FINE ARTS

ART AND ART HISTORY

DRAMA

.5 Credit

This course is a general introduction to the visual arts through drawing, painting, crafts, design, competition, and color theory using a variety of media and techniques. Students will also study related artists, periods, and styles important in the history of art.

DRAWING AND PAINTING

.5 Credit

This class will provide a continuation of Art and History with special emphasis on drawing techniques, acrylic painting, watercolor painting, silk painting, tempera, oils, oil pastels, stressing individual approaches, personal style, and self expression. Students will experience both two-dimensional and three-dimensional media and computer technology applicatioons. Self-directed artist, with a sound basis of color, design, and composition, may work independently on individually chosen projects.

DRAMA

.5 Credit

This course is designed to develop listening skills, communication skills, public speaking skills, acting skills, and poise and self-confidence in creative group activities. Students will be participating in improvisation exercises and activities, skits, pantomimes, and monologues; they will also be reading and performing short plays, designing sets, creating costumes, and planning a performance . During these activities students will be working on cooperative learning skills, interpersonal skills, character development, communicating through creative movement and body language, creative use of voice and facial expressions, listening and memory skills, and effective planning to meet a deadline.

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ELECTIVES:

LAW

.5 Credit

In this course you will learn about the law that is in use everyday life. Learn your legal rights and responsibilities. The class will problem solve with mock trials, opinion polls, group activities, learn how to analyze and resolve legal disputes.

PSYCHOLOGY

.5 Credit

This course is designed to provide the student with an overview of the psychological aspects of learning, measurement of intelligence, the brain/body connections, development and behavior as they relate to individuals, families and society, the effects of heredity and environment, and mental health, illness, and therapy.

PHILOSOPHY

.5 Credit

This is a course designed to introduce students to questions and answers presented by Western and Eastern philosophy over the last four thousand years. Students will compare their own questions, assertions, and conclusions with those of the important writers and philosophers of the world. There will be extensive class discussion and writing assignments.

SCREENPLAY AND VIDEO PRODUCTION

.5 Credit

During the first half of the class students will be watching, analyzing, and critiquing significant screenplays, and discovering what characterizes a good screenplay. During the second half of the class, the group will be creating its own screenplay by building a paradigm, storyboard, and dialogue, and will study camera directions and techniques. The class will culminate with the filming and production of the screenplay. Teamwork is essential.

WORLD ISSUES

.5 Credit

This course will involve the study of crucial and/or controversial community, national, and world issues, problems, and conflicts - environmental, cultural, economic, social, religious, and political. Students will read current news journals, news articles, essays, and reports; additionally, they will watch current news programs and updates. Discussions will include brainstorming and finding solutions and answers to problems that affect our world. Skills in reading, researching, writing, and speaking will be emphasized .

STUDY SKILLS

.5 Credit

The class provides an opportunity for selected students to work independently on individually designed contracts and projects. The class serves a three-fold purpose: (1) to help students learn the necessary skills, strategies, and behaviors for success in their classes (2) to provide an opportunity and quiet environment for students to make up uncompleted work from previous trimester classes (3) to provide an opportunity for seniors to complete independent study contracts in courses needed to be on track for graduation.

JOURNALISM

.5 Credit

Students will be designing a school newspaper, writing and publishing articles in several news formats, designing graphic pages, creating political cartoons and surveys, and writing short stories and poems. Emphasis will be placed on the skills of writing, research, persuasion, vocabulary, revising and editing. Students will be working on Microsoft Publisher. May be taken for English 7.

LEADERSHIP

.5 Credit

This class provides experience and training in the skills of leadership, focusing on good communication skills, organization, decision-making, group collaboration, and project-planning. The class designs, plans, and organizes fund-raising projects for the school, serves as a forum for student council, organizes and sets the agenda for school assemblies, and plans all-school events, service-learning activities, and field trips.

