Course Selection 2016 17 Rising Seniors Class of

Course Selection 2016 -17 Rising Seniors, Class of 2017 2 February 2016

Big Ideas for High School Success (from Dr. Ambar) � Think->Reflect->Assess – Pick your courses deliberately � Manage the Risk/Reward Trade-Off – Reach and manage it effectively. You have to execute the plan � Over Prepare -- Work hard and work smart. Don’t negate the time demands of the college application process � Portray Confidence — Be fearless and be willing to learn � Seek Mentorship – Make the most of the Capstone opportunity. Experiential opportunities are gateway � Be true to yourself — Know your boundaries and decisions to make choices with no consequences

Opportunities Created by the New Schedule in 2016 -17 What’s New and Better? ü Everyone takes 7 credits ü Electives Galore ! (Health /PE, Dance, Art History, Public Speaking, Second Language, Humanities, Intro to Theater Production, Madrigals and Strings as a scheduled class) ü Seminar Options in English and Theology for Seniors ü Capstone opportunities

Master Scheduling Timetable �Parent Information Night 2/9/16 �Class Meetings 2/2 – 2/9/16 to review Course Selection Process �Signed Course Selection Sheets due Friday, 3/11/16 in homeroom �March-April/16: Match course requests with available staff and space constraints �April-May/16: Determine 16 -17 offerings �June-July/16: Develop 16 -17 master schedule

Credit and Course Requirements for Graduation: Four in the Cores �Theology, English– 4 credits each �Math, Science, Foreign Language & Social Studies – 3 cr. Each – colleges like you to get to a terminal point – Four in the Cores! �Health/Physical Education/Guidance – 2. 0 credits �Technology & Fine Arts - 0. 5 credit each �Additional Electives – 4 credits �Senior Capstone & Annual Retreat �Minimum credits for VMA graduation: 28 (most students graduate with more)

The 2016 -17 Course Selection Sheet and Academic Catalog www. vmahs. org Academics Tab Academic Catalog

Changing Levels: What to Expect? �Meeting the prerequisites – If you are not recommended, this course is not a match �College Prep vs. Honors �Honors vs. Advanced Placement �Decisions made now set up 16 -17 schedule/budget – no drops

What do successful college students look like? Colleges want students who demonstrate… Commitment Courage Conviction Calm

Villa Maria Academy Education Allows you to fulfill your God-given potential to be … INDEPENDENT COLLEGE READY FAITH-FILLED

Questions? �Mrs. Jeane Mc. Namara, Director of Curriculum & Instruction jmcnamara@vmahs. org 610 -644 -2551 x 1022 THANK YOU