This document outlines the standard and advanced diploma requirements for students entering 9th grade in 2011-2012 and beyond. It provides details on required credits and verified credits for specific subject areas. It also gives examples of typical 9th grade course schedules and elective options. It emphasizes the importance of homework, attendance, and making wise choices. It lists important upcoming dates and action items for rising 9th grade students and their parents.

2. Standard Diploma Requirements
2011-2012 and Beyond
Standard Diploma Course Requirements for Students Entering 9th Grade for the First Time in
2011-2012 and Beyond
Subject Standard Credits Verified Credits
English 4 2
Mathematics 3 1
Laboratory Science 3 1
History and Social Sciences 4 1
Health and Physical Education 2
World Language, Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education 2
Economics & Personal Finance 1
Electives (must include sequential electives) 3
Student Selected Test 1
Total Credits 22 6
2

3. Advanced Studies Diploma Requirements
2011-2012 and Beyond
Advanced Studies Diploma Course Requirements for Students Entering 9th Grade for the First
Time in 2011-2012 and Beyond
Subject Area Standard Credits Verified Credits
English 4 2
Mathematics 4 2
Laboratory Science 4 2
History and Social Sciences 4 2
World Language 3 (or 2+2)
Health and Physical Education 2
Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education 1
Economics & Personal Finance 1
Electives 3
Student Selected Test 1
Total Credits 26 9
3

4. Typical 9th Grade Schedule
(7 courses)
• English 9/English 9 HN
• World History and Geography 1/WHG 1 HN
• Math (see next slide)
• Biology/Biology HN (Science Fair for HN)
• Health and PE 9
• World Language (see later slide) or
Elective (see later slide)
• Elective

5. Math Courses for 9 Grade th
• Algebra 1 Part 1 and Algebra 1 (double-block)
Algebra 1 Part 1 is an elective credit
• Algebra 1/Algebra 1 HN
• Geometry/Geometry HN
• Algebra 2/Algebra 2 HN
Teacher recommendation is very important!

6. World Language
• American Sign Language
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Latin
• Spanish
• Spanish for Fluent Speakers (class is designed for
students with a background in Spanish or who
speak Spanish at home)
Teacher recommendation for upper levels

7. 9 Grade Electives
th
• English
Journalism 1, Photojournalism 1, Visual Communication 1
Developing Literacies
• Social Studies
AP Human Geography
• Business
Economics & Personal Finance (required for graduation)
Information Tech Fund., Information Systems, Programming
Accounting, Business Law/Business Management
• Marketing
Intro to Marketing, Fashion Marketing 1
• Technology Education

8. 9th Grade Electives
• Visual Arts
Studio Art 1, Computer Graphics 1, Photography 1
• Performing Arts
Music Sampler, Music Theory
Band, Orchestra, Guitar, Percussion Ensemble, Piano, Chorus
(recommendation/audition)
• Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts 1, Technical Theatre 1
• West Potomac Academy
Dance 1
• General
Army JROTC 1, AVID, Leadership Training (interview)

9. AVID –
an elective option!
• Advancement Via Individual Determination
• AVID is an academic program designed to increase the rigor of
coursework taken by West Potomac students.
• Every AVID student is in at least one Honors/AP.
• All AVID Students have the goal of going to college!
• Over the last three years all AVID seniors who applied to a four
year college were accepted into at least one four year school!
• Tutorials, College Visits, Family Nights, Guest Speakers…
• Fill out an AVID Application today! Please return to Ms.
Caldwell by Feb 15, 2013

10. On-Level vs. Honors
• Course-specific information by each dept.
• Student interest/motivation
• Higher-order thinking skills
• Interdisciplinary connections
• Overall workload of seven courses
• Balance with other commitments (extra-
curricular activities, family time, leisure, etc.)
• Time management

11. Special Education
• Middle School Case Manager makes
recommendations based on the student’s IEP
• Level of services (SC, TM, general ed)
• Special Education courses as needed
(Basic Skills, Developmental Reading,
Personal Development, etc.)

12. ESOL
(English for Speakers of Other Languages)
• Middle School ESOL Dept. determines the
ESOL level of each student based on the WIDA
scores.
• ESOL 1
• ESOL 2
• ESOL 2/3
• ESOL 3
• ESOL 4

13. Important Hints about High School
• Homework Counts!
• Use your agenda book every day.
• Check Blackboard every day.
• Establish a study buddy system.
• Missed assignments are your responsibility.
• Utilize the Wolverine Time.
• Late buses are available for after-school help.
• Grade Point Averages (GPA’s) are computed from
your grades in ALL subjects, ALL four years. Ninth
grade is important!

14. Important Hints about High School
• Daily attendance is important.
• Absences must be reported by a parent/guardian in an
email or with a note within 3 days.
• Choose your friends wisely.
• Activities such as clubs, sports and music are great ways
to get involved in the school community.
• Grades must be maintained to participate in sports.

15. Important Dates
• January 30: Rising 9th Grade Family Night (tonight)
• February 4-5: WP Counselors visit SMS
• February 13: AVID Information Night and Advanced
Academics Night
• March 1: Course Selection Sheet due WP
• May: List of your courses mailed home for review
• June 15: Deadline for course change requests (changes
possible if space available)
• August 21-24: Course change requests (changes possible if
space available)

16. Action Items
• Course selection sheet requires parent/guardian
signature – please discuss the selections!
• Select two alternate electives.
• Seek out teacher recommendations (AP/HN –
expected to stay in the course for the first nine
weeks).
• Work with your counselor.
• For more information, visit our website:
www.fcps.edu/WestPotomacHS
under “Student Services” and “Academic Advising”