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ENGLISH:

ENGLISH 1 AND 2

1 Credit

English 1 and 2 is a course designed to prepare each student with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a more competent writer and a critical thinker. The study of literature, including a novel, short stories, biographies, autobiographies, and dramatic literature, will serve as a focus for each student to develop his or her own skills as a writer. Paragraph writing, essay writing, and other forms of narrative writing are all important elements of this development. Vocabulary, spelling, and grammar will be taught within the context of specific pieces of writing.

ENGLISH 3 AND 4

1 Credit

English 3 and 4 is a course which is designed to ensure that the student will acquire basic competencies, and builds on the skills and knowledge which the student has acquired in English 1 and 2. The course will consist of the following: spelling, vocabulary, usage, sentence structure and punctuation review, paragraph writing review, letter of application and resume, multi-paragraph writing, technical writing, essays, propaganda and reporting, persuasion, and literary analysis of both British and World poetry, drama, mythology, and novels.

ENGLISH CONTINUED...

ENGLISH 5 AND 6

1 Credit

English 5 and 6 focuses on areas of major importance within the study of American Literature. Students will analyze the American experience as it is presented through literature, surveying the variety of cultural and ethnic experiences in American society (including Northwest writers). Critical thinking, exposition, and reading comprehension skills will be emphasized through written, spoken, and multimedia responses.

ENGLISH 7

.5 Credit

Students will be exploring World Literature, contemporary news journals, and other technical writings, and responding with reports, essays, and presentations. Also, students will do extensive research on a topic of interest, gather resources, turn in an outline and note cards, and complete a final research paper with footnotes and bibliography, and a class presentation .

RHETORIC

.5 Credit ( prerequisite: excellent reading and comprehension skills)

Designed for college-bound students, this course provides an intimate group setting for creative expression. Students complete an in-depth, concentrated study of selected world classics, films, and journals, with extensive independent reading assignments, lecture and discussion, and college-level examinations and essay assignments. May be taken for English 4, 6 or 7.

SPEECH

.5 Credit

This course is designed to develop listening skills, communication skills, public speaking skills, and poise and self-confidence in creative group activities. Students will be participating in individual and group presentations, reports, debates, skits, and oral reading activities. During these activities students will be working on effective introductions, volume and pausing, repetition and gestures, developing main points, audience contact, use of notes, fluency, conversational delivery, proper pronunciation, coherent development, reasoning and convincing an audience, sense stress and modulation, manifesting enthusiasm and warmth, using illustrations, making appropriate conclusions, timing, and poise and personal appearance.

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS

.5 Credit

An introduction of technical writing skills, research methods, creating multimedia presentations, and group presentations. Skills will include the writing of protocols, catalogs, checklists, instruction manuals, and other related technique-oriented materials. May involve some illustration and design elements.

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MATHEMATICS:

GENERAL MATH

.5 Credit

This course helps students develop a solid background in fundamental operations and applications involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percents, measurements; also, students will focus on problem-solving skills and receive an overview of the fundamentals of pre-algebra. The class is designed to prepare students for algebra, and to gain the necessary skills to pass the math competency test.

APPLIED MATH 1

.5 Credit

This course is designed to help students become competent in the math of everyday life. Each unit covers real-life situations and problems, involving communication, reading, and problem-solving. Students work in groups, studying fundamentals of numbers, arithmetic operations, measurement, geometry, data handling, and problem-solving techniques, connecting algebra to real-life situations.

APPLIED MATH 2 AND 3

.5 Credit per course

Applied Math 2 and 3 include study of vectors, shapes in two- and three- dimensions, formulas, scale drawings, using graphs, charts, tables, ration and proportion. Students use a scientific calculator to complete assignments. Students will utilize graph calculators.

BUSINESS AND CONSUMER MATH

.5 Credit

This course reviews fundamental math concepts by applying it to math needed for business and life skills, covering such subjects as: investments, the Stock Market, Mutual Funds, taxes, consumer spending, budgeting, payroll, buying on credit, banking, etc.. By the use of simulations, computers, and calculators, students are prepared for entry level employment and independent living. Satisfies a math or occupational education requirement.

