The parents, students, and staff of Mitchell High School believe that all students will learn in our safe, academically rigorous environment, which is driven by high expectations and standards–based instruction. Our staff will work with parents and community members in developing students who are responsible, literate, and caring citizens.

We value our diverse student body. We will collaborate in our learning community to address the various educational needs of our students. We accept no excuses for failure as we prepare students for post–secondary experiences.

Administrative Staff

Mr. Larry Cutter Principal

Mr. Josué Palacios Assistant Principal

Ms. Kim Southard Assistant Principal

Mr. Paul Heesaker Assistant Principal

Mr. Brett Williams Athletic Director / Business Manager

Mr. Al Blanc Dean of Students

Mr. Ted Stevens Dean of Students

Counselors

Lisa Montez A – CH 10th – 12th Grade 328-6607

Kimberly McMillian CI – ME 10th – 12th Grade 328-6606

Kristi Chamberlain MI – Z 10th – 12th Grade 328-6609

Kris Gray A – Z 9th Grade 328-6608

A Letter to Students

Dear Students:

You have made an excellent choice with Mitchell High School!!! Mitchell staff is looking forward to assisting you with your plans for this school year as you begin preparations to fulfill your requirements toward graduation.

In addition to taking classes that fulfill graduation requirements, it is our hope that every student will develop a course plan that helps build a foundation for the best future they can possibly achieve. The counselors are available to assist you in this process and are professionally trained to guide you in the direction necessary to meet future goals and aspirations. You may make appointments with your counselor before school, at lunch-time, or after school.

Your counselor will work with you throughout your high school career. Counselors are responsible for maintaining all of your records, making necessary adjustments to your schedule, and personal counseling. You may make an appointment for personal counseling with any counselor who is available.

Please remember that you do not need to have a major problem in order to come in and visit with your counselor. Mitchell counselors have an open-door policy, and we look forward to working together toward the successful completion of your high school experience.

Again, welcome to Mitchell High School,

Counseling Department

MITCHELL HIGH SCHOOL IS.….

· A popular site where community members gain computer skills through classes sponsored by District Eleven Community Education.

· A technology-training center for employment skills related to technology use in the workplace and technology skills related to promoting lifelong learning.

· One of the only high schools in the city with both CISCO and PROJECT LEAD THE WAY.

· The high school in District 11 with the most foreign language offerings.

MITCHELL HIGH SCHOOL HAS PARTNERSHIPS WITH.….

· Fort Carson: Collaboration, support, training for the Student 2 Student Program.

· Peterson Air Force Base: Career Fair and mentoring of students in the Honors Endorsement Program (HEP).

· NORTHCOM

Graduation Requirements

The minimum number of semester credits for graduation required for graduation from School District 11 is forty-six (46). The subjects for which credits must be earned in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) are outlined below.

Subject Areas	Semester Credits
English (3-4 and 5-6 required)	8
Social Studies US History Required (US History: Reconstruction to Present 3, 4) World History Recommended (World History: 1450 to Present 1, 2) United States Government Required (1 Semester, Grade 11 or 12)	6
Mathematics	6
Science	6
Physical Education	3
Health	1
Humanities English (Excluding 1-2, 3-4, 5-6) Social Studies (Excluding US History, World History and US Govt.) Music, Art and / or Foreign Language	2
Computer Education	1
Economics (Grade 11 or 12)	1
Practical Arts Business Education, Industrial Technology, Vocational Education, Family & Consumer Science	1
Total Required Subjects	35
Electives	11
Minimum total for graduation	46

Early graduation may be permitted when a student has completed all course requirements for graduation.

Registration for 2008 – 2009 Classes

This catalog is provided to help you select your courses for the 2008-2009 school year and to give you information about the registration process. The final decision concerning which classes students should take is the responsibility of the students and their parents. The counselors’ primary responsibility is to provide career information and to assist the student in determining interests, abilities, aptitudes, requirements, and needs.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES

1. Read the course descriptions carefully and discuss your choices with your parents, teachers, and counselor.

2. Check the graduation requirements.

3. All students must be in an assigned area throughout the school day. (7 class periods per day).

4. Record your course selections on the Course Request Sheet. Be sure to indicate alternate course selections in case a class is cancelled due to enrollment or staffing changes.

