COURSE OF STUDY HANDBOOK

2021-2022

Education is the collaborative responsibility of the staff, students, families, and community at Mount Vernon High School.  Our vision of excellence….provide educational options for students that will foster meaningful applications to citizenship, career skills, social interactions and lifelong learning to exist in a constantly evolving society.

COURSE PLANNING

The M.V.H.S. curriculum contains many different courses.  It is not always an easy task to decide just which courses should be chosen and in what order they should be taken.  Students are urged to begin the course planning process early in the school year and to seek the necessary help from counselors, teachers, and parents.  Teacher assignments and class sizes are determined from student course registration figures.  We cannot guarantee an opening in the course of your choice.  It is important to take the time now to plan your schedule.  All proposed study programs must be approved by the student’s counselor and parents.  Certain elective courses may be closed due to low enrollment or limited teacher resources.

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The following credits are required for all students graduating from Mount Vernon High School.

EXPLANATION OF SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION CLASS OF 2022

English - English 9, English 10, English 11, and English 12 or two semesters of English electives are required.  (Total, 4 credits, including a minimum of ½ unit of U.S. Literature and ½ credit of writing).

Mathematics - One credit of Algebra I, one credit of Geometry, Algebra II or its equivalent, and a fourth math.   (Total, 4 credits).

Science - One credit of Biology and one credit of Physical Science and an additional credit of science is required.  (Total, 3 credits).

Social Studies - One credit of World History or AP European History, one of U.S. History or KAP American History, and one of American Government & Economics or AP Comparative Government.  (Total, 3 credits).

Physical Education - Two semesters of Physical Education must be completed or earn a PE waiver.  Each semester earns one-fourth credit.  (Total, ½ credit or PE waiver).

Health - One semester of Health is required.  (Total, ½ credit).

Business Technology - One-half credit of Computer Applications is required.  (Total, ½ credit).

Art - One credit of fine or performing arts is required.  (Total, 1 credit).  At least 2 semesters anytime grades 7 - 12.

Electives - Students may select courses from the various departments according to interest and eligibility.  (Minimum, 3 ½ or 4 credits).

All students must carry a minimum of five courses per semester.  Special consideration and exceptions will be made in the case of extended illness, transfer of students, and other special cases.

NOTE:  All students wishing to be eligible for O.H.S.A.A. inter-scholastics must pass the equivalent of five credits in the preceding grading period.  

OHIO END OF COURSE TESTS 

Ohio End of Course Tests are administered in the fall and spring in computer format.  Students will earn points toward the 18 points required for graduation by scoring well on the tests.  Students will test in the following content areas:  English 9 and 10, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, American History and American Government.  Of the 18 points, 4 points must be in the area of math and 4 must be in the area of English and 6 points across science and social studies.  Students will acquire the remaining points by exceeding the minimum required points for each area. Another option is an alternate pathway with meeting competency scores and seals. Graduation and pathways are changed for the Class of 2023 and beyond.

     WEIGHTED CLASSES

The courses that will receive additional weight are those that follow the set AP, KAP, and dual enrollment criterion.  Students taking college courses that are outside of the high school will earn additional weight if that course corresponds to a similar AP course within the high school.

COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM

A college preparatory curriculum as defined by the State Board of Regents recommends:

        English……………………………………………………….4

        World Language……………………………………….3

           (one language for three years or

           two years of two languages)

        Mathematics…………………………………………….3

           (Algebra I, Geometry, & Algebra II)

        Lab Science………………………………………………3

        Social Studies………………………………………….3

        Fine or Performing Arts………………………….1

CRITERIA FOR DIPLOMA WITH HONORS

The State of Ohio has created several options to receive a Diploma with Honors.  Please click here to access these areas:  Academic Honors Diploma, Career Tech Honors Diploma, Arts Honors Diploma (includes dance, drama/theatre, music, and visual arts), and Social Science & Civic Engagement Honors Diploma.  Portfolio presentations required through the Honors Diploma are to be student lead.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Students can receive credit by taking courses in the summer.  Examples of courses that may be offered would be Health, Physical Education, Algebra I, Geometry, and English.  Courses offered are based on enrollment.  This is an opportunity to make up credit needed for graduation.  Students may also be assigned a summer retest option for End of Course assessments.

KNOX COUNTY CAREER CENTER ADMISSION

A.    Students planning to attend the K.C.C.C. for 11th and 12th grades (2-year program) are recommended to have
        the following credits to enter the K.C.C.C.:

        English…………………………………………………………………………………2

        Mathematics………………………………………………………………………2

        Science……………………………………………………………………………….2

        Social Studies…………………………………………………….……………..1

        (U.S. History or World History)

        Health (One Semester)..............................................½

        Physical Education (Two Semesters).........................½

The two-year courses at the K.C.C.C. are:

Landscape Design and Management, Health Technologies, Early Childhood Education, Collision Repair, Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Building Trades, Precision Machining, Hospitality, Metal Fabrication and Welding, Sports Medicine/Exercise Science, Digital Media and Software Development, Computer Network Technology, and College U-Business.

B.    Students planning to attend the K.C.C.C. for 12th Grade (one-year program) are required to have the following

        Credits to enter the K.C.C.C.:

        English…………………………………………………………………………………3

        Mathematics………………………………………………………………………2

        Social Studies…………………………………………………………………...2

        Science……………………………………………………………………………….2

        Health (One Semester)..............................................½

        Physical Education (Two Semesters).........................½

Plus credits to total fourteen units minimum.

The one-year courses at K.C.C.C. are:  Pre-Professional Mentorship and Careers in Construction.

CRITERIA FOR DIPLOMA WITH HONORS FOR K.C.C.C. STUDENTS

The student who completes an intensive career-technical education curriculum shall meet at least seven of the following eight criteria:

1. Earn four units of English;
2. Earn at least four units of mathematics which shall include Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and another higher level course or a four-year sequence of courses which contains equivalent content;  

3. Earn at least four units of science including two units of advanced science.
4. Earn four units of Social Studies;
5. Earn four units in a career-technical education program that leads to an industry-recognized credential, results in an apprenticeship or is part of an articulated career pathway, which can lead to post-secondary credit.  If the student’s program design does not provide for any of these outcomes, then the student must achieve the proficiency benchmark established for the application Ohio Career-Technical Competency assessment or the equivalent;

6. Achieve the proficiency benchmark established for the Ohio Career-Technical Competency, or equivalent assessment aligned with state-approved and industry validated technical standards; or

7. Maintain an overall high school grade point average of at least 3.5 on a four-point scale up to the last grading period of the senior year; or

8. Obtain a composite score of 27 on the American college testing service’s ACT assessment (excluding the optional writing test) or a combined score of 1210 on the college board’s SAT verbal and mathematics sections (excluding the score obtained on the required writing section).

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Schedules are the result of careful planning on the part of the student, parents, and counselors.  Required courses cannot be changed and elective courses are chosen by the student and approved by the parents.  Due to commitments for staff employment/assignments and the ordering of textbooks and other supplies, no schedule changes can be made after June 1st except for the following reasons:

A.  Mechanical error changes.

B.  Changes necessitated by failures.

C.  Class balancing (guidance and administrative).

D.  Subject-level changes (teacher recommendations).

E.  Addition of a class in lieu of study hall the same period.

F.   Administrative (guidance) recommendation.

G.  Not meeting prerequisites of the course.

In order to drop a course the student must have a conference with the teacher, parent, and counselor.  One-half unit of “F” will appear on the student’s permanent record for the course dropped.

A student passing a year course and wishing to drop it at the end of the first semester must have a conference with parent, teacher, counselor, and administrator.  If the course is dropped, the semester average and a symbol signifying withdrawal will appear on the record.  

TEACHER REQUESTS

All teacher requests for the 2021-2022 school year must be submitted to the Guidance Office by April 15, 2021.  If a parent/guardian desires a specific teacher, the parent/guardian must put the request in writing.  The request should include your child’s name, the name of the teacher, and the course name.

