![]() 1600 40th Street Rio Rancho, NM 87144 891-5335 |
Program of Studies Table of Contents
PhilosophyThe purpose of the Rio Rancho Mid-High School is to inspire lifelong academic, social, and personal growth, by creating a climate that fosters learning, meets the needs of ALL students through cutting edge practices, and ensures they are prepared for a successful high school experience. The philosophy of the Rio Rancho Mid-High School is to mesh the concepts from “Turning Points” (Carnegie Council of Adolescents Development) with the main themes from “Breaking Ranks” (National Association of Secondary School Principals). The recommendation from “Turning Points” which states “Schools should be places where close, trusting relationships with adults and peers create a climate for personal growth and intellectual development” can and should be incorporated into the idea that better education depends on personalization, coherency, time, technology, professional development, and leadership. The Rio Rancho Mid-High Campus will aid students in the most difficult transition of their educational career. The majority of students drop out of school most often at both the eighth and ninth grades. These two grades also offer special challenges such as high rates of retention, absenteeism, and discipline problems. This campus will provide opportunities for students to develop feelings of positive self worth and appreciation of their own uniqueness through close teacher-student involvement. The Mid-High School will form a bridge from the middle school to the high school and provide an environment for learning and programs that meet the needs of students in these transitional years. A strong foundation will be provided in the basic academic subjects as well as an opportunity to explore the interests, abilities, and aptitudes of eighth and ninth grade students. In order to accommodate students’ needs at this level, the following programs will be implemented: · Teaming at both the eighth and ninth grade level · Credentialing/advisory · Mentoring opportunities · School within a school concept/small learning communities · Elective offerings · Extracurricular and co-curricular connections · Rigorous and relevant curricula · Interdisciplinary instructional units · Daily focus on reading in the content area · Implementation of the Baldrige Criteria and the use of quality tools The Rio Rancho Mid-High School is committed to staying at the forefront of education through continuous improvement and innovation. Its strength will lie in its successful educational programs and its capable, experienced, and caring faculty. Back to the topVision StatementTo create and maintain an exemplary school by establishing challenging standards for performance. Mission StatementTo inspire lifelong academic, social and personal growth, by creating a climate that fosters learning, meet the needs of ALL students through cutting edge practices, and ensure they are prepared for a successful high school experience. Sample ScheduleBack to the topGrade 8 Fall Spring
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Course |
Grade |
Credit |
Prerequisites |
Lab Fee |
|
Humanities (A & B) year long |
8 |
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Enr. (Pre-AP) Humanities (A & B) year long |
8 |
teacher rec, signed contract |
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|
Math 8 : year long course |
8 |
|||
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Algebra: year long course |
8 |
Teacher rec, 85% grade in 7th math, signed contract |
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Science: year long course |
8 |
|||
|
Pathfinders |
9 |
1 |
||
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Humanities 9A |
9 |
1 English |
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Humanities 9B |
9 |
1soc/stud |
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Enr. (Pre-AP) Humanities 9A |
9 |
1 English |
Placement exam, teacher rec, signed contract |
|
|
Enr. (Pre-AP) Humanities 9B |
9 |
1soc/stud |
Continuation of Enr. (Pre-AP) Hum 9A |
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Algebra 9A |
9 |
1 elective |
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|
Algebra 9B |
9 |
1 math |
Algebra 1A passed |
|
|
Enriched Algebra |
9 |
1 math |
Teacher rec, 85% in 8th math, signed contract |
|
|
Enriched Geometry |
9 |
1 math |
Teacher rec, 85% in 8th Algebra, signed contract |
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|
Geometry A |
9 |
1 math |
Teacher rec, 85% in 8th Algebra, signed contract |
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Geometry B |
9 |
1 elective |
Continuation of Geometry A |
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Intro to Statistics |
9 |
1 elective |
Continuation of Enriched Algebra or Enriched Geom. |
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Integrated Science |
9 |
1 science |
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Enriched Integrated Science |
9 |
1 science |
Teacher rec, 85% in 8th Science, signed contract |
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Tech Lab/Robotics |
9 |
1 |
20.00 |
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Biology |
9 |
1 |
Enriched Integrated Science |
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Bugs and Drugs |
9 |
1 |
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Furry Fins and Feathery Fangs |
9 |
1 |
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French I & II |
9 |
2 |
II – must pass level I |
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German I & II |
9 |
2 |
II – must pass level 1 |
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|
Italian I & II |
9 |
2 |
II – must pass level 1 |
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Spanish I & II |
9 |
2 |
II – must pass level 1 |
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ROTC |
9 |
9th only |
25.00 |
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Foundations of Health/PE |
