Penn-Trafford

High School

Scheduling Night

January 8, 2025

WELCOME

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Mr. Aquilio Principal

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Dr. Healey Asst. Principal - Students in Grade 11 and 12

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Dr. Capoccioni Asst. Principal - Students in Grade 9 and 10

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Mr. Fox Lead Teacher

TRANSITION

Middle School - Explore your Interests

High School - Build a Resume (Official Transcript) for your future …

PURPOSE OF SCHEDULING NIGHT

• Where to find resources
• Basic Scheduling Process
• Core (required) vs Elective Courses
• Graduation Requirements
• Scheduling Fair - Cafeteria and Media Center

Rules, Procedures, Bell Schedules, Clubs are NOT tonight.

-ORIENTATION - AUGUST 12 (Save the Date!)

SCHEDULING RESOURCES

OPPORTUNITIES - Plan Ahead…

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PLANNING WORKSHEET

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NEW TO DISTRICT

• Everyone is on an equal playing field when selecting courses.
• Not an arena scheduling process like college.
• College - Build Schedule and fill it.
• High School - See how many kids request a course and build it.
• This is why we don’t allow schedule changes after the last day of school.
• Class Size depends on it.

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NO CLASS CHANGES AFTER MAY 23, 2025

ORIGINAL CLASS SIZES

Ceramics - 16 H.Algebra 2 - 27

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7 STUDENTS CHANGE

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Ceramics - 9 Algebra 2 - 34

OPPORTUNITY FOR 9th GRADE

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• JROTC (No Military Requirements)
• Partnership with Norwin School District
• Open to all grade levels
• Transportation provided
• *Space is limited. No guarantee grade 9 will be accepted.
• Have a back up plan.

KEYSTONE EXAMS

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• Students are required to be PROFICIENT or ADVANCED:
• Algebra I, Biology and Literature Exams
• Listed on Official Transcript (Not counted towards GPA)
• Proficiency is a prerequisite for most honors classes
• Act 158 Pathways

GRADUATION PATHWAYS (KEYSTONE EXAMS)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

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Career and Personal Finance Part 1

Grade 11 or 12

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

• Ms. Sutmire A - G

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• Ms. Sherman H - Pe

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• Mr. Owen Pf - Z

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - “24.5” CREDITS

• 4 English
• 3.5 Social Studies
• 3/4 Math*
• 3/4 Science*
• 2 Humanities (Art, FCS, Lang. Art, Music, STEM, World Lang)
• 1 Physical Education
• .5 Health
• .5 Career and Business Finance 1

*7 credits between Math & Science

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MIDDLE SCHOOL CREDITS

• Level I of a World Language, Algebra I, Geometry and/or English 9 will appear on your high school transcript

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• The classes will count towards graduation credits, but will NOT be factored into their GPA and Class Rank.

BUILDING YOUR SCHEDULE

Students in grades 9-11 must take a minimum of 7 credits

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• 7 Credits = Full year study hall
• 7.5 Credits = Half year study hall
• 8 Credits = No study hall

This year we are requiring students to select an alternate course (Two ½ credit courses or a full credit course)

ALTERNATIVE ELECTIVE

• Select ONE Full Year Elective or TWO Semester Electives.

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• Only used if there is a conflict or a class section is full.
• 2 Courses you picked are in the same period.
• Max periods filled (Example - Ceramics Room)

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PROGRAM OF STUDIES

SCHEDULE REQUEST CHANGES

• Students have until the last day of school to make schedule changes

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• Request for changes must be submitted in writing, with a parent signature using the schedule change form or the parent must email the counselor the request

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• Summer classes must be dropped before the course begins

CENTRAL WESTMORELAND CAREER & TECHNOLOGY CENTER (CWCTC)

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• Will become available to students entering 10th grade
• Students will have the opportunity to tour CWCTC during 9th grade
• Visit CWCTC website for full list of offerings
• Prospective Student Open House Thurs, February 13 @ 6pm
• For more information, visit the CWCTC website

GRADE WEIGHT SYSTEM

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HONORS COURSE REQUIREMENTS

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• 85% avg. in regular course to qualify
• 75% avg. maintained to continue in honors
• Keystone Proficiency for certain courses
• *Honors courses move at a fast pace and expectations are greater

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) / COLLEGE IN HS

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• 85% avg (cumulative) in content area
• Must be in honors course prior to enrolling in AP
• Keystone proficiency for certain courses
• *Pre-plan schedules early in high school to meet prerequisites

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DUAL ENROLLMENT

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• Students may take classes at PTHS and earn college credit.

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• These classes are offered in conjunction with local colleges.
• Dual Enrollment link
• Keep track of all of your dual enrollment classes. Use the tracking form!

COLLEGE AND WORK RELEASE (Seniors Only)

• Must be on track for graduation.
• Attend PTHS for at least 4 periods.
• Leave early to attend:
• College courses

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• Work a part time job/work development skills.

College and Work Release Handbook

NCAA

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Students who may decide to participate in athletics at the college level should monitor their progress according to NCAA requirements.

NCAA Eligibility Center

TRACK IT FORWARD (COMMUNITY SERVICE)

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• 30 hours is required for graduation

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• Must be completed by March 1 of senior year

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• Join the Community Action Program (CAP!)

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• Student will receive an email to sign up in June.

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SCHEDULING FAIR

• Talk to teachers, ask questions about courses/content and explore your options.
• Cafeteria A-Q
• Media Center R-Z
• TV/Video Production
• Begins in 9th grade, Telethon for Make-A-Wish = $85,000
• Visit the TV Studio
• Coffee Shop is open (Student Run)

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