ALGEBRA ( 1 and 2)

.5 Credit - 1 Credit

This course provides the study of the major topics of algebra including variables, equations, linear functions, graphs, inequalities, and quadratic, exponential, and polynomial functions. Scientific calculator required.

GEOMETRY

.5 Credit

This course covers the basic concepts of geometry, including: points, lines, planes, triangles, circles, area, polygons, congruency, proofs, similarity, and parallelism.

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PE & HEALTH

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

.5 Credit

Students will be exposed to a broad variety of activities, emphasizing the development of acceptable social skills for successful group interaction, and encouraging lifelong fitness. The class is generally held at the YMCA and at nearby park facilities. Activities may include: swimming, table tennis, basketball, volleyball, softball or baseball, racquetball, weightlifting, badminton, rock wall climbing, hiking, biking, frisbee-throwing and aerobic exercises. A $12.00 fee is required. This fee covers a student membership at the YMCA for the 12-week trimester.

HEALTH

.5 Credit

This class will prepare students for lifelong decision making, problem solving, critical thinking, and management skills related to health and wellness issues. Emphasis will be placed on students having an active role in developing healthy lifestyles. The following information will be presented: mental health and wellness, alcohol and drugs, diseases (including STD's), cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, personal and family relationships, social and personal responsibility, stress management, community health organizations, and other relevant topics

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SCIENCES:

GENERAL BIOLOGY

.5 Credit

This is a class that will involve group interaction and outdoor exploration and projects. Students will be learning about the scientific method, matter and energy, the cell, genetics, the evolution theory, classifications, microorganisms, reproduction, digestion, the immune system, and interactions in the environment. Projects will emphasize problem-solving, graphing, diagramming, and research, integrating math skills and computer technology.

MARINE BIOLOGY

.5 Credit

This is an activity and project oriented class that focuses on topics such as, ocean floor and coastal geology, water characteristics, global currents, climate and vegetation, and marine ecology. Students will be required to participate in weekly outdoor field activities, investigating tidepools and marine life, collecting data, diagramming, and developing reports on findings.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

.5 Credit

This course will cover the scientific method, metric measurement, laws of motion, light waves and vision, sound waves and hearing, states of matter, physical and chemical change, matter in solution, acids, bases, salts, and even some astronomy. Projects will emphasize problem-solving, diagramming and graphing, lab reports, and research, integrating math skills and computer technology.

ADVANCED BIOLOGY

.5 Credit

This course will focus on Biotechnology and DNA science. Units will include: DNA analysis and sequencing, bioethics and other topics relating to genetics and molecular biology. Students will be using technical writing by keeping journals, lab books, doing formal reports and protocols.

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SOCIAL STUDIES:

GLOBAL HISTORY

.5 Credit

Students will learn about philosophies, traditions, and movements in the world's past, including the study of ancient civilizations (Babylonian, Persian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Hebrew, Greek, Roman) ; the Chinese, Japanese, African, and European cultures and history. The course will also examine environmental, religious, economic, political, and social issues and conflicts of the past, and how these issues and conflicts affect our present world system.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY

.5 Credit

The course will focus on the earth, its physical, political, and economic features. Students will be studying a wide variety of maps and graphs; time zones and latitude and longitude directions; demonstrating skills in locating countries, continents, oceans, cities, and other points of interest; identifying geographic terms; and studying specific cultures, political philosophies, environmental issues and conflicts existing in the world today.

U.S.HISTORY 1

.5 Credit

This course presents the study of political, economic, social, technological, and military aspects of United States history from the Colonial Period through the year 1900, covering Colonial life, the American Revolution, westward development, the Civil War, reconstruction, and the rise of industrialism.

