Welcome to Prairie Point 9th Grade Academy.

It is our hope that Prairie Point’s ninth grade students will have access to a rich and rigorous choice of course offerings that will provide them the foundation for a successful start to their four year high school program. Much care and planning has been given to designing both required and elective courses that will offer opportunities to meet the needs of each student and provide experience in a variety of career pathways. The course offerings, along their brief descriptions, are listed in the following pages. Both students and parents are reminded that all students are required to develop a four year plan outlining tentative courses to be taken in high school. These plans are completed collaboratively with parents, advisors, and the counseling department to assure that each student reaches graduation with the necessary credits and preparation for life beyond high school. Please take this opportunity to view these course offerings and discuss them with your student. If you have any questions, contact our counseling office at 848-5510.

Kyle Koeppen Principal

Table of Contents Graduation Requirements ................................................................................................................ 2 MAP Requirements/recommendations ............................................................................................ 3 Sample 9th grade schedules .............................................................................................................. 4 Course descriptions – Required 9th grade courses......................................................................... 5-6 Course descriptions – Elective 9th grade courses ........................................................................ 7-12 Preparing for Life: Choices program and Career Pathways.......................................................... 13

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PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL Graduation Requirements

Under state law and regulations, the Board of Directors has the responsibility to formulate policies, consistent with the Code of Iowa and the standards set by the Department of Education (DE) that students must meet to be eligible for high school graduation. The educational standards and minimum requirements set by law and the DE are strictly observed. To receive a College Community School District High School diploma, a student must have earned the correct number of credits, as indicated in the chart below; 0.50 credit is given for the successful completion of a semester of work in a full-credit class. These graduation requirements have been approved by the Board of Directors.

Graduation Requirements Graduation Class 2020 Minimum credits: 24.0 credits English: 4.0 credits Science: 3.0 credits Math: 3.0 credits Social Studies: 3.0 credits Vocational course from the following departments: Family Con. Science/ Bus/Ind Tech/Info Tech 0.5 credit Phys. Education: 2.0 credits Electives: 8.5 credits

 Courses in the areas of math, English, social studies, and science taken beyond the required courses are counted as part of the elective credits.  The Basic Academic Skills Certificate requires graduation performance levels in math and reading.

Portfolio/Sr. Presentation Basic Academic Skills Certificate (MAP) District Writing Assessment Requirement

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Basic Academic Skills Certificate MAP Ninth grade students will continue to take MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) tests in the fall and spring. Students will focus on lexile scores, career readiness, and continuous personal growth. A score of 250 on the math exam indicates a readiness for college level math. A score of 235 on the reading exam indicates a readiness for college level reading materials. Students can best prepare for these tests through good school attendance, strong daily work habits, and seeking extra instructional help when needed. MAP scores are also part of a student’s graduation requirements. To prepare students to successfully pursue future educational and career opportunities, College Community Schools believes that all students must be equipped with basic academic skills. Therefore, in addition to course credit and portfolio requirements, all students must earn a Basic Academic Skills Certificate. To qualify for graduation, students must demonstrate proficiency in the following basic skills standards by earning a predetermined score on each of the following district’s achievement level tests. 1. Reading – Score of 230 2. Mathematics – Score of 241

District Writing Assessment in Language Arts Students are assessed three times a year in September, January and April. Common writing prompts are used in September and April. Individual teacher made prompts are used in midyear. The proficiency levels are established to monitor the overall achievement and to set improvement goals. All students will be encouraged to improve their writing and aim at the highest level possible. Teachers and students use the feedback from the assessment to improve students’ writing on a daily basis. A score of 3.2 on a 5-point rubric is required.

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SAMPLE 9TH GRADE SCHEDULES TO USE IN PLANNING Choose a sample planning schedule by considering your choices for world language and performing music classes. This will allow you to determine the number of electives that you may choose. Be sure to note whether an elective is one semester or one year in length. All listed courses are one year in length with the exception of Global Social Issues (one semester). Required courses are shown in bold print. Students may have no more than one period of study hall daily.

