have earned an “A” in Algebra 1-2 or a “C” or better in Algebra 3-4 and Geometry or have teacher permission.

This course will meet the course curriculum for Algebra 3-4 and the course content for MATH 1150 – College Algebra. Students will analyze, graph, combine and compose families of functions and transform these functions. Students will solve systems of linear equations (using matrices) and non-linear equations and inequalities. They will apply probability and statistics to theoretical and real-life problems. Students will graph and solve polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational functions and analyze and graph conic sections. They will perform regressions of polynomial, exponential, and power functions to create models. Students will analyze arithmetic and geometric sequences and series. *This class can also be taken for dual credit.

TRIGONOMETRY Grades 11-12 1 Semester Requirements: Algebra 3 – 4 and Geometry Students will apply right triangle trigonometry to solve triangles. They will also compose and analyze trigonometric functions in order to solve oblique triangles. They will demonstrate vector operations in various applications. PRE-CALCULUS Grade 11-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Geometry and Algebra 3 – 4 or College Algebra Students will analyze polynomial, rational, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric functions. They will analyze (including rotating) conic sections. Students will formulate and compute sequences and series and prove series formulas using mathematical induction. They will deduce polar and parametric equations from rectangular orientation and visa-versa. They will develop and use techniques of evaluating limits. STATISTICS Grade 11-12 1 Semester Requirement: Algebra 3 – 4 or College Algebra Students will learn the basic vocabulary of statistics and will display data using graphs and charts. They will find measures of central tendencies, variation and position. Students will use normal and binomial distributions and inferential statistics to begin hypothesis testing. ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS Grade 12 2 Semesters Requirement: Pre-Calculus (double period) Students will develop and utilize differential and integral calculus to satisfy the syllabus established by the College Board. VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING Grades 9 – 12 1 Semester Requirements: Computer Applications 1 and Algebra 1-2 This is an introductory programming class using the Visual Basic programming language. It is designed for those students who have little or no knowledge of programming. Topics covered will include input/output (non disk), loop structure, simple dimension arrays, error trapping, algorithm development, subroutines, string manipulation, bubble sort, menu-driven programming and mass program storage.

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ADVANCED PROGRAMMING Grades 9 – 12 1 Semester Requirements: Visual Basic Programming This course is designed for students who have demonstrated ability and desire to program computers. Students should possess knowledge of elementary VISUAL BASIC through single dimension array variables. Topics will include multi-dimensional arrays advanced mathematics operators and graphics. MUSIC DEPARTMENT

The Mission of the NPHS Music Department is to cultivate each student’s musical abilities and potential through a sequential development of musical skills; to furnish creative experiences which provide an opportunity for success; and to attain an appreciation of music and its potential for life-long participation and enjoyment.

9 TH GRADE BAND Grade 9 2 Semesters

Requirements: Participation in 8th grade band and/or approval of the instructor. The 9th grade band helps the student advance his/her technical and musical skills. The 9th grade band would perform, on a limited basis, at the discretion of the instructor. Jazz Ensemble is a select performing group within the 9th grade band. Participation in winter pep band is expected.

9 TH GRADE VOCAL Grade 9 2 Semesters

This course is designed to deal with the young voice. It will develop sight-reading and voice techniques and confidence in the “changing” voice. Literature for the group will range from the “classics” to the “pop” sound of today, and these students may also have instruction each week in some elements of music theory and music appreciation. Performances will be at the discretion of the instructor. Swing Choir is a select performing group within the 9th grade choir.

SOPHOMORE BAND Grade 10 2 Semesters Requirements: Participation in the 9th grade band and/or approval of the instructor. $25.00 Activity Card. The Sophomore Band helps the students to advance their technical, theory and musical skills. The Sophomore Band would perform at the discretion of the instructor. Jazz ensemble is a select performing group within the 10th grade band. Participation in winter pep band is expected.

MIXED CHOIR Grades 10-12 2 Semesters Mixed Chorus will explore a wide variety of literature ranging from classical to pop as well as show-tunes from musicals for mixed SATB. This class will serve as a training ground to gain admittance to Concert Choir. Students will be presented with basic music theory instruction throughout the year as well as have performances at the discretion of the instructor. Swing Choir is a select performing group within Mixed Choir.

