Planning for Grade 9
Welcome to the Upper School! This website is for students currently in Grade 8 and their parents to find out about courses offered in the Upper School so they can plan their academic path and prepare for their meeting with a counselor to plan for next year.
Course Catalog
Course Selection
List of 3 items.
-
Overview
- Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 6 classes each semester.
- During the first semester, we strongly recommend that 9th grade students enroll in no more than 7 classes. This will allow you to have a study hall giving you access to our Math Help desk.
- Courses are year-long unless stated otherwise.
-
Classes required for all 9th graders
ENGLISH: English 9 SOCIAL STUDIES: Ancient Cultures (one semester only) THEOLOGY: Foundations of Faith -
Elective Options
- Required courses will fill 6 of the 8 blocks available for scheduling in each semester. The remaining blocks can be used for study hall or for taking electives.
- 9th grade students have three options for their 7th and 8th blocks:
- two study halls (to have one each day),
- one study hall (every other day) and one elective,
- two electives.
- You can view our online course catalog on this page for more information about elective classes and you can make final elective choices when your family has their scheduling appointment.
Counseling Staff
Summer Courses
List of 3 items.
-
Health (Virtual)
Dr. James Gutowski, Director of Academic Services; Instructor of Latin, Upper SchoolJUNE 3-AUGUST 9This is a comprehensive health course, covering topics of mental and emotional health, nutrition and physical activity, social health and relationships, sexual health, personal health and disease, substances and abuse, and injury prevention and safety. This class is graded on a pass/fail basis and students must earn a minimum score of 70% to pass. Because this course is 100% virtual, students may complete the work whenever convenient to them. Final exams must be proctored in person by Dr. Gutowski. All final exams must be completed by August 9. This class fulfills the health graduation requirement. -
Learning Skills Enrichment
Instructor: Mrs. Whitney Day, Chief Mission Integration OfficerJULY 6-16This class prepares incoming ninth graders for the high school curriculum. Students will examine their learning styles and develop skills in time management, organization, note taking, studying and test taking. The course will also explore the importance of critical thinking, problem solving and active reading.Please note: A minimum of six (6) students must register -
Speech
Instructor: Mrs. Carol Ryan, Instructor in Speech, MS & US; Director of Speech and Debate ProgramJUNE 20-31This class is designed to further students' effective public speaking skills regardless of their skill level on day one. Students will learn to be memorable public speakers through consistent use of organizational structure, eloquent speech delivery and confidence from practiced experience. Students will explore theory, engage in pragmatic practice and improve their delivery skills as the class investigates six core units:
Knowledge Acquired (Primary Assessment)- Public Speaking Base Level Skills (Impromptu)
- Understanding Your Audience (Extemporaneous)
- Greeks, Romans and Impact of Rhetoric Today (Informative, Visual Content Creation)
- Persuasion (Position Paper, Persuasive Speech, Debate)
- Interpersonal and Organizational Speaking (De-escalation, Interviewing)
Impromptu speaking is this course's pragmatic base, preparing students to vocalize their competence and courage in any professional or personal pursuit. Opportunities for presenting impromptu speeches will occur throughout the semester.Students who enjoy this introduction to the art of public speaking may wish to continue into competitive speech.The class fulfills the speech graduation requirement. Please note: A minimum of six (6) students must register by May 1 for this course to run.No prerequisite.
CONTACT
