WELCOME

MARKHAM DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLGRADE 8 PARENTS’ NIGHT

January 8, 2015

• Principal’s Welcome – Mr. S. Schreiber

• Vice Principals’ Comments – Ms. D. Heron and Mr. C. McArthur

• School Council Reps – Ms. J. Amenta

• Guidance Presentation - Ms. S. Joseph

• Career Cruising: Course Planner - Ms. E. Kerhoulas

• Students’ Council Reps – E. Hopkins & H. Patankar

• Closing Comments, Gifted Presentation & Tours of School

Agenda

… and the “New” Markham District High School …

opened September 2010

History of MDHS

The original Markham High School opened in 1858 and then was erected on Joseph St. 1860

Then Markham District High School opened in 1954 on Church St. and had additions over the next 20 years

General Information about MDHS

Student population ~1400 100+ Teachers 1 Principal and 2 Vice-Principals A non- semestered high school A strong academic program enhanced by the Arts, Business, and Technology 150+ years of tradition

Gifted, AP and

Enriched

Clubs

eco-Markham“Green” school

“ living wall”

LeadershipOpportunities

LEAD & Peer Mentors

Successful Sports Teams -Metro Bowl Football Champs!

Strong EQAOResults and high

academic standards

New School Construction 21stC Technology

Diverse Arts Programs – Music, Drama, Visual

Active Students’ Council

Diversity of Special

Education Programs

Composite non-semestered school

Tech Hair & Aesthetics “New”

Business DECAPhysical Education

Arts

MDHS

Classics & Latin

High Performance Athlete

Positive School Climate

Gifted, AP and

EnrichedClubs eco-Markham

“Green” school“ “living wall”

LeadershipOpportunities

LEAD & Peer Mentors

Successful Sports Teams

Strong EQAOResults and high

academic standards

New School Construction 21stC Technology

Diverse Arts Programs – Music, Drama, Visual

Active Students’ Council

Diversity of Special

Education Programs

MDHS

Classics & Latin

High Performance Athlete

Positive School Climate

Composite non-semestered school with rich history

EOP + Alt Ed

SHSM Programs

Life at MDHS…

Diploma Requirements (O.S.S.D.) for the 4 year program

18 Compulsory Credits

4 Credits in English (1 credit per grade)

1 Credit in French as a Second Language

3 Credits in Mathematics (at least 1 in Gr. 11 or 12)

2 Credits in Science

1 Credit in Canadian History

1 Credit in Canadian Geography

1 Credit in the Arts

1 Credit in Health and Physical Education

.5 Credit in Civics & .5 Credit in Career Studies (grade 10)

Plus………..

Compulsory Credits (cont’d)

Plus:

Group 1: 1 additional credit in English, or French as a Second Language, or a Native Language/Studies, or a Classical or an International Language, or Social Sciences and the Humanities, or Canadian and World Studies, or Guidance and Career Education (including Learning Strategies), or Cooperative Education*

Compulsory Credits (cont’d)

Group 2: 1 additional credit in Health and Physical Education, or Business Studies, or the Arts (music, art, drama), or French as a Second Language or Cooperative Education*

Group 3: 1 additional credit in science (grade 11 or 12) or technological education (grades 9-12), or French as a Second Language or Computer Studies or Cooperative Education*

The12 Optional Credits

ElectivesOptional credits allow students to build an

educational program over the 4 years that suit their individual interests and meet college, university, workplace and/or apprenticeship requirements.

On TYKTHS Day, grade 8 students toured the following areas: Business, Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Family Studies, Latin & Technology

The Grade 10 Literacy Test

• A Diploma requirement. Administered in late March or early April of the grade 10 year

• A test based on language and communication (reading and writing) expectations of curricula up to and including grade 9

• Accommodations, deferrals and exemptions may be appropriate for some students

• If standard not met in first attempt, schools will provide remedial support; test is re-administered until student successfully completes the test or the Grade 12 Literacy Course

Community Involvement

• A diploma requirement• Encourages civic responsibility, promotes community values

and reinforces importance of volunteerism• Complete 40 hours before graduation• Can start in summer of grade 8• Student responsibility to keep record of activities• Guidelines and forms will be provided to help track

community involvement• A good way to explore career interests

More Life … at MDHS

PATHWAY APPROACHAPPLIED Step by step approach to learning

using theory and practical examples.

ACADEMIC Theoretical and independent approach to learning with a focus on critical thinking skills

LOCALLY DEVELOPED

Guided approach to learning using practical examples and concrete objects.

OPEN An opportunity to explore an area of interest for all students

ABILITYWorking at or above grade level

Working at or above grade level

Working below grade level in Math, English and Science

Available to all students

Course Pathways

Physical Education is the same for all students. Classes are divided by Male and Female.

OPTIONAL COURSES FOR GRADE 9 STUDENTS

Destinations … Four Pathways to Opportunity

Apprenticeship - prepare for trainingCollege - hands on training & theoryUniversity - theory and reasoningWorkplace - prepare for work

When thinking about the future, ask yourself:• How do you learn best?

• What are the admission requirements for College, Apprenticeships and University entrance?

• What courses do you need to prepare for the work force?

Individual Pathways Plan or IPPThe IPP is the primary planning tool that students will use as they proceed

through school towards their initial postsecondary destination (Creating Pathways to Success 2012)

Students will perform a four-step inquiry process performed through grades 7-12 based on four questions linked to four areas of learning. The web-based tool which will hold the IPP is called Career Cruising.

Course and Post-Secondary Pathways are changeable and flexible.

As interests, skills and aptitudes develop and mature, there will be many opportunities to re-chart your journey

Remember….

Making Choices…???• Parents/guardians and students will select courses in collaboration with elementary

school teachers, guidance counsellors and administrators.

• Grade 8 students and their parents or guardians choose grade 9 courses on the basis of the students’ needs, interests, strengths and past achievements. These choices may also be influenced by learning opportunities available outside the school.

Support for Students

Guidance Department Annual teacher-assisted IPP updates Learning Strategies

(recommended by Principal) ESL Courses Student Advocacy Team Peer Mentors

For More Information……

York Region District School Board Regional Course Directory www.yrdsb.ca

York Region District School Board www.yrdsb.ca

York Region District School Board Guidance Serviceswww.yrdsb.ca/guidance.services

Ministry of Education www.edu.gov.on.ca for policy and curriculum docs

To Access On-line Course Selection: