AP Art History - Advanced Placement                                                                        Course #6267-6268

Full Year = 1 humanities credit (Advanced Placement)

Fee: AP Exam Fee $98.00

AP Art History 1 - This Course teaches students to understand works of art through both visual and contextual analysis. The AP Art History Exam requires students to write two 30-minute essays. Both of these 30-minute essay questions ask students to use specific c examples from different times and/or cultures. While the Course does not assume prior training or seek primarily to identify students who will major in art history in college, it does require a high degree of commitment to academic work and to the purposes of a program designed to meet college standards. Students who have done well in other Courses in the humanities, such as history and literature, or in any of the studio arts are especially encouraged to enroll. It is hoped that the experiences of students in the practice of art and in other humanities courses will prove useful in enriching the context of the art history course. Prerequisite: None 

Note:  This course is intended to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam; those who enroll in this class will be required to take that exam in May.  All AP exams have a cost associated with them, currently the cost is $98 for the exam. A $40 deposit is due by November 1^st. This course may not be dropped from a student’s course schedule after the last day of school prior to the year the student plans on taking the course. (Some financial assistance may be available.)

AP Psychology - Advanced Placement                                                                        Course #4249-4250

Full Year = 1 humanities credit (Advanced Placement)

Fee: AP Exam Fee $98.00

The AP Psychology class is a one-year course designed to give students a working knowledge of the theories and key concepts of each of the major subfields as well as expose students to many of the contributing psychologists and significant research studies, both historical and current, that have shaped our understanding of behavior and mental processes. The class will train students to apply psychological principles and understand connections between ideas and theories and leave students with an appreciation of the scientific methods and ethical procedures that produce such knowledge. This course covers nine units of study: Scientific Foundations of Psychology, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, Learning, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Motivation, Emotion and Personality, Clinical Psychology, and Social Psychology. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. All AP exams have a cost associated with them.

 

Note:  This course is intended to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam; those who enroll in this class will be required to take that exam in May.  All AP exams have a cost associated with them, currently the cost is $98 for the exam. A $40 deposit is due by November 1^st. This course may not be dropped from a student’s course schedule after the last day of school prior to the year the student plans on taking the course. (Some financial assistance may be available.)

Computer Science & Applications                                                                  Course #8344

One semester = 1/2 credit

This course is an introduction to computer science and applications intended to “prepare young learners to become computational thinkers who understand how today's digital tools can help solve tomorrow's problems.” (ISTE, 2018). CS & A will include at least 50% computer science principles and computational thinking. The balance of the course will integrate skills in digital and media literacy and digital citizenship.

*Satisfies the Computer Science and Application requirement.

 

 NOTE: This class may be offered Zero period based upon enrollment numbers for JUNIOR/SENIOR students only. The course number for students interested in Zero period are 8355

Edgenuity Credit Recovery                                                                     Course #7701-7702     

1/2 credit (option for additional credits)                                                                                                        

Prerequisite: Failure of a course

The primary purpose of this computer-based program is to give students a chance to recover credits needed to graduate. This course can be taken as part of a student’s minimum load or in addition to their regular schedule.

 

NOTE: This class may be offered Zero period based upon enrollment numbers for JUNIOR/SENIOR students only. The course numbers for students interested in Zero period are 7015-7016

Foundations in Art                                                                                          Course #6107-6108     

Semester = 1/2 credit

Fee: $10.00 lab fee

Foundations in Art is a survey Course designed to give students a broad exposure to the fine arts. Students will learn and apply the elements and principles of art as they create. Various media will be used to explore art making and its relationship to our history and various cultures. Critical thinking will be used to assess and analyze the merits of personal work as well as that of others.

 

Note: This semester class will ONLY count as a general elective/humanities, it is NOT a Pre-Requisite to any other offered art course.

Guitar-Beginning                                                                                            Course #6718     

1/2 credit = semester    

Fee: $10.00 per semester

Prerequisite:  Students must supply their own 6-String classical, acoustic, or electric guitar in good working condition in the first week of class.