U.S.HISTORY 2

.5 Credit

This course continues the political, economic, social, technological, and military aspects of U.S. History from the year 1900 to the present, covering Progressivism, World War 1, the 1920's, the depression, World War 2, the cold war, the contrasting decades of the 50's, 60's, and 70's, the Vietnam War, the Middle East, up to present conflicts and issues, and the influence of America on the world stage.

NORTHWEST HISTORY

.5 Credit

The class will examine the history and geography of Washington State, with emphasis on Bellingham and Whatcom County, studying Native American occupation, exploration and settlement, the fur trade, the missionary influence, the state government, the state economy, and how this area of Washington has developed into what it is today.

CITIZENSHIP

.5 Credit

This course is designed to give the student practical understanding of rights and responsibilities as a citizen of Washington State and of the United States. The course emphasizes a study of federal government's structure and functions, Washington State's governmental development, and Whatcom County's various divisions and agencies. The course highlights national political party structures, various tax systems, the justice system, and contemporary problems. This course helps students to satisfactorily complete the "Constitution Test" required by the District for all graduating seniors.

CONSUMER ECONOMICS

.5 Credit

This class will prepare the student for making intelligent economic choices in the American economic system. Through projects and simulations, the students will learn about: banking, stocks and investments, interest paying and earning, starting a business, consumer scams, job search skills, interviewing, resumes, filling out applications and forms, supply and demand, buying an automobile and home, and other economic concepts.

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OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION:

WORK EXPERIENCE

.5 Credit

Work experience provides an opportunity for students to learn from a variety of experiences in an occupational setting. Jobs acceptable for work experience must provide a sufficient variety of learning experiences to warrant credit. To be eligible, students must be at least 16 years old, work no less than 10 hours per week for a minimum of 24 weeks or 2 trimesters, and must work a total of 202.5 hours to earn a .5 credit. Students are required to meet with a work experience supervisor, attend work experience seminars, sign and have parents sign a contract, and turn in verified work hours on a log sheet weekly. An employer's report of the student's work record, indicating satisfactory progress on the job, and a student SCANS skills report, must be turned in every 6 weeks to satisfy the contract for credit. May be repeated for a total of 1.0 credits. P (pass) or NC (no credit) grade.

HOME AND FASHION DESIGN

.5 Credit

Students will learn the basic decorative and design concepts related to interiors of living environments, focusing on the study of floor plans and room designs, space organization, color considerations, furniture styles, choices of flooring, window treatments, and wall paints and paper. Also, the class will investigate fashion design, looking into the past, present, and future of the fashion industry. Students will also participate in planning, designing, and presenting a fashion show.

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

.5 Credit

This course will familiarize students with IBM compatible computers and software - Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, and Access - and District and Options requirements and expectations. Students will learn keyboarding, basic concepts and computer applications of word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, databases, multimedia, Web sites, etc.. This class will provide an excellent opportunity for gaining occupational skills.

STUDENT OFFICE ASSISTANT

.5 Credit (special permission only)

Students interested in being an office assistant must submit a request through the school office. To be eligible, a student must have excellent attendance and demonstrate good progress in all classes. Working as an assistant, a student will gain knowledge of general office and telephone procedures for occupational education. Duties may include: filing, answering phones and taking messages, making copies, typing, running errands, organizing materials, inventory, cleaning, and other miscellaneous office tasks. P(pass) or NC(no credit) grade.

CLASSROOM TEACHER ASSISTANT

.5 Credit (special permission only)

Student assistants work closely with a teacher in performing a wide range of duties and responsibilities, which are appropriate to the talents and abilities of the student, and appropriate to the particular course and the teacher's needs in that course. The specific requirements to be met are designed, written up in the form of a contract, and agreed to and signed by both the student and the teacher. To be eligible, a student must be a junior or senior, have excellent attendance and progress in all classes, and good basic reading, writing, and math skills. P(pass) or NC(no credit) grades.

