Freshman, Required

This course is the required, first-year course in the language arts program.  It provides a foundation in language, composition, literature, public speaking, and independent reading.

Language Arts II

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Sophomores; Required

This course focuses on the student writing for a variety of topics, using diverse sources.  Writing instruction emphasizes vocabulary, accepted patterns of organization, development and support of ideas, and acceptable usage and mechanics that prepares them for future studies and for the workplace.  Students will analyze and evaluate major writings in world literature and read and respond to literature.

Language Arts III

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Juniors

This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of American literature.  Writing and oral communication projects develop a range of skills from responding to literature to researching a topic.  Students will write and present oral projects related to literary selections.

Applied Communications I and II

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Juniors and Seniors

These courses are designed primarily for students who are bound for technical school or the workforce.  Specific skills taught include critical thinking, working groups, evaluation of situations/problems, and appropriate listening, verbal, and written skills.

British Literature

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Juniors and Seniors; Semester course
This course is a study of British Literature, covering early periods of English history, from the Anglo-Saxon period through the Renaissance. Students will study plays, poetry, short stories, a novel and non-fiction. Students will employ composition and research.

Great Novels

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Freshman; Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors; Semester course

Students taking this course will read from a wide variety of novels representing a variety of genres.  These classic novels have been selected for study as they have continued to significantly influence the literary texts, philosophies, and perspectives on our western world.  These are the novels which leave a lasting impression on our imagination and remain in our memory as part of our collective consciousness.  These are the books whose influence provides us an important literary reference as we negotiate our adult life.

Creative Writing

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Juniors and Seniors (Sophomores with instructor approval) ; Semester course

Creative Writing is a semester elective course that addresses the needs of a wide range of student writing abilities and interests.  Students will write a variety of modes, including short fiction, poetry, personal essays, and memoirs.  Special attention will be given to improving student writing through effective dialogue, description, imagery, and allusion.  Students will develop a sense of speaker and audience.  They will provide positive support for their fellow writers and learn to revise their work using concrete, sensory details and appropriate choice of diction, syntax, purpose, and audience.  The goal of this course is to expose students to a variety of modes and to develop students’ subtlety and style in their writing.

Mythology

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Juniors and Seniors; Semester course

Mythology is a literature course designed to acquaint students with the traditional stories and myths that appear in literature art, music, and architecture. The text will be drawn from the many cultures that make up the American tradition, but the primary focus is on ancient Greek mythology.

Science Fiction

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Juniors and Seniors; Semester Course

Science fiction is an overview of the history of science fiction, discussion of readings and videos by selected authors. Students will discover how elements of the imagination and the fantasy of science fiction have become a reality in today’s culture and world of technology. This course is recommended for students with a high level of reading ability.

Mass Media

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Juniors; year course (completion of Computer Literacy II is strongly suggested)

This course is designed to introduce students to journalistic styles and methods, including photography, writing, and design. Students gain experience in interviewing, editing, proofreading, and interpreting and organizing facts. Emphasis is placed on correct style and usage. Students set type and design camera-ready layouts using the Desktop system.  Students may also video and edit school events.

Composition (English 101/102)

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Senior level class taken for college credit; Weighted; year course
Prerequisite: Minimum of 17 on the English portion of the ACT; 3.0 GPA

Semester one is an introduction to expository and argumentative writing, emphasizing reading, critical thinking, and analytical skills.  Several short papers are assigned, with emphasis on the writing process.  Semester two is a continuation of the essay, emphasizing longer, more impersonal and critical writing forms.  Organizational skills are developed through the outline and summary units; analytical reading and evaluation are stressed.  A thorough use of library and Internet sources is required for the bibliography unit and the final research paper.  A writer’s portfolio is required each semester.  EN101 and EN102 may be taken for 3 college credit hours each.  There is an ACT requirement and an overall GPA requirement of 3.0.

Speech

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Juniors and Seniors; Semester course; may be taken for dual credit with 3.0 GPA

During this dual-credit course, students learn how to better think and act as a public speaker by preparing and presenting speeches.  Application of content and self-assessment are principle strategies in this introductory course.  The message creation process stresses thinking broadly and deeply about the subject.  The delivery approach emphasizes interactive skills and attitudes.