JUNIOR VARSITY ORCHESTRA Grades 9-12 2 Semesters Requirements: Previous string training, audition, and/or instructor’s approval Students will polish existing skills and techniques and will be able to perform music of Grade III in level of difficulty during the year. Students may have some instruction in music theory and music appreciation. Attendance at scheduled concerts is required.

VARSITY ORCHESTRA Grades 9-12 2 Semesters Requirements: Instructor’s approval and/or audition. Students will polish existing skills and techniques and will be able to perform music of Grades III to IV in level of difficulty in orchestral literature during the year. Attendance at scheduled concerts is required. VARSITY BAND Grades 11-12 2 Semesters Requirements: Audition and/or approval of the instructor. $25.00 Activity Card, $25.00 class fee The Varsity Band would be the main performing instrumental ensemble in the high school. The Band will play three concerts, provide music for athletic events, for community service, and provide students the chance to

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participate on the District and State contest levels in both Concert and Marching Band settings. “Jazz Ensemble” is a select jazz performing ensemble chosen from the Varsity Band. MARCHING BAND Grades 10-12 1 Semester Requirements: Audition and/or approval of the instructor. $25.00 Activity Card, $25.00 class fee. The Marching Band will march at football games and at competitions decided by the instructor. The class fee will cover uniform rental, cleaning, gloves, shoes and any other accessories needed.

CONCERT CHOIR Grades 10-12 2 Semesters Requirements: Audition and/or permission of the instructor. $10.00 Robe fee, Concert Choir is designed for the more advanced choral student. It provides an opportunity to further develop vocal skills with an emphasis on proper phrasing, vowel formation and diction. A wide variety of choral literature will be presented and this ensemble will perform one concert per term. Concert Choir is the nucleus of small groups that may compete at district competition in the spring. “The Blue and Gold Singers” is a select group of juniors and seniors who audition during the previous school year. This group travels and performs at various functions and social events.

MUSIC APPRECIATION Grades 10-12 1 Semester Requirements: none Music Appreciation is a class designed to help the individual develop an appreciation for all kinds of music. Study in this semester long course will include, but not be limited to, music history in the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods, Broadway musicals, the history of contemporary jazz music, the history of rock-n-roll, and possibly current events in the world of music. The student will be responsible for completing listening exercises, daily assignments, all quizzes and tests and possibly one large project throughout the semester. *This class can also be taken for dual credit. MUSIC THEORY Grades 9-12 1 Semester This class will cover beginning, intermediate and advanced music theory, guitar theory, and jazz theory as well as music composition, and music technology. The curriculum will be determined per individual student by the instructor.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

The Mission of the Physical Education Department is to enhance the student’s present level of fitness and health, to improve the student’s gross and fine motor skills, and to teach the student the techniques and rules of a variety of individual and team sports. TEAM SPORTS Grade 9 1 Semester Team Sports is required for one term during the 9th grade year. The course will be divided into 2 areas: Health Related Fitness; and Individual and Team Recreational Activities. Students will have 5 fitness tests required to complete the course. FITNESS Grade 10 1 Semester Fitness is required for one term during the 10th grade year. The course will be divided into 2 areas: Health Related Fitness; and Individual and Team Recreational Activities. Students will have 5 fitness tests required to complete the course, as well as written activity tests.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS Grades 11-12 1 Semester Recreational Sports is required for one term during the 11th or 12th grade year. The course will be divided into 3 areas: Health Related Fitness; Individual and Team Recreational Activities; and CPR. Students will have 5 fitness tests required to complete the course, as well as written activity tests, and CPR test. WEIGHTLIFTING Grades 11-12 1 Semester This course is designed to be a supplemental class in aiding in the development of strength training and conditioning. It will consist of a structured lifting program that the students will follow four days a week. An

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emphasis will be placed on lifelong fitness, and the students will perform warm-up drills as a part of class each day. Students will also be lectured on various topics pertaining to strength training and fitness. SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

The Mission of the Science Department is to promote the scientific thought processes, introduce the latest scientific techniques to broaden the student’s scientific knowledge, and to expand the student’s ability to apply this knowledge to develop interest, understanding and awareness of the need for science. PHYSICAL SCIENCE Grade 9 2 Semesters Students will study the basic principles of Chemistry and Physics. Physical Science will cover measuring, atomic structure and how atomic structure relates to the properties of matter. The Physics portion includes the study of energy, motion, light, heat and nuclear form. Mini projects/challenges, both group and individual, will be part of the course requirements. This course provides a good background in problem solving and process skills such as graphing, collecting and analyzing data, and conducting experiments.