8/9 |
9th only |
Uniform purchase required |
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Weight Training I |
8/9 |
9th only |
Foundations of Health & PE – uniform purchase |
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Introduction to Technology |
8/9 |
9th only |
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Print Journalism/Yearbook |
9 |
1 |
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Humanities/Math Lab |
8/9 |
9th only |
Forced elective for those receiving D in Hum or Math |
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Problem Solving |
9 |
1 |
Required for students who failed Algebra I |
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Food Science |
8/9 |
9th only |
20.00 |
|
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Introduction to Dance |
8/9 |
9th only |
Required dance attire and shoes ($30.00) |
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Introduction to Drama |
8/9 |
9th only |
25.00 |
|
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Art I |
8/9 |
9th only |
25.00 |
|
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String Orchestra |
8/9 |
9th only |
Playing experience |
40.00 |
|
Concert Band I, II, III, IV. |
8/9 |
9th only |
Previous experience, audition, instructor permission |
50.00 |
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Marching Band |
9 |
1 (2 if yr) |
Concurrent band enrollment |
20.00 |
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Jazz Band |
8/9 |
9th only |
Audition only, concurrent concert band |
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Show Choir |
8/9 |
9th only |
Audition only, concurrent mixed choir |
TBA |
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Mixed Choir I, II, III, IV |
8/9 |
9th only |
Placement; permission from instructor |
TBA |
Humanities 8
(Language Arts/Lit 8/US History)
Grade Level: 8
Prerequisite: None
Lab Fee: None
This two-term course integrates language arts, literature, and social studies. Students will explore these subjects using an interdisciplinary approach with the use of textbooks, novels, role-playing, and cooperative learning groups. Students will continue to improve vocabulary, reading skills, grammar, parts of speech, and writing mechanics. A research paper will be a required component for this course.
Enriched (Pre-AP) Humanities 8
(Language Arts/Lit 8/US History)
Grade Level:8
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, signed contract by both parent and student
Lab Fee: None
This two-term course integrates language arts, literature, and social studies and is designed for students who are above grade-level in reading, language arts, and social studies. Reading, writing, and speaking requirements are extensive and include research papers and oral presentations. This course is recommended for students who want to take the placement exam into Enriched (Pre-AP) Humanities 9.
Math 8
Grade Level: 8
Prerequisite: None
Lab Fee: None
Math 8 is a yearlong course that will expand on skills acquired in seventh grade and concentrate on an introduction to algebra, integers, rational and real numbers, and applications with proportions, percents, probability, statistics, functions, graphs, and investigations with polynomials.
Algebra
Grade Level: 8
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, a minimum of 85% grade on 7th grade Math, signed contract by both student and parent.
Lab Fee: None
This is a full year course equivalent to Algebra course offered at the 9th grade level, but students will receive no credit. It will serve as the prerequisite, however, for Enriched Geometry, Geometry, and Introduction to Statistics. This course is designed to teach students how to solve problems that involve variables and work with rational numbers. Students will learn the basic structure of the real number system and recognize techniques for solving equations and inequalities, graphing, operations with polynomial expressions/equations, techniques of factoring, systems of equations and quadratic equations. Evaluation of knowledge will include presentations, projects, reports, and tests.
Science 8
(One semester of Earth Science; One semester of Conceptual Physics)
Grade Level: 8
Prerequisite: None
Science 8 is a yearlong course with one semester devoted to Earth Science and one semester devoted to Conceptual Physics.
Earth Science: The Earth Science curriculum explores the many facets of the Earth Sciences. The areas of concentration are geology (with an emphasis on New Mexico geology) meteorology, astronomy, and oceanography.
Conceptual Physics: Push it! Pull it! Drop it! Kick it! You just can’t do something in your world without using force. Can you then figure out a way to use less force than someone else? Can you become smarter in how to do LESS WORK? Ahhh work! Develop skills of measuring and testing the world around you by working with concepts of mass, acceleration, momentum, inertia and friction. Get involved through interesting labs (Dominos, Race Tracks, Cars, Balloons, tug-of-war) that will help you learn the “tough” concepts for future scientific work ahead in your life.
Pathfinder/Communication Skills
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
Lab Fee: None
This course is required of all students in the First Year Academy at Rio Rancho High School. Within this course, students explore a wide variety of career opportunities and develop a plan for their remaining three years of high school and beyond. Students learn about economics and communication skills, both written and oral. The culminating activity for this course is the development of a Career Portfolio that highlights each student’s career plan and also serves as the student’s application for admission to a career academy. This course supports the development of important employability including basic skills, thinking skills, personal qualities, resources, interpersonal skills, information, systems, and technology.