Mathematics

Pre- Algebra

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Freshmen; One-year course

Pre-Algebra is a class that will introduce basic concepts in Algebra and will include terminology, solving linear equations, graphing, etc. Algebra I follows the Pre-Algebra course.

Algebra I

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Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors; One-year course

This course will focus on manipulating polynomials, working with analytic geometry, and solving word problems using various methods.

Algebra II

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Juniors, and Seniors; Pre-requisite: Algebra I; One-year course

Students in this course will solve and evaluate various equations and functions over the complex number system.

Applied Technical Math

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Juniors and Seniors; One-year course

This course will be based around “real life” situations. Students will use basic math skills in everyday situations such as paying taxes, buying food, banking, investing, budgeting, buying and renting a home. The class is designed to help students become more aware of direct applications based on money management and finance in everyday life.

Algebra III (College Algebra)

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Dual-enrollment class for those qualifying for college credit-semester class; Weighted 

Prerequisite: Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry, 20 on the ACT or Math placement test score and 3.0 GPA. Semester course.

Algebra III deals with linear and quadratic systems of equations, graphic methods, matrices, determinants, sequences and series, logarithms, mathematical induction, complex numbers, theory of equation, and binomial theorem.

Calculus

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Prerequisites: Algebra III and Trigonometry; Designed for students planning to take advanced mathematics in college; Weighted semester course

This course focuses on learning to calculate derivatives and integrals and how to apply them to a variety of situations through problem solving opportunities.

Trigonometry

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Semester course; Pre-requisite Algebra II; Weighted
Offered as a dual-enrollment class for those qualifying for college credit

The course consists of solutions to right and oblique triangles, circular functions, trigonometric identities, definitions, radian measure, using a scientific calculator in solving trigonometry problems.

Geometry

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Recommended that a student achieve a "C" in Algebra I, One year course
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

The content of this course will include the notions, concepts, definitions, axioms, postulates, theorems, and corollaries of theorems, and concepts of plane and solid figures will be an integral part of the course.  Recommended sequence is to follow Algebra I with Geometry for the purposes of standardized testing.

Statistics

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Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry; Weighted semester course

Statistics deals with the mathematics related to the organizing, summarizing, analyzing and interpreting of numerical data.  It is broken down into two methods, descriptive, which deals with collected data and inferential, which deals with probability.

Social Science

Citizenship and Government

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Juniors; Required; One-year course

The study of American government helps students develop a better understanding of the foundations of our democracy.  The relationships of the three branches of government of this system are also considered.  Citizenship, including both rights and responsibilities, is stressed.  Relationships between levels of government within the state are also explored.

World History

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Sophomores; required; one-year course

This course will be a study of the chronological events of the world. Knowledge of world history addresses significant events, people, ideas, trends and conflicts with concern for causes, consequences and relationships across time and place.

American History

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Freshman beginning with the class of 2015; Juniors ending with the class of 2014; Required; one-year course

This course is a basic chronological study of American history, beginning at the start of the 20^th century continuing through contemporary America. It emphasizes communication, research, analysis and writing skills.

Psychology

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Juniors and Seniors; Semester course may be taken for dual credit  with 3.0 GPA and payment of fees

Psychology is a survey course dealing with the basic facts and principles of human behavior, providing an understanding of why and how people think and act as they do, emphasizing the manner in which the environment influences people.

Sociology

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Juniors and Seniors; Semester course

This course investigates the effects of our relationships in a world of diversity, including the family unit, marriage, minority groups, and ethnic/social interactions in our society.

Contemporary Issues

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American History to 1877

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Juniors and Seniors; Dual credit course only; Weighted; Pre-requisites: 3.0 GPA and 14 in ACT Reading

A survey course of the history of the United States covering European and American backgrounds, the colonial and Constitutional period, national expansion and development through Reconstruction.  (Meets the Constitutional Requirement of CBHE.)

National Government

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Junior and Seniors; Semester course; Dual Credit only; weighted
Pre-requisite: 3.0 GPA and 14 on ACT Reading

This course acquaints the student with the workings of the national government and the political system which bolsters it.  Emphasis is placed on governmental structure, using the historical approach to answer the questions as to why the United States system has developed in the manner that it has.  The Constitution is dealt with in detail as the source of all governmental power.

Science

Physics First

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Freshman; Required; One-year course

This course will stress space science, chemistry, and physics.  The study of matter, its properties and uses, and the changes that different kinds of matter undergo is emphasized.

Biology

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Sophomores; Required; One-year course

This course stresses biology and biochemistry.  It emphasizes the nature of living organisms through a variety of projects and laboratory activities.  Topics include cellular makeup/function, functions and interactions of organisms, and the nature and function of the human body.

Biology II

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Juniors and Seniors; Physical Science and Biology; Weighted, one year course. May be taken for college credit. Grade point required: 3.0 Recommended for college-bound students.

This is a second year biology course for students wishing to take an advanced science course that stimulates biological research.  Areas of study will include biochemistry, taxonomy, cell theory, human physiology and virology, history of evolution and genetics.

Chemistry I

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Juniors and Seniors; Recommended for college-bound students; One year course. An algebra course is recommended prior to Chemistry I

This course investigates the relationship between matter and energy.  It also investigates the changes they undergo.

Chemistry II

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Prerequisites: Grade of C or higher in Chemistry I; Weighted, one year course

This second year course builds on the foundations of Chemistry I.

Anatomy and Physiology

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Prerequisites: Biology and Biology II; Weighted; One-year, advanced course; preparation for a career in medicine or nursing.

This course covers the structure and function of the human body.  Evaluation of current research, technology, and issues related to the health field are included.

Physics

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Prerequisite: Algebra II and Physical Science; one-year course; weighted

Recommended for all college-bound students with an interest in science

This course covers the transformation of matter and energy through the fundamental quantities of mass, length, time, temperature, and electrical change.  Topics included are standard measurement, nature of motion, nature of waves, thermal effects, electricity, and magnetism.

Applied Environmental Science

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Prerequisite: Physical Science and Biology, semester course

This course investigates the interactions of organisms and their environment.  Topics include the effects of human activities on nutrient cycles, habitat destruction, future energy needs, and population variations

Applied Forensic Science

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Prerequisite:  Physical Science and Biology, semester course

This course will combine lecture, video and lab activities where students will work in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning.  All areas of science will be involved: biology anatomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science with an emphasis in complex reasoning and critical thinking.  In addition, students will incorporate the use of technology, communication skills, language arts, art, family and consumer science, mathematics and social studies.

Zoology

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Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in Biology, weighted, one-year advanced course

This course is a study and comparison of different organisms’ anatomy including skeletal, organ, nerve, and reproductive systems.  Course is lab-intensive with multiple dissections being performed. This course us recommended as preparation for a career in medicine or animal science.

Physical Education

Fitness

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Semester Course

This course focuses on fitness.  Instruction will include simple dance steps, creative movement, rhythms, power walking and music.  Special work with jump ropes, hoops, and the parachute as well as Presidential Physical Fitness activities will be included.

Health

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Semester course—suggested for freshmen ; Health credit, not a P.E. credit

For this course, students study the structure of the body and the functioning of each part. Students learn about the effects of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Safety in the home, at work and during recreation is stressed. First aid, human reproduction, contraceptives (up-to-date), and making healthy decisions are all covered.

Lifetime Sports

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Semester course

This course offers a broad range of activities with emphasis on individual and lifetime sports, such as badminton, golf, tennis, and volleyball. The class is designed to promote participation from all members with minimal emphasis on winning and losing. Also emphasized, is the importance of being active and maintaining an appropriate level of fitness throughout life.

Team Sports

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Semester course

This course encourages self-motivation and development of advanced skills with emphasis on team sports such as football (flag), basketball, soccer, softball, and power volleyball. The class offers a more competitive environment for those seeking the physical and mental challenge of athletic contests. Emphasis will be placed on advanced development of skills, benefits of teamwork, and the use of strategy in competitive situations.