BIOLOGY Grade 10 2 Semesters Biology is the study of living plants and animals. The course is designed to meet the lab science requirements for high school students. Biological principles will be applied during the study of cells, genetics, microorganisms, plants, animal ecology, and human biology. Labs, studies and discussion will be expanded to satisfy interest, the desire for scientific knowledge and scientific technique.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY Grades 11-12 2 Semesters Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. This class may be taken by 11th or 12th grade students who have completed high school biology and chemistry class or are currently enrolled in chemistry. Topics covered are molecular biology, genetics, evolution, organisms, and ecology. The course will provide students with factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.

EARTH SCIENCE Grades 11-12 2 Semesters Earth Science is an upper level study of our planet and the forces that affect it. The slowly changing face of the earth will be investigated by studying the internal (Plate Tectonics, and composition), oceanic (Oceanography), atmospheric (Weather), and external forces (Space) that affect it.

PHYSIOLOGY Grades 11-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Biology

Physiology is the study of the human body and its functions. The course is designed for college-bound students who are interested in pursuing a career in health or various medical fields. Lab work is an integral part of the course. Fetal pigs will be dissected along with other organs. * This class can also be taken for dual credit.

CHEMISTRY 1-2 Grades 11-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Algebra 1-2 Chemistry 1-2 is an introductory course covering essential concepts in the science of chemistry. Topics studied include both physical and chemical properties of matter, and the course will provide adequate preparation for freshman chemistry courses in college. The content in the course also requires knowledge of basic algebra. Laboratory exercises accompany all concepts to allow the student to directly experience chemical and physical processes, and to encourage deductive reasoning and critical thinking of concepts through observed facts. PHYSICS Grades 11-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Successfully Complete Algebra 3-4 The students will learn to work a variety of problems taken from kinetics, static, heat, electricity optics, and nuclear physics. They will study a basic physics test and perform several experiments. Many of the problems will involve vectors, and basic trigonometry will be used. The course points toward a college sequence of calculus followed by physics.

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SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

Because of the diverse values, opportunities and life experiences which our students bring to the classroom, the mission of the Social Studies Department is to address this diversity by exploring group identities at three levels: family, country, and global society. Study of these levels of social life will address the three questions on which the program is based: “Who am I?, ” “To what group do I belong?,” and “How should my peers and I behave?”

GEOGRAPHY Grade 9 2 Semesters Geography is the study of the various countries and cultural regions of the world. The course will focus on the review of essential Geography skills and the five themes of Geography: Place, Movement, Location, Region and Interaction. Additional emphasis will be focused on the study of current events as they are influenced by and shape the world as it is today. Whenever possible, the content of the course will be integrated with 9th English to complement and enhance student learning.

WORLD HISTORY Grade 10 2 Semesters This course is designed to give the students an understanding of the problems of the past and help prepare for the future. This course will be a survey of history from the ancient world to modern times. Topics emphasized will be the Renaissance, Reformation, Exploration, Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, World Wars and the Modern Era.

ECONOMICS 1 Semester In the global economy of today, a knowledge of basic economic concepts is essential. Covered topics include: economic growth, financial institutions, monetary policy – domestic and international, scarcity and choice, supply, demand and price, price elasticity and standard of living.

