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SEVEN LAKES HIGH SCHOOL HOME OF THE SPARTANS! WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2024 PARENT NIGHT!
SEVEN LAKES HIGH SCHOOL
HOME OF THE SPARTANS!
WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2024 PARENT NIGHT!
FOLLOW ALONG ON YOUR PHONE
CAMPUS ADMINISTRATION
Kerri Finnesand, Principal
Todd Knobbe, Associate Principal
Diana Sarao, 9th Grade Assistant Principal
GOALS FOR TONIGHT
• Discuss the SL High School experience
• Understand the course selection and course verification process
• Gather information on KAP/AP courses
CELEBRATING OUR SUCCESS!
Seven Lakes High School is ranked #2 Houston Public School in the metro area by 2019 Niche Best Schools!
HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS: ACADEMICS
NICHE #7 HIGH SCHOOL IN the STATE of TEXAS
UIL ACADEMIC STATE CHAMPS
NATIONAL and STATE FINALISTS SCIENCE OLYMPIAD, ACADEMIC DECATHLON, and SPEECH & DEBATE
HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS: FINE ARTS
2020 TMEA FULL ORCHESTRA STATE CHAMPS
2019 TEXAS STATE MARCHING BAND TOP TWENTY
2019 ALL SIX SLHS CHOIRS earned SWEEPSTAKES at UIL CONCERT and SIGHT READING
HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS: ATHLETICS
2019 STATE CROSS COUNTRY
2018 STATE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
2019 BOYS and GIRLS STATE GOLF
2017 STATE VOLLEYBALL 6A CHAMPIONSHIP-2nd
2016 TENNIS REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
2014-2015 GIRLS SOCCER REGIONAL FINALIST
2012 STATE FINALS GIRLS SOCCER
2011 and 2012 BOYS BASKETBALL REGIONALS
BOYS VARSITY SOCCER-10 STRAIGHT PLAYOFF APPS
WRESTLING: 48 STATE QUALIFIERS & 4 STATE CHAMPS
2008 GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING STATE RUNNER-UP
2007 CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPS
THE WELL-ROUNDED SLHS STUDENT
GPA is important when applying for college.
But it isn’t EVERYTHING.
What else do you offer a university?
Have you shown a commitment to something over the last four years?
LET’S GET INVOLVED!
Research shows that students who are involved in school activities perform better in school, perform better on the SAT and ACT, and learn valuable skills that can be used later in life.
Seven Lakes offers 100+ clubs and organizations that allow your students to get involved
HELP YOUR STUDENTS FIND THEIR NICHE
SLHS CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS
SLHS Website: Campus – DocumentsUpdated Club List
http://www.katyisd.org/campus/SLHS/Pages/Documents.aspx
SPARTAN SPIRIT!
MOST IMPORTANTLY, ENJOY HIGH SCHOOL!
IMPORTANT DATES TBA
• Class of 2024 Fish Camp (August)✓Meet new friends
✓Tour the school
✓Learn Spartan traditions
• Spartan Spectacular (August)✓Get your class schedule for 2020-2021
✓Learn about clubs and organizations
✓Buy your HIGH SCHOOL spirit wear
✓See your friends
✓Meet your teachers
WELCOME SLHSCLASS OF 2024
COUNSELING STAFF
9th Grade Counselors
Denise Ward A-L
Mary Castellucci M-Z
HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION
• We presented to the students at SLJH on January 15th and BDJH on January 16th.
• Students received a Course Selection Sheet and a Course Request Worksheet
at that time.
• The Course Catalogue is available online on the Katy ISD website and by
following the QR Code on your child’s Course Selection Sheet.
• The presentations are available on your child’s school website.
• At this time, we will review the information we presented to your students.
THE ENDORSEMENTS
• STEM (Science – Technology – Engineering – Math)
• Business & Industry
• Public Services
• Arts & Humanities
• Multidisciplinary Studies
It is very important that an endorsement is chosen.
Refer to page 9 of your course catalog for endorsement options.
ENGLISH 1
0101 English 1
0141 English 1 KAP
0143 English 1 KAP/GT
MATH
0211 Algebra I
0223 Geometry
0251 Geometry KAP
0252 Geometry KAP/GT
0261 Algebra II
0253 Algebra II KAP
0254 Algebra II KAP/GT
SCIENCE
0411 Biology
0471 Biology KAP
0472 Biology KAP/GT
SOCIAL STUDIES
0341 World Geography
0353 World Geography KAP
0347 AP Human Geography
0348 AP Human Geography GT
• Exits from AP Human Geo course into the lower level course can only be done
during the first six weeks. If students do not drop by the end of the first six weeks,
they will be required to stay in the course until the end of the first semester.