Physical Fitness & Conditioning

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Semester course

This course will focus on awareness, muscular development and strength training techniques. A majority of the time will be spent in the weight room, although other fitness options will be explored. Issues such as injury treatment and prevention, strength training myths, nutrition and muscle growth enhancers will also be addressed.

Adaptive P.E.

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Semester course

This 9-12 physical education class is for students who are physically unable to participate in regular physical education classes.

Practical Arts

Agriculture Courses

Agricultural Science I

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One-year course; This class is a prerequisite for all other Agriculture classes.

This is a course designed for instruction in basic animal science, basic agricultural mechanics, careers, leadership, FFA, and supervised agricultural experience.

Agricultural Science II

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Prerequisite: Agricultural Science I; One-year course

This course provides additional instruction in plant and crop science, agricultural mechanics, careers, leadership and supervised agricultural experience.

Agricultural Structures

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Juniors & Seniors; Prerequisite: Agricultural Science I & II; One-year course; may be used for a science credit.

This course deals primarily in electrical wiring, concrete masonry, plumbing, small gas engines, farm buildings and facilities, and project construction.

Natural Resource Conversation and Crop Science

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Juniors and Seniors; Prerequisite: Agricultural Science I and II; Semester course; may be used for a science credit.

This course combines units in crop science and conservation of natural resources.  Crop Science—units in this part of the course include growing systems, plant selection, production practices, harvesting, storing, marketing, fertilization, soils, conservation, chemicals, integrated pest management, water quality and biotechnology.  Conservation of Natural Resources—this course prepares students for activities in the conservation and/or improvement of natural resources such as oil, water, air, forests, fish and wildlife for economic and recreational purposes.

Advance Animal Science

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Juniors and Seniors; Prerequisite: Agricultural Science I and II; Semester course; may be used for a science credit.

This course is an advanced study in animal production, management, marketing, nutrition, breeding, animal health and biotechnology that are essential for students with an interest in animals or animal related careers.  Agronomy may include principles in plant nutrition, breeding, harvesting and grassland management, which are essential for students with an interest in agronomy and natural resource careers.

Agricultural Construction

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Seniors; Prerequisite: Agricultural Structures; One-year course.

This course utilizes mechanics, mainly oxyacetylene cutting, Arc and Mig. welding in the development and construction of major metal and wood shop projects.  Students will be required to participate in hands-on activities.  Prior welding experience is required.

Greenhouse and Landscaping

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Juniors and Seniors; Prerequisite: Agricultural Science I and II; Semester course; may be used for a science credit.

This course develops a basic understanding of greenhouse techniques.  The production of greenhouse crops will be used to demonstrate procedures such as propagation, transplanting, and marketing.  In addition, principles of landscape design, landscape construction, installation, and maintenance will be addressed. 

Agribusiness Sales and Management

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Juniors and Seniors; Prerequisite: Agricultural Science I and II; One-year course; may be used for a science credit.

This course covers human relations, careers in selling, and other experiences necessary for employment in agribusinesses engaged in marketing.  It also combines agribusiness management and content based on agricultural economic principles.

Food Science and Technology

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 Juniors and Seniors; Prerequisite: Agricultural Science I and II; Semester course; may be used for a science credit.

This course includes areas of food chemistry and nutrition, food processing, packaging and labeling, principles of sanitation and quality control, and economic factors of the food industry from production to consumption

Supervised Agricultural Experience-Co-op

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Seniors, Prerequisite: Agricultural Science I and II

This course provides for the enrollment of students that are released on school time to complete a cooperative occupational experience in an approved training station in agriculture.  A signed training agreement and training plan must be completed for each student.  Students must be enrolled in another upper level agriculture course to participate.

Business Courses

General Business

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Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors; semester course

General Business is an introduction to the world of business. Units covered include businesses in our economic system, consumerism, technology, financial institutions, banking services, credit, savings, investments, insurance, and financial management. Business careers are explored. Computers and the ten-key calculator are used.