MVHS will try to accommodate requests of parents; however, all requests may not be able to be met.  There are many factors that go into the development of scheduling courses; therefore the final decision for student placement is determined by MVHS.  Absolutely no requests will be accepted after April 15th.

HOMEWORK

Homework enhances classroom learning objectives and is a meaningful, planned activity for students to practice and apply the curriculum.  The time commitment will vary depending on the nature of the course.  

VISION STATEMENT OF MOUNT VERNON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The mission of the Mount Vernon City School District is to provide, in cooperation with the larger community, a quality education for all students by upholding a standard of excellence in curriculum, staff, facilities, achievement and conduct, and to graduate individuals empowered to be self-motivated, life-long learners and responsible citizens.

MISSION STATEMENT OF MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL

Education is the collaborative responsibility of the staff, students, families, and community at Mount Vernon High School.  Our vision of excellence….provide educational options for students that will foster meaningful applications to citizenship, career skills, social interactions and lifelong learning to exist in a constantly evolving society.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

The AP Program is a collaborative effort among motivated students, dedicated teachers and committed high schools, colleges, and universities.  AP programs allow students to take college-level courses and exams, and to earn college credit or placement while still in high school.  Mount Vernon offers AP courses in the following areas:  Calculus, Biology, Physics, Statistics, Latin, U.S. Government and Politics, U.S. Comparative Government and Politics, English, Spanish, and French.  Students should meet with school counselors if planning to take more than one AP course during a school year.

KENYON ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP (KAP)

The Kenyon Academic Partnership (KAP), which was founded by Kenyon College and six Ohio independent schools in 1979, has been dedicated to improving the transition of students from high school to college.  KAP is designed to reduce the amount of course duplication some students find in college, to give students an introduction to the rigors of college work in familiar, supportive settings, and to offer students more advanced and varied courses than normally found in high school.

Participating schools offer one or more courses cooperatively developed by high school and Kenyon faculty members.  The courses are fully equivalent to the introductory courses offered in each of Kenyon’s participating departments.  The teachers in the secondary schools present these courses to eligible students according to collegiate standards reproducing as closely as possible a college environment.  Kenyon’s standards are maintained in a number of ways:  college departmental representatives visit and evaluate classes in the schools, and teachers and professors periodically exchange papers for cross-grading.  At the end of a course, a student’s grade is reported on a Kenyon transcript to the college he or she has elected to attend.

Mount Vernon currently offers KAP courses in History, Art, Chemistry, English, French, and Spanish.

CENTRAL OHIO TECHNICAL COLLEGE (COTC)

For the Advanced Composition, Human Physiology, PreCalculus, and Introduction to Business, high school students may be eligible for COTC credit through College Credit Plus.

FEES

All fees listed in this handbook are tentative.  Fees are annually updated in June when acted upon by the Mount Vernon Board of Education.  

Ohio Revised Code 3313.642 states that “no board of education of a school district shall charge a fee to a pupil who is eligible for a free lunch….for any materials needed….to participate fully in a course of instruction.”

CLASS PLACEMENT

Sophomore:  A student is considered to be of Sophomore standing when he/she has received a minimum of five (5) credits, including the following required credits:

        Biology or Applied Science………………………………….…..1 credit

        World History……………………………………………………………...1 credit

        English 9……………………………………………………………………...1 credit

        Algebra………………………………………………………………………...1 credit

        *Others………………………………………………………………………...1 credit (including P.E., Health, Fine Art elective)

Junior:  A student is considered to be of Junior standing when he/she has received a minimum of ten (10) credits, including the following required credits:

        English 9……………………………………………………………………..1 credit

        English 10…………………………………………………………………..1 credit

        Physical Education…………………………………………………...½ credit

        Health………………………………………………………………………….½ credit

        Mathematics……………………………………………………………...2 credits

        Social Studies…………………………………………………………….2 credits

        Science………………………………………………………………………..2 credits

        *Fine Arts or Elective………………………………………………..1 credit

Senior (2022):  A student is considered to be of Senior standing when he/she has received a minimum of fifteen (15) credits, including the following required credits:

        English 9……………………………………………………………………...1 credit

        English 10…………………………………………………………………...1 credit

        English 11…………………………………………………………………….1 credit

        Physical Education……………………………………………………..½ credit

        Health…………………………………………………………………………...½ credit

        Mathematics………………………………………………………………..3 credits

        Science………………………………………………………………………...2 credits

        Social Studies……………………………………………………………...2 credits

        Fine or Performing Art……………………………………….……….1 credit

        *Electives……………………………………………………………………..3 credits

CURRICULUM OFFERINGS AND CODES

EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS

The Board of Education recognizes differences in abilities, interests, and extenuating circumstances.  The Board encourages student initiative and self-direction in approved learning experiences.  

The use of educational options represents one method by which learning opportunities can be provided.  Educational options may permit expanded community involvement in the educational process, increasing the opportunities for students to match the pace of technological developments and provide a broader base for earning promotion and credits necessary for graduation.

The following are approved forms of educational options for pupils in grades 9 - 12:  (Applications are available through the Guidance Office.)

        Credit Flexibility (Web Courses) (See page 63)

        College Credit Plus (See pages 66 - 69)

ART DEPARTMENT

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Mount Vernon High School art courses are required to meet criteria established by the Ohio Department of Education.  These standards are known as essential understandings.  Students will:

• Construct and solve problems of personal relevance and interest when expressing themselves through visual art.  
• Combine and apply artistic and reasoning skills to imagine, create, realize and refine artworks in conventional and innovative ways.
• Work individually and in groups to focus ideas and create artworks that address genuine local and global community needs.
• Valuation of the arts and aesthetic reflection.
• As consumers, critics, and creators, students will evaluate and understand artworks and other texts produced in the media forms of the day.

Foundations of Art 1 is a prerequisite to Foundations of Art 2, Studio Art, Advanced Studio, and Art Portfolio.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Foundations of Art 1 and Foundations of Art 2 may be taken in the same school year or subsequent years.  To take both in the same year you would sign up for Foundations of Art 1 during the first semester and Foundations of Art 2 for second semester.  This course is an analysis and application of the elements of art and principles of design and their possibilities in two dimensional and three dimensional media.  This course offers studio experience with concentration on basic drawing, color mixing, and care of materials.  Students will work in a variety of techniques and media that may include pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, pastel, oil pastel, paint, ink, and clay.  Written and oral critiques are a required component of the course.

Fee:  $30.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  Foundations of Art 1 with a “C” or better.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

This course is a continuation of Foundations of Art 1.  Students will expand their knowledge and skills so they analyze and apply the elements of art and principles of design and their possibilities in two dimensional and three dimensional media.  Students will work in a variety of techniques and media including pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, oil pastel, scratch board, paint, linoleum block, and clay.  Written and oral critiques are a required component of the course.

Fee:  $30.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  Foundations of Art 1 and 2 with “B-” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

This intermediate art course focuses on drawing from observation, exploration of materials and processes and the use of color in two dimensional and three dimensional art.  Written and oral critiques are a required component of the course.  Students will work in a variety of mediums such as pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, pastels, watercolor, clayboard, water miscible oil paint, acrylic paint, and clay.  Emphasis will be given to advanced drawing, composition, and color theory.  The student is required to purchase a 9 x 12 sketchpad and an art portfolio (the portfolio must be 24” x 36”).

Fee:  $70.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  Foundations of Art 1 and 2 and Studio Art with “B+” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course is an advanced course for art students wishing to work in two dimensional media.  Students will be challenged to write artist statements, project proposals, and most projects will be self-directed based on students' choice of two dimensional mediums.  Written and oral critiques are a required component of the course.  Complex artwork will be produced with a sharp focus on dynamic composition, exemplary technique and conceptual process.  The student is required to have a 9 x 12 sketchpad and an art portfolio (the portfolio must be 24” x 36”).

Fee:  $70.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  Foundations of Art 1 and 2, Studio Art, and Advanced Studio with “B+” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course will challenge students’ creativity, technique, personal style, and expressions through a concise body of work with an overall theme suitable for college/art school entrance portfolio.  Students will write artist statements, project proposals, and all projects will be self-directed based on students’ choice of two dimensional mediums.  Written and oral critiques are a required component of the course.  Students will investigate college portfolio requirements and will create a digital portfolio based on their body of work.  The student is required to have a 9 x 12 sketchpad and an art portfolio (the portfolio must be 24” x 36”).

Fee:  $70.00 (consumable supplies).

Due to student choice of mediums, some supplies may need to be supplemented by the student.

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Prerequisites:  Algebra I with a “C” or better.  Must be able to execute multi-step sequences.  Digital Art is a prerequisite to KAP Digital Imaging.

One Credit.  One Year.

Digital Art is a course that develops communication skills in print production, graphic design, and video.  Students will learn and apply the elements of art and principles of design as they create dynamic compositions for still and moving images.  Students will use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro for projects.  Students will be introduced to the basis of video as they learn to shoot, capture, edit and export a video.  Photoshop projects include designing a logo, business card, album cover, Surrealism collage, and GIF.  Students will apply advanced keyframing to create a variety of projects that include parallax, an artist micro-documentary, a commercial, a film production animated sequence, and a stop motion animation.  Written project proposals, oral critiques, and written critiques are a required component of the course.  The course fee covers access to Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop and Premiere Pro) for the length of the course, a 32 GB flash drive, photographic paper and ink, and headphones.

Fee:  $70.00

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Prerequisites:  As this course is a career-oriented offering, admission is contingent on instructor approval following an in person interview.  Preference will be given to upperclassmen who demonstrate a strong work ethic, individual accountability, and an ability to effectively collaborate with others.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

The focus of the Video Broadcasting course is to help students learn and develop technological, communication, and collaboration skills that will enhance their ability to work and thrive in an ever-changing and increasingly tech-driven economy.  Students will work together - both in person and through effective use of “cloud collaboration” - to plan, prepare, produce, promote, and premier fresh and regular video content to inform, entertain, and enrich the MVHS community.  This course is hands-on, project-based, and will require some out-of-classroom time invested to accomplish project goals.  Students will gain an understanding of pre-production, content-capture, and post-production roles and responsibilities of news and entertainment broadcasting, and develop skills that include script writing, storyboarding, video recording, and video editing.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Student must complete and submit a KAP application and be accepted by Kenyon College.  Digital Art with an “A”.

One Credit.  One Year.  Four college semester hours.

KAP Digital Imaging is a college level studio art course.  Students will utilize digital tools to engage in aesthetic and conceptual practices in contemporary art with an emphasis on experimentation.  Personal studio projects will investigate a variety of subjects such as:  the role of digital media in the history of artistic practice, the relationship of the arts to popular culture, the aesthetics of abstraction, the development of metaphor, new versions of magic-realism, and the effects of social issues on the creation and interpretation of artwork.  Students will come to understand the fundamentals of composition and develop technical skills with a variety of computer tools including Photoshop for still-images and Premiere Pro for video-editing.  Through theory and practice, effective art criticism skills will be developed allowing for creative group interactions and defining personal aesthetic vision.  Some presentations by the professor will be supplemented by student research on contemporary artists and issues.  The course fee covers access to Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop and Premiere Pro) for the length of the course, a 64 GB flash drive, photographic paper and ink, and miscellaneous art supplies.

Fee:  $70.00

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

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Mount Vernon High School Business Technology Department courses fulfill both mandatory and elective graduation requirements.  Business and computer classes include training in necessary life skills.

Computer courses provide hands-on skill training to prepare students for post-secondary education, the military and/or job success.  MVHS graduates must be prepared to meet the needs of our changing workforce.

Other offerings assist in developing personal life skills, including:  credit, checking account and bank services, insurance, understanding the economy, business communication, and related topics.

To master standards, students will use computer and multimedia resources to support their learning.  This includes terminology, communication and use of appropriate tools for the task.  Focus will be on today’s most used programs; Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Prerequisites:  None.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

This course begins by teaching students how to perform tasks within Microsoft Word, such as creating and managing documents, formatting text, paragraphs and sections, creating tables and lists, applying references and inserting and formatting objects.  After establishing the core skills within Word, students will become proficient using Microsoft Excel to perform tasks such as creation and management of worksheets and workbooks.  Students will also learn development of formulas for calculation, cross-referencing, and reporting will follow into more advanced skills, including PivotTables, and charting with data projections.  These functions serve as the basis for understanding the fundamentals of business oriented communication and etiquette in a professional environment through text-intensive media and data reporting software.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Computer Applications I with a “C” or better.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

This semester course will allow students to experience more depth in computer software use.  It will include intermediate/advanced work using MS Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheet), introduction to Access (database), and PowerPoint (presentation program software) as well as integration of these programs.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Algebra I with a “C” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

The CodeHS Introduction to Computer Science curriculum teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills.  Once students complete the CodeHS Introduction to Computer Science course, they will have learned material equivalent to a semester college introductory course in Computer Science and be able to program in JavaScript.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Computer Science Essentials and Algebra with a “C” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

AP Computer Science Principles is the newest AP course from the College Board.  This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and explores the impact computing and technology have on our society.  With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, the CodeHS AP Computer Science Principles course gives students the opportunity to explore several important topics of computing using their own ideas and creativity, use the power of computing to create artifacts of personal value, and develop an interest in computer science that will foster further endeavors in the field.

Fee:  $94.00 for the AP Exam (approximately).  Required.

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Prerequisites:  None.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

An essential exploratory business class for both entrepreneurs (own your own business) and students thinking about pursuing any Business Major after high school.  Accounting is the language of business, yet can be used for personal use as well.  This course covers the basics of keeping accurate records of all business transactions, how each transaction affects the businesses profit margin, how to pay your employees, and how to show depreciation on capital equipment to name a few topics covered.  This course will also cover career paths such as Bookkeeping, Tax Accounting, Payroll Processing, Certified Public Accountant and Accounting Controls just to name a few.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  None.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

This course introduces students to the tools required to manage their own financial life.  Students will obtain fundamental knowledge and skills in banking services, insurance, and securities and investments.  They will acquire knowledge of financial analysis and application, economics, international business and business relationships.  Knowledge management and information technology will be emphasized.  Employability skills, leadership and communication will be incorporated in classroom activities.  Personal financial management is taught and includes balancing a checkbook, living debt-free, and planning for the future (investments, insurance, taxes and credit).  

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  None.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Learn basic coding concepts using drag and drop coding environments like Scratch, MIT App Inventor and Karel.  This introductory course is designed for students who have an interest in learning about coding, but aren’t necessarily wanting to pursue a computer science career path.  This course is also a great starting point for students not meeting the Algebra requirement for the Into to Computer Science course.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Complete application form.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Students help the school and community by providing mentoring to their peers and teachers, maintaining technology, and creating digital content.  Students do not need to have high-level tech skills to join this program, but should have a desire to learn, a strong work ethic and a willingness to help others.  Students in this program are selected via an application process.  Students should fill out the interest form available online at this link:

http://forms.gle/NTafeymkrvuLP4ik7 

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Computer Science Essentials.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course will prepare students to design and program games using commercial and open source programs and applications.  Students will learn industry standard programming language constructs to write programs that integrate classes, class methods, and class instances.  Students will learn input method handling, animation, collision detection, games physics and basic artificial intelligence.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Acceptance by COTC to earn COTC credit.  

½ Credit.  One Semester.

COTC:  BUS105

The purpose of this course is to equip students with the basic understanding of the world of business.  Emphasis on real world opportunities, the role of government, the impact of technology, entrepreneurship/partnership/corporations, business ethics, human resource management, the global economy, and much more.  Students will learn to establish business goals and create a plan to meet them.  This course provides a solid foundation for dealing with the ever changing business world.

Fee:  None

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

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The English Department offers a broad curriculum in an attempt to meet the needs of all students.  English 9 and 10 are required courses and will teach skills in composition, language and literature.  All seniors will take one writing course (KAP English, English 12, Advanced Composition, Composition, or Expository Writing).

The elective program is designed to provide a wider choice for upperclassmen.  (One semester of United States Literature is required).  Courses are available to fit the needs, interests, and abilities of students.  

The honors program offers students more demanding year long courses.  There is more dedication to learning and more self-discipline expected on the part of the participants.  Entrance is by recommendation only.  Acceptance is voluntary.  Admittance to this program will be based upon teacher and counselor recommendations, and achievement test scores in reading.  Admittance to college level courses is dependent upon the recommendation of the current grade teacher, meeting college requirements, and approval of that college.

All fee amounts are maximums:  fees may be adjusted in the fall.

Prerequisites:  None.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course provides an introduction to literature in its various forms and continues to work with skills in reading, writing, grammar, speaking, and listening.  

Fee:  $13.00 (supplemental text or resource).

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Prerequisites:  Registration for this course is based on strict criteria.  Students must have an “A” average in 8th grade English or a “B” in Challenge English and a score of 4 or 5 (accelerated or advanced) on the Ohio Computer Based Assessment (OCBA).  All students must submit an application and designated writing sample by the stated deadline on the application.  Decisions are at the discretion of the high school English Department.

*This course is a requirement for entry into the high school Honors English program.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course meets the requirements of the English 9 curriculum in a more demanding way for the student with proven ability, achievement, and interest. A research paper is one of the components of this course.  A summer reading component will be required.

Fee:  $13.00 (supplemental text or resource).

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Prerequisites:  English 9.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course provides more experience with world literature and language and continues to refine skills in reading, writing, grammar, speaking, and listening.  Special attention will be given to prepare for the EOC exam.

Fee:  $13.00 (Supplemental text or resource).

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Prerequisites:  English 9 Honors with a “B-” or above or Special permission of the English Department.

One Credit.  One Year.

Registration in this course is by recommendation of the English Department.  It continues the honors program with more work in world literature and further development in composition, grammar, and language.  A summer reading component may be required.

Fee:  $13.00 (supplemental text or resource).

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Prerequisites:  English 10.

One Credit.  One Year.  (This course meets the board requirements for American Literature).

This course surveys both classic and contemporary American literature in theme exploration.  Emphasis is placed on thematic connection, literary elements and style, as well as reader response to the literature.  This course serves as an introduction to major authors and issues of American involvement.  Vocabulary study, written responses, and projects are included in the course requirements.  Essay writing will be a significant part of the course.  Revision techniques as well as editing and proofreading skills will be emphasized in drafting and polishing work.

Fee:  $13.00 (supplemental text or resource).

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Prerequisites:  Students must have earned an “A” or “B” in Honors English 10 or be approved by the English Department.

One Credit.  One Year.  (This course meets the board requirement for American Literature).

This course is designed for students with exceptional skills in reading comprehension, literary analysis and essay writing.  The course will extend the study of advanced grammar, vocabulary for college, literary terms and genres, and college test taking skills.  The emphasis is on the reading and analysis of the major works of United States authors from the Colonial period to the present day.  A summer reading component will be required.

Fee:  $10.00 (supplemental test or resources)

AP Test Fee - approximately $94.00.

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Prerequisites:  English 11 with an “A” or “B” or AP English 11 with a “C” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course is designed to give college-bound students the necessary skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking to prepare them for college level work.  Literature studied will focus on works of British and European writers, including Boccaccio, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Austen.  Students enrolling in this class should already have knowledge of essay structure and standard written English.  Some independent research will be required as well as in-class essays and out-of-class compositions.  

Fee:  $13.00 (supplemental text or resource).

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Prerequisites:  English 9, 10, 11 with an “A-” or better in English 11 or “B” or better in AP11:  Students who enroll in this course must make application to Kenyon College for admission to the KAP Program.  Teacher recommendation required.

Two Credits.  One Year.  Eight college semester hours.

Students must have an English Department recommendation to register for this course.  In addition, students must complete and submit a KAP application and be accepted by Kenyon College.  This course is the culmination of the English Honors program.  Due to the difficulty of this course, the student will receive a weighted grade.  The course is designed to provide an intensive year’s work in reading literature and composing essays.  It is taught under Kenyon faculty supervision.  It is a college-level course in content, teaching, and expectations.  The reading list comprises texts that represent a range of genres and chronological periods, as well as a variety of gender and cultural perspectives.  In addition, significant attention is given to the study of poetry.  The course has two main purposes:  first, it is designed to develop accurate, perceptive reading through close study of major texts, secondly, it develops fluent, precise writing through the preparation of multiple essays.  A summer reading component will be required.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  English 9, 10, 11.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Instruction will be given in filling out forms, writing letters, resume writing, cover letters, emails, evaluation, and job related writing.  Grammar and usage review will be included as necessary.  This class is intended for students who plan to join the workforce right after graduation.  

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  English 9, 10, 11.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Students who have difficulty generating topics ideas, expressing themselves clearly, and developing and organizing their writing are encouraged to take this course.  Developing topic sentences with controlling ideas, learning methods of support, and organizing information will comprise the core instruction.  Practice in paragraph development leading up to more complex three to five paragraph essays will be the aim of this course.  Revision techniques as well as editing and proofreading skills will be emphasized in drafting and polishing work.  Students will produce a variety of different types of writing including literacy analysis, persuasive compare and contrast essays, business letters and resumes.  A short research paper will also be required.  Composition may be used to build skills and confidence in writing before attempting Advanced Composition.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites for MVHS:  English 10H, English 11 with a “B” or better average and teacher recommendation.

Prerequisites for COTC:  Acceptance by COTC.

MVHS:  ½ Credit.  One Semester.

COTC:  Course ENGL-112.

Advanced Composition is a writing intensive, theme-based course that facilitates the development of college-level writing, while incorporating one’s own thinking with credible research using MLA format.  The course emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reading, thesis development, and deep revision of one’s own compositions.  The course also includes analysis of audience and theme in one’s own writing and the writings of others, while developing the student’s critical reading skills.

Fee MVHS:  None

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Prerequisites:  COTC application approval and principal/counselor recommendation.

MVHS:  One Credit. One Semester.

COTC:  Course SPCH 100.   (3 semester college credits).

This semester course offers 3 hours of college credit from Central Ohio Technical College.  This introductory course explores oral communication and its impact on the individual in a variety of settings: it examines the basic principles of communication in one-on-one, small group, and public speaking situations.  Activities are provided to the student that will allow him or her to practice and develop intrapersonal, interpersonal skills, group decision making and public speaking competence.  Upon completion of the course, the student will have a better understanding of the various elements of the communication process, this awareness assisting in both the student’s personal and professional life.

Fee:  To be determined by COTC.

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Prerequisites:  English 10 with a “C” or better.

½ Credit.  One Semester.  

This class will provide opportunity to fully explore Greek and Roman mythology.  The course will focus on the influence mythology has had on modern society.  It will include background information on ancient Greece, Rome, and Norse, a study of the myths of creation, gods, nature, heroes, an overview of The Aeneid, a review of The Odyssey, and study of The Iliad, and comparisons with myths of other cultures.  A variety of course activities will include reading, writing, speaking assignments, creative projects, some research, and visual literacy.

Fee:  $12.00 (supplemental text and/or project supplies).

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Prerequisites:  English 10. Sophomores will need approval from the instructor.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

This course is designed for students who wish to improve their grammatical skills for the next level - college or career.  Students will learn the parts of speech, parts and function of a sentence, punctuation, common errors of language, and written application.  While writing is not a focus of the course, it will be used periodically to prove proficiency in the above skills.

Fee:  $13.00 (supplemental).