World Language/ Band/Choir World Language/One Music Period 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Homeroom

Period 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Homeroom

Period 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Homeroom

English 9 Math Physical Science Global Social Issues/Elective or SH Health and Fitness Choir Band World Language

English 9 Math Physical Science Global Social Issues/Elective or SH Health and Fitness Band or Choir World Language Electives or SH

World Language/ No Music

No World Language/ Two Music

English 9 Math Physical Science Global Social Issues/Elective or SH Health and Fitness World Language Electives Electives or SH

English 9 Math Physical Science Global Social Issues/Elective or SH Health and Fitness Band Choir Electives or SH

No World Language/ One Music

No World Language/ No Music

English 9 Math Physical Science Global Social Issues/Elective or SH Health and Fitness Band or Choir Electives Electives or SH

English 9 Math Physical Science Global Social Issues/Elective or SH Health and Fitness Electives Electives Electives or SH

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Required Courses for Ninth Grade Students ENGLISH English 9 Year Long Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit English 9 involves students in reading, writing, speaking, and collaborating in studies of real world issues as they are presented in print, film, and other media. Students will develop a critical awareness of adolescent issues and of literary technique in fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry. Evaluation of student work will include teacher and self-assessments of projects, tests, presentations, and papers.

MATHEMATICS: Choose one of the following. Algebra I Year Long Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit Algebra I is the entry level high school math course. Credit is awarded each semester to students who demonstrate a working understanding of the following algebraic concepts: algebraic expressions, real numbers, solving and graphing equations, quadratics, systems of equations, and multiplying and factoring polynomials. Students are required to have a scientific calculator. If Algebra 1 is taken over three semesters (Algebra ½), each semester will earn .5 credit. This may be followed by Geometry taken over three semesters (Geometry ½) with each semester earning .5 credit. Completion of Algebra ½ and Geometry ½ will meet the math graduation requirement of 3.0 math credits. Geometry Year Long Prerequisite: Algebra I Required 1.0 Credit Geometry students will formulate definitions and discover generalizations, express mathematical ideas orally and in writing, make and test conjectures, formulate counter-examples, and follow and construct logical arguments. Students will learn to read written presentations of mathematics with understanding, understand the connections between mathematical topics and between mathematics and other disciplines, and use technology to make decisions and solve problems. Work done in cooperative groups will allow relationships to be developed with others. Advanced Algebra Year Long Prerequisite: Algebra & Geometry Required 1.0 Credit Advanced Algebra is a rigorous college preparatory course and is a prerequisite for Statistics and Pre-calculus. Credit is awarded to students who demonstrate a working understanding of the following concepts: transformations of functions, solving systems of linear and non-linear equations, arithmetic and geometric sequences, logarithmic and exponential equations, quadratics, polynomials, complex numbers, trigonometry, probability, and normal distributions.

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SCIENCE Physical Science Year Long Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit Physical Science provides a general overview of chemistry and physics concepts and principles. In this lab-oriented course, the learner will strengthen laboratory and critical thinking skills through interpretation and use of scientific methods. Problem solving and communication skills will be further developed as the learner investigates real life situations.

SOCIAL STUDIES Topics in Global Issues One Semester Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit Topics in Global Issues is a required semester course for all 9th graders. The course aims at creating global thinkers of the twenty-first century who seek to understand different cultures finding common ground among them; to make students aware of social issues and how they directly impact us. Enduring Understandings  The process of socialization impacts your development.  Behavior scientists study human behavior.  Groups influence human behavior.  Social issues in the context in which they occur.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Health & Fitness Year Long Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit Health and Fitness involves study of the areas of physical health: exercise, nutrition, weight, diseases, STDs and AIDS, and of mental health: stress, depression, and social health. The objective is to make students aware of each area in their present lives and the relationship to future health implications. The supporting physical fitness activities focus on the five components of fitness and the skill related fitness components. CPR certification also takes place in this course. The state requirement for CPR certification is fulfilled in this course.

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Elective Courses for Ninth Grade Students ART Introduction to Ceramics and Sculpture One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Introduction to Ceramics and Sculpture features ceramics hand building techniques as well as a variety of sculptural mediums. Students will master the hand building techniques of slab, pinch, and coil, and will construct a variety of ceramics vessels using these techniques. Kiln firing and glazing will be a component of the ceramics units as well. The sculpture portion will feature a variety of sculpture mediums including metalsmithing and jewelry. Introduction to Ceramics and Sculpture is a class that provides a valuable foundation of knowledge for future experiences in the world of ceramics and sculpture. Introduction to Digital Arts One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Digital Arts is a computer-based class involving the use of Adobe Photoshop CS6 to explore the art of graphic design and photo editing. Students will explore a variety of graphic design avenues including typography to create real world projects that will be seen and used in the school and community. Introduction to Digital Arts is a class that is one the cutting edge of digital communication and will provide valued insights to the rapidly growing field of digital art. Introduction to Drawing One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Introduction to Drawing is a highly structured class that involves the drawing intricacies and techniques that will aid in the advancement of drawing skills and abilities. This class will truly push the student’s ability to draw and to focus on skill acquisition and building. Portrait, still life, gesture, contour, and printmaking are all units that will be covered. It is a demanding class that will offer many great insights to the world of drawing. Introduction to Painting One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Introduction to Painting is a class that focuses on the use of acrylic paints as the primary painting medium. Students will study the color wheel, color theory, color mixing, and the application of paint throughout this semester long course. Students will create a variety of color palettes including monochromatic, warm and cool, analogous, and neutral. Introduction to Painting is a wonderful starting point for the aspiring painter.

