2024-25 Elective courses for ninth grade
Table of contents
- List A: Concert Choir (including lessons), Design and Drawing for Production/ITT, Fashion, Housing and Design, Music in Our Lives, Music Theory I, Orchestra (including lessons), Studio Art, Symphonic Band (including lessons)
- List B: Career and Financial Management, Computer Software Application, Food Preparation, Introduction to Child Development, Small Engines (transportation systems), Woodworking (materials processing)
- After completing Studio Art: Art History and Appreciation I, Art History and Appreciation II, Ceramics, Drawing & Painting I, Drawing & Painting II, Graphic Design, Photography
- Additional Core Elective: AP Computer Science A (JAVA)
Dear Students and Parents:
This is the Scotia-Glenville High School Program Planning Guide for 2024-25. This guide will help you to prepare a program for the next school year. Please read the booklet carefully and make careful choices.
The Counseling Office distributes scheduling material to classes. During these sessions counselors will inform you of course options and other dates necessary in the scheduling process. After the course selection process is completed, the staff will design a master schedule.
We ask that you make course choices to which you are definitely committed. Talk to your parents, teachers, and counselors to help you make sound choices. We hope that your selections will be carefully considered, for no changes or drops are permitted during the first nine weeks of the next school year. However, we know that goals do change and that sometimes alterations must be made. Therefore, when you receive your program schedule in the summer we expect you to study the results and make any changes that you wish during the month of July. School counselors will be available to explain options and provide advice. When school begins in September, you will have a definite schedule for the entire year. Changes are not easily made after the summer and are sometimes impossible to make at all. Please read the course selection form thoroughly regarding the drop/add procedure, including the related grading provision.
Please feel free to talk to any staff member about scheduling. If you or your parents need any special assistance, we will be happy to help in any way we can.
Sincerely,
Principal Peter Bednarek
Assistant Principal Angela Cerrone
Assistant Principal Ryan Fedele
Note to students and parents: All courses that are listed in the Program Planning Guide that are additional to those that are core to the New York State Graduation Requirements will be offered based on enrollment and budgetary considerations.
COURSE AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
Advanced Regents Diploma
Course Requirements
Students must earn the following course credits in order to graduate with an Advanced Regents Diploma:
- English, 4
- Social Studies, 4
- Math, 3
- Science, 3
- World Languages (WL), 3
- Fine Arts, 1
- Health, 0.5
- Physical Education, 2
- Electives, 1.5
Total Credits – 22
Testing Required for Graduation: Advanced Regents Diploma
Students must demonstrate competency in reading, writing, math, science, U.S. History and global studies by passing the New York State Regents Exams listed below:
- English Regents
- Global History & Geography Regents
- U.S. History & Government Regents
- Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II Regents
- Two Lab Science Regents
- WL Checkpoint B Exam
- ** or 5 credits in Technology, Art, Business, Family and Consumer Sciences, or Music
Regents Diploma
Course Requirements
Students must earn the following course credits in order to graduate with a Regents Diploma:
- English, 4
- Social Studies, 4
- Math, 3
- Science, 3
- World Languages (WL), 1 (a)
- Fine Arts, 1
- Health, 0.5
- Physical Education, 2
- Electives, 3.5
Total Credits – 22
(a) Students are required to have completed one unit of a world language by the end of their freshman year.
Testing Required for Graduation: Regents diploma
Students must demonstrate competency in reading, writing, math, science, U.S. History and global studies by passing the New York State Regents Exams listed below:
- English Regents
- Global History & Geography Regents
- U.S. History & Government Regents
- Algebra I Regents
- One Lab Science Regents
- WL Checkpoint A Exam
2024-25 Program Planning Guide – 9th Grade Elective Courses
Note: You must choose a 1 credit elective from List A before choosing an elective from List B.
LIST A
* Course fulfills the 1 credit fine arts requirement.
CONCERT CHOIR (INCLUDING LESSONS) *
Grades 9-12
1 Credit
Concert Choir is an elective mixed voice performing organization open to all students in grades 9-12 who demonstrate a desire to sing. The principal objective of Concert Choir is the preparation of a wide variety of worthwhile choral works of differing styles for public performance. Growth in general musical ability, improvement of vocal production, improvement of sight reading skills diction are stressed. In addition to daily rehearsal, students will be given group instruction on a weekly basis.
