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COURSE DESCRIPTION GUIDE
Agriculture Sciences | Art | Business & Office | English | Family & Consumer Sciences | Foreign Language | Health & Fitness | Industrial Trades & Technology | Mathematics | Performing Arts | Running Start | Science | Social Studies | Teacher Assistant | Work Based Learning | Yearbook | Alternative Site
Ag. Biology – Requirement/Elective
Grades 10 – 12
(Meets the biology requirement for cross crediting)
Prerequisite: One year of Earth/Space Science
Agricultural Biology is a rigorous science class that will cover a broad range of
agricultural science subjects including: Plant Science, Animal Science, Food Science,
Ecology, Human Biology, and Technology. The class will include numerous lab-based
learning experiences to allow the student to investigate career opportunities in the
Agricultural Science Industry.
Beg. Ag. Mechanics – Elective
Grades 9 – 12
This course will focus on the general principles and practices of safe operation of shop
machinery and tools. Tools included are art welders, mig welders, oxy-act welders,
plasma cutting, and small engines. Basic personal protection equipment (i.e. safety
glasses) and materials for projects are required.
Adv. Ag. Mechanics – Elective
Grades 10 – 12
Prerequisite – Beg. Ag. Mechanics
This class involves advanced shop skills, consisting of advanced work or projects in
concrete, framing, plumbing, electrical wiring, electric motors, diesel and combustion
engines, and hydraulic systems. Basic personal equipment (i.e. safety glasses) and
materials for projects are required.
Integ/Environmental/Ag. Science – Requirement/Elective
Grades 9 – 12
(Meets the Earth/Space Science requirement for cross crediting)
A hands-on approach highlights the relevance of natural resource conservation for
ensuring healthy agricultural, food and environmental systems, as well as the various
approaches for implementing it. This course, the first of two semesters, focuses on
soils, water, air and energy. The second semester delves into plant nutrients, plant-pest
interaction, crop breeding, and livestock production.
All art classes will count as a fine art requirement credit or occupational education credit.
Comm. Art I – Elective
Grades 9 - 12
This course is designed to introduce the student to the art world through hands-on
experiences with a variety of art materials and tools. This course is developed around
the philosophy that art has fundamental skills, and everyone can learn to draw and
create art as a means of expression and communication. The course will help students
gain a perspective of art history and develop an appreciation for art of the past and
present.
Comm. Art II – Elective
Grades 10 -12
Prerequisite: Student must have passed one year of art
This course is designed for the advanced art students who want to continue to develop
art skills and develop their own style through many art projects in a variety of art
materials and assist them in making art career choices.
Basic Graphic Art – Elective
Grades 9 - 12
This course is designed to introduce the students to the broad field of visual
communications through the use of tools, materials, and processes common to the
communications industry. Students will develop skills and knowledge through directed
and self-instructional paced assignments. Projects may include photography, photo
editing, computer generated images, logos, posters, banners, T-shirts, screen printing
design, calligraphy, and pottery production.
Graphic Art I/II – Elective
Grades 10 -12
Prerequisites – Student must have passed one year of Basic Graphic Art
This course is designed for the advanced students who would like to enter the career
and technical education area of Graphic Communications and to assist them in making
occupational choices. Students will develop skills and knowledge through directed and
self-instructional paced assignments. The students will demonstrate skills and
competencies through individual projects and customer-generated work, including
photography, photo editing, computer graphics, logos, posters, banners, T-shirts,
screen printing design, calligraphy, and pottery production.
AP Studio Art – Elective
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites – Student must have passed a year of Graphic Art or a year of Commercial Art.
Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art is a college-level class that requires work at an
advanced pace to produce high quality work. Students will be working independently
and must be self-directed and able to sustain their own projects on a daily basis. AP Art
is based on a portfolio of work presented for evaluation at the end of the school year.
Students will select a portfolio emphasis in drawing and painting; 3-D design; or 2-D
design (graphic art). AP work will reflect these three areas of concern: (1) a sense of
quality in the student’s work; (2) the student’s concentration on a particular visual
interest or problem; (3) the student’s need for breadth of experience in the formal,
technical, and expressive means of the artist.
AP Studio Art is designed to fit a national program and involves college-level work and
expectations. It is a course which prepared students for the Advanced Placement
exams. Most colleges and universities grant college credit to students who pass this
exam.