SOCIOLOGY Grades 10 – 12 1 Semester Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social behavior. Five different areas of sociology will be emphasized in the class: social institutions, organizations, groups, positions, and social roles. This course will enable a student to better understand self through learning about and understanding one’s social environment. PSYCHOLOGY Grades 11-12 1 Semester Psychology is the scientific study of human and animal behavior in its entirety. Through willingness to participate in classroom activities, the student will be able to better understand his own behavior as well as the behavior of others. Some topics to be covered are mental health, intelligence, memory and learning, emotions, sensation and perception. UNITED STATES HISTORY Grade 11 2 Semesters This is a general survey of United States History from the Age of Exploration and Discovery to the present. The course of study will be from a chronological perspective with emphasis on political, social and economic aspects.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Grade 12 1 Semester Requirement: U.S. History *U.S. History must be completed prior to enrolling in American Government

The objective of this course is to prepare students to function as useful citizens in their adult lives by acquiring an understanding the fundamental precepts of a democratic system of government: an examination of the three branches of government at national, state, and local levels; a focus on the pragmatic aspects of politics and the influence of public opinion and special interest groups; a recognition and understanding of the structure and function of political parties; and acquiring a basic knowledge about the mechanics of voting. ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Grade 12 2 Semesters *U.S. History must be completed prior to enrolling in Advanced Placement U. S. Government.

Course material would be similar to the regular American Government course except that the reading level of the text will be college level. High standards and expectations of students are basic to this course. Students enrolled in

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this course are required to complete two terms of AP American Government to fulfill the graduation requirements. Students will be properly prepared for the AP examination. Extensive written assignments will be required. ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY Grades 11-12 2 Semesters This study of U.S. History is designed to be a college freshman style course where students may earn both high school and college credits. This course will cover the major topics of U.S. History from the colonial period to the present. Reading and writing assignments for this course are extensive. An effort will be made to include the political, military, social, and economic history of the U.S. High standards and expectations of students are basic to this course. Students will be properly prepared for the AP examination

WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

The mission of the World Languages Department is to provide quality instruction in world languages that promotes communication, expands students’ perspectives through the study of other cultures, and develops the skills necessary to become global citizens. Students acquire basic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, and cultural awareness in the first two years of study, and develop further proficiencies in these skills as they advance through the entire program. NOTE: As of the year 1997 University of Nebraska requires two years (20 Credits) of foreign language for General Admission requirements. SPANISH 1-2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters Using a thematic approach, this course focuses on meeting basic survival needs and minimum courtesy requirements by developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students comprehend main ideas, create statements or questions, and recombine learned vocabulary and structures. The study of geography and culture of the Hispanic world gives student an opportunity to develop an appreciation of other cultures.

SPANISH 3-4 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Received credit for Spanish 1-2

This course develops the basic competencies of level one Spanish through a thematic approach with greater understanding of vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Less interference from the native language is experienced and main ideas are further understood. Students enjoy expressing themselves in Spanish with greater fluency in listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. Cultural insights continue.

SPANISH 5-6 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Received credit for Spanish 3-4

In third level Spanish students continue to develop the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills that they acquired in first and second level Spanish through a thematic approach. The ability to express themselves more fluently results in expanded conversations and more original expression in written activities. The introduction of Spanish literature, art, music and other topics enhances the students culturally and develops reading skills. SPANISH 7-8 Grades 10-12 2 Semester Requirement: Received credit for Spanish 5-6

As the students expand their vocabulary and study more detailed grammatical usage through a thematic approach, they comprehend more complex conversations and express themselves more fluently in the language in the past, present, and future. Level four Spanish students continue the study of Spanish literature, art, music and other topics to increase culture enrichment.

FRENCH 1-2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters First-year French is a course designed to introduce the student to the French language and the culture of France and other French-speaking countries of the world. Emphasis is on the basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

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FRENCH 3-4 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Received credit for French 1-2

Second-year is a continuation of first-year French. Through continued input of vocabulary, grammar and cultural lessons, the course strives to help students develop linguistic proficiency and cultural sensitivity.

FRENCH 5-6 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Received credit for French 3-4

In third-year French students continue to develop the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills that they acquired in first and second-year French. The ability to express themselves more fluently results in expanded conversations and also in more original expression in written compositions. Introduction to French literature will develop reading skills as well as enhance the study of culture. FRENCH 7-8 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters Requirement: Received credit for French 5-6

As the students expand their vocabulary and study more detailed grammatical usage, they will be able to comprehend more complex conversations and express themselves more fluently in the language. The fourth-year French student will continue the study of French literature and write more advanced compositions. This class is an accelerated experience in the language.