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Prerequisites:  Preference will be given to upperclassmen who demonstrate a strong work ethic, individual accountability, and an ability to effectively collaborate with others.  (Teacher and/or School Counselor Recommendation).

One Credit.  One Year.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

This course will stress the fundamentals of news writing, page composition.  The focus of the journalism course is to help students learn and develop technological, communication, and collaboration skills that will enhance their ability to work and thrive in an ever-changing and increasingly tech-driven economy.  Students will work together - both in person and through effective use of “cloud collaboration” - to plan, prepare, produce, promote, and premier fresh and regular online text and video content to inform, entertain, and enrich the MVHS community.  This course is hands-on, project-based, and will require some out-of-classroom tie invested to accomplish project goals.  Students will gain an understanding of news writing, page layout, pre-production, content-capture, and post-production roles and responsibilities of news and entertainment of print and broadcasting.  The purpose of this course is to offer our parents and community partners an avenue to the day to day events and actions of our school community.  Students in this course will work with the MVTV production crew as well as instructors.

Fee:  None

WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

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Prerequisites:  English and/or prior World Language with a “C” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

French is useful for travel, military service, today’s job market, and as an educational tool.  It is used in international business and diplomacy, and as a background for the study of art, history, and philosophy.  French facilitates the study of other languages and increases one’s knowledge of English.  The French I student learns basic vocabulary and communication skills.  Comprehension, speaking, reading and writing are taught through the use of various media and classroom activities.  Students learn about French schools, family, leisure activities, food, fashion, health, entertainment, and vacations.  French culture is presented through various media.  Students become aware of the French and Francophone influence on western civilization and around the world.

Fee:  $25.00 (workbook) includes National French Test Fee.

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Prerequisites:  French I with a “C” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

A second year of French is required to attain proficiency in expression and comprehension.  French II consists of a more intensive study of spoken and written French.  Supplementary materials present useful situations in which the student can communicate and increase vocabulary and comprehension.  Reading and composition are further developed, with a more extensive study of verb tenses and grammar.  Contemporary French and Francophone society is discovered through various media.  Topics discussed are sports and leisure activities, shopping, food, family-life, health, and travel in the Francophone world.

Fee:  $25.00 (workbook) includes National French Test Fee.

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Prerequisites:  French II with a “B” average or better or teacher recommendation.

One Credit.  One Year.

The excitement of knowing a foreign language is being able to communicate with it.  French III helps develop comprehension and fluency in written and spoken form, expands vocabulary, and improves grammar.  Through various media, the student explores modern Francophone society.  Topics discussed are activities, shopping, cultural events, newspapers, the media, workplace, Francophone heritage, friends, travel, hobbies, sports, the environment, and people.

Fee:  $34.00 (workbook) includes National French Test Fee & Le Petit Prince Book.

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Prerequisites:  French III with “B” average or better or teacher recommendation.

One Credit. One Year.

AP French focuses on interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication.  The six aspects of the AP French Exam and course are:  Les défis mondiaux, La science et la technologie, La vie contemporaine, La quête de soi, La famille et la communauté, and L'esthétique.  Students will perfect their grammar, read, analyze, and discuss French poems, essays, plays, novels, short stories, films and journalism throughout Francophone history to the present.  Lectures and discussions are on topics like history and literary background, with an emphasis on interpretation, critical analysis and appreciation of French and Francophone culture and literature.  The AP exam is a requirement of the course.  

Fee:  $114.50 - AP Exam Fee, National French Test Fee and L’Ecole des Femmes book.

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Prerequisites:  Recommendation of teacher and acceptance by Kenyon.  Completion of AP French  with a “B” average or better is required.

One Credit.  One Year.

The KAP program is the equivalent of four college semester hours of French at Kenyon College.  The course consists of two semesters:  French literature from the Medieval period to the 18th century and French literature from the 19th to the 21st century.  Students will perfect their grammar, read, analyze and discuss French poems, essays, plays, novels, short stories, films and journalism by masters throughout the historic periods.  Lectures and discussions are on topics like history and literary background, with an emphasis on interpretation, critical and an appreciation of French and Francophone culture and literature.

Fee:  $14.50 for National French Test and Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme book.

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Prerequisites:  English and/or prior World Language with a “C” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

Spanish is the most frequently spoken language in the Western Hemisphere, the second language of the United States, and the third most commonly spoken language in the world.  Because of our ever-changing and growing Global Economy, Spanish is very useful in nearly every occupation.  The study of Spanish also simplifies the learning of other world languages and increases English vocabulary proficiency.

Spanish I provides an introduction to the basic skills of Spanish grammar and vocabulary, conversation, reading, and writing.  Students will develop a general understanding and appreciation of the civilization and culture of the Spanish speaking world.  Students will be expected to do daily homework with daily study of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

Fee:  $35.00 (workbook and Spanish magazine).

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Prerequisites:  Spanish I with a “C” or better.

One Credit. One Year.

Spanish II is a course that furthers the development of the listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.  Use of language structure is developed through written exercises, brief compositions, and short narratives. Further development of the appreciation of Spanish and Latin American culture is achieved through videos, class discussions, and cultural reading materials.  The use of Spanish in the classroom is stressed.  Entire lessons in the target language may be taught and students will be encouraged to use as little English as possible.

Fee:  10.00 (Spanish magazine).

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Prerequisites:  Spanish II with a “B” or better.

One Credit. One Year.

Spanish III is designed to refine and further develop the basic skills stressed in levels I and II.  Emphasis is placed on finer points of the language structure.  Speaking is expanded to numerous planned and spontaneous conversations and narratives.  An introduction to Hispanic Literature provides a rich source of vocabulary, a review of grammatical concepts, and insight into the culture of the civilization of Spain and Latin America.  Appreciation of Hispanic culture is further expanded through videos, and projects.  The use of Spanish in the classroom is stressed.  The majority of the class will be conducted in the target language.

Fee:  $10.00 ( Spanish magazine).

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Prerequisites:  Spanish III with a “B” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

AP Spanish emphasizes the continued study of the finer points of grammar and continued development of all communicative skills.  Students use the language to further their knowledge of other disciplines.  Students will also study the culture in order to understand the relationship between the practices, products, and perspectives of the culture.  This course includes preparation for KAP Spanish and is conducted exclusively in Spanish.  Students will be expected to use little or no English.  The AP exam is a requirement of the course.

Fee:  $94.00 for the AP Exam (approximately) required.

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Prerequisites:  AP Spanish and faculty permission.  Students who enroll in this course must make application to Kenyon College for admission to the KAP Program.

One Credit.  One Year.  

This course is designed to give advanced students the opportunity to refine and increase their proficiency, both oral and written, in Spanish.  There will be cultural and literary readings and movies which require written responses.  A grammar review, focused on typical areas of difficulty, will be included.  Students will be involved in critical interpretation and analysis of a variety of cultural and literature pieces as well as writing different types of essays to show mastery of the Spanish language.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  English and/or prior World Language with a “C” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

The study of another language is a critical component of a liberal arts education.  Latin is a classical and medieval language which has been acclaimed as the fountainhead of the culture of western civilization.  Latin is a practical and applied language that is utilized in the terminology and technical vocabulary of many professional career areas, including law, medicine, the sciences, religion, education and the liberal arts.  Latin vocabulary and grammar not only supplement and enrich English language studies but also provides an excellent foundation for study of the Romance languages of Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Rumanian.  In Latin, readings are drawn from cultural topics concerning ancient Roman and Greek daily life, religion, political and military history, mythology, geography, literature and art.  Grammar and vocabulary are presented in a functional method to develop reading proficiency.  Students enrolled in Latin should be disciplined, have good study habits, an understanding of English, persistence, and above all, a strong ability to memorize.  In the class, the student will participate to a high degree.  The student will be listening, speaking, repeating, and responding most of the time.  

Fee:  $26.00 (mosaic materials) includes National Latin Exam Fee.

