2007—2008
REGISTRATION
GUIDE
“To provide an education in the
spirit of Jesus Christ.”
In the following pages
lies the foundation of your future.
Study each page carefully!
Selection of your curriculum should entail a great deal of thought and
consideration. Courses that you choose
may have a great impact on your future.
Acquire the help of your parents and school staff to answer any
questions you may have.
Parents or students
wishing to look at textbooks or speak to staff or the administration may do so
at any time during the school day.
Please call and make an appointment.
REGISTRATION GUIDELINES
1. Study the registration guide
carefully.
2. Know what the minimum
graduation requirements are, page 2.
3. Discuss your curriculum with
your parents and registration advisor.
4. Each student except seniors
must have 7 classes per semester.
5. Juniors and Seniors may apply
for student aide courses through the guidance office. The teacher, administration and guidance
counselor must approve all applications.
Students are limited to one aide position per school year.
The requirements listed below are minimal standard
requirements of all students graduating from
In order to graduate from
*****REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION*****
RELIGION: 4 Credits
1. Religion 9 -
Christian Scriptures and Morality/Sexuality - 1 Credit
2. Religion 10 -
Creed & Sacrament - 1 Credit
3. Religion 11 -
Christian Lifestyles & Social Justice - 1 Credit
4. Religion 12 -
Hebrew Scriptures & Church History - 1 Credit
**These credits are required of all students.
SCIENCE: 2 Credits
1. Physical Science -
1 Credit
2. Biology - 1 Credit
**3 Credits are required at most 4-year
universities/colleges.
MATHEMATICS: 3
Credits
1. Elective - 1
Credit
2. Elective - 1
Credit
3. Elective - 1
Credit
**3 Credits are required at most 4 year
universities/colleges--Algebra I and higher.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: 1
Credit
1. Physical Education
9/10 - 1/2 Credit
2. Physical Education
11/12 - 1/2 Credit
HEALTH EDUCATION: 1/4
Credit
CAREER EDUCATION: 1/4
Credit
ENGLISH: 4 1/2
Credits
1. Public
Communications 9 - 1/2 Credit
2. English 9 - 1
Credit
3. English 10 - 1
Credit
4. Introduction to
Writing - 1/2 Credit
5. Literature
(English, American or Drama/Novel) - 1/2 Credit each
6. Elective - 1
Credit— 1/2 of this credit is an
elective
1/2
of this credit needs to be a writing class
SOCIAL STUDIES: 3
Credits
1. World History - 1
Credit
2.
3. Government - 1/2
Credit
4. Elective - 1/2
Credit
ELECTIVES: 3 1/2
Credits
**Students who are planning to enroll in a 4-year
ART
ART FUNDAMENTALS
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to develop the skills of the
beginning artist by introducing him/her to a variety of creative concepts
techniques, and media. Areas of study
include color theory, fundamentals (elements and principles) of design, and
value study.
DESIGN & COLOR
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed with an emphasis on two-dimensional
design and color theory. Emphasis will
be placed on the use of the elements and principles of design. Students will work with various color media,
including tempera, paper, ink, oil pastels, and colored pencils.
DRAWING
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals
This course offers exposure to a variety of drawing media,
tools, and techniques. The first nine
weeks offers drawing experiences in black and white to include: contour, gesture, outline, mass, and
positive-negative. The second nine weeks
offers a series of original drawings in colored medium such as, oil pastels,
conte pencils.
ARTS & CRAFTS
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course introduces the student to such elementary crafts
as tissue collage, paper weaving, block printing, “can” art, stamping,
woodcarving, coil baskets and other creative craft works.
ADVANCED ART
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: Art Fundamentals
&
Drawing
This course offers the study of a few famous artists and
their work. By participating in art
activities that are related to these artists’ styles, the student can practice
the skills of observing, analyzing, and creating.
BUSINESS
& OFFICE TECHNOLOGY
ACCOUNTING I
One-Year One
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed so the student will learn to keep
records of different types of businesses—sole-proprietorship, partnership and
corporation. The student will first
learn the basic accounting principles.
Students will eventually be able to record all financial activities of
these businesses. A number of projects
and simulation sets will be assigned during the year.
FINANCIAL & ECONOMIC LITERACY
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
The student will be introduced to
many subjects that will enable them to better survive in today’s complicated
financial world. Areas covered are
stewardship, career choices, budgeting, home and auto purchases, insurance,
markets, saving, investment opportunities, and philanthropy.
COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: None-2005/2006
Entrepreneurship
or Marketing –2006
This course will provide the student with an opportunity to
develop and improve work skills in an actual employment setting. An instructional plan, which combines
supervised community employment and school instruction, will be followed. A training plan and agreement consistent with
the occupational objectives of the student shall be developed for each student
with each cooperating employer. Students
are paid the minimum wage by the employer and are granted release time from
school.
CAREER EDUCATION
One Quarter 1/4 Credit Required of Grade 10 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to help the student develop specific
skills for choosing a career, getting a job, and adjusting to work. Skills will be developed in self-awareness
and in career decision-making. The
student will learn how to locate jobs, prepare a resume, and complete job
application forms. He/she will become
familiar with laws, safety standards, working conditions, and the legal rights
of workers. Students are encouraged to
work toward the necessary skills needed for entering today’s working world.
COMPUTER
ELECTRONIC PRESENTATIONS (Multi Media & Image Management)
One Semester One
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course will introduce students to digital video and
audio production techniques for implementation in multimedia applications. Video and audio formats, compression
techniques, and various hardware and distribution systems will be covered.
Students will digitize and build round tracks as well as
edit video and implement basic digital special effects. Students will learn how to choose the right
tools needed to produce video using digital cameras and computer based editing
programs.
INTERNET STUDY/WEBSITE DESIGN
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course will include INTERNET basics, on line resources
and browse tips, FTP, downloading, Telnet, E-mail, Netiquette tips and the
worldwide use of the INTERNET. Also
included will be HTML activities. The
class will create personal web pages and also view and discuss the use of
websites for school, personal and business activities.
ADVANCED WEB DEVELOPMENT
one Semester 1/2 Credit Open to Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Website Design &
Approval
by Administration
The student will already have knowledge of website
design. The requirements will include
constantly updating all areas of the
ENGLISH
ENGLISH – 9
One-Year One
Credit Required of 9th Graders Prerequisite: None
Instructions in both the grammatical areas and in the field of literature are the primary concerns of 9th grade English. Units covering Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and Dickens’ Great Expectations provide the basis for the majority of literature study. Developing writing abilities is part of the instruction. Although the course is an introductory offering to English, it is designed to serve as a “backbone” as the student progresses throughout high school English.
ENGLISH - 10
One-Year One
Credit Required of 10th Graders Prerequisite: None
This course covers grammar, writing, and literature. The year contains a review of the basic
grammatical concepts. Literature, short
stories, poetry, plays and novels are read and taught in conjunction with literary
techniques. These literature units are
interspersed with writing units such as the research paper.
INTRODUCTION TO WRITING
One Semester 1/2
Credit Required for 11th Graders Prerequisite: None
Introduction to Writing reinforces and builds on basic
writing skills. Writing components such
as idea, organization, word choice, and sentence fluency are incorporated in a
variety of essays including autobiography, narrative, compare/contrast, and
persuasive as well as in shorter pieces of writing. Revising and editing skills are
emphasized. Introduction to Writing is a
graduation requirement.
SPEECH
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course will focus on the study of literature for
performance with emphasis on written and verbal analysis. Students will develop a greater understanding
and appreciation of literature, as well as polish their performance
skills. Serious, humorous, dramatic,
poetry, and dramatic duo interpretations of literature are studied and presented. May be available for college credit.
DEVELOPMENTAL
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to assist any student who wishes to
improve his/her reading comprehension, speed, and/or vocabulary.
CREATIVE WRITING
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
The creative writing class focuses on expressive writing. Some major writing assignments include the
short story, poetry portfolio and the autobiography, as well as numerous
smaller projects.
ADVANCED COMP/WRITING FOR COLLEGE
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to offer juniors and seniors an
opportunity to develop advanced composition skills in preparation for
college. Students will review and
discuss writing models, styles, techniques, and mechanics. A variety of papers will be written, including
descriptive, narrative, classification, comparison/contrast, research, and
several others. Students will
participate in writing workshops, cooperatively revising and editing their
work.
PLAY PRODUCTION
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course will cover set construction, costuming,
properties, lighting and make-up. Some
of the class will be spent in doing the actual technical work involved with a
play. Acting skills, such as movement
and characterization, will also be studied.
AMERICAN
LITERATURE FOR 20TH CENTURY
One
Semester 1/2 Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This
course will cover major writers of the 20th and 21st
centuries. Various authors may include
Ernest Hemingway, Sinclair Lewis, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Carl Sandburg and Robert
Frost. The novels, To Kill A
Mockingbird and Of Mice and Men, will be read.