Accounting I

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Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

Accounting I covers basic understanding and skills in the steps of the bookkeeping cycle. The course builds a foundation for those who expect to pursue higher education in business and management and also teaches skills and knowledge that all students need in their everyday business lives. The touch method of using the ten-key calculator is taught. Each semester a simulation is offered covering theories learned during the semester. Some units will include computer use.

Accounting II

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Juniors and Seniors

Accounting II is designed to give the student an employable skill upon completion. It is also useful for those students who plan to major in any area of business at the college level. The course covers the one-owner business and corporations. A variety of simulations is offered to these advanced students. Some units include computer use.

Business Technology

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semester course

This course helps students develop qualities, knowledge, and skills necessary for further business training in college, for employment in business-related careers and for personal use.  Students will learn to use computers for common business applications and for home or college. This course is strongly suggested for students wishing to take Mass Media, Desktop Publishing or Web Design.

Business Management

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  Seniors; semester course

Business Management prepares students for manager and administrative occupations.  Students learn about the world of work and the economy as a worker and a consumer.  Students learn to make decisions based on data, develop leadership skills, and select appropriate management styles for varying employee bases and situations.

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  Seniors; year course

Supervised Business Experience is an occupational program that offers a combination of classroom instruction and supervised on-the-job training.   Student trainees:

o   Complete sufficient training and experience to secure full-time employment in a business occupation upon graduation from high school or to continue education toward career objective

o   Develop good attendance and punctuality habits necessary for successful employment

o   Develop the ability to deal effectively with other workers and to accept supervision

o   Develop personal traits and attitudes necessary for success in a career in business

Personal Finance

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Required for all Seniors

This course helps students develop knowledge and understanding of basic financial principles.  Students will investigate sources of income, ways to manage money, and effective spending principles.  Credit, savings and investing concepts will be emphasized.

Computer Courses

Computer Literacy I

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Semester class

The purpose of this course is to provide students an introduction to computers.  Students will build upon their existing knowledge of computer conceptions such as data storage, desktop and application navigation, and improvement of their overall keyboarding skills.  Students will practice correspondence formatting by creating documents for both business and personal use.

Computer Literacy II

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Semester class; Prerequisite: Computer Literacy I

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a solid foundation in variety computer applications.  Students will learn to create both written and video presentations using multiple computer platforms.  Students will edit digital images and create simple print publications and videos.  This course is strongly suggested for students wishing to take Mass Media, Desktop Publishing or Web Design.

Computer Applications (Microcomputer Applications BT-160)

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Semester Class; Juniors and Seniors; (May be taken for dual credit only with 3.0 GPA)

This course is designed to introduce students to word processing, graphics presentation, spread sheet and database software programs.

Desktop Publishing

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Year-long Class; Seniors
Pre-requisite: Mass Media and / or Computer Literacy II

The purpose of Desktop Publishing is the creation of the Trenton High School yearbook.  Students will also practice organizational and people skills while covering school events.  In addition, students will be tasked with writing stories, taking pictures and selling yearbooks.  Students must have completed either Mass Media or Computer Literacy II with a B+ or higher (or with administrative approval) to be eligible for this course.  In addition, students will be required to use time outside of class to cover school events.

Web Design

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Semester class; Juniors and Seniors; (Completion of Computer Literacy II is strongly asked)

This course deals with the use of Web programming languages (HTML), graphics applications (Microsoft Word and FrontPage), and other Web authoring tools to design, edit, launch, and maintain Web sites and pages.  Such topics as Internet theory, Web page standards, Web design elements, user interfaces, special effects, navigation, and emerging Web technologies will be included.

Family and Consumer Sciences Courses

Career and Family Leadership

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Freshman and Sophomores; year-long course

This is a comprehensive instructional program that describes the general study of family and consumer science, including how individuals develop and function in family, work, and community settings and how they relate to their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual environments. Career exploration and its impact on families is a key component.

Nutrition and Wellness

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Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; Semester

This course prepares individuals to understand the principles of nutrition; the relationship of nutrition to health and wellness; the selection, preparation, and care of food; meal management to meet individual and family food needs and patterns of living; food economics and ecology; optimal use of the food dollar; understanding and promoting nutritional knowledge; and application of related math and science skills.

