High School Planning Guide - You're part of shaping the future. We all want something bigger than ourselves.
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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 Poudre School District’s their highest potential academically, socially, and essential skills like working with a team, taking initiative
emotionally. and problem solving; earn industry certifications and
High School Planning Guide Social and Emotional Learning
college credits; and more.
It’s normal for students to experience a range of
This publication is designed to give students and families a sense of what the student Activities, Athletics, and Clubs
emotions when they start high school. PSD’s mental
experience may be like during high school in Poudre School District. It can serve as a starting High school clubs and activities give students
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 Colorado 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
kindness, collaboration, love and respect. We will continue with our important work of equity, In order to make that moment a reality, high school
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,
which align with state standards. They must earn 240 OR
pre-determine their hopes and dreams.
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
Semester
2nd 1st
Semester Semester
2nd 1st
Semester Semester
2nd 1st
Semester Semester
2nd
Semester
Roadmap to graduation
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
Mathematics & and families in the exploration of career, academic, and postsecondary opportunities.
30 Any Math class
Computer Science With the support of talented educators and staff, students develop the awareness,
(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
65
Minimum of 13
semester classes
Technical courses (i.e. Foods,
Business & Marketing,
Build resumes and set goals Did you know?
Engineering) Students can share their
Explore occupations that match skills, interests profile with parents and
College Credit at High School Select from guardians:
my high school FRCC/Aims, CU Succeed, Research colleges, careers, and scholarships
• 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
a college campus Aims, CSU Ready Find job shadow opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships “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
needs, so they may grow and succeed throughout their
/ International courses and test scores. IB courses, available at Poudre High School, are based on
accepted standards and recognized worldwide. The IB diploma is recognized by many high school journey and beyond.
Baccalaureate
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 Denver 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
PSD students take college-level courses at:
Cooper Home is a collaborative effort between 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 in work-related skills; independent living training at Columbine Health Systems. The Division of
ASCENT (Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment) is a one-year Vocational Rehabilitation provides job coaching support.
preparation; assistance with navigating outside agency
program that allows students to remain in high school for a fifth year and take
services; guidance with higher education; and more. School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP)
ASCENT classes at Front Range Community College or AIMS Community College, paid for by
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
available at all PSD high schools. ACE provides work to moderate special needs, find and keep a job.
the end of their senior year, in addition to meeting PSD’s graduation requirements.
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
and Service
Career and Technical Education Do you like to use science to solve real-
world problems?
Do you love building things with your
hands? Do you love cars? Like to drive?
Do you love air travel or flying drones?
Check out PSD’s Aviation program,
Check out PSD’s Agriculture program, In this program you can plan, design, where you can take off in a flight
(CTE) Programs where what you learn can help you
make a lifetime of informed choices in
build, and estimate real-world
construction. Courses are offered at
Check out PSD’s Automotive
Technology and Service program
simulator or pilot a drone. Courses
are offered at the Futures Lab
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:
resources systems. Courses are offered at the School, Fossil Ridge High School, Poudre High
Each CTE pathway provides students the ability to following schools: Fort Collins High School, School, Rocky Mountain High School
Maintenance and Repair Certificate. Courses
Commercial Air Traffic Commercial
are offered at Front Range Community College
earn college credit, industry credentials, and gain Fossil Ridge High School, Poudre High School,
Rocky Mountain High School
Architecture and Construction careers include: via Career Pathways
Pilot Controller Drone Pilot
experience through work-based learning. Agriculture careers include: Construction Solar Energy
Plumber
Automotive Technology and Service careers include: ... and more!
Manager Tech
Each program is mapped out in a suggested sequence and the following Automotive Automotive Emissions/
Agronomy Agriculture Service Parts Sales Vehicle
opportunities are identified: Biochemist Architect Civil Engineer Electrician
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 Technician Technician
Engineer
Environmental
... 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 Computer Science careers include: Culinary and Hospitality careers include: Editor Rocky Mountain High School
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
Operations Social Media Human Full Stack Web DevOps Event Teacher
Learning Beverage Hotel Manager
Research Marketing Resources Developer Engineer Manager
Engineer Director School Curriculum School Social
Analyst Manager Manager Counselor Developer Worker
Video Game
Business ... and more! Pastry Chef ... and more!
Actuary ... and more! Designer
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
Engineering/STEM careers include: School, Poudre High School, Rocky Mountain Manufacturing careers include: include:
High School Network Data Systems
Dietitians Nutritionists Nurse Cybersecurity
Electrical Petroleum Interior and Fashion Design careers include: Energy Sheet Metal Engineer Specialist Materials Structural Iron
Civil Engineer Welder Welder
Engineer Engineer Manager Worker Engineer Worker
Physician
Paramedic Chiropractor Exhibit IT Technician ... and more!
Alternative Automation Computer Assistant Home Staging Architecture Manufacturing Manufacturing Robotics Sheet Metal Underwater
Designer Machine
Energy and Robotics Hardware Pharmacy Maintenance Production Technician Worker Welder
Doctor ... and more! Operator
Engineer Engineer Engineer Technician Textile Retail Mechanic Supervisor
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, credit, industry credential(s), or both. Pathways include but aren’t limited to: Coding
volunteerism, paid-work, and apprenticeships.
Industry Partners: Find out here how you can
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 projects for courses or clubs that
• Military visits
• 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 | info@psdschools.org
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
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