Accounting I , II & III– Elective
Grades 10 – 12
Students are introduced to basic accounting principles and terminology in today’s
business world. Students work through application problems to learn the concepts and
process of proper accounting. They will demonstrate the use of T-accounts, general
ledgers, general journals, trial balances, and other documents while analyzing source
documents. Second and third year students will be introduced to Quickbooks.
Digi Tools – Required
Grade 9
Computer keyboards have become the pencils of the twenty-first century. Students
learn proper posture and key stroke techniques while learning to keyboard. Students
will learn to create, edit, format, backup, save, revise, print properly formatted business
letters, reports, and tables, and will be introduced to word processing functions,
document formatting, job application process, and career pathways. Microsoft Excel,
PowerPoint, and Publisher will also be introduced.
Microsoft Office User Specialist I/II – Elective
Grades 10 – 12
Prerequisite – Microsoft Office I must have passed Digi Tools
Microsoft Office II must have passed Digi Tools and Microsoft Office I
Students will become proficient in computer skills using Office XP Suite, including Word,
Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint. Students will prepare to successfully complete the
Microsoft Office User Specialist Certification test.
Digi Design – Elective
Grades 10 – 12
Prerequisite – Must have successfully completed Digi Tools
Students will learn to design and create websites using HTML and Macromedia
Dreamweaver. They will also learn to create graphic content and animation using
Macromedia Fireworks and beginning Flash.
Video Tech (Production) – Elective
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite – Successful completion of Digi Tools
This course is designed as a broad overview of the multiple facets involved in creating
and editing video. Students learn the basic operations of various video cameras and
are taught to create and produce imaginative scenes as well as editing with the latest
software. Students will create commercials, music videos, infomercials and claymation
English 9 - Required
Grade 9
Freshman English is a comprehensive course which includes the study of various
literary genres, writing techniques and conventions, vocabulary development and
grammar. Greek and Roman mythology, Homer’s Odyssey, Shakespeare’s Romeo and
Juliet will be among those works studied in order to create a good foundation and
background for later English classes. Vocabulary development will be strengthened
with study of Greek-Roman prefixes and roots found in common words. Attention will
be given to elements necessary for success in the reading and writing segments of the
WASL. This course is a prerequisite for English 10, 11, and 12.
English 10 – Required
Grade 10
Prerequisite – English 9
Through the study of literature, students will learn how writers craft their work. Students
will employ literary techniques in their own original writing and identify the effect of
literary techniques on a given piece of writing. Using novels, poetry, and essays,
students will explore the themes of courage and man’s inhumanity to man.
English 11 – Required (Unless enrolled in AP Lit/Comp.)
Grade 11
Prerequisites – English 9 and 10
English 11 is a two semester course which explores American Literature from the early
Native American oral traditions to the beginning of the 21st century. We will explore
literature in a variety of genres, which may include essays, novels, short stories, drama,
and poetry. Relationships between the history and the literature of various American
periods will also be examined. Following the standards set by the Washington Board of
Education, we will focus on all areas of language arts, including reading, writing,
vocabulary, and oral communication. This course is a prerequisite for English 12.
English 12 – Required (Unless enrolled in AP Lit/Comp.)
Grade 12
Prerequisites – English 9, 10 and 11
Students in this class will take a historical journey through the seven periods of British
Literature reading key pieces from each. For each time period, students will also trace
how literary styles, themes, and conflicts from those time periods are used today in
literature from around the world as well as in television and movies.
AP Lit. & Composition 11/12 – Elective
(Meets the English 11 or English 12 requirement)
Grades 11, 12
AP Literature and Composition has a College Board endorsed curriculum. The rigorous
course prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam as well as the content and
expectations of college English courses.
Students must complete summer reading and writing assignments to be accepted into
the class. The content of the courses includes reading, analyzing and discussing
contemporary and important works from past centuries. Students should expect to
complete many interpretive writing assignments and projects.
Spanish I – Elective
Grades 9 – 12
Prerequisite – Student must have a grade of “C” or better in English
This beginning class emphasizes the basic spoken Spanish language. Present tense,
present progressive and preterit forms of verbs are studied, in addition to basic
conversational Spanish. A wide variety of class activities allow the student to have fun
while being introduced to the Spanish language and culture.
Spanish II – Elective
Grades 10 – 12
Prerequisite – Student must have a grade of “C’ or better in Spanish I
This class is a continuation of Spanish I with further development of speaking and
writing skills. The grammar component introduces imperfect, future, and subjunctive
verb tenses. Videos, overheads, and cultural experiences enhance the student’s
learning of the language. This course meets university expectations for placement
beyond beginning Spanish.