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BIMM (Business/ Information/ Management/ Marketing) Introduction to Business One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit What is it like in the world of business? Introduction to Business explores the area of Human Resources, Business Management, Marketing, and Finance. Students will work together throughout the semester both individually and with a business “team” on projects, activities, and challenges. Students apply their learning by planning and running an in-school café’ in conjunction with the FACS classes, and completing an on-line business.

ENGLISH Literature Through Drama One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Literature and drama is designed for students with an interest in theater, oral interpretation, and/or public speaking. Throughout the semester, students will select and interpret various pieces of literature, produce a play, and write a speech to solve a global issue. With an emphasis on real world projects, students should be ready to direct their own learning and follow their passions. Creative Writing One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Creative Writing will introduce students to the process and techniques of creative writing. Students will experiment with various types of writing, including the writing of fiction, experimental fiction and nonfiction, science fiction, graphic novels and poetry. Class time will be spent discussing the writer's craft, the assigned readings, and student writing. Through writing exercises, students in this course will learn to craft dialogue, scene, memory, and detail. Students should expect to read and discuss contemporary short fiction, and to learn about and participate in workshopping. Students will create a final writing portfolio online and in print. Students may also select individual work to be be featured on the class blog.

FACS (FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE) Explore the FACS One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Do you see a future as a chef, dietician, event planner, or interior designer? Do you want to learn more about yourself and the personal skills needed to get a job in the future? In Explore the FACS, we focus on the Hospitality and Tourism Career Cluster. You will explore the elements and principles of design and create a floor plan during the interior design unit, apply fabric construction skills to sew an apron, examine your own personal wellness in the nutrition unit, learn about food safety and sanitation skills, have an opportunity to prepare a variety of foods in the food lab, and participate in our final project of the class, Café la Prairie, where you will get to help execute an in school café! This class involves projects, hands on learning experiences, and fun while learning practical life skills.

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Exploring Life and Careers One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Exploring Life and Careers is designed for students interested in careers within the Human Services Career Cluster. In this course, you will have an opportunity to develop your own personal goals and examine your values in the self-discovery unit. You will explore communication skills that will help you be successful at home, in school, and in the workplace. Building healthy relationships is also an essential piece to this course in which you will learn about how to strengthen and maintain healthy relationships in all aspects of your life. You will learn about child development and the responsibilities of parenting. You will also explore some different career options for yourself in the final unit of the class. This class involves class discussions, personal reflections, and projects to help you grow and develop as a successful person in today’s society.

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY Introduction to Welding, Automotive, and Manufacturing (WAM) One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Introduction to Welding, Automotive, and Manufacturing is appropriate for students who are interested in industrial technology and its applications. The student will explore three facets of industrial technology that include: metalworking, welding, automotive, and manufacturing. Basic theory and application will be covered in each six week section. This exposure will allow students the opportunity to perform “hands-on” activities in each area. Through this exposure, students will gain an appreciation and understanding of each pathway in the industrial technology department. Introduction to Architecture, Construction, Engineering (ACE) One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit All students that are interested in the Construction Trades as well as the Construction design and Engineering pathways should enroll in this prerequisite course. Successful completion will allow you to take additional courses in these two pathways. Construction related industries account for 1/5 of the nation’s economy and this course focuses on career opportunities that exist in those industries. Special emphasis is given to the subject of safety, construction materials and construction methods. Several basic skill sets are developed that you will need in the following courses, including: construction math as it relates to the accurate measurement of materials; proper use of the tools most commonly used in a shop or on the construction site. Students will learn by doing and should expect to work hands-on in the lab. **Safety glasses are required for this course.

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Introduction to Engineering Design Year Long Prerequisite: None Elective 1.0 Credit Introduction to Engineering DesignTM (IED) is for students who are interested in design and engineering. The major focus is to expose students to design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Students will employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. In addition, students will use a state of the art 3D solid modeling design software package to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges that increase in difficulty throughout the course. Students will also learn how to document their work, and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. (5 point grading scale) DUAL CREDIT

Project Lead the Way - Intro to Computer Science One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Intro to Computer Science is designed for students who have never programmed before, ICS is an optional starting point for the PLTW Computer Science program. Students work in teams to create apps for mobile devices using MIT App Inventor®. They explore the impact of computing in society and build skills in digital citizenship and cybersecurity. Beyond learning the fundamentals of programming, students build computational thinking skills by applying computer science to collaboration tools, modeling and simulation and data analysis. In addition, students transfer the understanding of programming gained in App Inventor to text-based programming in Python® and apply their knowledge to create algorithms for games of chance and strategy.

