Parents of all students and members of the community:
Tahoma High School will be hosting an information night on Monday, January 23 from 6:30-8:30 pm for all members of the community, including students and parents, to learn more about keeping a college education affordable.
From 6:30-7:30, program managers from Green River College will provide information about five different bachelor of applied science degrees at Green River. These four-year degrees target high demand fields, offer small class sizes, and provide students with hands-on learning opportunities. The cost of obtaining a bachelor’s degree at Green River is significantly less than a state university, making Green River a popular destination for traditional students and career changers alike. There will be time for questions after the presentation.
From 7:30-8:30, Dr. Jonathan Brown will be giving a presentation: “Pros and Cons of Community Colleges: The Last College Bargain.” Dr. Brown has worked as a college administrator at both four-year universities and community colleges. He will use both history and current data to challenge some of the societal myths people believe about community colleges. This presentation is sponsored by the Maple Valley Library.
People may attend one or both sessions. Presentations will be in the Lecture Hall at THS. Enter through the courtyard which is to the left of the main entrance to the school.
If you have questions, please contact Lara Lindersmith llinders@tahomasd.us | 425-413-3468.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Advanced Placement (AP)
Parents of sophomores & juniors:
Advanced Placement courses allow students to receive college credit and audit freshmen-level coursework at universities across the country. Hosted by the College Board, the nonprofit testing service that also supports the PSAT and SAT, the AP program covers a wide range of subjects.
AP courses at Tahoma prepare students to take an exam in the spring that proves college-level competency in a given subject. Tahoma teachers assemble texts and write activities that address exam scoring criteria specifically, and they submit a detailed syllabus that explains how these standards are met through the curriculum. The teacher’s plan for instruction then must be approved by College Board for Tahoma to label a course as AP. It is this audit process that ensures the quality and rigor of AP courses, and that allows colleges and universities confidently to accept student exam scores in place of regular freshman coursework.
At present, Tahoma High School offers the 19 AP courses listed here (click to view list).
In the 2017-18 school year, Tahoma is excited to offer three new AP offerings.
Advanced Placement courses allow students to receive college credit and audit freshmen-level coursework at universities across the country. Hosted by the College Board, the nonprofit testing service that also supports the PSAT and SAT, the AP program covers a wide range of subjects.
AP courses at Tahoma prepare students to take an exam in the spring that proves college-level competency in a given subject. Tahoma teachers assemble texts and write activities that address exam scoring criteria specifically, and they submit a detailed syllabus that explains how these standards are met through the curriculum. The teacher’s plan for instruction then must be approved by College Board for Tahoma to label a course as AP. It is this audit process that ensures the quality and rigor of AP courses, and that allows colleges and universities confidently to accept student exam scores in place of regular freshman coursework.
At present, Tahoma High School offers the 19 AP courses listed here (click to view list).
In the 2017-18 school year, Tahoma is excited to offer three new AP offerings.
AP Art History allows students to explore and analyze how art is made and how it changes over time. By examining important artistic movements, students potentially can apply those concepts to their own art work.
In addition, Tahoma will be one of a limited number of Washington State schools to offer AP Capstone. AP Capstone is a diploma program composed of two courses, AP Seminar and AP Research. In AP Seminar, students learn intensive research skills through group and independent work on a topic of their choosing. The following year, students can take AP Research, a course which supports a student’s writing and oral defense of a significant research paper. The two courses, combined with any other AP course, earns the student the AP Capstone diploma. This distinction is recognized at competitive/selective colleges as evidence of significant learning in a specific subject area, as well as well-developed and widely applicable research skills.
If you are interested in learning more about Advanced Placement courses, please join us for College in High School Night on Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Students and teachers in these classes will be available to answer your questions about these classes and their benefits. You can also contact Charisse Braun, AP/College in High School Coordinator, at cbraun@tahomasd.us.
In addition, Tahoma will be one of a limited number of Washington State schools to offer AP Capstone. AP Capstone is a diploma program composed of two courses, AP Seminar and AP Research. In AP Seminar, students learn intensive research skills through group and independent work on a topic of their choosing. The following year, students can take AP Research, a course which supports a student’s writing and oral defense of a significant research paper. The two courses, combined with any other AP course, earns the student the AP Capstone diploma. This distinction is recognized at competitive/selective colleges as evidence of significant learning in a specific subject area, as well as well-developed and widely applicable research skills.
If you are interested in learning more about Advanced Placement courses, please join us for College in High School Night on Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Students and teachers in these classes will be available to answer your questions about these classes and their benefits. You can also contact Charisse Braun, AP/College in High School Coordinator, at cbraun@tahomasd.us.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
College in the High School
Parents of sophomores and juniors:
Using the same curriculum and materials as those used at the university’s main campus, Tahoma High School teachers who hold at least a master’s degree teach a College in the High School course offered through UW, CWU, or both. As a result, students have the opportunity to take college classes without having to leave the high school campus. To participate, students register for college credit in these courses. Those who complete the coursework with a qualifying grade receive college credit from the university.
For example, a student in pre-calculus who wants to earn college credit from Central Washington University completes the registration materials, pays for tuition, and then attends class with Mr. DeBolt, Ms. Innes, or Ms. Shirley at Tahoma. After completing the course, the student can request an official transcript from CWU for 5-10 credits in quantitative math, which is a freshman requirement at most universities.
The following College in the High School courses are available at Tahoma High School for the 2017-18 school year.