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Prerequisites:  Latin I with a “C” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

The second level provides a comprehensive and thorough review of vocabulary and grammar learned in Latin I.  The main objective is to gain greater reading proficiency in order to understand ancient Roman and Greek cultural contributions to our western civilization.  Improvement of English writing-translation skills are further developed.  Latin-English derivatives are employed in vocabulary study to provide preparation for the verbal sections of college achievement, placement and entrance examination.  Films, slides, visual aids, news and magazine articles are also utilized to enhance the appreciation of classical culture and its heritage  in modern Italy and Greece.  Roman literature is introduced in selected Latin prose readings from Livy, Caesar, Pliny, St. Jerome, Martial, and others.  A notebook will be maintained with daily translations.

Fee:  $22.00 (dictionary) includes National Latin Exam Fee.

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 Prerequisites:  Latin II with a “B” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

Latin III provides the practical usage of the reading and writing skills developed in Latin I and II.  Readings deal with the late Roman Republican Period.  Latin literature is presented in the selected prose works of Sallust and Cicero, which concentrate on Roman history and the issues of the Roman Republic’s government and its political and legal systems.  Latin poetry is covered in the selected works of Ovid which deal with Greek and Roman mythology and religion.  Vocabulary derivatives emphasize legal, literary, and medical terminology.  A notebook will be maintained with daily translations.

Fee:  $26.00 (National Latin Exam and Roman Coin Project).

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Prerequisites:  Latin III with a “B” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

AP Latin is designed to provide advanced high school students with a rich and rigorous Latin course, approximately equivalent to an upper-intermediate (typically fourth or fifth semester) college or university Latin course.  With explicit attention to developing skills for reading, translating, and analyzing Latin texts, as well as demonstrating contextual knowledge, making connections to other disciplines, and making comparisons between Latin and English usages.  The course also helps students reach beyond translation to read with critical, historical, and literary sensitivity.  It is hoped that when exposed to the characteristic method of classical philology, with its rigorous attention to linguistic detail coupled with critical interpretation and analysis, students will be able to apply the skills they acquire in this course to many areas of learning and professional pursuits.  The AP exam is a requirement for the course.

Fee:  $6.00 (National Latin Exam).

All textbooks and reading required plus AP Exam.

AP Exam Fee (approximately $94.00).  Required.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

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Prerequisites:  Not to be taken with any other Family Consumer Science Course.

1 ¼ Credit.  One Year.

Year long course with a focus of providing introductory skills in four areas of Family & Consumer Sciences:  1. Career investigation & preparation, 2. Nutrition and cooking, 3. Family, relationships, & child development and, 4. Personal finance.  Additional key components include:  leadership and teamwork skill development, service learning, and participation in FCCLA.  Topics & Projects include:

        Career:  Interest and skill inventories to determine career cluster and occupation matches; career plan

           developed through occupation and education research, and creation of employment tools such as reference

           document and application information document.  

        Nutrition:  Basics of nutrients, caloric and activity balance, and kitchen & food safety, and Cooking Labs

           demonstrating safe food handling, recipe reading and preparation skills.

        Family, Relationships, & Child Development:  Parent for a weekend “Baby Project” or fictional teen parent

           Reading project, and introduction to basics of interior & fashion design.

        Personal Finance:  banking & credit services and purchasing decisions & consequences.

        FCCLA, Leadership & Teamwork:  Service Learning project, 10 hours outside the classroom based on

           State/National FCCLA guidelines with an opportunity for participation in regional, state and national

             Conferences and competitions.

Career Technical Education Student Organization FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) is an integral part of the class and involves service learning inside and outside the classroom.

Fee:  $30.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  *Sophomores must have taken “Skills for Life-Intro to FCS,” unless given permission by instructor.

½ Credit.  One Semester.    

Semester course with a focus on child development, wellness, child care, pregnancy and parenting.  Content is especially beneficial for students considering a profession in teaching or child care.  Topics & Projects include:

        Parenting Simulation - 4 day “baby” simulation or independent research project.

        Development stages - skills, encouraging growth, recognizing problems, reproduction & pregnancy.

        Class Project activity/reading/teaching project.

Career Technical Education Student Organization FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) is an integral part of the class.

Fee:  $10.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  None.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Semester course with a focus on acquiring skills to safely and effectively prepare food; identify and develop healthy lifestyle practices related to nutrition, activity and overall personal wellness; and to explore cultural differences related to food and prepare and taste foods from various cultures.  Students will complete State of Ohio, Knox County Health Department, “Person in Charge,” safe food handling program with opportunity for credential.  Must be willing and interested in trying new foods.

Topics & Projects include:

        Basics of kitchen safety, food safety, recipe reading, meal planning, table setting & etiquette.

        Individualized nutrition & wellness plan/goals.

        Cooking Labs - 6 to 12 each 9 weeks.

        “Person in Charge” State Certificate.

Career Technical Education Student Organization FCCLA (Family, Career, Community Leaders of America) is an integral part of the class.

Fee:  $35.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  *Sophomores must have taken “Skills for Life-Intro to FCS,” unless given permission by instructor.

½ Credit.  One Semester.  May qualify for the Health Class graduation requirement.

Semester course with a focus on developing critical thinking skills, personal health & wellness across the lifespan, food & nutrition, including cooking, labs, relationships, and mental health.

Topics & Projects include:

        Basics of kitchen & food safety and preparation.

        Cooking Labs - 4 to 8 throughout the semester

        Analyzing personal wellness and developing wellness plan/goals

        Evaluating relationships & developing communication skills

Career Technical Education Student Organization FCCLA ( Family, Career, Community Leaders of America) is an integral part of the class.

Fee:  $20.00 (Consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  *Sophomores must have taken “Skills for Life-Intro to FCS,” unless given permission by instructor.

½ Credit.  One Year.

Semester course with a focus on preparing the student for entering the job force and/or college, training or education after high school.

Student projects include:

        Personal interest and skill inventories to determine  likely career and occupation matches.

        Individual Job Shadow experience.

        Exploration of postsecondary options, admissions requirements & qualifications, including private and public

           schools, military, and ACT, SAT and ASVAB tests.

        Creation of employment tools such as resume, application letter, reference document, mock interview.

        Practice with applications & interviewing.

        Professionalism, networking conflict-resolution, negotiation, leadership, entrepreneurship, financial goal

           setting, and overall health and wellness will be covered.

Career Technical Education Student Organization FCCLA (Family, Career, Community Leaders of America) is an integral part of the class.

Fee:  $10.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  None.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Semester course focused on exploring topics and skills related to textiles and design in the world of fashion and interiors.  Through both individual and project collaboration students will develop leadership, team, and critical thinking skills in addition to art and design skills.  This course involves math measurement and minimal geometry skills.  Students should expect to allocate time outside the classroom to complete projects.

Topics & Projects include:

        Basics of elements & principles of design.

        Fabric evaluation characteristics applied to design and construction for one fashion item and one interior item.

        Alter and/or repair clothing or household textile product.

Repurpose, redesign or create a clothing or household textile product.

Design an organized storage system for the household (in digital or paper format).

Identify and use appropriate cleaning products and techniques for home environment.

Career Technical Education Student Organization FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) is an integral part of the class.

Fee:  $10.00 (consumable supplies).  Students will need to provide their construction product materials.

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

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Prerequisites:  None.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course is designed to teach students how to plan for and make several woodworking projects over the course of the year.  Students will learn about and use tools and machines relating to the woodworking field.

Fee:  $20.00

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Prerequisites:  Industrial Technology I with a “C-” or better or teacher recommendation.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course is for those students wishing to take a second year of Industrial Technology.  Students will be completing individual and mass production projects.  Students will complete a fix or repair project of a personal home need.  Students will be introduced to computer numerical controlled machining and incorporate the CNC router into a project.  Students will also be required to complete a community service oriented project utilizing the skills acquired during their technology lab experiences.

Fee:  $25.00 (consumable supplies).  There may be a charge for some individual projects in addition to the lab fee.