Housing Environment and Design

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Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; Semester

This is an instructional program that describes the study of the behavioral, social, economic, functional, and aesthetic aspects of housing, interiors, and other built environments.  It includes instruction in analyzing, planning, designing, furnishing, and equipping residential, work, and leisure spaces to meet user needs and the study of related public policies.

Career Development/Entrepreneurship

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Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; Semester

This course prepares individuals to perform development, marketing, and management functions associated with owning and operating a family and consumer sciences related business.  Family and consumer sciences-related content supports instruction in the program and hands-on activities are included to provide real-life experiences.  Balancing family life and entrepreneurial ventures is a major emphasis of the program curriculum.

Family Living and Parenthood

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Juniors, Seniors; Semester

This course prepares individuals to understand the nature, function and significance of human relationships within the family/individual units.  It includes instruction in the concepts and principles related to various family living conditions, including abuse prevention; the establishment and maintenance of relationships; the preparation for marriage, parenthood and family life; and the socialization and developmental needs of individuals.

Child Development, Care and Guidance

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Juniors, Seniors; Semester

This course provides study in the intellectual, social, emotional, and biological development of children and the planning and design of related human services.  It includes instruction in parent-child relations; parenting practices; special needs of children; parental and environmental influences on child development; external support services; and related public policy issues.  Actual experience in supervising children provides the opportunity to improve parenting skills, explore careers related to child development and general employment skills. Course may be taken for articulated credit through North Central Missouri College.

Independent Study in FACS

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Juniors, Seniors; Semester

Independent Study in FACS course is available to juniors and seniors who demonstrate the need for a FACS course when the individual students schedule is not conducive to the traditional course schedule.  Student will complete course competencies during the semester enrolled.  Limit two students per hour will instructor approval.

Personal Finance

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Required for all Seniors

This course helps students develop knowledge and understanding of basic financial principles.  Students will investigate sources of income, ways to manage money, and effective spending principles.  Credit, savings and investing concepts will be emphasized.

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There are hundreds of career options for someone who wants to work with food, from restaurant cooks and chefs, pastry cooks and chefs, caterers, personal chefs, business owners, food writers, food stylists, resort and hotel cooks and chefs, recipe testers, cookbook writers, cooking teachers, demonstration chefs, to cooking show hosts. Introduction to Culinary Arts is a semester course designed to introduce students to the culinary arts profession. Emphasis in this course is given to the development of basic competencies related to the culinary arts profession, basic menus and recipes, standardization, and kitchen procedures. Upon completion of this course, students will be introduced to skills needed for employability, customer relations, menu planning, recipe use, weights and measures, conversions, budgeting, safety and sanitation, organizing for efficiency, and lab procedures.

Fine Arts

Art Courses

Art I

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year-long course

This course is an introduction to the basic elements and principles of art.  Students will experience art history, classroom art and studio time.  Art I includes pencil, charcoal, various paints, clay and other art media.  School and community art is emphasized.

Advanced Art ($25 Art Fee)

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Prerequisite: Art I; Year-long course

This course is an upper level art studio class.  Pencil, pen and ink, painting, clay and three dimensional design projects are emphasized. Research of other artists, past and present, is emphasized.

Painting ($25 Art Fee)

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Prerequisite: Art I; Semester course

This course is an exploration of various painting techniques, styles and media. Students will complete oil, acrylic, water color and mixed media pieces. Students will be instructed in the care and proper use of painting tools.  Planning, preparation and execution of a painting are learned.

Ceramics ($15 Art Fee)

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Prerequisite:  Art I; Semester course

This course is an overview of past and present ceramic styles using pinch, coil, slab and wheel-thrown methods.  Planning, preparation and execution of clay vessels is the primary focus.  Research in the field of ceramics as well as techniques and artists are also explored.

Independent Study in Art ($20 Art Fee)

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Senior students only; Limit 2 students per hour

Seniors may take one class per year with minimal fee for cost of supplies. This course is offered for the art student with excellent work habits, self-discipline and superior skills and techniques.