AP ENGLISH
One Year 1
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
An AP English Literature and Composition course
engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative
literature. Through the close reading of
selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use
language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s
structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use
of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.
YEARBOOK
One Year 1 Credit Open to Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None/Permission
only
The course will combine journalistic techniques with hands
on experience. The students will be
responsible with layout and production of the Mitre—current yearbook.
FAMILY
& CONSUMER SCIENCE
FOODS I
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course will give the student opportunities to prepare
and eat nutritious foods. Topics covered
will be fruits and vegetables, nutrients, breakfasts, quick breads, casseroles,
beverages, cookies, appetizers, bean cookery, and how to serve a buffet.
FOODS II
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Foods I
This course will expand what is learned in previous
class. Topics covered will be food
safety, guidelines for good nutrition, fruits and vegetables, egg cookery,
pies, cakes and cookies, homemade bread, how to prepare and serve a turkey
dinner, market persuasion, pasta and end by planning and serving a formal
dinner.
SPECIALTY FOODS
One Semester 1/2 Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: Foods I & II
This course is designed to give students opportunities to
prepare regional and foreign foods (New England, Italian, Oriental,
Southern/French,
INDEPENDENT LIVING
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to assist the student with skills
needed to live independently after high school.
Topics covered will be food preparation choices, choosing a place to
live, caring for clothing, money management, leisure and career planning. Speakers and field trips will help to
disseminate information.
FOREIGN
LANGUAGE
SPANISH I
One Year One Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12 Prerequisite:
None
This course will teach beginning Spanish, concentrating on
listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture. Food, music, films, short stories, slides,
records, tapes and guest speakers will be incorporated into the class
structure.
SPANISH II
One Year One Credit Open to Grades 10, 11 & 12 Prerequisite: Spanish I
This course is a continuation of Spanish I and will continue
to teach listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture. It is strongly recommended that Spanish I and
II be taken consecutively. It is a great disadvantage to the student to not take
these two classes in consecutive years.
SPANISH III
One Year One Credit Open to Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite: Spanish II
Spanish III will emphasize Latin American and Spanish literature, art, history, and music, with a review of previously introduced grammar necessary for conversation. Vocabulary expansion will continue through reading, speaking, and writing.
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP I
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11
& 12 Prerequisite: None
Leadership I is a class designed to strengthen one’s
character and help build stronger values and beliefs within each student. Students will explore how these character
values may be applied to leadership roles within the school and community
settings.
Students will actively participate in class discussion,
“hands-on” activities, and will travel to numerous local organizations,
businesses and assisted-living centers to practice various assigned leadership
roles.
LEADERSHIP II
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 10, 11 &
12 Prerequisite: Leadership I
This course will expand on the qualities of a team player
and introduce you to the 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork. Team building activities will be used to give
the student practical experiences in being part of a team. Students will be encouraged to use these laws
of teamwork in school, clubs, and sports teams at Bishop Ryan.
LEADERSHIP III
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite: Leadership II
This course is similar to an independent study course. Students must apply to a committee for
admission to the class. Before applying,
the student should have a detailed outline and a plan concerning a
school/community project they wish to complete during the semester. The student will meet with the teacher at
least once a week to discuss different ideas and the progress of the
project. The teacher will help guide the
student. The student is responsible for
all planning, fund-raising, and completion details of their project.
MATHEMATICS
PRE-ALGEBRA Recommended
One-Year One
Credit Open to Grades 8, 9 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to master the use of fractions and mixed numbers in any and all operations. It is also designed to master procedures for solving simple word problems. The concepts of area, percent, ratio and order of operations are emphasized. The beginning concepts of Algebra are practiced thoroughly. Successful completion of this course ensures total preparation for Algebra. (This course cannot be used to meet college entrance requirements.)
ALGEBRA I Recommended
One-Year One
Credit Open to Grades 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Math Course 3 or
Pre-Algebra
This course contains the standard topics of Algebra I. Signed numbers are heavily emphasized, as are
integer exponents and scientific notation.
Graphs, equation of linear functions, ratio problems, percent and
factoring is also stressed in this class.
Word problems receive a strong emphasis.
MATH APPLICATIONS Recommended
One-Year One
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: Geometry and
Permission/Approval
from math chair and/or Administration
This course emphasizes practical applications of
mathematics. It is designed for the
non-college bound student. It fulfills
the 3rd math requirement for graduation from BRHS but does not
fulfill the 3 credit math requirement for admissions to a
GEOMETRY
One-Year One
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course covers proof format, properties of right
triangles, trigonometry, properties of circles, platonic solids, polygons,
volume, perimeter and area. The subject
areas are supplemented with activities such as measuring area and surveying.