Family Wellness – Required
Grade 9
This semester-long class explores the six elements of health and how they affect our
wellness. Students will do projects and have class discussions about personal
decisions and how these decisions affect us daily. The HIV/AIDS curriculum will also be
covered in this class.
Physical Education 9 – Required
Grade 9
PE 9 is required for all freshmen. Daily participation and effort, physical fitness, basic
skills, rules and strategies of various activities are emphasized. This class prepares the
student for life-long recreational activities.
Students will demonstrate and apply developmentally appropriate fundamental and
complex movement skills. Students will understand and apply safety procedures and
rules in a variety of physical activities, as well as apply components of physical fitness,
cardio-respiratory endurance, flexibility, and body composition.
Physical Education 10 – Required
Grade 10
PE 10 is a continuation of the skills learned in PE 9.
Advanced Physical Education – Elective (meets the 2nd year PE requirement)
Grades 11 – 12
Prerequisite – A minimum grade of “B” in previous PE class or instructor’s approval
This course goes beyond PE 9 & 10, bringing students to a higher level of participation.
Life-time sports are emphasized. Proper hygiene is also stressed. Topics include
bowling, skiing, golfing, archery, volleyball, and many of the sports included in the other
PE classes.
Weight Training – Elective (meets the 2nd year PE requirement)
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite – A minimum grade of a “B” in previous PE class or instructor’s approval
This class is for those students interested in maintaining and improving their overall
muscle strength, or increasing flexibility, speed, and quickness.
Industrial Trades and Technology Education
Woodworking – Elective
Grades 9 -12
Prerequisite – High level of interest in construction careers
Students are required to build or work on an individual or group projects daily.
Consistent daily work and clean up effort and written assignments will determine
grades. Each student must demonstrate the ability to follow safety rules, and classroom
procedures, to work independently or in groups, to apply math skills, and to accurately
measure. Students will demonstrate woodworking skills and techniques by first building
a required common project. After demonstrating acceptable skill level, students will be
permitted to build more advanced projects as their skill level advances. Students will be
introduced to career options in woodworking as well as apprenticeship programs and
tech or trade schools.
Construction Trades I and II – Elective
Grades 10 – 12
May meet a third year math requirement
Prerequisite – One semester of Woodworking
Students will learn and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and proper safety
procedures to complete each phase of construction. Applied math skills and concepts
will be used and practiced daily. Common classroom construction projects will be
required. These projects will help students learn common construction skills and
industry standards. Students will also learn and explore design concepts and career
options.
AutoCad Level I – Elective
Grades 9 – 12
Prerequisite – Basic computer skills
This course is for first time AutoCAD users. Students learn basic drawing techniques to
create dimension, annotate, and plot 2D drawings. Students will learn to customize
their drawing environment, create basic graphic objects, set up a drawing with correct
scale, draw with precision using coordinate input and object snaps, modify objects with
edit commands, display any portion of the drawing, query drawings for distance and
areas, dimension and add text to drawings, use hatch to fill areas with patterns, create,
insert, and redefine blocks, and plot drawings with a simple layout view.
Integrated I - Required
Grades 9, 10
Prerequisite: None
Integrated I guides students through beginning level algebra and functions, geometry
and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and discrete mathematics (measurements).
Concepts are developed in context using mathematical modeling including data
collection, representation, interpretation, prediction, and simulation. Appropriate
technology will be used throughout the course.
Integrated II - Required
Grades 9, 10
Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated I or teacher recommendation
Integrated II guides students through intermediate level algebra and functions, geometry
and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and discrete mathematics (measurements).
Concepts are developed in context using mathematical modeling including data
collection, representation, interpretation, prediction, and simulation. Appropriate
technology will be used throughout the course.
Algebra II - Elective
Grades 10 – 12
This class will satisfy a third year math requirement.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Integrated II and teacher recommendation
This course is designed to further students understanding in algebra. Students will
formalize and expand on their previous knowledge of algebraic procedures. This is an
upper-level class intended to provide students with mathematics skills required to be
successful in college math courses. The topics covered in this class will include
manipulation and simplification of variable expressions, understanding of number
systems, properties of operations, functions and graphs, systems of equations and
inequalities, quadratic functions and equations, and exponential, logarithmic and
polynomial functions. Students will also learn how to use technology to aid in solutions
when appropriate.
