Belle Vernon Area High School Program of Studies

1 Access the Future Through Excellence in Education Belle Vernon area high School Program of Studies 2018-2019 Program of Studies Branching Out ..Finding Your Future 2 Access the Future Through Excellence in Education Belle Vernon area high School Program of Studies PRINCIPALS' MESSAGE Dear Parents and Students: Belle Vernon area high School has a long-standing tradition of excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics. Our goal is to develop educated and responsible citizens ready to adapt to and make significant contributions to the needs of our 21st century society.

2 Our wish is to see that everyone has a very successful School year. This can only happen if we all work together. Our focus is simple: Student Learning! We will address this focus by examining the following questions: What is it that we want the students to learn? How do we know if they learned it? What do we do if they did not learn it? How do we push those that did learn it even further? How do we make learning fun, relevant, and challenging? All of us: staff, families, and students must do our part in order to develop a strong partnership and carry the torch of success. As a School , we will model the focus of cooperation, teamwork, dedication, and work ethic by treating you and your family with respect.

3 We will also be responsible in providing you with a challenging curriculum and knowing the needs of you, the student. In return, we will expect results shown through your attitude, work ethic, academic performance, respect, and behavior in the classroom and in the community. A vital component of this expectation is our Career Pathways-driven scheduling process. Five Pathways exist: Arts, Communication, and Information Technologies Energy, Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Allied Health & Human Services (including Education & Training) Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Sciences Financial & Business Services, Hospitality, & Business Administration (including Government, Law, and Public Administration & Safety) Of course, all students benefit from courses in the Global Competencies, regardless of their chosen Pathway.

4 These competencies include: Physical & Mental Health, Foundational Knowledge & Skills, 21st Century Literacy, and Career & Life Skills. Whether students pursue a college or university education, the military, trade/technical School , or the workforce, these competencies are vital for everyone. Students should make careful and intelligent decisions about their selection of courses. Belle Vernon area high School offers much to satisfy academic needs and interests. The programs and courses selected will determine a student's transition from high School to the student s selected Pathway. Each course has been carefully designed and is aligned to the Pennsylvania Department of Education s Standards Aligned System (SAS).

5 The courses in this Program of Studies are courses that may be offered in the 2018-2019 School year. Please be advised that changes to this list may occur as the scheduling process unfolds and the Master Schedule is built based on student demand. Because any change affects class size, teacher assignment, room utilization, and many other aspects of the School Program , a signed course verification form is considered a contract between the School , the student, and the parent. Changes in assignments will be made only when the original schedule proves detrimental to the student's welfare or when budgetary constraints and staffing limitations are prohibitive.

6 The Belle Vernon area faculty, counseling staff and administration will provide students with assistance in designing a Program best suited to students abilities, interests, and career goals. It is our hope that every student will secure the preparation necessary to follow and attain his or her life's goals throughout high School . Sincerely yours, Jason A. Boone, Principal John E. Grice, IV, Principal 3 Access the Future Through Excellence in Education Belle Vernon area high School Program of Studies It is the policy of the Belle Vernon area School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, handicap, race, color and national origin in its educational and vocational programs , activities, or employment by Title IX, Section 504 and Title VI.

7 For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact Jason A. Boone or John E. Grice IV, at Belle Vernon area high School . Telephone: (724) 808-2500; ext. 2501 Fax: (724) 930-7909 Website: Twitter: @BVAHS 4 Access the Future Through Excellence in Education Belle Vernon area high School Program of Studies 5 Access the Future Through Excellence in Education Belle Vernon area high School Program of Studies TABLE OF CONTENTS Page # 1) Foreword 6 2) 2018-2019 Course Selection Sheet ** 7 3) College and Career Planning 9 a.

8 College and Career Pathways & Clusters 9 b. Central Westmoreland Career & Technology Center programs 37 c. Post-secondary Planning 45 d. Timetable for high School Students 46 e. Military Service Academies 47 f. For the College-bound: College Entrance Examinations 48 g. Completing the College Application 49 h. Financial Aid 49 i. NCAA Initial Eligibility Information 53 4) The School and Your Future Plans 55 a. Quality Points Breakdown 56 b. Sample QPA Calculation 57 c. Graduation Requirements 58 d. BVA HS Detailed Graduation Requirements 58 e. Standards of Promotion 59 f.

9 Yearly Course Load Requirements 59 g. Departmental Requirements 59 5) Belle Vernon area high School Program of Studies 60 a. Advanced Placement Courses 60 b. College-in- high - School (Dual Enrollment) Courses 60 c. Honors Courses 60 d. College Preparatory programs 61 e. Career Program 61 f. Career and Technology Program 61 g. Project Lead the Way Program 61 6) Course Descriptions 63 a. English & Language Arts Department 63 b. World Languages Department 71 c. Mathematics Department 75 d. Science Department 81 e. Social Studies Department 87 f.

10 Business, Computer, and Information Technology (BCIT) Department 91 g. Fine and Performing Arts Department 94 h. Family and Consumer Sciences Department 99 i. Technology and STEM Education Department 101 j. Physical Education Department 104 k. General Studies 106 7) BVA eAcademy Course Offerings 107 8) Drivers Education 107 9) 4 Year Plan** 109 10) NCAA Eligibility Worksheet 110 ** Denotes the documents that the student must print, fill out, and submit to his/her School Counselor.