Welcome to Rochester High
Class of 2024 -Freshmen Year
Topics
- 9th Grade Requirements and Schedule
- Overview of Graduation Requirements
- Four Year Plan
- Summer Learning Program
- Tips for Student Success
9th Grade Language Arts
Option #1
Language Arts 9
Option #2
Honors Language Arts 9
Option #2 Details:
- Honors requires an application process including an application and online writing assessment
- Honors requires assigned summer reading
- See current Language Arts teacher for details
Graduation Requirements: Language Arts
- Language Arts 9
- Language Arts 10
- 11th grade composition and literature
- 12th grade composition and literature
9th Grade Science
Option #1
Physical Science
(Intro to Chemistry and Intro to Physics)
Option #2
Physical Science in one hour and Biology in a separate hour
Option #2 Details:
- For students that want to take more than three years of science.
- For students potentially considering a health science career.
- In 8th grade, students should have high marks in Algebra and in Science.
Graduation Requirements: Science
Physical Science - 1 credit (9th)
Biology - 1 credit (10th)
1 credit Chemistry or 1 credit Physics or .5 credit Earth & Space Science and .5 credit other Science (11th)
9th Grade Requirement: Math
- If a student is successful in their current math class, it is common for them to move on to the next math level in sequence.
- Math teachers will make recommendations. Please ask for a math teacher signature on the schedule card for any advanced math students.
Math Sequence
- Algebra 1
- Geometry (or Honors)
- Algebra 2 (or Honors)
- Pre-Calculus (or Honors)
- AP Calculus/AP Stats
Graduation Requirement: Math
- Each student must minimally complete the coursework through Algebra 2
- A math or "math related" course must be taken in the final year of high school
- See registration information brochure for examples of "math related"
9th Grade Social Studies
Option #1
World History
Option #2
Big History
Option #2 Details:
- Big History is a year long cross curricular view of history that focuses on testing and evaluating the modern science perspective of our history. It is an inquiry-based course that requires students to research and analyze scientific and historical theories.
- Big History looks at the history of the Universe, from the Big Bang to modernity, and explores common themes and patterns that can help us better understand people, civilizations and the world we live in.
- Strong interest and academic performance in social studies and science
- Strong written communication skills (there is a document-based essay at the conclusion of each unit in addition to a semester-long research paper)
- Willingness to discuss/present information
- Excellent study skills and be conscientious with due dates
- Mature, self-motivated attitude
- Consistent access to online resources (there is no textbook)
Graduation Requirements: Social Studies
World History/Big History - 1 credit (9th)
US History - 1 credit (10th)
Government and Economics - 1 credit (11th)
Graduation Requirement: Modern World Language
All students must earn 2.0 credits in a Modern World Language. The two credits must be in the same language.
Choices: German, French, Spanish, Chinese, American Sign Language (ASL)
Middle School Classes for High School Credit
- High school level courses taken in middle school will count for high school credit
- Examples: Algebra 1, Geometry, World Language
- Grades will not be calculated into the GPA but will show on the transcript.
Graduation Requirement: Visual, Performing and Applied Arts (VPAA)
1 credit (2 semesters) – courses are listed in the registration brochure
Graduation Requirement: Health and Physical Education
Students must fulfill 1 credit (2 semesters/classes)
Pick one: A, B, or C - The same content is covered in each option. But the structure of the class is what you're to consider.
A: Wellness 1 and Wellness 2 (Each class is half Health and half PE content in each semester.)
B: Health and Physical Activity (Health content is covered in Health and PE content is covered in PE)
C: Health AND 2 seasons of a MHSAA sport or Marching Band (equals .5 Physical Activity course) - A FLEX option form needs to be completed after the two seasons are completed and returned to counseling
Electives
- Art
- Business
- Design and Technology
- English
- Family and Consumer Science
- Music
- Modern World Language
Note Box E - Alternative Choices
Course Description Book
Use the course description book while creating a 4 year plan.
Note prerequisites for certain courses including AP courses.
Total Credits Needed to Graduate
Students will earn 6 credits each year by passing all classes (6 credits x 4 years = 24 possible credits)
There are opportunities in the Summer Learning Program to take classes towards graduation requirements.
Inputting Schedule Request
Input the requested schedule on-line at https://rcsvue.rochester.k12.mi.us BEFORE turning it in to the middle school counselor.
There are directions in the registration brochure and a video tutorial on the RHS counseling webpage. http://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/rochester-high-school/pages/137561/scheduling
Be sure to input your classes into StudentVue before turning your schedule card into your middle school counselor
- Reuther - March 16th
- West - March 13th
Four Year Plan
Academic Recognition
Scholars of Highest Distinction:
GPA 3.9-4.0
4 AP courses
ACT composite of 32 or higher or SAT total of 1430 or higher
Scholars of Distinction:
GPA 3.8 -3.899 or higher
3 or more AP Courses
ACT composite of 28 or higher or SAT total 1310 or higher
Scholars of Achievement:
GPA 3.5 - 3.799 or higher
2 or more AP Courses
ACT composite of 26 or higher or SAT total 1240 or higher
Student Success Skills
- Arrive to class prepared - Homework completed
- Stay organized - Use a planner everyday!
- Understand assignments and homework - Ask for Help! - Many teachers are available before school or after school.
- Listen and focus in class - Be an active listener and take notes.
- Keep track of attendance
- Keep track of grades - StudentVUE, ParentVUE
- Have a dependable study buddy/study group
- Study everyday after school! 10-15 mins. per core subject, more before tests
- Join Clubs, go to Sporting Events, Dances, Participate in Spirit Weeks and much, much more.
- Have 1 1/2 hours, for example, set aside EVERY day for ACADEMIC time. It's not a question of if there's homework. There will be homework. If it's done before coming home, the 1 1/2 hours should still be used for studying or reading an academic novel. This needs to become routine.
Important Dates
To note:
Schedule cards are due to the middle school counselor:
West - March 13 - You must enter your schedule into StudentVUE, Then hand it in to your counselor.
Reuther - March 16 - Enter your schedule on StudentVUE then hand it in to your counselor.
8th Grade Parent Student Welcome Night: March 11th at 6 pm - Rochester High School Auditorium
Freshmen August Orientation: To Be Determined