Humanities
Humanities
9A
(English 9; Government)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
Lab Fee: None
This two-term course meets New Mexico SDE graduation requirements in English 9 and government. Students explore the essential question, “What does it mean to belong to a group?” as they examine their roles as family members, RRHS First Year Academy students, and citizens. They study principles and issues of federal government using selected literary and artistic works to illuminate concepts such as identity, hope, and justice. Students apply language and thinking skills to written and oral presentations that demonstrate what they have learned and how it applies to their lives. There are extensive reading and writing requirements.
Humanities
9B
(English 9; Government)
Grade Level: 9 or above; offered Spring Term
Prerequisite: Humanities 9A
Lab Fee: None
Humanities 9B extends the study of themes and content begun in Humanities 9A, focusing on issues of state and local government. Students analyze a variety of literary genres (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, essays) and demonstrate how literature and art illuminate concepts related to citizenship (defiance and compliance, unity, and idealism). They apply reading, writing, speaking, listening, and study skills to written and oral presentations that reflect their learning. A portfolio is required to complete the course.
Enriched
(Pre-AP) Humanities 9A
(English 9; Government)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Successful application to the RRHS Advanced Humanities program (placement exam, signed contract by both parent and student)
Lab Fee: None
This course is designed for students who exhibit at-or-above grade-level proficiency in reading, language arts, and social studies and who wish to pursue an in-depth study of Humanities 9 topics. Reading, writing, and speaking requirements are extensive and include research papers and oral presentations. The course is recommended for students who want to take Advanced Placement classes in English and social studies as upperclassmen. There is a summer reading requirement.
Enriched
(Pre-AP) Humanities 9B
(English 9; Government)
Grade Level 9
Prerequisite: Advanced Humanities 9A or successful application to the RRHS Advanced Humanities Program (placement exam, signed contract by both parent and student)
Lab Fee: None
This course is an extension of Advanced Humanities 9A, designed for students who wish to pursue Humanities 9B topics in depth. Reading, writing, and speaking requirements are extensive and include research papers and oral presentations. A portfolio is required to complete the course.
Math
Algebra
1A (Semester 1)
Grade
Level: 9
Prerequisite:
8th Grade Regular math (A/B/C)
Lab
Fee: NONE
TI -81 or 83 graphing calculators will be used
Algebra IA is the first part of a two-term sequence in Algebra. This course is designed to teach students how to solve problems that involve variables and work with rational numbers. Students learn the basic structure of the real number system and recognize techniques for solving equations and inequalities, graphing, operations with polynomial expressions/equations, techniques of factoring, systems of equations and quadratic equations. The course also includes reinforcement of computational skills with extensions to problem-solving techniques. Evaluation of knowledge will include presentations, projects, reports, and tests.
Algebra IB (Semester 2)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Algebra IA passed
Lab Fee: NONE
TI -81 or 83 graphing calculators will be used.
Upon conclusion of this course, students will have completed a full course of studies in Algebra I. Material will focus on graphing using rational expressions and will provide the student with advanced methods in solving equations. Material will focus on graphing, evaluating radical expressions, using rational expressions, and applying problem-solving strategies to real world situations.
Enriched Algebra (Semester 1, followed by Semester 2: Intro to Statistics)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Middle school Math teacher recommendation, a minimum of 85% in Math 8, and signed contract by both parent and student.
Lab Fee: NONE
TI -81 or 83 graphing calculators will be used.
Required Mentorship project = 50% of final exam
The advanced course is for students who have an interest in mathematics in addition to having a well-defined work ethic, works well with others and has demonstrated a self-discipline toward their own learning. Topics of study follow the same curriculum as Algebra IA/IB though the depth of investigation will vary over the following areas: rational numbers, linear equations, linear inequalities, system of linear equations, ratios and proportions, polynomial expressions/equations, techniques of factoring and quadratic equations and their graphs.
Geometry A (Semester 1, followed by Semester 2: Geometry B)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation, minimum of 85% grade in Algebra 8, signed contract by both teacher and student
Lab Fee: NONE
Required Mentorship Project = 50% of final exam
TI-81 or 83 graphing calculators will be used.