DESIGN AND DRAWING FOR PRODUCTION / ITT *
Grade 9 only
1 Credit
DDP is a course designed to develop problem-solving skills using computer aided drawing (CAD) to represent design ideas. In the first part of this course students learn the basics of drawing and rendering to represent ideas. The focus of this component is mechanical drawing fundamentals and 3-D rendering. A second component of the course concentrates on problem-solving skills where students are challenged to develop solutions to stated problems and to then use their drawing and modeling skills to present their solution. This is a full year technology course offered in the high school and can be used to fulfill the Fine Arts requirement (NYSED requirement for graduation). The ITT content component of this class will have students survey the various Technology Education topics that are available at the high school level. The spirit of this survey is to allow students to explore different elective topics for future class selection and ultimately college and career pursuits.
FASHION, HOUSING AND DESIGN *
Grades 9-12
1 Credit
This full-year course offers students opportunities to learn about the concepts of design in the fashion and housing industries. The Fashion component explores clothing history, culture, design principles, equipment, construction and career pathways as well as current issues related to fashion. The Housing component is designed to make students aware of the influence of history, culture, and environment in housing decisions. Both exterior and interior design are explored as well as career pathways in housing and design. This course offers students opportunities to work on hands-on applications of the concepts. These include a clothing construction project, floor plans, and many others.
MUSIC in our lives
Grades 9-12
1 Credit
Open to all students in grades 9-12, a one-year course designed to provide students with experiences in listening, performing, composing and learning skills central to music understanding. Course objectives include the ability to listen intelligently to music performed by a wide variety of groups, to compose (organize) music in some medium, to examine the use of music in film and other media, and to be sufficiently familiar with basic elements of music theory as to allow direct involvement in music. (Fulfills music knowledge course requirement.)
MUSIC Theory I
Grades 9-12
1 Credit
An elective course open to students in grades 9-12 with previous music experience. The course is designed to provide a strong background in functional musicianship. The course content includes basic theory of music, chords and chord relationships, chording at the piano, crating piano and vocal arrangements of songs, sight-singing and the study of musical structure as an aid to discriminate listening. (Fulfills music knowledge course requirement.)
ORCHESTRA (INCLUDING LESSONS) *
Grades 9-12
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Satisfactory performance in middle school orchestra or the approval of the Director of Fine Arts.
Orchestra affords students the opportunity to enjoy music through participation. It provides for the continued growth of playing skills and abilities gained through the middle school years. The principle objective is to allow students to gain an understanding and appreciation of music through the study of a wide variety of orchestral literature.
In addition to daily rehearsals, students will be given group instruction on a weekly basis.
STUDIO ART *
Grades 9-12
1 Credit
A comprehensive foundation course in which the student will be introduced to a wide range of materials and concepts in the creation of visual art. The elements and principles of art will strongly be encouraged and expanded. Art history as well as contemporary art will be taught and used as inspiration for works. This is a prerequisite for all other art electives and meets the Fine Arts graduation requirement.
SYMPHONIC BAND (INCLUDING LESSONS) *
Grades 9-12
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Satisfactory performance in middle school band or the approval of the Band Director
This instrumental organization provides students an opportunity to enjoy music through participation. It is an elective open to students in grades 9-12 who have had continuous instruction and experience in instrumental music. Objectives are to stimulate and develop an interest and understanding of music for the purpose of self-discipline, music appreciation, personal enjoyment, continued individual achievement, musical satisfaction and social belonging through rehearsal and performances. Band performances include various concerts, assemblies, home football games and parades. These provide a colorful and musical contribution to school and community. In addition to daily rehearsal, students will be given group instruction on a weekly basis.
LIST B
CAREER AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Grades 9-12
1 Credit
Do you have a plan for your future? Do you know the skills you need to be successful in the workplace? Career and Financial Management will teach you about the business and economic system in relation to your future role as an entrepreneur, employee, consumer and citizen. Career planning and lifelong goals are critical to your success. You will research careers, assess your personal abilities, learn the competencies necessary for success in the workplace, as well as develop job search strategies and resumes. You will learn the newest interview techniques and develop strategies to make an effective transition from education to career. How will you manage your finances? Learn financial skills such as budgeting, management savings and checking accounts, the use of credit cards, computing your income tax and obtaining insurance. In addition, the student has an opportunity to earn a Certificate of Employability.