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Prerequisites:  Industrial Technology I and  Algebra I with a “C-” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course is designed to “Introduce you to CNC Machining”, which uses numerical data to control a machine.

This introductory class provides students with an understanding of the principles of CNC.  Students gain experience and familiarity with the programming, setup and operation of the CNC Router.

Fee:  $25.00 (consumable supplies)

   AGRISCIENCE DEPARTMENT                  

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Since 1912 students at Mount Vernon High School have had the opportunities to learn about careers in Agriculture.  The subject matter includes natural resources, agricultural mechanics, marketing, biotechnology, leadership, food, animal, plant, horticulture, and environmental sciences.  Each class consists of three areas; Agriculture Education (class/lab), Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and being a member of the local, state, and National FFA Organization.  Students can earn one science credit by taking two years of Agriculture Education.  College credit is also available from selected courses in Agriculture Education.  We have college Articulation agreements with Central Ohio Technical College, Wilmington College, and Clark State Community College.

AGRISCIENCE COURSE OFFERING SCHEDULE

AG I and AG II are offered every year.  Adventures in Conservation will be a pilot course for 2021-2022.  The remaining courses are offered every other year as shown on the schedule below.

Prerequisites:  None.

1 ¼ Credit.  One Year.

This is the first course in the Agriculture and Environmental System career field.  It introduces students to the pathways that are offered in the Agriculture and Environmental System career field.  As such, learners will obtain fundamental knowledge and skills in food science, natural resources management, animal science, and management, plant and horticulture science, power technology and biotechnology.  Students will be introduced to the FFA organization and begin development of their leadership ability.  Students will learn skills in basic wood and metal working.  Students will also complete a Supervised Agricultural Experience project done outside of the classroom.

Fee:  $26.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:    Agriscience I with a “C” or better.  

1 ¼ Credit.  One Year.

Students will apply knowledge of animal and plant science to the agricultural industry.  We will study livestock production.  Students will engage in animal classification and selection, body systems, along with animal welfare and behavior in the production of animals.  Students will learn principles of plant anatomy and physiology, and the role of nutrition, deficiencies and growing environment on plant production.  Throughout the course, business principles and professional skills will be practiced.

Fee:  $26.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  Completion of Agriscience I and II with a passing grade or permission of instructor.

1 ¼ Credit.  One Year.

Students will apply science principles and management practices to the protection of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources.  Students will learn fundamentals of land use as well as watershed, wildlife, fishery and forest management.  Furthermore, students will learn management practices related to managing air and water quality along with requirements for managing solid and liquid waste.  Throughout the course, students will apply communication, business principles and leadership skills.

Fee:  $26.00 (consumables supplies).

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Prerequisites:  Completion of Agriscience I and II with a passing grade or permission of instructor.

1 ¼ Credit.  One Year.

Students will examine the structure and function of the major organ systems as well as the function and principle of blood flow in animals.  Students will study internal and external anatomical parts, their functions, and will investigate the relationship among these parts and systems within the body of animals.  Throughout the course, students will apply the internal functions of anatomical structures to the business and industry principles of the animal industry.

Fee:  $26.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  Completion of Agriscience I with a passing grade or permission of instructor.

1 ¼ Credit.  One Year.

Students will identify and apply principles and routine husbandry practices to production animal populations.  Topics will include principles of nutrition, feed utilization, animal welfare, selection and management of facilities and herd populations.  Students will apply knowledge of production animal care to enhance animal growth, selection of breeding stock, and management practices.  Throughout the course, students will develop management plans reflecting practices for care and legal compliance.

Fee:  $26.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  None

½ Credit.  One Semester.

The foundation of the course is conservation and related outdoor recreation that funds North American hunting, fishing, trapping, shooting sports and boating.  The curriculum uses activities related to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation as the vehicle to develop skills essential to students and to immerse them in real-life content that covers science content standards.  The purpose of the course is to engage and educate the next generation of conservationists.  Partnership with Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ohio Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation will allow access to many resources for the students and program.  

Fee:  $30.00

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

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The Mathematics Department offers a traditional approach to mathematics advocating a curriculum rich in algebra and geometry.  The curriculum includes Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, Calculus and both remedial and enrichment opportunities.  In order to prepare students for the math EOC Assessment, all traditional students will take Algebra I as freshman.  Students who took Algebra I in the eighth grade will take Geometry Honors as freshman and Algebra II Honors as sophomores.  Students who excel in mathematics have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement classes in Calculus and Statistics, with Precalculus offered through COTC.

Prerequisites:  8th grade math.

One Credit.  One Year.

Algebra I extends the principles of arithmetic by working with variables with an emphasis on the structure of mathematics.  Topics include signed numbers, equations, graphing, factoring, and exponents.  Operations involving a graphing calculator will be explored.  A scientific calculator is required.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  9th grade Geometry Honors with a “B” or better and teacher recommendation.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course builds upon Algebra I concepts.  Additional topics include irrational and complex numbers, analytical geometry, graphing, logarithmic series and sequences, permutations and combinations, trigonometry and conic sections.  TI-84 calculator is required.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Algebra I (8th grade) with a “B” or lower or Algebra I (9th grade).

One Credit.  One Year.

Geometry studies the properties of polygons, circles and solids.  Emphasis is on use of proof.  Both plane and solid geometry are covered.   A scientific calculator is required.  

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Algebra I (8th grade).  

One Credit.  One Year.

Geometry studies the properties of polygons, circles and solids.  Emphasis is on use of proof.  Both plane and solid geometry are covered.  TI-84 calculator is required.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Geometry.

One Credit.  One Year.

Algebra II Fundamental is a survey of mathematics course.  This course will cover concepts in proof, sequences, functions and their graphs, logarithms, symmetry, polygons and polyhedra, mathematical curves including sine, probability, statistics and topology.  Additional Algebra II topics covered are linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, inverse functions, and polynomials.  TI-84 calculator is required. 

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Algebra I and Geometry with a “C” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course builds upon Algebra I concepts.  Additional topics include irrational and complex numbers, analytical geometry, graphing, logarithmic series and sequences, permutations and combinations, and trigonometry.  TI-84 calculator is required.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Algebra II with a “C+” or better or Algebra II Fundamental with a “B+” or better.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course is intended for seniors who are preparing for post-secondary enrollment.  It will be an Algebra based curriculum which will include preparation for ACT and SAT.  Emphasis will be on problem solving and will include statistics.  TI-84 calculator is required.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites for MVHS:  Algebra II with a “B” or better or with department chairman recommendation.  

Prerequisites for NCSC:  Acceptance by COTC.

MVHS:  One Credit.  One Year.

COTC:  Course MATH 150

Precalculus is a course which includes Trigonometry and Analytical Geometry and is designed to prepare the serious math student to take Calculus.  Theory as well as practical applications will be stressed.  Graphing utilities will be used to enhance instruction and problem-solving, not replace them.  TI-84 calculator is required.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites for MVHS:  Algebra II Honors with a “B” or better and teacher recommendation.  

Prerequisites for NCSC:  Acceptance by COTC.

MVHS:  One Credit.  One Year.

COTC:  Course MATH 150

Precalculus is a course which includes Trigonometry and Analytical Geometry and is designed to prepare the serious math student to take Calculus.  Theory as well as practical application will be stressed.  Graphing utilities will be used to enhance instruction and problem-solving skills, not replace them.  TI-84  calculator is required. 

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Precalculus with a “B” or better or Precalculus Honors with a “C” or better.

One credit.  One Year.

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and Precalculus.  Topics covered will include limits, derivatives and integrals with more emphasis on application and less on theory.  TI-84 calculator is required.

Fee:  None

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Prerequisites:  Precalculus Honors with a “B” or better and recommendation of Department Chair.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Honors Algebra I, Algebra II, and Precalculus and will continue to study mathematics due to their career choices.  Topics covered will include the following major areas:  functions, differential calculus, and integral calculus.  This is a rigorous course for the competent student of mathematics.  The Advanced Placement Test, given in the spring, is required.  TI-84 calculator is required.  This class carries an additional 1.0 weight.