This two-term course is for a student who has a working knowledge of the basic concepts and skills of Algebra 1. Topics will include inductive reasoning through construction and measurement. Geometric vocabulary, definitions, and theorems are learned and applied in proofs as applied to inter-relations between lines, planes, polygons, circles, and polyhedral. It will provide the student with the basic concepts involving congruence and similarities between shapes, primarily triangles, quadrilaterals and circles. The introduction of trigonometric identities is begun in the use of Sine, Cosine and Tangents functions as related to triangles.
Geometry B (Semester 2)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Geometry A
Lab Fee: NONE
TI-81 or 83 graphing calculators will be used.
See above Geometry course description.
Enriched Geometry (Semester 1, followed by Semester 2: Intro to Statistics)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation, minimum of 85% grade in Algebra 8, signed contract by both teacher and student
Lab Fee: NONE
TI-81 or 83 graphing calculators will be used.
Required Mentorship Project = 50% of final exam
The advanced geometry course is for students who have an interest in mathematics in addition to having a well-defined work ethic, works well with others and has demonstrated a self-discipline toward their own learning. Topics within advanced geometry will include, in greater depth, the concepts, techniques, and theory of the regular geometry course. Extension of algebraic concepts and skills will be integrated for the analysis of geometric relationships.
Intro to Statistics (Semester 2)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Semester 1: Enriched Algebra or Enriched Geometry
Lab Fee: NONE
Required Mentorship Project = 50% of final exam
USA TODAY! Albuquerque Journal! Sports announcers on TV! YOUR GRADES! Everywhere you look whether it’s in advertising, on billboards, in magazines, on TV or over the web, statistics are being used to justify a company’s product to make them ‘LOOK THE BEST’. Learn how data is correctly changed to get different results that are all true! Learn how you fit into your surroundings. Be part of conducting surveys, collect real data on students or events and then analyze the information with techniques from statistics. Explore the amazing science of probability. Come find out how lotteries and casinos really work to make $. Learn how various rates are established and end up costing you $$. C’mon, take a chance that being in this class will help you for a lifetime
SCIENCE
Integrated Science
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
Lab Fee: NONE
TI-81 or 83 graphing calculators will be used
This introductory lab-based course investigates topics in physics, biology, chemistry, and earth science to explore a variety of scientific concepts while expanding students understanding of both the natural and man-made world. Students will learn the common principles and concepts that connect the branches of science. Through classroom and project-based learning experiences, students will begin to build the necessary skills for scientific investigation and information analysis processes necessary to become scientifically literate citizens and informed decision-makers. Lab techniques, team building, report writing and safety are key issues that are stressed throughout the course.
Enriched Integrated Science
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation, a minimum of 85% in Science 8, and signed contract by both parent and teacher
Lab Fee: NONE
Required Mentorship Project = 50% of final exam.
TI-81 or 83 graphing calculators will be used
The advanced integrated science course is for students who have an interest in mathematics in addition to having a well-defined work ethic, works well with others and has demonstrated a self-discipline toward their own learning. Advanced Integrated Science will explore selected topics in physics, biology, chemistry, and earth science at an advanced level. This course is designed for students thinking about careers in science and with a strong science background. Course work will begin to prepare students for the advanced-level courses in science, including the necessary skills for scientific investigation and information analysis. Lab techniques, team building, report writing and safety are key issues that are stressed throughout the course.
Tech Lab/Robotics
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: none
Lab Fee: $20.00
Bridges. Rockets. Robots. Games to teach science. Engineering skills. These projects are the stepping stones into a course that stresses team work, problem solving, presentational skills, and dealing with frustration that comes about when one tackles building. This course provides you the chance to test your ideas once built and redesign when it fails. How to question, test, and support hypotheses on many subjects and is a must for any student who has any interest to engineer, design or manufacture “stuff” in their future plans.
Biology
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Enriched Integrated Science
Lab Fee: NONE
This course is the study of living organisms and their inter-relatedness. Topics of investigation will include the following: the structure and function of cells, microbes, plants and animals, genetics and evolution, and ecology. Class work may include some dissection, fieldwork, and/or projects.
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisites: Successful completion of 8th grade science.
Lab Fee: NONE
Have you ever thought about a career in the healthcare field? Have you ever been sick? Have you ever known anyone who has been sick? Would you like to know disgusting facts about diseases? If you can answer yes to any of these questions - this course is for you. In Bugs and Drugs you will learn lots of information about the microbes that are out there waiting to make us sick. You will also learn about the different ways we can fight these little critters. Solve mysteries using techniques used by real-life epidemiologist. What's an epidemiologist you ask? - Take the course and find out!