SOCIAL STUDIES OPTIONS FOR INCOMING 9TH GRADE STUDENTS
• Academic World Geography
• also offered in summer school
• KAP World Geo
• also offered in summer school
• AP Human Geography and AP Human Geography GT
• not available to incoming 9th graders in summer school
**If Academic or KAP World Geo is taken in the summer there will be no
social studies course to take during the 9th grade year**
***Student must indicate “ss” on course selection sheet so that your
counselor is aware that you are planning on taking the course in
summer school***
GIFTED & TALENTED SOCIAL STUDIES
• The GT course option for World Geo credit is AP/GT Human
Geography. There is no KAP/GT World Geo.
• Students identified as GT in social studies who choose not to
enroll in the GT course option will be exited from GT social
studies.
• GT students who choose to take KAP World Geo in summer
school will be exited from GT social studies.
NOTE:
• Students who take Academic or KAP World Geography CANNOT
also take the yearlong AP Human Geography course.
LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE)
6110 French 1
6710 American Sign Language (ASL 1)
6810 Chinese
6210 German 1
6310 Spanish 1
6320 Spanish 2
6361 SpSpSp 1* (1st sem. =1 credit)
6362 SpSpSp 2* (2nd sem. =1 credit)
*Native speaker class
• LOTE credit may also be earned through Credit
by Exam.
• See the 8th grade Counselor for an application
and spring/summer testing days and times.
LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE)
STUDY HALL
• NO credit
• Course number 0020
ATHLETICS
Football Basketball
Track Diving
Soccer Cross Country
Volleyball Wrestling
Softball Swimming
Golf Trainer
Tennis Baseball
ALTERNATE ELECTIVES
• Choose 3 alternate courses in case a course selected
is unavailable.
• Choose wisely as staffing is determined by the
course selections.
• Students will be held responsible for their course
selections.
COURSE VERIFICATION
• Students will receive a course verification sheet the
week of March 16 listing course selections and the
chosen endorsement.
• Review all requests and the endorsement for
accuracy.
• Make any changes on the verification sheet.
• List alternate choices in the order of preference.
• Turn in the course verification sheet as instructed.
Course availability is determined by students’ course selections.
COURSE VERIFICATIONS & SCHEDULE CHANGES
• Course availability is determined by students’ course selections.
• Course verification is the time to make changes to the course requests.
• Following course selection verification selections, schedule changes for the 2020-2021
school year will be allowed only in the following cases:
1. Error in scheduling by the school (data entry error);
2. Student has not met course prerequisites;
3. Student has already earned credit for the course;
4. Change in program (athletics, fine arts, etc.);
5. Level changes as recommended by the teacher and
counselor, with parent and principal approval;
6. Student did not meet standard on STAAR/EOC exam.
*Please make selections carefully.*
NO elective changes will be honored after course verification sheets have been turned in.
COURSE SELECTION
• Your child received a Course Selection Sheet and a Course Request Worksheet.
• Both must be completed and returned by the campus due date.
• The Course Catalogue is available online on the Katy ISD Website.
• Follow the QR code on your Course Selection Sheet.
• Do not forget to write in an endorsement on the Course Request Worksheet and
Course Selection Sheet.
• If an AP/KAP course is chosen, the student and their parent must sign the
AP/KAP course commitment on the back of the course selection sheet.
• It is recommended that course selections are made in pencil.
http://www.katyisd.org/dept/campusadmin/Documents/Course_Catalog_2020-2021.pdf#search=2020
2020-2021 Course Catalogue is available online:
Course Selection Sheet Course Worksheet AP/KAP Commitment
COURSE SELECTION
SEMESTER GRADES
• Grades always count.
• All daily grades, quizzes, and test grades will be recorded in the gradebook.
• The three 6-weeks grades count for 85% of the semester average.
• The final exam grade counts as 15% of the semester average.
• The semester averages are recorded on the transcript.
• GPA is calculated using semester averages.
• Credits are earned at semester.
SEVEN GOOD HABITS OF ACADEMICALLY SUCCESSFUL SPARTANS
• Goes to class on time
• Does their homework
• Goes to tutorials
• Listens in class
• Takes good notes
• Asks for help
• Always retests
A SUCCESSFUL SPARTAN• Does their best at all times.
• Reviews their notes each night and STUDIES!
• Gets involved in school activities.
• Tries out for a team, joins a club, completes volunteer service
hours.
• Is proud to be a SLHS Spartan and respects SLHS traditions and rules!
• Gets to know their teachers, counselors, and principals.
A SUCCESSFUL KAP STUDENT
• Professes interest in subject selected
• Maintains excellent study habits
• Plans ahead on long term projects
• Asks questions and participates in class
• Perseveres when faced with challenging material.
• Refuses to give up when the “going gets tough.”
• Balances academic load with outside commitments
More information about KAP and AP courses will be presented by Mr. Knobbe.
DISTINGUISHED LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT (DLA)
The Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA) is earned through
successful completion of:
• All requirements for the Foundation High School Program, plus
• The requirements of at least one endorsement, including
• Algebra II among the four required math credits, and
• A fourth science credit
A student must graduate with a Distinguished Level of Achievement
(DLA) to be considered for the Top 10% and eligibility for automatic
admission to a Texas public college or university.
ALGEBRA II NOTICE
Algebra II is not specified as a graduation requirement; however, students who
do not earn Algebra II credit are not eligible for:
• Earning the Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA), which requires
completion of an endorsement with Algebra II among the four math credits,
• Recognition as an honors or high honors graduate,
• Automatic admission to a state public college or university, and
• Certain financial aid opportunities, including the TEXAS grant or the Texas
Educational Opportunity Grant.
Senate Bill 232
2020-2021 Course Catalog, pages 38-39
TOP 10% RULE
A student whose class rank* is in the top 10 percent of the
graduating class may be eligible for automatic admission
consideration at a Texas public college or university.
*Class rank must be based on the student’s rank at the end of the 11th
grade, middle of 12th grade, or at high school graduation, whichever
is most recent at the college or university’s application deadline.
TOP 10% RULE
Requirements to qualify for automatic admission consideration:
• Complete the FHSP + Endorsement, including the Distinguished Level of
Achievement,
• Earn a satisfactory ACT or SAT score,
• Submit the application before the college or university’s deadline, and
• Provide a final high school transcript verifying completion of the FHSP +
Endorsement, including the Distinguished Level of Achievement.
2020-2021 Course Catalog, pages 38-39
GRADING SCALE FOR 2020-2021
FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES
• The alphabetic identification for scores 70-79 is a C.
• Students in the top 10% will be provided their numeric class rank in the spring semester of
their junior year.
• Transcripts will include the numeric class rank only for students in the top 10%.
• Students beyond the top 10% will be provided their quartile rank in the spring semester of
their junior year.
MILLER CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY
• Miller Career & Technology Center is a
central site for Career Technical
Education (CTE) classes.
• Many of the Advanced courses may
complete an endorsement.
• Open House
Please contact your child’s 8th grade counselor for
questions concerning course selection.
Thank you!
INTERMISSION
If you would like to learn more about Katy Advanced Placement and AP, please stay seated.
If you are ready to meet club sponsors, coaches, and club representatives, please feel free to start perusing our tables.
KAP/ AP Informational Parent Night
Todd Knobbe- Associate Principal
SLHS MISSION STATEMENT
Seven Lakes High School is committed to creating a positive atmosphere that empowers students to develop strong character, achieve excellence, serve the community, and become life-long learners in a diverse world.
SLHS Academic, KAP and AP level
Academic Classes vs. Katy Advanced Placement (KAP)
The curricula for both KAP and Academic courses are built on the core
academic curriculum following the Texas Education Agency guidelines for each
course, called the TEKS, or Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.
KAP lessons are modified further by adding depth, complexity, and pacing to
concepts required by the TEKS and aligned to skills required by College Board.
In Academic courses, teachers tend to provide more direct instruction and in
KAP the teacher begins its role as a facilitator of learning preparing self-
motivated students to take on AP level courses as prescribed by College Board.
SLHS Academic, KAP and AP level
Katy Advanced Program
KAP is based on the belief that every student can prepare for
higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of
skills as early as possible.
KAP courses are offered for various subjects. These tend to be
more rigorous in nature to ensure that students are learning the
skills, concepts, and habits of mind needed for college. KAP
courses require outside work.
SLHS Academic, KAP and AP level
Advanced Placement (AP)
The AP Program allows high school students to undertake college-level
academic learning and gives them the opportunity to show that they
have mastered the advanced material by taking the AP Exam associated
with the course.
AP courses equate to a first year college level course; therefore, students
may earn college credit for the course.