Music Courses

Music Appreciation

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Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; One-year course; May be taken only once for credit.

The musical focus of this class is general music instruction.

Concert Choir

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Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; Auditioned mixed ensemble; Administrative approval

The ensemble gives two major concerts during the school year. The concert choir participates in district and state music festivals and individual members are strongly encouraged to participate as soloists and members of small ensembles. In addition, members audition for all-district, all-state choir, state and national FFA choirs, and various other honor choirs. Membership in this ensemble is encouraged for all four years.

Show Choir/ Gold Rush

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Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; One-year course; Auditioned; Instructor approval; 24-34 students

The Trenton High School Show Choir is an auditioned choral ensemble, which may range in membership from twenty-four to thirty-four students.  Auditions for the Show Choir are held during the spring semester. This is a yearlong class which meets during the regular school day, and the primary emphasis is musical performance.  Students enrolled in this class will be expected to participate in several performances outside the regular school day, throughout the year.

Advanced Musicianship

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Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; Semester course

This course combines music theory, ear training, basic piano, music history, composition, music appreciation, improvisation, and performance techniques.  This class will aim to adequately prepare a student seeking collegiate music studies or a career in music.  Students will work with the instructor to develop an individualized semester performance project that may include solos, audition etudes, or compositions.

Instrumental Music (Band)

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Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; One-year course

For practical purposes, the high school instrumental music program is divided into marching season and concert season.

Marching Season: During the first eight weeks of each school year, the band is involved in marching season. The marching band performs during home football games and other special school and community activities during that time and may include trips for parades, competitions, exhibitions, and other quality marching experiences. Objectives of marching band include, mastering the fundamentals of parade and field precision to create performances of high quality which help maintain and enhance school spirit.

Concert Season: Concert band schedules two formal concerts each year, participates in the district and state music festivals, and provides musical entertainment for other events during the school year. Students are encouraged to audition for all-district and all-state bands and area honor bands as a solo performer or as a member of a small ensemble. Objectives include adapting all fundamentals and techniques to create a high-quality performance-oriented group.

Electives

Spanish I

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Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; One-year course

The first year of Spanish includes the building of vocabulary, useful words and expressions used in oral and auditory exercises, introduction of grammar, simple reading and an study of various aspects of Spanish-American life and a specific knowledge of Mexican culture.

Spanish II

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Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors; Prerequisite: Spanish I

The second year of Spanish emphasizes vocabulary improvement through experiences in reading and speaking the language, advance study of grammar, the improvement of the student’s ability to speak, read, write and understand language, and the study of cultural influences in the world today. Grammar and verb conjugation is stressed.

Academic Lab

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Administrative approval

This course is designed to give academically at-risk students extra assistance with course work, motivation, and credit recovery.  Students enrolled in Academic Lab will earn .5 elective credit; students placed in Academic Lab for credit recovery may earn .5 credit for successfully completing recovered coursework. 

ColorGuard

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Audition/selection process; Grades 9-12

The THS Color Guard makes preparations for the next school year starting in the spring and increasing during the summer with practice throughout the summer including a week long camp.  During marching season (the first eight to ten weeks of the school year), they perform with the band on the field as well as a court show (without the band).  Throughout the remainder of the first semester, they meet in the gymnasium and create a routine to present at one varsity basketball game, the Christmas Variety Show, and NCMC.  Auditions for this group are conducted each spring, with an approximate five-day clinic of instruction held prior to auditions.  Grades are earned according to written criteria.

Cadet Teaching

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Available to seniors who have been members of Future Teachers of America for both Junior & Senior years

This class provides an opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in education to participate in the planning and implementation of lesson plans with students in elementary or middle school. Under the instructor’s supervision, the student assists with teaching duties. Student receives credit and grade counts on G.P.A.

Drivers Education

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 Sophomores, juniors and seniors; semester course

In Drivers Education, students will master the physical and mental skills of safe driving.  Students will acquire the knowledge and develop the attitudes and behaviors necessary to assume the social and financial responsibility associated with operating vehicles.

