2015 Freshmen Course

Description Night

“Growing Competitive Greatness”

Tonight’s Format

Welcome

Importance of the Challenge

FASTract

Athletic Paperwork

Registration Materials Overview

Department Presentations

Accept The Challenge

The importance of high school is found in hard work and

perseverance

Expect more from yourself academically and socially

This should occur every year from now on

No one strives to be mediocre

▪ You should strive for “Competitive Greatness”

▪ To be at your best when your best is needed

Prepare yourself for “Competitive Greatness” by adding

value now

Course Patterns that Increase Student Achievement

Value-Added Course Sequences

Taking Classes Above the Minimum Graduation Expectation

Increases Scores on the ACT Test

The Most Used College Entrance Exam

State is Switching to the PARCC Exam to Measure Educational

Success

This is Not Used for College Entrance

This Approach Will Cost More Money

Call Your Legislators

Value-Added Sequences

Expectation - English (9-12)

VA - English 9-12 + Foreign Language

▪ +1.1 Points – Nationally in English

▪ +4.9 Points – OHS in English

Expectation - Social Sciences – 2 Credits

VA - US Hist., Amer. Govt., World Hist., + 1 More

+7.0 – OHS in Reading

Value-Added Sequences Continued

Expectation - Alg I, Geom, Alg II

VA -Alg, Geometry, Alg II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus

▪ + 2.6 Points – Nationally in Mathematics

▪ + 8.3 Points – OHS in Mathematics

Pre-Calculus Significantly Increases Your Students Chances of Avoiding

Remedial Math Classes in College

▪ Currently 2/3 of Incoming WIU Freshman Must Enroll

▪ #099N Intermediate Algebra (4 Credit Hours)

▪ $1150.96 – Four Credit Hours

▪ $1346.46 – 2019 (Approx. Cost at 4% Tuition Increase)

▪ Pre-Calculus and Calculus are essentially free at OHS

Value-Added Sequences Continued

Biology, Environmental, Chemistry

▪ VA - Bio, Chemistry, Chemistry II, Physics

▪ + 3.0 – Nationally in Science

▪ + 5.4 – OHS in Science

Most Important Thing to Remember

▪ These Increases Occur Only If You Challenge Yourself

▪ OHS Will Challenge Them

▪ Don’t Let Them Convince You That A Class Is Too

Hard Or That They Can’t Understand It

Freshman Achievement Summer Tract (FASTract)

Voluntary Freshman Summer Orientation Class (Minimum of 15)

Minimal Cost: $10

Timeframe: Three Days in August…8:30a.m.-Noon

Topics would include:

1. Study Skills, Note-taking, Test-taking, Organizational and Time-

Management Skills

2. Student and Athletic Handbooks

3. Future and College Expectations

4. Miscellaneous – Lockers, Bell Schedule (Ag to Biology), Keys to Success

Last Year 65% of Incoming Freshman Attended – We Have Seen an

Increase in Academic Success and a Large Decrease in Detentions.

School Physicals

Required of all incoming freshman

Make sure you use the new form provided (It’s Required by Law)

The physical is due at registration

If not done your student may not be able to start school

New immunization requirement

Diphtheria/tetanus booster – Tdap

▪ Must show proof of one dose of Adacel or Boostrix

Meningitis – Most likely required for 12th grade in 2015 – Prepare early

Freshman Physical may also be used for athletic physicals

Due Friday, August 7th for fall sports

May now be taken as early as May 1st vs. June 1st

Athletic Forms

Student Athlete Handbook

Academic Eligibility

Training Rules/Code of Conduct

School Attendance – Must be at school by the start of 2nd Hour

IHSA Physical Form – Ignore this year, use form provided by the nurse

Must be turned in before a student may practice or tryout

Insurance Waiver/Parental Approval Forms

Must be signed by student and guardian (online)

Emergency Medical Form (online)

IHSA Drug Testing Form (online)

Athletic Forms Continued

Athletic Participation Fee

Must be paid before a student may tryout/practice

IHSA Concussion Sheet

Planning to continue Concussion Testing

Provides a neurocognitive baseline

Allow a doctor to see if brain processing has returned to normal

Parent-Coach Communication Sheet

All of these forms are filled out via online registration. Which is linked

directly to our Athletic Website.

athletics2000.com/orion

Registration Material Overview

Ms. Jennifer Bakener

 

