We all want something bigger than ourselves. You’re part of shaping the future.

High School Planning Guide Preparing Students for Graduation | College | Career Transitioning to high school The move from middle school to high school may be a During their time in high school, PSD students have huge shift for some students. Together, PSD staff and opportunities to connect with business mentors; families form a team that supports students in reaching complete internships and apprenticeships; develop Welcome to ’s their highest potential academically, socially, and essential skills like working with a team, taking initiative emotionally. and problem solving; earn industry certifications and college credits; and more. High School Planning Guide Social and Emotional Learning It’s normal for students to experience a range of Activities, Athletics, and Clubs This publication is designed to give students and families a sense of what the student emotions when they start high school. PSD’s mental High school clubs and activities give students experience may be like during high school in Poudre School District. It can serve as a starting health team, school counselors, teachers, and staff opportunities to be involved in school outside of point in the journey of preparing your student for success after graduation – no matter what collaborate to give students services and resources. Our classes and to meet friends who share similar interests. path they follow. goal in PSD is that every student has at least one adult Clubs and activities range from chess to ice cream with whom they say they feel connected. This guide contains information about high school fundamentals, graduation requirements, to robotics and foreign languages. Athletic sports, as well as the opportunities available to explore passions, complete internships, earn college Academic Planning governed by the High School Activities credit and industry certifications during high school, and more. High school counselors connect with incoming PSD ninth Association, are offered at the four comprehensive high graders in the spring of their eighth-grade year at their schools with varsity and junior varsity teams for cut and We have lofty career goals for our students, and we want each one of them to find something middle schools, and during special events for both stu- non-cut sports. Students who attend a choice school that drives them to stay engaged and grow into the phenomenal adults we know they will dents and parents. Freshmen work with counseling and (such as PSD Global Academy or Polaris Expeditionary become. Part of what we do in PSD is to teach students to pursue work that gives them a sense school staff to create a four-year plan to meet PSD’s grad- Learning School) may participate in clubs and sports at of satisfaction and pride from being part of something bigger than themselves. uation requirements. Along with core academic classes, their neighborhood high school. Please note: Whether this plan may include courses in the student’s interest and how athletics, activities and extracurriculars are Our educators and staff ask questions – much like families do – and prompt students to figure areas such as music, art and computer coding, career and offered will depend on public health conditions due to out what it is they are good at and care about. After establishing that foundation, we help them technical education classes and college courses. COVID-19. to see what careers best integrate these skills and personal priorities.

For example, a student might be passionate about pottery, but their career pursuit is not limited to only being a potter. Instead, they might come to understand that what they love about pottery is the opportunity to make something with their hands and work in a place that values creativity. That discovery opens the door to endless job opportunities.

We know every student has their unique journey – through high school and beyond. We want to support them along the way.

After all we have endured as a global community in 2020, it is hard to predict what 2021 or any year beyond that has in store. What you can count on, though, is PSD’s commitment to academic excellence and our passion for supporting every child, every day so they can graduate, prepared to work in a changing world.

We hope you find this publication informative. If you have any questions about your child’s academic or post-graduation path, please contact your child’s school. What does it take to graduate from PSD? Everything we do in PSD leads up to one thing: the day • Meet or exceed minimum scores in mathematics our students proudly cross the stage and accept their and English on a state-approved measure (e.g. SAT, Equity, diversity and inclusion: Pursuant to our goal of educational equity, PSD is committed high school diploma. Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate to being an organization of dignity and belonging for every community. We will promote course tests, Armed Services Vocational Battery In order to make that moment a reality, high school kindness, collaboration, love and respect. We will continue with our important work of equity, Assessment, etc.) diversity and inclusion and will not let a child’s identity and a family’s socio-economic status students must meet PSD’s graduation requirements, OR pre-determine their hopes and dreams. which align with state standards. They must earn 240 credits in a variety of courses (see the credit tracker on • Meet one of the “individualized” state-approved college page 4), ranging from mathematics and language arts and career-readiness measures (e.g. Earn an industry to personal wellness and financial literacy. Additionally, certificate, which indicates the student is prepared to they must complete one of the following options: work in a professional setting after high school).

* Some photos used in this publication were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and do not show social distancing or face coverings. 2 Learn more about graduation requirements: psdschools.org/academics/academic-standards-graduation-requirements 3 Credit and Course Planning Worksheet

*8th Grade/ Required Category Credits Summer 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Examples of Courses School 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd Roadmap to graduation Semester Semester Semester Semester Semester Semester Semester Semester During freshman year, students set goals for their future, explore careers, and create a Language Arts 40 Any English class timeline to achieve goals. Milestones are managed through the Individual Career and 4 years Academic Planning (ICAP) process. This multi-year process intentionally guides students and families in the exploration of career, academic, and postsecondary opportunities. Mathematics & 30 Any Math class With the support of talented educators and staff, students develop the awareness, Computer Science (Algebra I and higher) 3 years knowledge, attitudes, and skills to create their own meaningful post-secondary pathways that can lead to the workforce, Armed Services, or higher education. Science 30 Any Science class starting 3 years with Biology

Social Studies 10 1 year World Geography, AP Human Geography, Government 5 Government, U.S. History, 1 semester class World History

U.S. History 10 1 year

World Language/ Spanish, French, German Culture 10 or World History 1 year

Fine & Applied Visual Art classes, Perf. Art Arts 10 classes, Tech Ed, Culinary, 1 year and Computer Design

Economics 5 Economics, AP Economics, 1 semester class Business Economics

Personal Finance 5 Personal Financial Literacy, 1 semester class Finance, Career and Financial Planning

Humanities 5 Classical, Contemporary, or 1 semester class other Humanities

Wellness 15 Every Student, Future Ready 3 classes Health, PE or other classes Xello complements a student’s ICAP to: Electives Music, Arts, Career and Minimum of 13 65 Technical courses (i.e. Foods, Build resumes and set goals Did you know? semester classes Business & Marketing, Engineering) Students can share their Explore occupations that match skills, interests profile with parents and High School Select from guardians: College Credit at Research colleges, careers, and scholarships my high school FRCC/Aims, CU Succeed, • From your Xello home page (Core class or elective) AP/IB Courses click on the avatar in the top Build relationships with business leaders and future employers right corner. College Credit on Campus Select at FRCC, • Click “Share My Profile,” then Aims, CSU Ready Find job shadow opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships a college campus “Invite a Parent or Guardian” by (Core class or elective) using their email. Learn about industry speakers, career fairs, and workplace tours Total Credits 240

1 semester class = 5 credits 4 *Parents have the option of declining high school graduation credit for approved courses taught at middle school. See your student’s counselor for details. Learn more about Xello and college and career readiness: xello.psdschools.org 5 Earn college credit or an industry certificate Through strong partnerships with Front Range Community College, Colorado State University, Aims Community College, and the University of Colorado, PSD students have many opportunities to explore college-level academics and career pathways before earning their high school diplomas.