Fee:  $25.00

AP Test Fee - approximately $94.00.

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Prerequisites:  Algebra II with a “B” or better and teacher recommendation.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course is designed to introduce students to the subject of statistics with an emphasis on statistical inference.  Topics covered will fall into the following categories:  Definitions and concepts used in statistics, the mathematics of statistics, the applications of statistics in the real world, and the use of the computer and/or calculator as a tool in statistics.  TI-84 calculator is required.  This class carries an additional 1.0 weight.  AP Test required.

Fee:  None

AP Test Fee - approximately $94.00.

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Prerequisites:  Algebra II with a “C” or lower or Algebra II Fundamentals with a “B” or lower.

One Credit.  One Year.

This course will allow students to learn how to apply mathematical concepts to real world situations.  Topics covered will include, checking/saving accounts, credit cards, loans, and budgeting.  A scientific calculator is required.

Fee:  None

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

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Prerequisites:  Students are only admitted to Chorale by director approval through an individual audition process.

One Credit.  One Year.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Open to men in grades 9 - 12 and women in 10 - 12, this select group of singers will perform a wide variety of styles and forms of choral literature. Students are selected on an audition basis.  Attention to the details of choral singing will be stressed as well as improving musicianship. Attendance at performances is mandatory.  Students enrolled in the second semester are eligible to participate in Solo and Ensemble Contest as well.  As part of a required concert, this group will have the opportunity to work with and/or be heard by a music professional(s) from outside the district.

Fee:  $25.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  None.

One Credit.  One Year.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Open to ladies in grade 9 - 12.  In this group, the development of sound vocal techniques is emphasized.  Various styles and periods of music will be covered during the year.  Attendance at performances is mandatory.  Students enrolled in the second semester are eligible to participate in Solo and Ensemble Contest as well.  As part of a required concert, this group will have the opportunity to work with and/or be heard by professional(s) from outside the district.

Fee:  $25.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  Participation in a performing ensemble or permission of the instructor.  Must be able to read music, either treble or bass clef.  Must pass pre-test.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Students will be introduced to and develop skills in the fundamentals of music including chord progressions, ear training and composition.  This course will help prepare the serious musician for college theory as well as help the less serious music student develop a knowledge of scales and chords necessary for writing songs or improvisation.  Music technology programs are also explored.

Fee:  $26.00 (Workbook)

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Prerequisites:  Previous participation in orchestra or private instruction on a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass) leading up to the year of participation.  Students not involved in a previous music program must receive director approval through an audition process.

One Credit.  One Year.

The MVHS Concert Orchestra is a performance-based ensemble that develops playing skills and musicianship through a variety of orchestral literature.  Students in this class will have daily rehearsals, individual performance assessments, at least four outside-the-school-day performances, and a required performance at commencement.  As part of a required concert, this group will have the opportunity to work with and/or be heard by a music professional(s) outside the district.

Fee:  $25.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  Previous participation in orchestra or private instruction on a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass) leading up to the year of participation.  Students are only admitted to Symphonic Orchestra by director approval through an individual audition process.

One Credit.  One Year.

The MVHS Symphonic Orchestra is a performance-based ensemble that develops advanced playing skills and musicianship through a variety of advanced orchestral literature.  Throughout the year, select members of the Symphonic Band will combine with the strings to create a full orchestra experience.  Students in this class will have daily rehearsals, individual performance assessments, at least four outside-the-school-day performances, and a required performance at commencement.  Students are placed in the Symphonic Orchestra through an individual audition process.  As part of a required concert, this group will have the opportunity to work with and/or be heard by music professional(s) from outside the district.

Fee:  $25.00 (consumable supplies).

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Prerequisites:  Previous participation on a musical instrument or private instruction.  Students not involved in a previous music program must receive director approval through an audition process.

1 ¼ Credit.  One Year.

The MVHS Concert Band is a comprehensive course covering the entire school year.  All students in Concert Band will participate in marching band in the fall and concert band in the winter and spring.  The marching band provides an exciting musical atmosphere and half-time shows for all varsity football games.  In addition, the marching band performs at various parades and civic events throughout the year.  The Concert Band is committed to playing the finest in educational and standard band literature in four or more formal concerts a year.  As part of a required concert, this group will have the opportunity to work with and/or be heard by a music professional(s) from outside the district.

Fee:  $25.00 (consumable supplies).

Marching Band accessories, refer to band handbook.

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Prerequisites:  Previous participation on a musical instrument or private instruction.  Students are only admitted to Symphonic Band by director approval through an individual audition process.

1 ¼ Credit.  One Year.

The MVHS Symphonic Band is a comprehensive course covering the entire school year.  All students in Symphonic Band will participate in marching band in the fall and symphonic band in the winter and spring.  The marching band provides an exciting musical atmosphere and half-time shows for all varsity football games.  In addition, the marching band performs at various parades and civic events throughout the year.  The Symphonic Band is committed to playing advanced educational and standard band literature.  The Symphonic Band performs in four or more formal concerts plus district concerts each year.  Students are placed in symphonic band through an individual audition process.  As part of a required concert, this group will have the opportunity to work with and/or be heard by a music professional(s) from outside the district.

Fee:  $25.00 (consumable supplies).

Marching Band accessories, refer to band handbook.

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Prerequisites:  None or very limited piano experience.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Beginning Piano Lab is designed for students with no or very limited experience in piano keyboarding.  Students will learn basic keyboard skills, note identification, meter, and key signatures, as well as basic techniques of keyboard playing such as hand position, touch, and phrasing.  Students will learn to play simple pieces from all musical styles and will perform for the instructor and each other on a regular basis.  Students will progress at their own rate.  Class size is limited to 15 students.  (stereo headphones are required).

Fee:  $21.00 (book).

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Prerequisites:  None.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

Trends in Popular Music is a project-based study of American Popular Music in the 20th and 21st centuries.  From blues and country to punk, rap, and heavy metal, students will familiarize themselves with landmark groups, their music, and the technology used to create it.  Students will have weekly reading and writing assignments as well as projects to complete for each unit.

Fee:  None

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT

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Prerequisites:  None.

¼ Credit.  One Semester.

Physical Education curriculum follows the adapted national and state standards.  Fitness Gram data analysis is utilized.  Students will be evaluated using the Standards 1 - 5,  Benchmarks A & B Assessment Packet.

Some class activities include:

Courses are taught in a co-educational format.

Fee:  $11.00 (consumables).

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Prerequisites:  Physical Education Requirements.

¼ Credit.  One Semester.

Students will participate in a variety of activities.  Students will be evaluated using the Standards 1 - 5,  Benchmarks A & B Assessment Packet.

This course will be a combination of advanced gameplay of individual and team sports along with the development of personal fitness.  Students will benefit from cardiorespiratory endurance activities geared towards their personal physical fitness goals.  Lifetime sport will include the development of advanced skills, strategies, and gameplay for individual and team sports and activities.  Also included will be the development and implementation of personal fitness concepts for a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.  A wide range of sports, games, and activities will be used to increase personal fitness and enjoyment of physical activity.  Must be able to follow instructions with no behavior issues.

Courses are taught in a co-educational format.

Fee:  $11.00 (consumables).

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Prerequisites:  None.

½ Credit.  One Semester.

The general areas covered are:  physical health, social health, mental health, physical fitness, nutrition, heart disorders, cancer and other degenerative diseases, infectious diseases (including sexually transmitted diseases), Family Planning & Abstinence Education, sexual assault and bullying, drugs, including alcohol and tobacco.  A research paper and presentation is required as part of this course.

Note:  The health curriculum will follow the adopted national standards.

Fee:  None

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

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The science faculty recommends the following sequence of courses to all college-bound students:  Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.  Students with interest in science that may include career choices should consider enrolling in other science and math courses as their schedules permit.