ACT Preparation

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Sophomores, juniors and seniors; semester course

This course is designed to prepare students to take the ACT exam.  Students will review each of the ACT four subject tests (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science), will take practice tests with real, retired ACT questions, and will learn test-taking skills.

Transition Work Experience

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Available to students in the Learning Lab

TWE consists of actual experience, either on-campus or off-campus, including one or a combination of the following activities: See Program, Work Experience, Try Out, or On-the-Job Training. Credits will be earned.  (Continued on next page.)

SEE Program: Student will go with a regular employee on a job to learn the skills needed to perform that job. This program allows the student an opportunity to be educated about the work being done and the skills necessary to complete the job successfully. The student can then evaluate whether or not they might like this type of employment.

Try Out: This program may follow Work Experience and differs in that the student will be paid and works on a schedule determined by the employer. Most students go through this process as a trial period before being employed.

On-the-Job Training: Student will be expected to work 20 hours/week on a schedule determined by the workstation and will be paid minimum wage. The employer will keep the student as an employee on the same hourly basis upon the completion of a successful training period.

Credit: A maximum of two units of credit per year may be awarded for On-the-Job Training to students who average 20 hours/week in this vocational program. Exceptions to the two-unit maximum per year may be made for handicapped students who need additional, supervised work experience to enable them to make the transition from school to the world of work.

Grand River Technical School

Auto Service Technology

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• Auto & Truck Technician

• Auto Parts Specialist

• Industrial Maintenance

• Tune-up Technician

• Front-End Specialist

• Service Manager

• Tune-up Technician

• Automatic Transmission Specialist

• Brake Specialist

• Air Conditioning Technician

• Shop Foreman

• Automotive Engineer (BS degree)

Suggested high school courses (taken prior to vocational courses or concurrently): Algebra Concepts, Tech and Industrial Mathematics, and LAIII and Applied Communications.

Computer Service Technology

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High School subjects helpful to Computer Service Technology: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Basic Electricity, Physics, Science, Chemistry, Ag Shop, Principles of Technology, and Applied Communications.

Collision Technology

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High school subjects helpful to Auto Body: shop courses in Metalworking, Welding and Mechanical Drawing, Principles of Technology, and Applied English.

Building Trades

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High school subject helpful to Carpentry: Geometry, Architectural or Mechanical Drawing, Principles of Technology, and Applied English.

Industrial Welding Technology

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• Construction Welder                                                          

• Aircraft Welder

• Auto Body Welder                                                             

• Farm and Machinery Parts Welder

• Pipe Line Welder                                                                 

• Welding Supplies Sales

• Maintenance Type Welding                                             

• Small Welding Shops

• Bridge Welding                                                                    

• Structural Steel Fabrication

High school subjects helpful to Welding: Drafting, General Shop, Math, Art and Mechanics, Principles of Technology, and Applied English.

Health Services Technology I- First Year Students

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3 hours/day; juniors or seniors

The first semester is spent in the classroom learning skills necessary to provide patient care as well as general orientation to the medical field.  In the second semester, students are out of the classroom two to three days per week working in various occupational areas.  Medical terminology is incorporated into the first and second year curriculum.  Students complete coursework to meet requirements for Certified Nurse Assistant.  Students must be 16 years of age to begin the course.

Health Services Technology II - Introduction to Med. Assistant or Pharmacy

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3 hours/day; seniors only

This course focuses on skills necessary to work in a doctor’s office or pharmacy.  Students will spend two days a week in the classroom learning necessary skills.  For those students not enrolled in Health Co-op, they will spend three days a week job shadowing health careers.

Child Care Services

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Suggested high school courses include: child development course and general FACS courses

Career Independence Occupational Preparation

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1-2 year program

Career Independence is a cooperative effort of the Technical School and business to provide on-the-job training in various occupations. It provides supervised work experience enabling students to acquire job skills, technical information and desirable work habits and attitudes.

The target population for Career Independence is high school special needs students. Enrollment is limited and subject to approval of Special Needs instructor and Technical School’s VRE.