Pre-Calculus - Elective
Grades 11, 12
This class will satisfy a third year math requirement.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or higher in Algebra II
This is a challenging course designed to prepare the student for calculus and/or college
mathematics. Included is a more in-depth coverage of the concepts for Algebra II,
introduction to derivatives of polynomials; trigonometric functions, identities, and
equations; logarithmic and exponential equations; linear algebra, and conic sections.
Calculus – Elective
Grades 11, 12 (One semester class; second semester is physics)
This class will satisfy one half of a third year math requirement.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or higher in Pre-Calculus and must have a graphing calculator.
Calculus is designed to give the student a complete understanding of derivatives and
integrals of various functions.
Applied Math – Elective
Grades 11, 12
This class will satisfy a third year math requirement.
Prerequisite: Must have passed two years of math
This course is designed to be an upper level math class, focusing on math concepts in a
hands-on atmosphere. The student will use problem solving to investigate subjects
such as: ratios and proportions, scientific notation, accuracy and tolerance, and
algebraic and geometric procedures to solve problems in a real-world context. This
course is also designed to reinforce Washington’s mathematics standards.
Problem Solving – Elective
Grades 11, 12
This class will satisfy a third year math requirement.
Prerequisite: Must have passed two years of math
This class is designed to help students understand the WASL through meaningful
problem solving strategies. The focus of is class is to help students learn different
problem solving strategies, recognize when a particular strategy is useful, to solve
problems in a variety of methods, understand how different strategies are connected,
and to break down problems into workable parts and put them back together to form a
solution.
This class will help prepare students for standardized tests, such as the WASL, SAT,
and ACT, and to give students “tools” that they can use to solve their own real world
problems.
Chorus – Elective
Grades 9 – 12
Prerequisite – Student must have a willingness to sing in performances and concerts
Chorus is available to students who have the ability and desire to sing. The class
teaches music methods through the singing of popular and general music. Participation
in all performances scheduled is required for successful completion of this course.
Absences at performances will affect your grade. This class performs in a winter
concert, a spring concert, and at various other occasions throughout the school year.
Band - Elective
Grades 9 - 12
Prerequisites - Completion of elementary and junior high instrumental courses; ability to play an
instrument at a high school proficiency level; willingness to play in concerts.
Band is involved in many performances throughout the school year, including formal
concerts, athletic events, and parades throughout the state. The class studies a variety
of music to teach musical concepts as well as performance technique. Attendance at
performances and sports competitions at the district and state level is required for the
successful completion of this course.
Running Start
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites – Pass the ASSET Test, meet standard on the Reading, Writing, and Math portions
of the WASL, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 after four semesters of high school work, have
exemplary attendance and a clear discipline record in the semester prior to beginning Running
Start, and attend a required meeting with the Centralia College Running Start Advisor.
Running Start is a unique partnership between Centralia College and White Pass High
School. The program allows high school juniors and seniors to attend college classes
and earn high school and college credits. The concept is part of the “Choice” program
for education. Running Start has been in effect statewide since 1992.
Running Start students do not pay college tuition; however, they do pay for books,
supplies, materials, lab fees and any other necessary fees. Students will need to
provide their own transportation.
Professional Medical Careers
Grades 11, 12
The Professional Medical Careers program introduces students to the medical field, with
an emphasis on knowledge and skills applicable to many medical occupations.
Students completing all course work and participating in a 50 hour clinical internship will
be eligible to become Washington State Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC). Students
will earn three high school credits a semester as well as potentially earning college
credits. Classes are held at Morton General Hospital two and one-half hours a day, five
days a week. There is no tuition for the program. Students will need to provide their
own transportation.
Space/Earth Science – Required
Grade 9
(Student may take Environmental Science in place of Space/Earth Science for cross crediting.)
The course is a one-year course with the first semester covering space science and the
second dealing with earth science. The purpose of the course is to increase the
student’s awareness of the physical environment and to attain a clearer understanding
of the structure, organization, and processes of the universe and the Earth specifically.
A science field trip to OMSI (Portland, OR) takes place in the spring of the year.
Biology - Required
Grade 10
(Student may take Agriculture Biology in place of regular biology for cross crediting.)
This course is intended to give the student a basic knowledge of biology stressing the
scientific method while preparing the student for post-secondary courses in science.
Included in the course will be extensive reading, writing, and lab activities relating to the
concepts being explored.