MUSIC 9TH Grade Men’s Choir Year Long Prerequisite: None Elective 1.0 Credit Ninth Grade Men's Choir focuses on building musical literacy, developing vocal technique, and refining rehearsal etiquette. Ninth grade Men’s Choir performs four required concerts during the school year. Members are eligible to audition for Select Men’s Choir, audition for Opus Honor Choir and to participate in Solo/Ensemble Contest. Other opportunities for Men’s Choir members include Wartburg’s Real Men Sing festival and the spring musical. 9TH Grade Women’s Choir Year Long Prerequisite: None Elective 1.0 Credit Ninth Grade Women's Choir focuses on building musical literacy, developing vocal technique, and refining rehearsal etiquette. Ninth grade Women’s Choir performs four required concerts during the school year. Members are eligible to audition for Select Women’s Choir, audition for Opus Honor Choir, and to participate in Solo/Ensemble Contest. Other opportunities for Women’s Choir members include the spring musical, as well as, other opportunities throughout the year.

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Concert Band Year Long Prerequisite: Previous instrumental music experience OR by consent of the Director. Elective 1.0 Credit Concert Band includes all incoming ninth grade band members. The Concert Band extends a musician’s training through the development of playing technique, characteristic tone quality, musical sensitivity, complexity of rhythmic patterns, and the contribution to a more refined ensemble sound. The Concert Band will perform at required concerts during the school year. Additionally, students will develop musical skills through small group or individual time with an instructor. Members of Concert Band will be eligible to audition for Jazz Band. Additional performances and activities may be included as part of participation in Concert Band. The Ninth Grade Concert Band does not perform as part of the Prairie “Hawks” High School Marching Band or Pep Band. These opportunities will be available to students in tenth grade. SOCIAL STUDIES Street Law One Semester Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Introduction to Street Law is a elective course taken by 9th graders. This course is rooted around the principles of the Bill of Rights. Students will be doing a variety of projects and activities related to law. Enduring Understandings  Court cases determine how laws are applied and thus have a major impact on your rights.  In order to reduce crime we need to help solve the root of the problem.  Crimes are made up of elements, all of which need to be proven in order for a person to be found guilty.  The constitution limits the power of police when conducting investigations.  An arrest cannot be made until investigators have reached probable cause.

WORLD LANGUAGE German 1 Year Long Prerequisite: None. Students must pass the first semester to continue with the second semester. Elective 1.0 Credit German 1 offers an introduction to the German language. Students will actively practice the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The proficiencies emphasized in this course are listening and speaking. Students will utilize basic German grammar. Culture of the Germanspeaking countries will be explored. It is recommended that students earn a grade of C (Proficiency Scale App) or higher to continue, as some colleges will not recognize a grade below C.

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Spanish 1 Year Long Prerequisite: None. Students must pass the first semester to continue with the second semester. Elective 1.0 Credit By interweaving language and culture, Spanish 1 introduces students to basic communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) while at the same time deepening their appreciation of other cultures. A variety of pair and group work activities gives students an opportunity to use the language in a wide variety of settings and contexts. An extensive listening component helps students develop strong listening comprehension skills. Students must take responsibility for their learning by actively participating in classroom activities and studying vocabulary outside of class time. By the end of this course, students can expect to achieve elementary proficiency in the language. Students in a World Language course are expected to review the current material every day. It is recommended that students earn a grade of C (Proficiency Scale App) or higher to continue, as some colleges will not recognize a grade below C.

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PREPARING FOR LIFE: Naviance and Family Connections What are you most interested in pursuing? What are your skills and talents? What are you good at? How can my choices translate into earning a living as an adult? How much post-secondary education will you need? What colleges and programs offer the training you will need? How much will it cost? What options are available to help with the cost? These are questions that teenagers are often asked or ask themselves when thinking about entering the work of work. With the Naviance, career readiness tool, students will be able to answer these questions. After students participate in interest inventories and skill assessments, Naviance will match them with careers that they can explore more thoroughly and tie to post-secondary training programs, as well as, colleges all over the country. Naviance will help create a career path that is meaningful and individualized for each student. Beginning in eighth grade, students and parents will access Naviance through Family Connections. This is a portal to the four-year plan, interest inventories, as well as, college and career searches. Students are led through different computer-based activities by their counselor. Parents will review the four year plan with their student at spring conferences.

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