Although AP courses are open to all students, these make substantial
academic demands on students. Students who choose to enroll should be
prepared for the increased academic rigorous college level instruction,
which prepares them for the AP exam associated with the course.
● Not knowing how to manage their time properly● Not putting in the time at home for their notes● Not attending tutorials/taking advantage of enrichment
time if needed
What can potentially prevent my student from doing well in KAP Biology?
How is KAP Biology different from Academic Biology?In KAP Biology:
● Cover a lot of information, in more depth, and at a faster pace● The majority of the notes are done at home by the students and
then reinforced through in-class activities● Tests/quizzes are more application based and less “fill-in-the-
blank” from notes● If they’re in more than one KAP course, then they will be
quizzed/tested more frequently than they were in junior high
What are some the benefits of taking KAP Biology?
● A step in the right direction towards being prepared to take AP
Biology (college-level course)
● The course will challenge and help shape a student’s time
management and critical thinking skills to prepare them for more
advanced science courses at Seven Lakes
Should my student take KAP Biology if they didn’t take KAP science in junior high?
*If they didn’t take KAP classes in junior high, then they
can definitely still do well in KAP Biology if they are
willing to put in the work*
Words of wisdom from students who are currently in KAP Biology:
● “Just try your best and don't worry so much. Study hard and work hard.
Ask for help if you need it. Go to tutorials with other teachers too.
Sometimes it helps to hear it from someone else.”
● “If you enjoy the subject and are good at managing your time, then taking
this class is definitely a good choice.”
● “…It's a lot of material to take all [advanced] classes, so it's important to
know where your classes are taking you and what benefits you will truly
receive from taking [an advanced] course.”
● “Be prepared to study!”
Students who experience success in KAP courses typically exhibit the following personal and academic characteristics:
Personal Characteristics:
• Reading on or above grade level
• Strong study skills and self-motivation
• Proficient oral and written communications skills
• Self-discipline to plan, organize, and carry out tasks to completion
• Interest and self-directedness in a particular subject
Academic Characteristics:
• Successful completion of prerequisite coursework
• Grade of 90 or higher in an Academic (or general education) class. At least
80% or higher in a KAP class
• Successful performance in related content area courses
• Scores at the advanced level on the most recent state assessment closely
related to the KAP course being considered.
KAP/ AP Social StudiesLevels in Social Studies
FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE JUNIOR SENIOR Elective
Academic World
Geography
World History U.S. History Government
Economics
Psychology
Sociology
KAP World
Geography
World History
AP Human
Geography
(full year)
**This is the
only option
for GT
students.
World History U.S. History Government
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
European
History
Psychology
*Full year
KAP/ AP Social Studies
Practical Advice for Decision-Making KAP/ AP
“The road to success in HS Advanced Academics starts with a good, balanced plan…”
AP classes shouldn't be taken lightly — they're meant to simulate college courses
in their depth and volume of study. Homework and testing are rigorous, and your
student is given more autonomy than in traditional high school classes. Advanced
placement courses are college level classes and might not be for everyone.
A low grade in an AP class does not benefit your student. If your
student is not yet ready for more rigorous coursework and
independence, then it’s better to skip the KAP classes and focus
on being successful in traditional high school classes.
How rigorous are AP Classes?
While a challenging course load looks attractive on the high school transcript
for college admissions, it is possible to go overboard. The stress of loading up on
too many AP courses at once may have adverse effects on a student’s mental
and physical health.
The time put into studying for multiple AP courses may also detract from other
activities that are more likely to make the student stand out from the crowd.
When selecting classes, your student should favor those in which he or she
is likely to learn the most, follow a passion, build critical and creative
thinking skills, or go in-depth in a particular subject. Encourage your
student to ask the teacher — or students who have been through the course —
what it will cover and how it will be taught.
Should My Child Take as Many KAP/AP Classes as Possible in High School?
PreAP/ AP English
Levels in ELA FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE JUNIOR SENIOR
Academic English I English II English III English IV
KAP KAP
English I
KAP
English II
AP
AP
Language &
Composition
(AP Lang)
AP Literature
KAP/ AP English - How is it different from Jr High?Independent Reading of Full Novels with Literary Merit
In order to strengthen our students’ understanding of text analysis, our classes put focus on evaluating
significant pieces of critically acclaimed literature (L. Hansberry, Shakespeare, Harper Lee, G. Orwell) with
regards to their themes and application to the social issues contemporary to their contexts. This will help
develop stronger close reading skills, critical thinking skills, and develop a stronger lexicon.
