9th Grade scheduling

2024-2025 Scheduling Presentation

Click through this presentation for instructions on inputting schedule requests for next year:

Gelinas 8-9 Scheduling Slideshow

High School Credit Requirements

22 Credits Total

English

Social Studies

Science

Math

Language Other than English

4

4

3

3

1 or 3*

Art/Music

PE

Health

Electives

1

2

0.5

1.5 or 3.5*

*Based on Diploma type

Music in 9th Grade

Chorus and Chamber Choir will be offered on an alternating day basis for the full year earning 1/2 credit

Band and Orchestra will be offered on an every day basis for the full year earning 1 credit

9th Grade Electives

The majority of 9th grade students are able to fit one or more half credit electives into their schedule. Half credit electives are offered on an every day basis for half the academic year, with the exception of some courses that may be offered on alternating days for the entire academic year. Alternating day courses are noted in bold.

Click the drop down arrow to read course descriptions.

American Sign Language I

This course is designed to introduce the student to American Sign Language (ASL) which is the natural and visual-gestural language used by deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States of America and Canada. The beginning levels of communication techniques, basic signs, finger spelling, and various topics of the language are explored. These topics are then met with greater detail in ASL I at Ward Melville HS. Students may enroll in ASL to fulfill their graduation requirement for a Regents Diploma.

This course meets every day of the academic year earning 1 credit.

Art & Animation

Step into the world of today’s animators as you learn to tell stories with images. Build worlds, create characters and tell your story while exploring the art of Pixar, Disney and Marvel comics. If you love to cartoon or draw characters, like to tell stories and create worlds where your characters might live then this is the class for you.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

Computer Design

Computer Design is a 20 week experience to introduce students to the use of computer software as a design tool and study basic electricity concepts. The course curriculum content explores the use of AutoCAD, 3-D Modeling Software, SketchUp Make, 3-D Printing, Coding for Robotics, Adobe Photoshop, and other engineering programs. In addition students will be introduced to electronics and circuitry. This course brings together elements of computer aided design and basic electricity while building on design and problem solving techniques. All topics are proportionately represented and include research, design, and problem solving while integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

Computer Programming I

Students in this course will study the following programming languages:  Python, TI-Basic, and Java.  This coding experience will help students develop the necessary skills for robotics and other STEAM disciplines.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

Creative Crafts I

This is a fundamental course providing an introduction to the world of crafts. Students explore a wide range of hands-on craft activities. Basic techniques are taught and students will be able to create functional projects suitable for their own use or as gifts. Drawing techniques, design concepts, and aesthetic appreciation will be included for easy application by students in the creation of their projects. When combined with Creative Crafts II, students will satisfy the Art/Music core requirement for graduation.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

International Foods

International Foods is designed for students who wish to develop an understanding of how culture and culinary skills are related to the preparation of international cuisine. Each unit includes the study of the country's geography and culture and how this influences the preparation of authentic cuisine. Food categories include entrees, appetizers, soups, breads, and desserts using various food techniques. Culinary skills learned in this course are on an advanced level. Career awareness related to the food industry will be presented.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

Introduction to Public Speaking

This half year elective course is for students who wish to develop and improve their speaking and listening skills. The course introduces students to the tools of effective speech making, including vocal skills, body language, and conquering "stage fright". Among the types of speeches that students may write and deliver are demonstration speeches, famous speeches, and persuasive speeches and debates. They may also present scenes from published plays. Students may also present oral interpretations of poems and other literature. The final exam consists of delivering a speech.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

Introduction to Public Speaking Honors

This half year elective course is for students who wish to develop and improve their speaking and listening skills. The course introduces students to the tools of effective speech making, including vocal skills, body language, and conquering "stage fright". Among the types of speeches that students may write and deliver are demonstration speeches, famous speeches, and persuasive speeches and debates. They may also present scenes from published plays. Students may also present oral interpretations of poems and other literature. The final exam consists of delivering a speech.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

Media Arts I

Students learn about photography and two-dimensional design. They will learn how to incorporate composition and design into their photographs and other 2D works. In addition, students will explore components of a digital computer lab including but not limited to programs such as Photoshop. Emphasis will be placed on the Elements and Principles of Design. Students will be introduced to career paths related to this medium.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

News You Can Use

Using current events that focus on local, national and world issues that affect their everyday lives, students will be given the opportunity to become more informed and engaged citizens. This course will use newspapers, online media, cartoons, and newscasts to support class discussion. Additionally, students will participate in group projects, research papers and presentations and will work with primary source materials and opinion pieces in order to better understand the world around them.

 This course cannot be used to meet the participation in Government Requirement for graduation.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

News You Can Use Honors

Using current events that focus on local, national and world issues that affect their everyday lives, students will be given the opportunity to become more informed and engaged citizens. This course will use newspapers, online media, cartoons, and newscasts to support class discussion. Additionally, students will participate in group projects, research papers and presentations and will work with primary source materials and opinion pieces in order to better understand the world around them.

 This course cannot be used to meet the participation in Government Requirement for graduation.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

Science Research II

Science Research II is designed for motivated students who have had experience in science research and desire to pursue it further in this STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art, Math) based course. Various scientific themes will be explored in this course such as: the Environment of Long Island (water, soil, air, eDNA testing); exploring current science issues; testing of various consumer products; construction and analysis of equipment for experiments; in addition to many others. Students will be encouraged to explore topics and ideas that interest them and will focus on taking one long-term project from inception to presentation. The course will also provide opportunities for students to engage in local, regional, and national science competitions (including Science Olympiad and Science Bowl). Students will be evaluated on both the process and results of their efforts.

This course meets alternating days for the entire academic year earning 1/2 credit.

Studio in Art I

This is an introductory course designed for all students to fulfill the Art/Music requirement for graduation. Art mediums such as drawing, painting, and sculpture will be explored through hands-on projects.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

Wood Systems

Wood Systems is a 20 week experience to introduce students to woodworking through hands-on projects with a focus on design and craftsmanship. The curriculum is versed in proper woodworking techniques, machine use, power and hand tool use, joinery concepts and history, with an exaggerated emphasis on lab safety. All topics will include problem solving hands-on components with a focus on building fine motor skills.

This course meets every day for half of the academic year earning 1/2 credit.

Please Note:

Staff assignments, budget revisions, scheduling of state-mandated curricula, and/or course scheduling conflicts may limit the availability of certain elective courses or programs

Example Schedule

Please note this is not the actual order of your final schedule.

Period 1: English (Full Year)

Period 2: History (Full Year)

Period 3: Math (Full Year)

Period 4: World Language (Full Year)

Period 5: Science (Full Year)

Period 6: PE (A or B Day) / Science Lab (A or B Day)

Period 7: Lunch

Period 8: Open* (Full Year, Half Year, or A or B Day)

Period 9: Open* (Full Year, Half Year, or A or B Day)

*Please take into account music performance classes or scheduled academic support services when determining available space for elective courses. Any space not filled with an elective course will be automatically filled with a study hall.