- College Computer Prog. II (UW CSE 143)
- College Literary Analysis (UW ENGL 111)
- College Writing (UW ENGL 131)
- College French (UW FREN 103)
- College Spanish (UW SPAN 103)
- Advanced College Spanish (UW SPAN 201)
- Pre– Calculus (CWU Math 153/154)
- College Geology (CWU GEOL 101)
If you are interested in learning more about College in High School courses, please join us for College in High School Night on Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. You can also contact Charisse Braun, AP/College in High School Coordinator, at cbraun@tahomasd.us.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Study Abroad
Parents of all students:
Many people believe that study abroad should happen in college, but there are many study abroad experiences for high school students. Students can go abroad for a few weeks, the summer, a semester, a school year, or even after graduation (often referred to as a "gap year").
Students who study abroad gain confidence, independence, maturity, language skills, and perspective. Many colleges and employers look favorably on study abroad experience because people who have lived abroad gain a global perspective that is becoming more important in our global economy.
Parents often have legitimate concerns about student safety when considering study abroad. Families should investigate different study abroad agencies to find one that is the best fit. Agencies should be able to clearly explain their procedures for ensuring student safety and appropriate placement with a host family. They should provide a contact person for the student who can provide assistance when needed.
THS is hosting two information sessions for students to learn more about study abroad.
Many people believe that study abroad should happen in college, but there are many study abroad experiences for high school students. Students can go abroad for a few weeks, the summer, a semester, a school year, or even after graduation (often referred to as a "gap year").
Students who study abroad gain confidence, independence, maturity, language skills, and perspective. Many colleges and employers look favorably on study abroad experience because people who have lived abroad gain a global perspective that is becoming more important in our global economy.
Parents often have legitimate concerns about student safety when considering study abroad. Families should investigate different study abroad agencies to find one that is the best fit. Agencies should be able to clearly explain their procedures for ensuring student safety and appropriate placement with a host family. They should provide a contact person for the student who can provide assistance when needed.
THS is hosting two information sessions for students to learn more about study abroad.
- Thursday, December 1 during APP, Academic Programs International
- Tuesday, December 6 during APP, Tahoma exchange students talk about their experience
- Tuesday, December 13 during APP & lunches, AFS-USA
Presentations will be held in the College and Career Center. Students who wish to attend should check in with their teachers during break, then report to room 305.
Resources (some of these refer to study abroad in college, but contain helpful information)
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Parents of seniors:
If your student is planning to pursue any type of education next year and hasn't filled out the FAFSA, now is the time!
Many people believe that they shouldn't bother filling out the FAFSA because they think they are not eligible for financial aid. However, there is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors are taken into consideration, and eligibility is determined by a mathematical formula, not just your income.
Another misconception is that two year and technical schools don't offer financial aid or scholarships. They do!
Students who earn scholarships from their colleges--both academic and merit-based--almost always need to complete the FAFSA as part of the paperwork to access those scholarship dollars.
Financial aid is limited, so those who apply earlier are more likely to get aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, and work study jobs. Because the FAFSA is being made available earlier this year, many schools are already starting to process financial aid packages so students have more time to make decisions.
You don't have to complete the FAFSA all at once, so get started this weekend.
Resources
Start filling out the FAFSA
10 myths about the FAFSA
How to determine dependency status
YouTube videos to help you with the FAFSA
If your student is planning to pursue any type of education next year and hasn't filled out the FAFSA, now is the time!
Many people believe that they shouldn't bother filling out the FAFSA because they think they are not eligible for financial aid. However, there is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors are taken into consideration, and eligibility is determined by a mathematical formula, not just your income.
Another misconception is that two year and technical schools don't offer financial aid or scholarships. They do!
Students who earn scholarships from their colleges--both academic and merit-based--almost always need to complete the FAFSA as part of the paperwork to access those scholarship dollars.
Financial aid is limited, so those who apply earlier are more likely to get aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, and work study jobs. Because the FAFSA is being made available earlier this year, many schools are already starting to process financial aid packages so students have more time to make decisions.
You don't have to complete the FAFSA all at once, so get started this weekend.
Resources
Start filling out the FAFSA
10 myths about the FAFSA
How to determine dependency status
YouTube videos to help you with the FAFSA
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Running Start
Parents of sophomores & juniors:
The Running Start program offers academically qualified high school juniors and seniors enrolled in public high schools the opportunity to take college classes while earning credit for high school. Students may take classes at local colleges such as Green River College or Bellevue College. To learn more about benefits, things students should consider, and how to get started, click below.
The Running Start program offers academically qualified high school juniors and seniors enrolled in public high schools the opportunity to take college classes while earning credit for high school. Students may take classes at local colleges such as Green River College or Bellevue College. To learn more about benefits, things students should consider, and how to get started, click below.
Getting Started in Running Start
Students who are interested in Running Start should make an appointment to see their counselor.
Students who are interested in Running Start should make an appointment to see their counselor.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Registration for 2017-18
Parents of sophomores & juniors:
Students will be registering for next year's classes earlier than usual. They will start planning for next year in December and will receive registration materials in January. Registration materials will be distributed in English classes and students will submit their requests for classes using Skyward by midnight on Monday, January 16 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).
Registration is occurring earlier this year so there is plenty of time to work out the complexities of the schedule for the new high school.
There will be a parent information night on January 12 from 7-9 pm in the gym at THS where parents can get more information about registration.
There will be a parent information night on January 12 from 7-9 pm in the gym at THS where parents can get more information about registration.
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