Whole Class Discussion
Our whole-class novels typically drive many of our class discussions centered on the issues upon which
those novels focus. They usually warrant in-depth discussion and analysis of social issues or moral
dilemmas including: Social Class (A Raisin in the Sun) - Racial Prejudice (To Kill A Mockingbird) -
Corruption of Power (Animal Farm, Anthem)
***Expository Essay Writing***
One of the largest academic leaps students make into our course is writing one-page expository essays in
a timed setting. Writing skills are one that our students spend the most time in tutorials practicing and
honing as this is often the skill they have practiced least to this point in their educational career. Our top
student writers are almost always some of the students who come to writing tutorials with regularity.
How challenging is KAP English?Generally, students find KAP English to be one of their more challenging
courses. The level of independent reading and high standards for writing are
significantly different than what they experience in Junior High.
What is the difference between KAP English and Academic English?
Primarily, pace and independence. Academic English covers the same material
as KAP English, but the pace is significantly more forgiving. Additionally, there
is a lot more guided reading and practice during class, so less is expected of
them at home.
Should my student take KAP English if they did not in Junior High?
It is always an option to move up in difficulty, but students should expect to be
a lot more challenged in KAP English. It starts out quickly, and there is not a lot
of time for students to adjust to the pace before they begin testing and
quizzing. Come ready to learn and work! Generally, if a student knows that
they will not read outside of class, they should not take KAP English.
KAP/ AP Math
Levels in MATH
FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE JUNIOR SENIOR
Academic Algebra 1
Geometry
Geometry
Algebra 2
Algebra 2
Pre-calculus
Algebraic
Reasoning
Pre-calculus
Algebra 2
PreAP
Geometry
Algebra 2
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-calculus
Algebra 2
Pre-calculus
Pre-calculus
AP
________
______
___________
_____
Statistics
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Statistics
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Multivariable
Calculus
Geometry KAP - What to expect?Goal: Cultivate lifelong learners who are willing to struggle
productively, think critically, and make mistakes!
Geometry KAP is NOT the same as Academic
Geometry…
Calculus AP = end-goal, meaning we will be vertically aligning curriculum to ensure students arrive in Algebra 2 KAP with the skills they need to be successful.
The “profile” of a successful Geometry KAP student is
one that can…
- Study regularly- Manage their time- Ask questions (from teacher AND peers)- Problem-solve- Justify their work- Explain their thinking to others- Complete homework/practice- Find outside resources- Attend tutorials- Utilize Canvas- Use cell phones appropriately- Access prior knowledge
Geometry KAP is DEPENDENT ON Algebra I...● A low score in Algebra I is a strong
indicator for your student’s potential performance in Geometry KAP.
● Skills learned in Algebra I will be applied to shapes and figures ○ Finding and interpreting slope,
distance, midpoint, and solutions○ Assessing the reasonableness of
answers○ Graphing linear equations,
shapes, and their transformations
● The main difference is students will now have to use reading comprehension and written expression skills like in an English class○ Reviewing definitions, rules,
formulas, and diagrams
Dual CreditThere are two paths to earn college credit at Seven Lakes High School. AP Courses and
Dual Credit courses. In partnership with Houston Community College students have the
opportunity to take college level courses and earn college credit.
Some courses are taught by SL teachers and some are taught by HCC professors.
Students will receive both high school and college credit. These courses are more
rigorous than the Academic level classes.
Current classes offered at Seven Lakes are:
● US History (11th Grade)
● English IV/College Freshman English credit (12th Grade)
● Government (12th Grade)
● Economics (12th Grade)
AP Courses Offered at SLHS
Arts· AP Art History
· AP Music
Theory
· AP Studio Art
2-D Design
· AP Studio Art
Drawing
· AP Studio Art
3-D Design
English
· AP English
Language &
Composition
· AP English
Literature &
Composition
History & Social
Sciences
· AP Human
Geography
· AP
Macroeconomics
. AP
Microeconomics
· AP Psychology
· AP United States
Government &
Politics
· AP United States
History
· AP World History
· AP European
History
STEM· AP Biology
· AP Calculus AB
· AP Calculus BC
· AP Chemistry
· AP Computer
Science A
. AP Computer
Science Principles
· AP
Environmental
Science
· AP Physics 1
· AP Physics 2
· AP Statistics
World
Languages &
Cultures
· AP Chinese
Language
· AP French
Language
· AP German
Language
· AP Spanish
Language
· AP Spanish
Literature
Electives· Capstone
-Seminar-Research
Curriculum Parent Resource www.katyisd.org
