8th Grade Course Selection

Student Presentation

Vestavia Hills High

School

9th Grade Course Selection Process

Available on the VHHS

website

www.vestavia.k12.al.us/vestav

iahigh• The 2013-2014 Course Description and Selection Guide

• This PowerPoint Presentation

• Parent Override Form

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Club and Activity Contact List

• Extracurricular Activities and Sports• Return all applications to VHHS to the

attention of the Coach or Sponsor.

VHHS WebsiteClick on Parent Tab

Click on Course Selection

Alabama High School Diploma

24 Credits 4 credits each in English, Math, Science,

and Social Studies. 1 credit in PE (LIFE) 1 credit in Career Preparedness ½ credit in Health (typically taken in 10th

grade) 3 credits in Career Technology Education

(CTE) and/or Foreign Language and/or Arts Education

2.5 credits in Electives

Additional Endorsement

OptionsAlabama High School Diploma with

Advanced Academic Endorsement

Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement with Honors

Alabama High School Diploma

with Advanced Academic

EndorsementIn addition to the requirements for the Alabama High School Diploma, students must:

successfully complete 2 years of the same Foreign Language.

(Foreign Language successfully completed at LPMS or PMS will satisfy 1 of the 2 years required as long as the 2nd year of the language is taken in 9th grade.)

successfully complete Algebra II /Trig.

successfully complete Advanced Chemistry or Honors Chemistry.

Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced

Academic Endorsement with Honors

In addition to the requirements for the Alabama High School Diploma with Advanced Academic Endorsement, students must:

successfully complete 2 Honors or Advanced Placement courses.

successfully complete Pre-Calculus with at least a “C” average.

Early Bird Classes

Classes meet from 7:30-8:20 a.m.

Students remain in school until 3:20 p.m.

English200005 English 9 

Placement is based on EXPLORE scores and school recommendation. Letters will be mailed from VHHS in late spring/early summer to students who may benefit from this course.

200007 Advanced English 9  

Most students take 

200006 Honors English 9 Must meet acceptance requirements: minimum of 20 on English AND Reading sections of EXPLORE AND 85 or better in 8th grade Adv English or 90 or better in 8th grade English. Summer work/reading required.

Social Studies230013 World Hist. & Geo. 9 

Most students take 

230014 Honors World Hist. & Geo. 9 

Must meet acceptance requirements: 18 on Reading section of EXPLORE AND minimum average of 90 in 8th grade history. Summer work/reading is required.

230027 AP World History Minimum of 90 in 8th grade history AND minimum 25 on reading section of EXPLORE, submit a writing sample and complete the AP application. See VHHS website under Parent – Course Selection for details.

Science

220013 Biology Most 9th graders take 

220012 Honors Biology Need to be on A/B Honor Roll in 8th grade and be enrolled in Alg. I or higher in 9th grade, and have an 85 average in 8th grade science.

Math

Check the math and science flow charts as you work on the four-year plan.

On the Course Card to be turned in February, choose either:

210005 Algebra I if currently taking Pre-Algebra in 8th grade

210012 Adv Geometry if currently taking Algebra in 8th grade

Math, continued… Please make sure you read the Course Verification

Form carefully when you receive it in May. If, at that time, you agree with math placement, you sign and return your approval on the Course Verification Form. If you DISAGREE with the math placement, follow instructions on the Course Verification Form.

In May, the following courses may be recommended:

210008 Algebra I-A (Alg I-B in 10th) or

210005 Algebra I or

210012 Adv Geometry or

210011 Honors Geometry

REMEMBER this form will come to you in MAY.

Foreign Language

French, German, Spanish or Latin

First year Language – Need B average in 8th grade English

Or Second Year – if currently in Foreign Language in 8th Grade

Summer School Courses

(There must be sufficient enrollment for a class to be

offered.)Career Preparedness (Computer)

PE Mail in Summer School Registration form

January 25 – February 8 or April 22 - 29 (VHHS office)

Dates (May 30-June 28) 7:30-2:30 p.m.

Cost: $350

Registration forms are found on the VHHS website.

Completing the Card

Circle one selection in each core course box.

Circle lunch or write in lunch elective.

Write in elective choices.

Choose alternate courses.

Complete 4 year plan on the back of Course Card.

Student Signature

Parent signature - indicates approval/verification

Student returns card to homeroom teacher by February 7th.

Parent Overrides It is NOT recommended to sign a

parent override.

If you want to sign up for a course for which you do not qualify:

Print off a “Parent Override Form” from the VHHS website

Fill out and sign the form. Must be signed by student and parent. May not request at later date to change courses.

Signed form should be stapled to course card when returned on February 7th.

Then What? Changes without a fee will be accepted until March

29th.

$50 late fee charged after March 29th until May 31st After May 31st no schedule changes will be allowed.

Math placement results will be on the Course Verification Form.

Course verifications will be given out in May.

Registration Registration packets may be downloaded in

July at www.vestavia.k12.al.us/vestaviahigh.

Fee schedules will be included.

Registration for freshmen - early August

Schedules will be available at registration.

Lockers

School pictures Jacket/tie Dress code appropriate

Curriculum Fair -Parent Night

Thursday - January 24 6:00 – 7:30

Tuesday – February 5 6:00 – 7:30

FAQ’sShould a “Parent Override Form” be

signed to bump up to a class that is higher than recommended?

What is the foreign language requirement at Alabama? Auburn? UAB?

Next fall, what if you find yourself struggling in a course?

FAQ’s

Can 9th graders take Driver’s Ed?

What if a course does not “make”?

Would colleges prefer a “B” in an AP or Honors course or an “A” in a regular course?

Are “Early Bird” classes guaranteed?

Questions?? Refer to the Course Selection Book

online.

Refer to the VHHS website for information on extracurricular activities, honors courses, etc.

Please staple questions to the course card.

Contact your 8th grade counselor.

IMPORTANT!

You must finish your 8th grade year with your best grades.

Your 8th grade grades are important in placing you in the correct class.