Current Requirements 

English…………………………………………….4 creditsMathematics……………………………………….3 credits(Either Geometry or Applied Geometry must be completed)Science ………………………………....................3 creditsBiology I…………………………………..1 creditAstronomy/Geology or Chemistry I ……..1 creditAnatomy/Physiology, BSAA,Environmental, Chem II, or Physics………1 credit Social Studies……………………………………...2 credits(American Government and U.S. History are required)Consumer Education …………………………….. ½ credit

OrCooperative Education…………………………….1 creditPhysical Education……………….………………..3.5 credits Drivers Education……………………………….... ¼ creditEXCEL…………………………………………….¼ creditHealth Education…………………….…………… ½ creditVoc., Fine Arts, Foreign Lang…………………… 1 creditElectives…………………………………… 7.5 to 8 creditsA .5 credit is earned for each semester completed with a passing grade. Any tie for Class Valedictorian will be broken using the following formula…(GPA x 25) + (ACT x 2.1) + (Credits Earned x 1.1) = Achievement Ranking Starting with the Class of 2018, P.E. and Personal Fitness will be GPA bearing courses. You may email or call Jennifer Bakener (jbakener@orionschools.us) or Nathan DeBaillie (ndebaillie@orionschools.us) with

questions regarding registration. Ph: (309) 526-3361.

Registration Material Cont.

Freshman Course Request 2015-2016

Student Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

1. English I___________________________________________________________2. Biology____________________________________________________________3. PE/Excel/Driver’s Ed_________________________________________________4. __________________________________________________________________5. __________________________________________________________________6. __________________________________________________________________7. __________________________________________________________________8. __________________________________________________________________

Backup Class: _____________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________________

Due: Friday, January 23

Agriculture

Mr. Jay Solomonson(Separate Power Point)

Art

Mrs. Connie Jensen

Business

Mrs. Marcy Wegerer

BUSINESSCLASSES OFFERED

CLASSES OPEN TO FRESHMEN

Accounting I Intro to Business Formatting Computer Concepts I Computer Concepts II

OTHER CLASSES

Accounting II Personal Finance &

Consumer Ed Business

Management** Business Law** Marketing** JA Economics**

** denotes classes offered on an alternating-yearly rotation

All business classes are semester-length with

the exception of Accounting

Accounting I

Study of how businesses maintain information about

their finances and use that information to be

successful

Don’t be intimidated by the “numbers & math”

Highly recommended for students planning further

education or employment in any business-related field

Accounting is a foundational course within ALL business

programs

Credit Earned: 1

Intro to Business

Study of the role businesses play within our economy,

basic forms of business organization, basic aspects of

business operations, various consumer-related issues,

and career possibilities within and related to the business

field

Credit Earned: ½

Note: this class is a prerequisite for the Business

Management, Business Law, Marketing, and JA

Economics classes

Best to take it early if you think you might want to take any of

these classes

Formatting

Review & reinforcement of the touch method

of typing for letter, number, and symbol keys

Proper formatting of various business &

personal documents using Microsoft Word and

Google Docs, including: memos, letters,

reports, tables, other common business

documents

Credit Earned: ½

Computer Concepts I

Understanding of and practice with the features and

functions of a variety of software applications,

including:

• Communications (Microsoft Outlook & Google Mail)

• Word processing (Microsoft Word & Google Docs)

• Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel & Google Sheets)

• Database management (Microsoft Access)

• Presentation (Microsoft PowerPoint & Google Slides)

• Other applications as time allows

Credit Earned: ½

Other Information

Should I take Formatting or Computer Concepts?

If you don’t have strong skills on the keyboard yet, Formatting is a

logical class to take first; if you’re already pretty good on the

keyboard, Computer Concepts would probably be a better choice

Accounting I & Accounting II classes are currently

articulated with Black Hawk College

If the student takes the class at OHS and passes with a grade of B

or better, the student can earn college credit if they enroll at BHC

Note that articulated credits may only apply toward completion of

a degree at BHC

Family & Consumer ScienceMrs. Tina Poel

Creative Life Skills

Becoming a Successful Personal Manager

Units of Study

Apparel Maintenance

Sewing

Social relationships

Housing

Food preparation

Child care

Time management

Financial management

Health issues

Apparel Maintenance

Stain removal techniques

Mending

Laundry

Sewing

Tools & terminology

Machine operation

Fabric selection

Pillow project

Computer generated collage

Transfer to fabric

Pillow construction

Social Relationships

Dating

Family relationships

Conflict management

Characteristics of a good friend

Importance of self esteem

Housing

Floor plans

Basic architecture

Decorating principles

Organizing

Food preparation

Measuring ingredients

Home kitchen organization

Basic techniques

Home appliances

Child Care

Child development:

Physical

Social

Emotional

Intellectual

Age appropriate activities

Safety

Time Management

Schedules

Setting priorities

Planning

Financial Management

Budgeting

Balancing checkbook

Credit guidelines

Saving guidelines

Buying a car

Home mortgage

University Extension Specialist

Personal Financial Management Exercise

Health Issues

Emotional stability

Managing depression

Managing crisis

Self esteem

Physical Health

Substance abuse

Routine medical

Routine dental

Excel

Mrs. Tina Poel

Class Format

Each of the following 9 character traits have been paired with weekly topics and role models who are worthy of study.

Character Traits

Empathy

Gratitude

Tolerance

Duty

Loyalty

Responsibility

Compassion

Leadership

Weekly Topics

Positive Communication

Expressing Gratitude to Family Members

Cultural Competence

Citizenship in the Community

Making Marriage Last

Employability and Workplace Skills

Confronting Bullies in Schools

Becoming a Strong Leader

Becoming a Strong Role Model

Ethical Dilemmas

Students are confronted with scenarios that force them to use critical thinking skills, recognize potential options and understand the consequences of their choices.

Character Video Presentations

These exemplify the various character traits covered.

Role Model Textbook

Highlights 17 individuals who exemplify the various character traits covered in the curriculum

Other Aspects . . .

Weekly Lectures

Weekly Homework Assignments

Quiz once a week on chapter in text

(role model for the week)

Community Service Project

Why is this course important?

Research shows that improving student character:

Improves grades

Promotes community engagement

Improves attendance

Builds confidence

Reduces disciplinary situations

Helps to build positive relationships

Reduces violence

  

English

Mrs. Sara Kershaw

Courses Offered & Requirements

All students must complete the following courses:

English I

English II / Honors English II

English III / Honors English III

English IV or English 101/102

Elective classes in English include:

Journalism I

Journalism II

English I (Mrs. Sara Kershaw)

Students will read three major works this year:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Students will also read a variety of other works of literature

and non-fiction.

There will be a heavy focus on clarity in writing and speaking.

Most units conclude with an authentic task that asks

students to apply knowledge through writing or speaking.

English II/Honors (Ms. Brooke Ashcraft)

Major literary works include:

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Greek mythology

The Odyssey by Homer

Sophomores learn the process of research

writing and craft a paper on a chosen topic.

Honors works on reading/writing at a deeper level.

Generally, this class works at faster pace and asks that students complete more

things independently.

Read additional literature (Fahrenheit 451 and The Lord of the Flies).

Honors students are chosen by recommendations by Mrs. Kershaw, reviews of

test scores, and review by Mr. DeBaillie and Mrs. Bakener.

Enlgish III (Mr. Andrew Lister)

English III is a chronological journey through

American literature, including…

Native American myths/songs

Puritan Tradition [The Crucible by Arthur Miller]

Romanticism [Thoreau, Longfellow, Whitman, etc.]

Gothic Tradition [Edgar Allan Poe]

Realism [The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Twain]

Women’s Literature [Emily Dickinson, Kate Chopin, etc]

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Harlem Renaissance

We also focus on preparing students for the ACT exam and for college-level writing.

English III Honors (Mr. Andrew Lister)

Honors English III is an advanced course that prepares

students to take the Dual Credit English 101/102

courses.

There is a greater focus on writing, reading

comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.

The reading contains a combination of English and

American writing.

Students taking either English III or Honors English III

may take the Black Hawk 101/102 courses.

English IV (Mrs. Sara Kershaw & Miss Brooke Ashcraft)

English IV focuses on college readiness skills.

Emphasis on speaking skills, original

research, creation of original materials

Focus on breaking bad writing habits

Two major literature units:

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

English 101/102 (Mr. Andrew Lister)

This course is offered as dual credit through Black Hawk

College. This credit can be transferred to other colleges.

Students in 101 will…

write five to six essays of various styles.

master grammatical rules to strengthen writing.

practice the use of MLA formatting and documentation.

Students in 102 will…

continue to form writing skills important for college.

read and analyze a wide range of texts.

complete a large writing project.

Journalism I/II (Mr. Andrew Lister)

Journalism is an elective class that focuses on publishing both

the school newspaper, The Knightbeat, and the yearbook, The

Charger.