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ADVISORY

No Credit

Advisory is a service designed to help all Options students develop and maintain a Career Portfolio/ ISP (Individual Student Plan) that will remain with the student upon graduation and serve in transitioning from high school to employment and further education. Each Options student will be assigned an "Advisor" and placed in an Advisory group which will meet weekly on Fridays. The purpose of these meetings will be to update and add to the portfolios, record relevant test scores and other data in the ISP's, discuss upcoming events and plans, solve problems and conflicts, reaffirm or amend goals, evaluate progress, review graduation requirements, credits, and plans, and address any student concerns. All Options students are required to participate in Advisory.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACTS:

Independent Study Contracts allow students to work toward earning credits at their own pace, independently, either at home or within a Study Skills class.

To be eligible for an independent study contract, students must meet one of the following criteria:

1. be enrolled, attend, and make progress in a Study Skills class.

2. be enrolled in four classes, with excellent attendance and progress during previous 12-week session.

3. be a graduating senior, needing credit in classes not offered at the necessary times to meet the graduation deadline.

4. be designated an off-campus student after a conference with parents, administrator, and teachers, due to a medical, behavioral, or other emergency or disciplinary situation.

Other requirements:

Once eligible, students must meet with a teacher and design an independent study contract, which must be signed by parents, teacher, student, and administrator.* All students on independent study contracts (with the exception of those enrolled in a Study Skills class) must meet with the contract teacher weekly at a designated time and day to go over assignments, assess work, ask relevant questions, and clarify information.** Students who fail to meet with the teacher (unless there is an excused emergency) or fail to turn in assignments, will be dropped from an independent study contract. All assignments and assessments must meet the minimum of 80% accuracy or a B grade.

* Within a Study Skills class, contracts are signed by student and teacher only.

**"Off-Campus students on contract, who are not attending regular classes, must meet with the contract teacher for a minimum of one hour per week, and keep a log sheet of the time spent on assignments at home.

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Available to juniors and seniors only, the Health Care Services program is located on the St. Joseph Hospital campus. The program provides students with "hands-on" exposure to a variety of health care careers. Students gain the core foundation skills necessary to pursue occupations within the health care field. The course provides an occupational elective and a science credit for anatomy and physiology study. An application is required for admission to the program. The program enrolls juniors and seniors from all Whatcom County high schools. Inquire in the Options office for more details

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AUTOMOTIVE AND DIESEL TECH

Bellingham Technical College offers a Basic Automotive Skills and Basic Diesel Skills Program for high school juniors and seniors. The classes are on the BTC campus, Monday through Thursday, 3:00pm to 5:30pm. Students who successfully complete the 350 hour program will receive a Basic Diesel Skills Certificate or Basic Automotive Skills Certificate. Interested students apply for the program at Bellingham Technical College. Students may be required to purchase books and tools for the program. For additional information, inquire at the Options office.

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RUNNING START

The Running Start program allows eligible students to attend either Bellingham Technical College or Whatcom Community College part-time or full-time with tuition paid by the State of Washington. Students may earn both high school and college credit at WCC and BTC. To be eligible a student must be at least a junior, have earned a minimum of 12.0 credits, be enrolled at Options High School, and have successfully completed the assessment test at WCC or BTC.

Bellingham Technical College

Students must take a Basic Skills Academic Assessment at BTC before they are eligible to apply for admission. Many state-of-the-art workforce preparation programs are available at BTC. While the State of Washington pays tuition fees at BTC, many programs have equipment fees that are at the student's own expense. Students are also responsible for the cost of their textbooks and transportation.

Whatcom Community College

Students who seek to attend WCC must pass an entrance test in English and mathematics. If the student wishes to obtain a diploma from Options High School, careful program planning is needed. Some students during attendance at WCC earn credits toward an Associate of Arts degree that allows the student to then transfer to a four-year college or university. Because some universities do not accept Running Start credits, students should check with the college of their choice prior to enrolling in the Running Start program. Students are responsible for the cost of their textbooks and transportation.

Students interested in the Running Start program should pick up a brochure in the Options High School office and make an appointment to meet with the Options administrator.