PSD’s Early College Programs (Concurrent Enrollment) Inspiring success among all PSD students Most PSD high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which are identified Advanced Placement by the College Board as college-level instruction. Many universities accept AP PSD has programs to support students with special / International courses and test scores. IB courses, available at Poudre High School, are based on needs, so they may grow and succeed throughout their high school journey and beyond. Baccalaureate accepted standards and recognized worldwide. The IB diploma is recognized by many universities as an internationally accepted qualification for entry to higher education. Community Connections assists PSD students with significant learning needs with transitioning from high school to adult living and/or the post-secondary PSD students take accredited college-level courses at their high school through: education world. In the program, students learn adult • Front Range Community College (FRCC) living skills; community recreation and access skills; and • Aims Community College employment/volunteer skills. This program is open to High School • CU Extension, “CU Succeed” program* students, ages 18-21, who currently receive services Select • PSD Futures Lab through PSD Integrated Services and demonstrate Courses are taught by college professors, or PSD teachers qualified to teach for the transition needs in their Individualized Education Plan credit-bearing institution, and are credit-bearing. Most credits in core classes will (IEP). Students should work with their high school social easily transfer to in-state public colleges, and often transfer to out of state colleges.** worker, counselor, or case manager to see if this is a good fit. transition planning for high school students with special needs. Students develop personal and career skills Cooper Home is a collaborative effort between PSD students take college-level courses at: preparing them to live and work independently as vital, students, parents, and the community to assist contributing members of their community. Campus • Front Range Community College (transportation provided in some cases) students in moving toward natural supports within Select • Aims Community College the community and the work site while fostering Project Search is a business-led collaboration that • Colorado State University, “CSU Ready” program* independence. During the two-year program, students enables young adults with special needs to gain and receive services such as job development and coaching; maintain employment through career exploration and training at Columbine Health Systems. The Division of ASCENT (Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment) is a one-year training in work-related skills; independent living preparation; assistance with navigating outside agency Vocational Rehabilitation provides job coaching support. program that allows students to remain in high school for a fifth year and take services; guidance with higher education; and more. ASCENT classes at Front Range Community College or AIMS Community College, paid for by School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) PSD. To participate, students must have completed at least 12 college credits prior to Alternative Cooperative Education (ACE) is is a transition program that helps youth, with mild to moderate special needs, find and keep a job. the end of their senior year, in addition to meeting PSD’s graduation requirements. available at all PSD high schools. ACE provides work experience, related classroom instruction, and vocational PSD partners with the Department of Vocational * Dual Enrollment Rehabilitation to offer this free program. ** Courses in elective areas may transfer for students pursuing an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Colorado, and sometimes transfer as elective credit, but may not transfer to 4-year colleges. Transfer credit is up to the receiving university; students should check regarding the credit-transfer process.

6 Career readiness: psdschools.org/academics/college-career-readiness/college-credit-in-high-school Learn more: psdschools.org/programs-services/integrated-services/transition-resources 7 Agriculture Architecture and Construction Automotive Technology Aviation Do you like to use science to solve real- Do you love building things with your and Service Do you love air travel or flying drones? Career and Technical Education world problems? hands? Do you love cars? Like to drive? Check out PSD’s Aviation program, where you can take off in a flight Check out PSD’s Agriculture program, In this program you can plan, design, Check out PSD’s Automotive simulator or pilot a drone. Courses where what you learn can help you build, and estimate real-world Technology and Service program (CTE) Programs are offered at the Futures Lab make a lifetime of informed choices in construction. Courses are offered at where you can take courses toward the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural the following schools: Fort Collins High completing your General Automotive Aviation careers include: Each CTE pathway provides students the ability to resources systems. Courses are offered at the School, Fossil Ridge High School, Poudre High Maintenance and Repair Certificate. Courses following schools: Fort Collins High School, School, Rocky Mountain High School are offered at Front Range Community College Commercial Air Traffic Commercial Pilot Controller Drone Pilot earn college credit, industry credentials, and gain Fossil Ridge High School, Poudre High School, Architecture and Construction careers include: via Career Pathways Rocky Mountain High School Construction Solar Energy Automotive Technology and Service careers include: ... and more! experience through work-based learning. Agriculture careers include: Plumber Manager Tech Each program is mapped out in a suggested sequence and the following Automotive Automotive Emissions/ Agronomy Agriculture Service Parts Sales Vehicle Biochemist Architect Civil Engineer Electrician opportunities are identified: Sales Manager Engineer Technician Representative Inspector  Industry Certification Opportunity Bioinformatics Animal Diesel Light/Heavy Food Scientist Glazier ... and more! Automotive Scientist Geneticist Automotive Equipment  College Credit Opportunity Engineer Environmental Technician Technician ... and more!  Capstone Opportunity Engineer ... and more!

