ALGEBRA I:  Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4)

Algebra 1 with a focus on functions emphasizes the importance of algebra in everyday life through select real-world examples. Assessments are designed to ensure that student understanding goes beyond rote memorization of steps and procedures. The skills acquired in this course contain the foundation needed for all future high school math courses. Upon successful course completion, students will have a strong foundation in Algebra 1 and will be prepared to move on to Geometry. (3SSALG1Q)

ALGEBRA II:  Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4)

Building on their work with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, students extend their repertoire of functions to include polynomial, rational, radical, and logarithmic functions. Functions are studied in relation to one another by analysis of multiple representations of functions with a variety of ranges and domains. Students further develop their statistical knowledge by studying the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, and the connections to probability. Throughout the course, these mathematical concepts are applied to everyday occurrences to demonstrate how the world around us functions. (3SSALG2Q)

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

This semester-long course presents the fundamental concepts of American government. The functions of national, state, and local governments and their relationships to the citizens of the United States are covered in Foundations, Structures, Constitutional Principles, Politics and Public Policy, Branches of Government, National, State and Local Governments, and U.S Citizen Participation and rights. Various governmental problems at all levels of government are presented. The responsibilities and obligations of both the citizen and the government to each other are an integral part of this course. A comparison of other important political systems is included. (2CPGVAMS)

CHEMISTRY:  Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4) 

This course provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding about the relationships between the structure and properties of matter and the interaction of mass and energy. Units of study include: matter and its changes, atomic structure, chemical composition, nomenclature, reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, periodicity, bonding, molar geometry, and thermochemistry. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented in this course. (4SSCHEMQ)

EARTH & PHYSICAL SCIENCE:  Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4) 

Earth & Physical Science is a full-year course designed to provide the student with a solid foundation in basic chemistry, physics, and earth science concepts. Students will study common forms, properties, and changes in matter and energy. They will relate physics and chemistry concepts to the processes and interactions of scientific investigation, and they will reinforce algebraic math skills used to solve science problems. (4SSEAPHYQ)

ENGLISH 9:  Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4)

English 9 is a course where students will build a strong base of knowledge which will become the foundation of much of their high school education. In this course, students will be challenged through a variety of tasks which incorporate the five aspects of an English classroom: reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing. The goal of this course is to increase students’ cognitive understanding and critical thinking skills. This goal will be met through the rigor and sophistication of the lessons and activities, the challenging assessments, and the complex texts and materials that the students will be exposed to during this course. Students will study both reading and writing in depth through numerous genres and lenses. They will study and experience diverse interests, cultures, perspectives, learning styles, and how intelligence is cultivated in higher level critical and creative thinking skills such as interpretation, problem-solving, and investigation. Students will develop these skills through inquiry-based activities and by exploring the text not only through a world-view lens but also through a critical/investigative lens. Students are asked to dig beneath the surface to focus on the how and why something happens the way it does. Through leveled questions and engaging discussions, students will build skills that assist them in deciphering a topic and communicating their understanding not only through their writing but also through speaking and discussion with classmates. (1SSENG9Q)

ENGLISH 10:  Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4)

English 10 is a year-long course that emphasizes the fundamental language skills of reading, writing, thinking, viewing, and presenting. An emphasis on vocabulary and composition skills is an on-going part of the class. Students refine their skills of written expression by writing compare/contrast, literary analysis, research, persuasive, and narrative essays. Students analyze important themes in classic and modern works of various literary genres including short stories, novels, and non-fiction. Topics include author’s purpose and perspective, exploration of human motives and conflicts, the study of figurative, connotative, and technical vocabulary in context, literary devices, and the art of persuasion. The development of critical reading and writing skills is a major emphasis of the course. Students will utilize the knowledge and tools acquired each quarter to participate in a project-based learning assignment. The assignment will connect the real world around them to the content embedded within this course. (1SSENG10Q)

ENGLISH 11:  Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4)

English 11 is a year-long course that emphasizes the development of an academic persona to further student’s skills in reading, writing, analyzing, interpreting, viewing, synthesizing, and presenting. The students will explore a variety of strategies to effectively interpret, evaluate, and synthesize meaning through analyzing various literary theories throughout several time periods with the purpose of creating more sophisticated readers, thinkers, and writers. Students will analyze texts and media for advanced rhetorical strategies, fallacies, logic, and arrangement to eventually apply to national issues using each of these devices through written and oral presentations. Using advanced and sophisticated strategies in premises, purposes, and propositions in a variety of works, students will analyze and implement argumentation methods by justifying and documenting evidence and presenting the arguments effectively to an authentic audience. The development of sophisticated interpreters, readers, writers, and oral conveyors is emphasized throughout the course. (1SSENG11Q)