ALGEBRA II
One-Year One
Credit Open to Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Geometry
This course is a continuation of Algebra I with emphasis on
linear equations, solving 2 & 3 equations in 2 & 3 unknowns, complex
numbers, simplifying radicals and completing the square. Basic trigonometry and geometry concepts are
also covered, which involves converting rectangular to polar coordinates,
solving right triangles and solving similar triangles.
ADVANCED MATH
One-Year One
Credit Open to Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Algebra II
This is a full year course designed to follow Algebra
II. In it we will explore probability
and statistics as well as linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic,
trigonometric, and circular functions.
Students need to have a graphing calculator such as the TI-83+.
PRE-CALCULUS
One-Year One
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: Algebra II
This course introduces students to Calculus. It is for students interested in pursuing a
career in mathematics or a mathematics related field. Many courses of study in college require
Calculus. A graphing calculator such as
the T183+ is required for this course.
CALCULUS
One-Year One
Credit Open to Grade 12 Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus
This course is a continuation of the Pre-Calculus
course. Students will work with
graphical, numerical, analytical and verbal forms of functions. They will also explore and develop
derivatives and integrals. Students will
apply the information to solve real-life problems. TI-83+ is required for this course.
MUSIC
CONCERT CHOIR
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course stresses music through performance at the high
school level. The concert choir is a
group of students who represent
CONCERT BAND
One-Year One
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to develop advanced performance
techniques. Students registered for this
course will be expected to demonstrate adequate performance standards and
knowledge of basic theory and history that is relevant to instrumental
performance along with improvisation skills.
Literature covered will include pop tunes, master works, lighter works,
and ensemble repertoire. Students will
be expected to prepare assigned selections on their own time, with additional
help available upon request after school hours.
Students registered for this course will be required to participate in
the annual regional large group competition, all concerts and 70% of pep band
performances. Students who qualify will
be awarded a school letter and pin for excellence in band performance.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION – 9/10
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 9, 10 Prerequisite: None
Co-educational classes will include team and individual
activities such as bowling, badminton, flicker ball, volleyball, softball,
ultimate Frisbee, tennis and speedball.
A fee will be paid during the bowling section of the course. A user fee will be required based on
available activities.
**Students will be required to take 1 semester of physical
education during their 9th or 10th grade year.
WELLNESS– 11/12
One Semester 1/2
Credit Open to Grades 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
Co-educational classes will include team and individual
activities such as bowling, badminton, flicker ball, volleyball, softball,
ultimate Frisbee, tennis and speedball.
A fee will be paid during the bowling section of the course. A user fee will be required based on available
activities.
**Students will be required to take 1 semester of physical
education during their 11th or 12th grade year.
HEALTH - 10
One Quarter 1/4
Credit Required of 10th Graders Prerequisite: None
Students will receive instruction in Health and Fitness
topics such as, physical fitness, weight management and eating disorders,
managing stress, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and tobacco use.
RELIGION
RELIGION - 9 - CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES &
MORALITY/SEXUALITY
One-Year One
Credit Required of 9th Graders Prerequisite: None
The ninth grade course attempts to answer the question: “Who is Jesus Christ?” Students will study the gospels as portraits
of Jesus, thus informing and inviting them to believe in order that they may be
transformed. The course on sexuality is
rooted in the values of the Catholic tradition.
Students will come to a deeper appreciation of the truth of the Church’s
teaching regarding human sexuality.
Students will study morality and moral decision making as a process,
which is to be incorporated in daily life.
Students will also learn about additional moral and social issues of
today: poverty, abortion, euthanasia,
capital punishment, etc. in light of Catholic teaching.
RELIGION - 10 - CREED & SACRAMENTS
One-Year One
Credit Required of 10th Graders Prerequisite: None
Sophomore students will study the twelve articles of faith
found in the Apostles Creed. Students
will also study the more specific points of the faith as found in the Nicene
Creed. Articles include the study of the
Trinity, the Church, the Communion of Saints, eschatology, etc. Second semester students will study the seven
sacraments of the Catholic Church - the history, the outward signs of the
Sacraments, the symbols associated with the sacraments and worship, as well as
the deep spiritual meaning for a Catholic.
RELIGION - 11 - CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLES & SOCIAL
JUSTICE