Business and Marketing Computer Science Culinary and Hospitality Design and Multimedia Arts Digital Media and Education and Training Do you like social media, planning events, Do you like problem-solving, playing video Are you creative in the kitchen? Do you like Are you curious about how products are Communications Do you love teaching, helping people and owning a business or creating a new product? games, or coding? working with people and planning events? created? Are you interested in sound, film, or music? making a difference? Check out PSD’s Business and Check out PSD’s Computer Science Check out PSD’s Culinary and Check out PSD’s Design and Check out PSD’s Digital Media and Check out PSD’s Education and Marketing program where you can program where you can plan, design, Hospitality program where you can Multimedia Arts program where you Communications program where you Training program where you can plan, design, create, network with and build the next great video game, learn to cook, bake, manage a kitchen, can design and create art using can develop technical skills with an emphasis learn about teaching methods, child business owners, and learn and apply app or website to change the world. Courses and prepare food in a safe manner. Courses Adobe products. Courses are offered at Fort on production. Courses are offered at the development, careers in education, and get real-world business and marketing skills. are offered at the following schools: Fort are offered at the following schools: Fort Collins High School and Poudre High School Futures Lab hands-on experience working with children in Courses are offered at the following schools: Collins High School, Fossil Ridge High School, Collins High School, Fossil Ridge High School, Manufacturing careers include: the classroom. Courses are offered at the Fort Collins High School, Fossil Ridge High Poudre High School, Rocky Mountain High Poudre High School, Rocky Mountain High Digital Media and Communications careers following schools: Fort Collins High School, School, Poudre High School, Rocky Mountain School, Futures Lab School, Futures Lab Film/Video include: Fossil Ridge High School, Poudre High School, Blogger Web Designer High School Editor Rocky Mountain High School Computer Science careers include: Culinary and Hospitality careers include: Sound Studio Broadcast Business and Marketing careers include: Creative/Art Brand Identity Engineer Manager Engineer Education and Training careers include: Software Cybersecurity Layout Artist Data Scientist Dietitians Nutritionists Executive Chef Director Designer Financial Healthcare Developer Engineer Post- Special Accountant ... and more! School Analyst Administrator Production Teacher Education AI/Machine Food and Photo Editor ... and more! Administrator Full Stack Web DevOps Event Teacher Operations Social Media Human Learning Beverage Hotel Manager Developer Engineer Manager Research Marketing Resources Engineer Director School Curriculum School Social Analyst Manager Manager Video Game Counselor Developer Worker Business ... and more! Actuary ... and more! Designer Pastry Chef ... and more! Lawyer ELL Teacher ... and more!

Engineering/STEM Health Science Interior and Fashion Design Manufacturing Networking and Cybersecurity Welding and Metal Fabrication Do you love robots? Are you curious about Do you like helping people be healthy and Do you enjoy being creative and designing Are you curious about how products are Are you interested in information Do you love using tools and technology to science and technology? thrive? spaces or fashion? created? technology? build things? Check out PSD’s Engineering/STEM Check out PSD’s Health Science Check out PSD’s Interior and Fashion Check out PSD’s Manufacturing Check out PSD’s Networking and Check out PSD’s Welding and Metal program where you can use design program where you can learn medical Design program where you can learn program where you can learn welding Cybersecurity program where you can Fabrication program where you can thinking to create and innovate new terminology, healthcare career options, about principles of design, create and metal fabrication skills. Courses diagnose security risks, manage learn skills and earn certificates that products. Courses are offered at the following and see healthcare in action. Courses interior spaces and apparel products, are offered at the following schools: Fort networks, and delve into the world of ethical will prepare you for entry-level welding schools: Fort Collins High School, Fossil Ridge are offered at Poudre High School and Rocky and learn about careers in the industry. Collins High School, Fossil Ridge High School, hacking. Courses are offered at the Futures careers. Courses are offered at Front Range High School, Poudre High School, Rocky Mountain High School Courses are offered at the following schools: Poudre High School, Rocky Mountain High Lab Community College via Career Pathways Mountain High School Health Science careers include: Fort Collins High School, Fossil Ridge High School Networking and Cybersecurity careers include: Welding and Metal Fabrication Program careers School, Poudre High School, Rocky Mountain Engineering/STEM careers include: Manufacturing careers include: include: High School Network Data Systems Dietitians Nutritionists Nurse Cybersecurity Electrical Petroleum Energy Sheet Metal Engineer Specialist Civil Engineer Interior and Fashion Design careers include: Welder Materials Structural Iron Engineer Engineer Manager Worker Welder Physician Engineer Worker Paramedic Chiropractor IT Technician ... and more! Alternative Automation Computer Assistant Exhibit Manufacturing Manufacturing Home Staging Architecture Machine Robotics Sheet Metal Underwater Energy and Robotics Hardware Designer Maintenance Production Pharmacy Operator Technician Worker Welder Engineer Engineer Engineer Doctor ... and more! Textile Retail Mechanic Supervisor Technician Retail Buyer Mechanical Designer Manager Metallurgist ... and more! ... and more! Machinist ... and more! Engineer Stylist ... and more! 8 Learn more at: psdschools.org/CTE 9 Work-Based Learning – Go Beyond!