This course is strongly recommended for all students.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE APPLICATION
Grades 9-12
1 Credit
The Microsoft Office Suite is the most widely used application on the market today. Do you want to develop professional reports and presentations using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint that will make you stand out from everyone else? Are you eager to impress your teachers and future employers with your ability to utilize Excel, including the advanced features of macros, functions and PivotTables? In addition, learn desktop publishing using Publisher. Increasing your typing speed is a benefit of this course.
This hands-on course builds an excellent foundation for you whether you are preparing for college or employment.
FOOD PREPARATION
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
If you are interested in cooking for your family and friends or developing marketable food preparation skills, this is the class for you. Students in this course learn how to meet their nutritional needs through a variety of cooking experiences. Students learn food selection, preparation, and storage techniques that enable them to follow a recipe or create their own. Emphasis is placed on working independently in the kitchen and handling food safely.
INTRODUCTION TO CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
In Introduction to Child Development you will explore a wide range of tropics related to child growth and development, and nurturing skills. Prenatal development, infancy, children’s play, guidance and discipline, overcoming childhood issues and day care options are some of the topics investigated during this course. An overnight simulation with the computerized “Baby Think It Over” doll will help you experience the challenges of parenting.
This course is an option for meeting the parenting education requirement.
SMALL ENGINES (TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS)
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
Small Engines is an introductory course to power technology. Students learn how power is produced from burning fuel, and then apply those principles to different small engine powered vehicles. This class is based on small engine repair and rebuilding, and covers modes of transportation over land and water and through the air.
WOODWORKING (MATERIALS PROCESSING)
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
Students in woodworking learn to properly use tools and machines to make products from wood. Students complete several projects while learning methods of machining, fabrication, assembly, and finishing. This course is the most traditional of the technology courses offered in the high school and offers a student a broad range of useable skills as well as a series of take-home project.
Students who have completed Studio Art may take:
ART HISTORY AND APPRECIATION I
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Studio Art
This course will introduce students to the history of art from prehistoric to Renaissance. Students will study great works of art through history, make connections to contemporary art and inspire them in the creation of their own works. Students will also create their own art history books.
ART HISTORY AND APPRECIATION II
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Studio Art
This course will introduce students to the history of art from Renaissance to modern time. Students will study great works of art through history, make connections to contemporary art and inspire them in the creation of their own works. Students will also create their own art history books. Students do not have to take Art History and Appreciation I to take this course.
CERAMICS
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Studio Art
The Ceramics course is designed for students to explore the physical properties and aesthetic possibilities of clay. Students create clay works using pinch, coil, slab, and wheel techniques, and learn glazing, decorating and firing techniques. Students will have opportunities to observe and appreciate contemporary and historical pottery and clay sculpture.
DRAWING & PAINTING I
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Studio Art
A course for serious art students interested in developing skills in drawing from life, making finished drawings in several mediums, and developing drawings into paintings. Line, shading, composition, color and movement will be stressed.
DRAWING & PAINTING II
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Studio Art and Drawing & Painting I
A course to advance skills learned in Drawing & Painting I and develop personal imagery and style in many mediums.
University in the High School credit available for students in grades 10-12.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Studio Art
This course is designed to help students become familiar with the basics of Adobe Creative Suites CC. Using the software, a sophisticated graphics program, students will learn to create complex and attractive illustrations, logo designs and type effects. Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are also used in this course.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Grades 9-12
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Studio Art
This course is an introduction to digital photography. Students will learn about the history and invention of photography. Styles, genres and subjects will be studied and explored, along with influential photographers and their inspirations and contributions. Career options and current technology and photography tools will be covered. Composition, criticism, lighting, personal narrative and image editing software are some of the skills reinforced in this course. This course may be applied to the Art sequence.
ADDITIONAL CORE ELECTIVE
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (JAVA)
Grades 9-12
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Common Core Algebra
The AP Computer Science A (JAVA) course is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. The AP Computer Science A (JAVA) course curriculum is compatible with many CS1 courses in colleges and universities.