9th Grade Scheduling For The 2025-2026 School Year
Class of 2029
THS ADMINISTRATION & Support STaff
Dr. Zack Zebrasky
Principal
Mr. Dan Knause
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Michelle Ostrosky
Assistant Principal
Ms. Sierra Snyder (A-Da)
School Counselor
Mr. Alex Nikolopoulos (Db-Ka)
School Counselor
Mr. William Poletti (Kb-Ra)
School Counselor
Mrs. Maggie Amaismeier (Rb-Z)
School Counselor
Mrs. Kathy Underwood
Transition Coordinator
Mrs. Carrie Lauso
Social Worker
Ms. Belinda Foreman
Social Worker
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THS School Counselors Contact Information
Ms. Sierra Snyder Mr. Alex Nikolopoulos (Db-Ka) (A-Be)
*Beginning 3/24 (Last Names A-Da) anikolopoulos@trinityhillers.net
ssnyder@trinityhillers.net 724-225-5380 X 6005
724-225-5380 X 6512
Mr. William Poletti (Kb-Ra) (Bi-Ca) Mrs. Maggie Amaismeier (Rb-Z) (Ce-Da)
wpoletti@trinityhillers.net mamaismeier@trinityhillers.net
724-225-5380 x 6513 724-225-5380 X 6511
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How to Schedule for 9th Grade
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Scheduling Information: Required Courses= 10 Semesters
English
113: English 9
114: Honors English 9
Social Studies
213: World History
214: Honors World History
Science
313: Principles of Science
314: Honors Biology
Math
400: Algebra 1 Grounding Principles
420: Algebra 1
431: Honors Geometry
451: Honors Algebra 2
*Current Math teacher will recommend course
Physical Ed./Health
605: Health/Phys Ed
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Pick 6 semesters of additional electives.
Career Pathway Programs
*Please contact the teachers listed under each program for program specific information.
Academic Levels
English
English 9: Builds foundational skills with guided support—ideal for students developing confidence and core skills in reading and writing.
Honors English 9: Designed for motivated students, emphasizing complex texts, deeper analysis, and independent inquiry through student-driven discussions and creative, thought-provoking assignments.
Pathways to Success: Choosing English 9 does not limit future opportunities. Many students progress to advanced or AP courses as they grow!
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Course Pace & Support:
English 9: Steady pace with structured guidance and skill-building.
Honors English 9: Faster pace with greater emphasis on independent reading.
Reading & Analysis:
English 9: Broad range of texts with focus on comprehension and foundational analysis.
Honors English 9: Complex texts with deeper literary analysis, historical context, and critical thinking.
Writing Expectations:
English 9: Clear, structured essays and an informative research project with teacher support.
Honors English 9: Advanced assignments, including inquiry-driven research projects and literary critiques, requiring originality and precision.
Classroom Environment:
English 9: Teacher-led discussions and participation to develop ideas.
Honors English 9: Student-driven discussions that encourage active participation and exploration of multiple perspectives.
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English Electives
Journalism: Join Journalism I your freshman year to learn the art of reporting, writing, photography, and editing. You'll explore how to craft compelling articles, conduct interviews, and even contribute to the school newspaper. Whether you dream of becoming a journalist or just want to sharpen your writing and communication skills, Journalism I is the perfect place to start.
Public Speaking: Public Speaking is the perfect class to help you build strong communication skills, boost your confidence, and overcome stage fright. You’ll learn how to craft powerful speeches, engage an audience, and express your ideas clearly and persuasively. Whether you’re preparing for future presentations, leadership roles, or just want to improve your everyday communication, Public Speaking will set students up for success!
Honors Debate: Honors Debate is the perfect course to sharpen your argumentation, research, and public speaking skills. You'll engage in lively debates on current events, ethical dilemmas, and complex issues, all while learning how to build strong cases and think on your feet. This course is for those who love a good challenge and enjoy respectful competition!