Futures Lab

The Futures Lab is a multi-faceted, career-based experiential learning environment Work-Based Learning (WBL) is fast becoming Students: Login to Xello to see work-based learning available to all PSD high school students. the needed link that connects education and industry. opportunities listed under the “Explore Options” tab. Each pathway offers 20 or 40 high school credits, plus concurrent enrollment college WBL experiences include job shadows, internships, Find out here how you can credit, industry credential(s), or both. Pathways include but aren’t limited to: Coding volunteerism, paid-work, and apprenticeships. Industry Partners: engage with students and offer work-based learning Networking & Cybersecurity; Aviation; Design Thinking; Business & Innovation; High school students can access local work-based opportunities. Audio Production & Management; Architecture, Construction, & Engineering; learning opportunities including internships, Advanced Manufacturing; and Culinary & Hospitality. apprenticeships, job shadows, and paid work on Xello. Courses are held at the Futures Lab building in half-day bundles of courses in either first or second semester. Busing is provided for all students to/from their base high school (contact Futures Lab for details). Students still attend their home high school. Work-Based Learning helps students to:

Explore and become knowledgeable about career pathways A glimpse at career readiness in PSD • Career and skill assessments • Informational interviews • Elective courses Prepare for the real world of work and careers • Career fairs • Mock interviews • Career and innovation courses Define educational / career programs in which they are interested • Industry speakers • Career Cruising job exploration • Job shadowing • Workplace tours with industry information and • Capstone projects (culminating Earn an academic degree or industry-recognized credential videos • Military visits projects for courses or clubs that • Colorado Career Cluster Model focus on career skills) Secure employment • AVID (Advancement Via Individual Pathway (how courses align to Determination - college • Student-run enterprises (coffee specific job sectors as defined by cart, sign shop, food truck, student Understand what is required to advance in a career preparatory program) industry) store) • College tours Become self-sufficient

10 Learn more about Work-Based Learning at: psdschools.org/CTE Learn more: fut.psdschools.org 11 Poudre School District 2407 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 970-482-7420 www.psdschools.org | [email protected]

Centennial High School Poudre High School 330 East Laurel Street 201 Impala Drive 970-488-4940 970-488-6000 chs.psdschools.org phs.psdschools.org

Fort Collins High School Poudre School District 3400 Lambkin Way Global Academy 970-488-8021 703 East Prospect Road fch.psdschools.org 970-490-3086 pga.psdschools.org Fossil Ridge High School 5400 Ziegler Road Rocky Mountain High School 970-488-6260 1300 West Swallow Road frh.psdschools.org 970-488-7023 rmh.psdschools.org Polaris Expeditionary Learning School Futures Lab 1905 Orchard Place 1630 Stover Street 970-488-8260 970-488-4400 pol.psdschools.org fut.psdschools.org

Poudre Community Academy 2540 LaPorte Avenue 970-490-3295 pca.psdschools.org

Published January 2021