Chemistry - Required for students going on to college
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites - Algebra II with a “C” or better----or “B” or better in Int. Math I and Int. Math II and
currently taking Algebra II
This course is intended to give the student a basic knowledge of chemistry stressing the
scientific method while preparing the student for post-secondary courses in science.
Included in the course will be extensive reading, writing, and lab activities relating to the
concepts being explored.
Physics – Elective
Grades 11, 12 (Second semester class, first semester is calculus)
Prerequisites: Passed Pre-calculus with a “C” or better or currently taking Pre-calculus
Physics introduces the student to the laws of physics and deals heavily with the
application of high level mathematics to problems involving physics.
Civics/Pacific Northwest History - Required
Grade 9
Civics covers the relationships between individuals and governments, as well as ideas
behind different governmental styles. It also explores relationships between
governments and governmental levels.
Pacific Northwest History looks at the history of our region—Washington, Oregon,
Idaho, and British Columbia, and its place in the shaping of the United States of
America. Included in this freshman required class are exploration, settlement,
immigration routes, and modern economics of the region.
World History – Required
Grade 10
The subject of World History can be truly vast. This course is to provide students with a
basic knowledge of world history and culture from early civilization to the rise of the
modern nation-state in Europe with an emphasis on Western Civilization. Major units of
study will be the Beginnings of Civilization (First Empires), Growth of Civilization
(Persians, Greeks, and Romans), World in Transition (Byzantium, Islam, Medieval
Europe), Beginnings of the Modern World (Renaissance and Reformation), and
Expansion of the Modern World (Industrial Revolution, Nation States).
United States History – Required
Grade 11
The objective of this course is to provide an in-depth examination of U.S. History from
the Civil War to the present with a review of the pre-Civil War period. Emphasis will be
on student understanding of historical developments of the United States. Specifically,
the course will include political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of the
development.
Contemporary World Problems (CWP) - Required
Grade 12
CWP covers U.S. and World events and issues in the present day. Along with covering
current events, students will explore historical topics and events that have influenced
the World’s current political, economic, and social structures. Students will understand
the origin and impact of ideas and technological developments on the present. A major
research paper will be completed third quarter, followed by a power-point presentation
to the class during 4th quarter.
Sociology – Elective
Grade 11 & 12
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and
consequences of human behavior. Sociology investigates the structure of groups,
organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Since all
human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate
family to the hostile mob, organized crime to religious cults, the divisions of race,
gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and the sociology of
work to the sociology of sports.
Teacher, Office, Library Assistant
Assistant – Elective
Grade 10 – 12
Prerequisites – Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 after at least two semesters of high school work.
Student must complete an application by the deadline established on the form.
Students work for a specific teacher helping that person with copying, filing, etc, as
needed. Students are also responsible for tracking their daily job tasks and turning this
time sheet in at the end of each month. Since this is a job training program, students
will also study various phases of employment, from filling out applications to creating
resumes to practicing interviews. The student is responsible for turning in this
paperwork once a month. The student will receive a pass/fail grade depending on the
work done for the instructor and employment skills. A “P” (passing grade) is not
computed in the student’s cumulative grade point average; however, an “F”
(failing grade) will have a negative effect on the student’s grade point average.
***STUDENTS NEED TO BE AWARE THAT BEING A “TA” MAY AFFECT THEIR
CHANCES OF BEING VALEDICTORIAN OR SALUTATORIAN BY THE WAY THE
GRADE POINT AVERAGE IS CALCULATED.***
Technology Education
CISCO I & II (Certified Network Associate Program) – Elective
Two Year Program
To complete the CCNA program, students must commit to two years (4 semesters).
During the course of their studies they will gain the knowledge necessary to pass the
CCNA certification exam and received their CCNA certification. Each semester will
focus on a different subject area beginning with Networking Basics followed by Routers
and Routing Basics, Switching Basics and Intermediate Routing. The final semester will
involve WAN Techniques. In addition, instruction and training are provided in the proper
care, maintenance, and use of networking software, tools, and equipment and all local,
state, and federal safety, building, and environmental codes and regulations.
Yearbook – Elective
Grades 10 – 12
Prerequisites – Permission from the instructor, strong English skills, artistic ability, and
willingness to work some hours after school, completed application form.
Yearbook class is the foundation of The Kionian. The students in the class study
journalistic techniques and use these techniques to evaluate the previous year’s
yearbook and to publish the present year’s book. Each student is assigned specific
pages to complete or is given specific tasks to carry out during the year. Grades are
dependent upon individual responsibilities and the meeting of deadlines.