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: NONE
Lab Fee: NONE
Fur, Fins, Fangs and Feathers! What wildlife lives in your backyard? Where can I go to study bears? Are there any bald eagles living in New Mexico? How are these animals protected and who has to do it? Learn in this class some fundamental skills in the science of managing our State’s incredible wildlife and the jobs you could learn to train for after high school.
World Languages: French, German, Italian, and Spanish
Fluency in more than one language enhances any career with an international component and enriches travel experiences. Students should enroll in levels 1 and 2 in consecutive semesters. Colleges and universities typically require completion of world language courses through level 2.
Level I (Term A)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None
Lab Fee: None
Students develop communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) for basic situations: greetings and introductions, descriptions of families and friends, and daily conversation. Basic geography and culture (music, film, food) are introduced. Students have opportunities to compare the new language and culture with their own and to observe the use of the language in communities beyond the classroom. Personalized oral and written projects enrich the course.
Level II (Term B)
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Passing grade in Level I above
Lab Fee: None
Students extend communication skills to other contexts: daily life, school, professions and work practices, and community life. Authentic cultural documents (newspapers, magazines, film, music) enrich the cultural component of the course. Language and cultural comparisons and community connections continue to be explored. Individual and group projects demonstrate cultural understanding and language proficiency. In most classes, service-learning opportunities are available.
Marine Corps JROTC
The Marine Corps JROTC program consists of five major subject areas:
1. Self-reliance and responsibility, which includes study skills, interpersonal and mediation abilities, and life skills such as financial responsibilities, tax returns, etc.
2. Leadership training, which includes leadership principles, techniques, and human relations skills.
3. Health, first aid, and physical fitness.
4. Drill, ceremonies, marksmanship and firearms safety.
5. Military orientation, organization, history, customs and traditions.
Other voluntary activities include: Men’s Drill Team, Women’s Drill Team, Physical Fitness Teams, Rifle Teams, Color Guards, and community service projects. The MCJROTC also offers statewide inter-JROTC competition in softball, volleyball, bowling, and basketball. Orientation trips to major military installations nationwide are provided at Marine Corps expense. Successful completion of MCJROTC provides advanced promotion for those who choose to enter any branch of the Armed Services after graduation. The Senior Marine Instructor (SMI) may nominate up to three qualified cadets per year to the U.S. Naval Academy.
Eligibility for the MCJROTC Program (no military obligation is incurred through this program):
1. Male or Female
2. 14 years of age
3. Agree to wear the uniform one day per week (all uniforms are provided).
4. All courses in MCJROTC receive elective credit. All students must comply with Marine Corps grooming standards and uniform requirements. Failure to do so will be cause for failure and/or disenrollment. All students must be physically qualified to participate in a program of physical fitness and military drill.
5. A non-refundable lab fee of $25.00 per year will be charged to cover the cost of physical fitness shirt anodized belt and buckle set, name tapes sewn on the camouflage uniform, marksmanship materials and accident insurance. Fee required for only one course per year.
Foundations of Health and Physical Education
Grade Level: 8 / 9
Prerequisite:
Uniform required; White T-shirt and navy blue shorts without pockets
or
logos (must be purchased at RRMHS)
Lab Fee: None
Activities and lessons within this course develop personal practices that promote lifelong wellness. Classroom activities focus on specific issues affecting teens that encourage a healthy life style. The focuses for physical activity will be on team sports such as basketball, flag football, soccer, softball and volleyball. Health topics will include but not be limited to the following; prevention of disease, social/mental/emotional health, first aid, nutrition and stress management. Besides learning skill technique, rules, and strategy of sport, students will gain insight to the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and a sense of accomplishment. Students will also be encouraged to develop habits that will promote overall good health. This required course is a prerequisite for all other Physical Education offerings.
activities covered in this class.
A project is required for 9th graders earning credit.
Weight Training I
Grade Level: 8 / 9
Prerequisite: Foundations of Health and Physical Education.
Uniform required; White T-shirt and navy blue shorts without pockets or logos (must be purchased at RRMHS)
Lab Fee: None
This is a basic course in weight training that covers fundamental techniques and safety in all the various lifts. Activities include work with both free weights and weight training equipment. Students learn to develop all major muscle groups and are introduced to weight training sports, bodybuilding, power lifting, and advanced lifting.
A project is required for 9th graders earning credit.
Introduction to Technology
Grade Level: 8/9
Prerequisite: None
Lab Fee: None
This course is designed to give students a basic level of understanding of the computer and Microsoft Office. Students learn about word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. They are introduced to digital cameras and scanners and how both may be incorporated into MS Office documents. Students also learn how to create basic web p