This semester course is designed for students with no previous guitar experience. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar on a beginning level and will learn many of the different styles, skills, and techniques required to become a successful musician. Areas of concentration include correct posture, note reading, aural skills, flat picking, singing songs, rhythmic patterns, chord study, bass playing, finger picking styles, melody construction, musical forms, tablature notation, improvisation, and performing experiences.

 

Guitar- Intermediate                                                                                       Course #6720   

1/2 credit = semester

Fee: $10.00

Prerequisite: Beginning Guitar or instructors' approval. Students must supply their own 6-String classical, acoustic, or electric guitar in good working condition in the first week of class.

This semester course is designed for students with intermediate experience on guitar. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar on a beginning level and will learn many of the different styles, skills, and techniques required to become a successful musician. Areas of concentration include correct posture,

Health                                                                                                   Course # 5311

One semester = 0.5 credit

This course is a one semester course which covers the following topics: body function; physical and emotional development; drugs, alcohol, and tobacco; disease and disorders; fitness and exercise; nutrition; consumer health, safety, first aid, and emergency care; family health, growth and development; environmental health and related fields; community health; health careers; human sexuality and HIV/AIDS.**Topics related to human sexuality and HIV/AIDS education are provided through the Sexuality, Health and Responsibility Education (S.H.A.R.E.) program - parent permission required.

History Through Film – Elective                                                                                Course #4257

One Semester = 0.5 elective credit

Fee: none

History through Film combines pop culture of American History and the advancements within the film industry to analyze some of the most important films of all time. The class begins with the beginning of film in the 1920s and 30s and continues to present day. Films showcase issues in multicultural America alongside components of economic history, geography and civics. Be ready to see film in a different light! A perfect class for those who are interested in American History, art analysis, and the art of film-making. Curriculum for this course will involve the viewing and analysis of a number of films, which are meant to represent significant events in history. The goal of this class is learning American History through watching movies and analyzing the video for historical accuracy. The films chosen for this course were selected because of their content as well as school friendliness. Unfortunately, there may still be a few parts of the films with abusive language, unruly violence, and adult situations. For that reason, a permission slip (available in class) is required.

Intro to Human Development                                                                         Course #8547                                One semester = ½ elective credit                                                           

Fee: $5           

This course introduces the topic of Human Development. Areas of study include the stages of human growth and development throughout the lifespan with a focus on birth through early childhood. Topics include developmental stages and influences on physical, intellectual, social and emotional growth. Students will gain a deeper understanding of content through project-based learning experiences. This course gives students a foundation for the Teaching & Training pathway.

Intro Digital Photography and Adobe Photoshop                                           Course #8019

½ semester = ½ elective credit

Fee: $30

Introduces the basics of photography as well as an introduction to Adobe Photoshop. Students will utilize and apply basic methods of image capture, rendering techniques, and manipulation of images to produce a body of work to be presented as a portfolio at the end of the semester. A digital SLR is required.

Intro to Interior Design                                                                                   Course #6010

½ semester = ½ elective credit

Fee: $30

This course provides students with an introduction to the principles of housing and interior design. This course examines housing and interior decisions that individuals and families make based on their needs, the environment, and technology. Emphasis is placed on selecting goods and services and creating functional and pleasing living environments based on sound financial decisions and design principles.

J4NG Nevada is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that Nevada’s students are set up for success and graduate work ready. JAG Specialists assigned to participating schools assist students with challenges that may be in their way and show them the way towards a bright future.

 

J4NG provides a multi-year model where struggling students are identified by a school team that includes an administrator, counselor and teachers. Students are presented with the opportunities provided through J4NG electives and once enrolled, have the opportunity to continue participating in the program through graduation.

 

J4NG courses may only be offered at a school where JAG programming is provided.

 

J4NG Elective G09                                                                                         Course # 8451-8452
One year = 1 credit                  

Employability skills class- Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates

This course prepares class participants for the workforce using Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates certified curriculum. The first semester focuses on the 37 Core Competencies of J4NG to optimize employment preparedness. The second and subsequent semester(s) build on mastery of the 37 competencies and includes instruction on Competencies 38-87. Course may include field trips, job shadowing and other employment related activities. Must be in 9^th grade.