Junior students that complete Journalism I may take Journalism

II the following year.   Students enrolled in Journalism II take

on the role of an editor for either the newspaper or yearbook.

Journalism is a production class.  Students will be responsible

for meeting deadlines for writing articles, putting pages

together, and taking pictures.

History/Social Studies

Mr. Scott Briney

Mr. Scott Briney - sbriney@orionschools.us

U.S. History World History Dean of Students

Mr. Alex Johnson– ajohnson@orionschools.us

World History Cultural Geography Sociology Government

History/Social Studies Staff

Orion H.S. requires 2 credits:

1 credit is U.S. History taken during the junior year

½ credit is American Government taken sophomore year

½ credit must be taken as electives:

▪ World History, which is a full year class, but may be taken as semesters-

open to grades 9-12

▪ Cultural Geography – grades 10-12

▪ Sociology – grades 11-12

▪ Psychology 101 (through Blackhawk College) – gr. 12

Most colleges require three years of Social Studies

Requirements

The only Social Studies class open to freshmen at this

time is world history:

World History covers the entire gamut of history, with a

focus on the western world.

Mr. Johnson teaches it thematically – that is, by theme, not

chronologically.

Mr. Briney is old-school and still teaches chronologically

See the course descriptions

Classes Open to Freshmen

WORLD HISTORY –This course is a study of the people, places and

events from the beginnings of civilization to modern times. The different units that students will engage in should give them appreciation to how the world has evolved, and how it affects us today. As a class, we will attempt to use historical thinking to inspire critical thinking. By the end of the year, students should be able to understand some of the most critical issues that challenge us today through the study of global history. This class will also place an emphasis on geography.

Courses Open to Freshmen

Math

Mrs. Shelly Hutton

Math Faculty

•Miss Cox – Algebra I, Pre-Calculus, Calculus,

Intermediate Algebra

•Mrs. Hutton – Pre-Algebra, Algebra II, Algebra

III

•Mrs. Swanson – Geometry, Applied Geometry,

Statistics

Math Courses

Pre-Algebra

* Algebra I

* Geometry or Applied Geometry

Intermediate Algebra

Algebra II

Algebra III

Pre-calculus

Calculus –Dual Credit or AP

Statistics

*State graduation requirements

Mathematics Department

•Graduation Requirements: 3 years (4 years for college bound is

recommended)

•Must take Algebra I before Intermediate Algebra

•Must take Pre-calculus to take Statistics (or concurrent)

•For college-bound we highly recommend taking at least through

Pre-calculus

•Take as much Math & Science as possible

Music

Mr. Ben Holmes

Physical Education

Mr. Logan Hohl

Basic Overview (General PE)

Focus on Fitness!!

Homework assignments

Fitness Days (once a week)

Skill Development

Focus on the process, not the product

Team Sports

Written Work

Includes study guides and written tests

Options

Two options for physical education

Regular P.E.

▪ Teamwork/Sports Development

▪ Included in overall GPA

Personal Fitness

▪ Complete focus on fitness

▪ Individualized Training

▪ Weight Room technique and skill development

Qualifications/Opt Outs

Physical Education:

Opting out: Juniors/Seniors in varsity sports

▪ Take study hall in place of PE

Personal Fitness

Qualifications…

▪ Offered to Sophomores-Seniors

▪ 2.5 GPA

▪ May not opt out of Personal Fitness

▪ Taught by Logan Hohl

Clothing/Apparel

Red PE Shirts and Black PE Shorts.

School Issued

Shoes that Tie completely

(Same as middle school)

Personal Fitness: Black Shirts

Freshman PE

Taught by Becky Nightingale

Freshman have PE for only one

semester.

Excel/Driver’s Education taken

during the opposite semester

Science

Mrs. Heather Stannke

Science Curriculum

Biology – 9th

Astronomy & Geology – 10th – 11th

Prerequisite = Biology & Algebra I

Chemistry I – 10th – 11th

Prerequisite = Biology & Algebra I

Chemistry II – 11th – 12th Prerequisite = Chemistry I

Anatomy & Physiology – 11th – 12th

Prerequisite = Biology

Physics– 12th

Prerequisite = Algebra II & Chemistry I

Spanish

Dr. Linda Anderson

Questions?

Please Contact any of our Teachers:

by phone at OHS (526-3361)

by email via the high school teacher page of the district

website (orionschools.us)

* This Power Point will be available under The Course

Description Webpage.

* Remember to do an initial sign-up for the FASTract.