ENGLISH 12:  Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4)

English 12 is a year-long course that focuses on contemporary literary genres and themes through speeches, short fiction, various nonfiction, poetry, and choice texts. Each quarter, numerous reading and writing skills are introduced to students in new, innovative ways in order to foster growth and to shed light on the many ways in which English/Language Arts translates to our real world. Skills include rhetorical analysis; reading for allegory, symbolism, themes; inferencing and evaluating; narrative writing, argument-synthesis writing, expository writing, and more. With an emphasis on Project Based Learning, students identify authentic, personalized, and complex questions to investigate and learn from. Oftentimes these projects lead to various multimedia productions as well as various speaking and listening platforms. English 12 students are encouraged to reflect on their growth, development, and many accomplishments as they near the end of their high school careers. (1SSENG12Q)

CREATIVE WRITING

For many hundreds of years, literature has been one of the most important human art forms. It allows us to give voice to our emotions, create imaginary worlds, express ideas, and escape the confines of material reality. Through creative writing, we can come to better understand ourselves and our world. This course can provide you with a solid grounding in the writing process, from finding inspiration to building a basic story. Then, when you are ready to go beyond the basics, learn more complicated literary techniques to create strange hybrid forms of poetry and prose. By the end of this semester-long course, you can better discover your creative thoughts and turn those ideas into fully realized pieces of creative writing. This course is designed to allow students the freedom to demonstrate their own creativity and process and share their voice with a community of writers. Creative Writing is an English elective course. (1SSWRCREQ)

GEOMETRY:  Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4)

Throughout this course, students will use problem solving and real-world applications to gain the knowledge of geometric concepts and their practical uses. Throughout this course, students will apply algebraic concepts to two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometric shapes, and they will use inductive and deductive reasoning to solve real-world geometric problems. In addition, students will use constructions to prove numerous geometric relationships involving the sides and angles of a number of polygons and solids. Students will also learn right triangle trigonometry. Upon successful course completion, students will be prepared to take Algebra 2. (3SSGEOMQ)

HEALTH

Health is a semester-long course course earning students .5 credits while addressing the Colorado Health Education Standards: Physical & Personal Wellness, Emotional and Social Wellness, and Prevention & Risk Management. Students will explore health as a holistic concept and the interconnection between one’s mental, social, physical and emotional health and others. Students will learn how to set personal goals. They will learn to evaluate and analyze situations and resources to help make healthy decisions in regard to lifelong health and wellness. They will analyze their current diets and the many influences on food choice. Students will explore healthy relationships. They will address the consequences and effects of use/non-use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Students will also work on communication and refusal skills in relationship to personal safety and violence prevention and awareness. Students will be assessed in a variety of modes including: self-checks/reflections, interactive quizzes, projects, exams, written assignments, and participation in classroom discussions. (7SSHEALTQ)

PERSONAL FITNESS

What does being fit really mean? Is it just based on physical appearance or is it something deeper? Though we strive to be healthy and make sensible choices, it’s difficult to know how to achieve this. It’s not only about losing weight or lifting a heavy barbell; in Personal Fitness you will learn about body functions, safety, diet, goals, and strategies for longevity. Human beings, in both body and mind, are complex and highly sensitive organisms that need the right attention to physically excel and feel great. Being fit is about living life to the fullest and making the most of what you have—yourself! Explore the world of healthy living and see how real fitness can be achieved through intention, effort, and just the right amount of knowledge. Students will be assessed in a variety of modes including: self-checks/reflections, interactive quizzes, projects, exams, written assignments, and participation in classroom discussions. Students will complete 4 hours of working out every two weeks. You can repeat Personal Fitness for additional credit. (7SSPEFITQ)

SPANISH 3:  (Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4)

Spanish 3 is an intermediate level course designed to help students build upon their existing knowledge of the Spanish language and develop greater proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. This course is intended for students who have completed Spanish 2 or have equivalent proficiency in the language. This course will cover a range of topics related to everyday life, including travel, food, culture, and current events. Students will engage in activities that focus on developing their language skills, such as oral presentations, discussions, and written assignments. (5SSPAN3Q)

US HISTORY:  Semester 1 (Q1 & Q2) and Semester 2 (Q3 & Q4) 

This course addresses the social, economic, political, and military aspects of the United States from the Progressive Era (1890’s) to the present. Through exploration of recurring American issues and significant themes, students will examine contacts and exchanges among groups and cultures and how these have influenced American perspectives. Using important events, students will formulate historical questions, evaluate sources and data using diverse viewpoints, hypothesize, draw conclusions, and analyze issues of the American experience. (2CPUSHSTS1)