 

J4NG Elective G10                                                                                         Course #8424-8425
One year = 1 credit      

Employability skills class- Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates

This course prepares class participants for the workforce using Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates certified curriculum. The first semester focuses on the 37 Core Competencies of J4NG to optimize employment preparedness. The second and subsequent semester(s) build on mastery of the 37 competencies and includes instruction on Competencies 38-87. Course may include field trips, job shadowing and other employment related activities. Must be in 10^th grade.

 

J4NG Elective G11                                                                                         Course #8426-8427                 

One year = 1 credit                  

Employability skills class- Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates

This course prepares class participants for the workforce using Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates certified curriculum. The first semester focuses on the 37 Core Competencies of J4NG to optimize employment preparedness. The second and subsequent semester(s) build on mastery of the 37 competencies and includes instruction on Competencies 38-87. Course may include field trips, job shadowing and other employment related activities. Must be in 11^th grade.

 

J4NG Elective G12                                                                                         Course #8417-8418     
One year = 1 credit                  

Employability skills class- Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates

This course prepares class participants for the workforce using Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates certified curriculum. The first semester focuses on the 37 Core Competencies of J4NG to optimize employment preparedness. The second and subsequent semester(s) build on mastery of the 37 competencies and includes instruction on Competencies 38-87. Course may include field trips, job shadowing and other employment related activities. Must be in 12^th grade.

Journalism 1                                                                                                   Course #1409-1410

1/2 credit per semester             

Prerequisite: Strong writing, computer literacy skills

This course is designed for students interested in journalistic productions of publications.  This class teaches students a variety of multidisciplinary skills and focuses on journalistic interviewing, writing, and ethics. Students will build on their current writing skills as they gather information, analyze the information, write in a variety of journalistic styles not to mention develop vocabulary, grammar, and editing.  Students will increase their communication skills by learning interviewing techniques, working together effectively, individually, and in groups. Students will use technology while publishing the online school newspaper. Students earn elective credit for this course; it does not fulfill one of the English credits required for graduation.

  

Journalism II (Advanced Journalism)                                                            Course #1411-1412

1/2 credit per semester

Prerequisite:  Journalism I Strong writing and computer literacy skills with instructor approval. 

This course is designed for second-fourth year journalism students to enhance their skills required to produce a school newspaper. Students will improve their skills in writing and photography. Students will continue to utilize skills in layout and design, photo journalism, and editing. Students earn elective credit for this course; it does not fulfill one of the English credits required for graduation.

  

Student Leadership (Student Government)                                            Course #7201-7202

1/2 credit per semester

Pre-Requisite: Formal application and instructor approval.  Student should be planning to serve in some elected student government/student council/class officer position during the school year.  A 3.0 GPA or higher, for current fall semester and time outside of the class is required.  Enrollment is limited.

This course is very demanding.  It is designed to develop leadership skills and ability in students serving (or planning to serve) in some elected or appointed student government/student counsel class officer position during the school year.  This class helps students plan and implement school activities; develop and administer student organizational budgets; develop and use leadership skills; and to develop and use sound decision-making, problem solving, and planning skills.  Students who are elected to student body office are required to enroll in this course. Applications are available in room 201 starting in April.

Library Assistant                                                                                Course #8095-8096     

One semester = 1/2 credit

Pre-Requisite: Librarian approval (Librarian’s signature on registration form).  Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, good attendance record and no discipline issues.  Junior or Senior standing only.

This course is designed for students wishing to work in the library as an assistant to learn (and use) library skills/research techniques, computer applications, and general library skills (checking books in/out, re-shelving books, filing, and other appropriate duties).  Good citizenship, attendance, and trustworthiness are important traits required by all students in this program.  Note:  Students who do not consistently meet the qualifications and standards of this program can be dropped from this class with possible loss of credit.