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Math
Algebra Grounding Principles: Builds a strong mathematical foundation of basic Algebra - designed for students who need algebraic skill reinforcement prior to Algebra 1.
Algebra 1: Designed to introduce and master algebraic skills. This course focuses on solving and simplifying equations in preparation for the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam.
Honors Geometry: Designed to introduce the elements of geometry and develop logical thinking skills.
Honors Algebra 2: Designed with rigor to provide a more thorough and deeper understanding of solving and simplifying equations.
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Math
Pathways to Success:
Our mathematical course offerings must be followed in sequential order. Students will be placed in their upcoming math class by teacher recommendation only.
Honors level students will be expected to achieve at a higher level, work at a faster pace, demonstrate more independence and initiative.
Future Considerations:
If students wish to reach AP Calculus BC, they must complete Honors Algebra 2 by the completion of their freshman year.
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Social Studies
World History: Builds historical foundational skills with guided support covering the historical periods from approximately the Medieval times to the present day. This History class is ideal for students developing confidence and core skills in comprehending and analyzing historical information.
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Social studies
Pathways to Success: Not choosing Honors World History does not limit future opportunities. Many students progress to advanced or AP courses as they grow!
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Social Studies
Honors World History: This course is designed for motivated students who can handle a somewhat faster pace, a responsible work ethic and greater depth of content. Students in this class have the opportunity to complete an independent book report project that will allow them to develop writing and time-management skills on a book of their choosing in a self-directed manner. They will also participate in WWI Debates.
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Science
Principles of Science: This class begins by building science skills of collecting and analyzing data in a variety of ways and in different scientific disciplines. In the second half of the course students will begin learning content found on the Keystone Biology Exam which they will take at the end of their sophomore year after they have completed Biology.
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SCIENCE
Honors Biology: This course is designed for motivated students who can handle a somewhat faster pace and greater depth of content. Students in this class have the opportunity to complete an independent experimental project that will allow them to develop writing and lab skills on a project of their choosing in a self-directed manner.
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SCIENCE
Pathways to Success: It is important to realize that starting in Principles of Science does not limit a student’s ability to reach the upper level AP courses by their senior year as well as the variety of one semester science courses that are available. For many students it will maximize their chance of success on the Keystone Biology Exam on their first attempt.
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Please Remember...
School progresses in rigor each year in order to prepare you for your next step in life. Middle School prepared you for High School, and High School will prepare you for your post-secondary plans. Keep this in mind when you are selecting your courses. Pick courses based on your ability and motivation and not based on your friends or the teacher teaching the course.
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Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2029
English
4 Credits
Science
4 Credits
Social Studies
4 Credits
Math
4 Credits
Phys Ed./Health
1 Credit
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Fine Art
1 Credit
Electives
5 Credits
Graduation Project
1 Credit
Total= 24 Credits
Graduation Requirements
Pennsylvania Pathways to Graduation (ACT 158)
Beginning with the class of 2023, students graduating from a Pennsylvania public high school will be required to meet one of the five pathways illustrating college, career & community readiness. Many of our students will satisfy either the Keystone Proficiency or Keystone Composite Pathways. If proficiency is not met by 12th grade, students will need to complete at least one of the five graduation pathways mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. More information about the pathway can be found at: Act 158 Reference
A full-detailed graduation pathways chart can be found here: Pennsylvania Pathways to Graduation Graphic
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9th Grade Scheduling Video
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Frequently asked questions
There are too many options and I can’t fit everything in my schedule! What should I do?
What should I do if I want to be a completer in a Career Pathway Program?
I want to go to Western Area CTC, Penn Commercial, or take Power Motorsports or Vet Technology in 10th grade- How should I schedule?
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Frequently asked questions
If I take Honors for one course do I need to take Honors for all of my courses?
When does my cumulative GPA start?
My student is in National Junior Honor Society, how do they qualify for National Honor Society at the High School?
National Honor Society Requirements
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THANKS!
Be on the lookout for information about 9th Grade in the near future!
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