Music Appreciation                                                                                         Course #6599 

Credit: ½ elective credit                                                                  

Fee: None

Prerequisite: None

This course offers an exciting survey of the traditions of music from the Middle Ages to the present, from Medieval music to Twenty-first Century Pop. Study topics will include how music relates to social, economic, cultural, and political developments of each era in the development of music. The class will show how major events in music affected our society and how major events in society shaped music, as we know it. Other aspects of music to be studied will cover: the art of listening, the fundamental elements of music, world music, musical instruments, and the future of music.

Off Campus- See Below for Specific Course Numbers by Period*

Credit:  None  

Pre-Requisite: See below

The Trustees of the Washoe County School District have established that:

1. Freshman, sophomore, and junior students must be enrolled in seven classes.
2. Senior students must be enrolled in seven classes per AB7, unless they meet exception qualifications. If a student meets exception qualifications, they must be enrolled in five classes.

When a student’s schedule indicates s/he should be off-campus, that student should be completely removed from the campus of Spanish Springs High School.  A student having off-campus privileges is asked not to report to school until ten minutes before his/her first class and is required to leave the building and grounds within ten minutes after the passing bell of his/her last scheduled class, unless approved circumstances necessitate remaining for a longer period of time. 

Seniors who choose a shortened schedule must provide the registration form signed by their parents/guardians and the Curriculum Assistant Principal prior to applying for an off-campus privilege.  The student that does not comply with the guidelines of having an off campus privilege will have it revoked.

8001-8002 1° Off Campus

8003-8004 2° Off Campus

8005-8006 3° Off Campus

8007-8008 4° Off Campus

8011-8012 5° Off Campus

8013-8014 6° Off Campus

8015-8016 7° Off Campus

*signing up for a specific Off Campus period does not guarantee that period in the student’s schedule.

Office Assistant – Career Center                                                        Course #8135-8136     

Office Assistant – Counseling                                                              Course #8125-8126     

Office Assistant - Discipline                                                                Course #8151-8152     

Office Assistant – Main                                                                       Course #8145-8146     

Credit:  ½ credit per semester

Prerequisite: Formal application (from appropriate office) and instructor approval.  Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, good attendance record and no discipline issues.  Junior or Senior standing only.

The above office assistant positions are open to students on a very limited basis.  Students are assigned to a secretary in the main office, the counseling office or the discipline office.  Students will learn office skills, including the use of the telephone switchboard and the operation of various office machines (such as copy machines, printers, and FAX).  Students will also deliver office messages, run passes, file, sort mail, and help with greeting the public.  Confidentiality, dependability, attendance, and a pleasant personal presentation are vital for every student in this program.  Note:  Students who do not consistently meet the qualifications and standards of this program can be dropped from this class with possible loss of credit.

Office Experience (Copy Center)                                                        Course #8121-8122     

1/2 credit per semester 

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above AND approval of instructor

Students enrolled in this class must be responsible and self-motivated.  They will learn and apply management skills to work efficiently and productively as the Office and Copy Managers.  The Copy Manager is responsible for running the Copy Center for Spanish Springs High School.  They will take, organize, process, and distribute copy orders, as well as use other forms of printing equipment.

Peer Tutor                                                                                           Course #8161-8162

1/2 credit per semester

Prerequisite: Formal application counseling or curriculum office and approval.  Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, good attendance record and no discipline issues.  Junior or Senior standing only.

This half credit course is for students who want to work with a specific teacher helping students in the classroom.  They also need to have passed the class in which they want to be a tutor with a “C” or above.  SSHS peer tutors work one on one with students or in a whole class situation in core academic subjects.

Personal Finance                                                                                 Course #8301     

1/2 credit = semester

This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of money management. Students will learn practical everyday concepts in a variety of financial areas. Students will develop skills working with budgets, checking accounts, taxes, credit information, insurance coverage, mortgages, and investing (mutual funds, IRA’s, CD’s, stock market). Other topics will include business commission, sales tax, markup, markdown, discounts, scams, inventory, car and mortgage loans, and many more important financial matters in order to make educated financial decisions

Speech and Debate                                                                                          Course #6411-6412

Full year = 1 credit       

Fee: $50 + Tournament and Transportation Fees*  

This course will provide students with basic knowledge of debate theory and technique and instruction in public and competitive speaking. The course will include instruction in ten types of formal speeches, three categories of debate, and Student Congress. Students will review and analyze famous speeches of the past, as well as write and analyze speeches of today. Participation in speech and debate tournaments outside of school hours, approximately four per semester are required. Course goals: Students will develop knowledge of debate theory and speaking ability which will allow them to compete in interscholastic competition. Students will learn logical structure, reasoning, and analysis of argumentation. *Tournament fees vary based upon tournament locations. This course requires course work outside of the traditional school day as part of the academic grade.

 

 

Speech and Debate-Advanced                                                                         Course #6413-6414

Full year = 1 credit                   

Fee: $50 + Tournament and Transportation Fees*  

Prerequisite:  Beginning Speech/Debate and teacher approval

Advanced Speech/Debate is designed to provide students with the advanced theory and research techniques needed for higher level competition. The course will refine the student's speaking techniques. Students will continue to build on previous knowledge, while expanding their competitive knowledge and ability. Advanced Forensics will also prepare students for collegiate competition by introducing speech and debate forms used at the college level. Advanced students are required to compete in at least six tournaments/events per semester. Course goals: Students will increase their knowledge of debate and speaking theory. Students will further refine their ability to structure logically, to reason, and to analyze. *Tournament fees vary based on tournament location. This course requires course work outside of the traditional school day as part of the academic grade.

Sports Literature                                                                                                     Course #1502

½ Year = ½ elective credit

This course is designed for those students who enjoy reading and writing about sports. Students explore the varieties of sports literature, including short stories, essays, poetry, autobiographies, and novels. Students will be encouraged to follow sporting events. Topics studied include the effects of sports in our culture and on one's life, the business of sports, the communication age and sports, the superstar, professional sports vs. amateur sports, careers in sports (other than as an athlete), and the use of drugs in sports. Students continue to improve basic language skills, spelling, reading and writing. Writing for various audiences and purposes will be part of the required work, along with a research paper. This class does NOT count for English credit. Students earn elective credit for this course; it does not fulfill one of the English credits required for graduation.

Strategies in Reading/Writing                                                                              Course #1341-1342

Full Year = 1 elective credit

The course will emphasize increasing comprehension through the use of reading strategies. Both fiction and non-fiction works will be used for the literature-based writing assignments. Emphasis will be on usage, spelling and sentence paragraph structures. The class will use peer tutoring, vocabulary development, textbook analysis, word study and other methods. Students earn elective credit for this course; it does not fulfill one of the English credits required for graduation.

Student Aide                                                                                        Course #8171-8172     

1/4 credit per semester

Prerequisite: Formal application required-signed by teacher and approved by administration.  Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, good attendance record and no discipline issues.  Junior or Senior standing only.

This quarter credit course is for students who want to work with a teacher helping in the classroom.  A student cannot be an assistant for more than one teacher during a given semester.

Yearbook                                                                                                        Course #1403-1404

1/2 credit per semester                                                   

Prerequisite: Keyboarding skills and computer knowledge are helpful.  Instructor approval.

Students will produce and maintain the Spanish Springs High School Yearbook, A Cougar’s Tale.  Students will be researching a market, creating a product, and selling it.  Using the latest desktop publishing software, combined with high technology (computers, scanners, digital SLR cameras, and design/photo software).  Students will learn computer skills, writing skills, and interview skills as well as basic photography, creative page design/layout, sales and marketing, advertising, public relations, and business management.

This class is self-paced; best suited for students who are self-motivated and well organized.  Students must have the flexibility to work with others, as well as after school and weekends (rarely).  Students will be expected to work outside of class time to complete spreads, take pictures and interview at events in order to meet deadlines. Students must maintain professional appearance and demeanor, as well as learn and practice journalistic etiquette.  This class is run like a business and students are expected to work with customers and make them happy as well as meet deadlines on time. If selected, new students are requested to attend yearbook camp in the summer before beginning the course.