CANCELLATION OF CLASSES

Scheduling conflicts may preclude students from taking some courses of their choice. Courses may be cancelled if enrollment or staffing changes do not permit the offering. Other courses may be combined or regrouped depending on class enrollment.

INTERVENTION CLASSES

Students may be scheduled into intervention courses. Placement will be based on CSAP test scores, Terra Nova test scores, or other District Eleven testing criteria

SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICY

Signature of Parent is required before adding or dropping a class.

Schedule changes will not be made for teacher preference, period preference, lunch preference, or convenience.

SENIORS: Check your graduation requirements carefully before you request a change. This is your responsibility.

ADDING A CLASS

Classes may be added during the first week of the semester if space is available. It is the student’s responsibility to make up all missed work when entering.

DROPPING A CLASS

ü No student may drop a class without consulting their counselor, parent/guardian, and teacher involved.

ü Students must complete a schedule change form to allow input by all the above parties.

ü Dropping a class does not allow a student to have a free period.

ü Classes may be dropped without penalty only during the first week of the semester.

ü After that one-week period, a student dropping a class will receive an F grade for the semester for the dropped class.

ü Academic initiated changes after the one-week period will be handled on an individual basis with the involvement of the student, counselor, teacher, and parent and if necessary, an administrator.

NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE: All NCAA approved Colorado Springs School District 11 courses are available online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Student athletes wanting to register with NCAA Clearinghouse should first contact their Mitchell High School counselor and registrar.

Course and Program Descriptions

Complete Course Descriptions may also be found at:

http://www.cssd11.k12.co.us/mitchell/coursecatalog/default.html

DISTRICT 11 Graduation Requirements

To qualify for graduation, a student must meet the minimum number of semester credits in the academic areas as outlined below. Elective credits may be earned in any area once the specific graduation requirements are fulfilled. 1 credit is earned each semester upon successful course completion.

Semester Credit

ENGLISH 8

SOCIAL STUDIES 6

MATHEMATICS 6

SCIENCE 6

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 3

HEALTH 1

HUMANITIES 2

COMPUTER EDUCATION 1

ECONOMICS 1

PRACTICAL ARTS 1

Required Subjects 35

Electives 11

Minimum Total for Graduation 46

HIGHER EDUCATION ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS*

In October 2003, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE*) revised the Admission Standards Policy to include the addition of a pre-collegiate course completion requirement. The revised admission standards apply to students who graduate from high school in the spring 2008 and later and who seek to qualify for admission to any of Colorado’s four-year public institutions. Community colleges will continue to be open admissions; student’s enrolling in these institutions are not subject to admission standards.

The updated Admission Requirements identify a combination of courses, primarily in the areas of English, mathematics, natural and physical sciences, and social sciences that students should plan to complete as preparation for entering one of Colorado’s four-year public colleges or universities. However, the completion of these requirements does not guarantee admission to any of Colorado’s four-year public colleges or universities. The Admission Requirements are being implemented in two phases: Phase l begins with students who graduate in the spring of 2008; Phase ll applies to graduates in the spring of 2010 and beyond. EACH UNIT REPRESENTS ONE YEAR.

Phase I: Class of 2008 CCHE = D-11

English 4 units 8 credits

Mathematics (Algebra 1/2 level and higher) 3 units 6 credits

Natural/Physical Sciences (2 units must be lab based) 3 units 6 credits

Social Sciences (at least one unit of U.S. or world history) 3 units 6 credits

Academic Electives 2 units 4 credits

TOTAL 15 units 30 credits

Phase II: Class of 2010+ CCHE = D-11

English 4 units 8 credits

Mathematics (Algebra 1/2 level and higher) 4 units 8 credits

Natural/Physical Sciences (2 units must be lab based) 3 units 6 credits

Social Sciences (at least one unit of U.S. or world history) 3 units 6 credits

Foreign Language (must be same language) 2 units 4 credits

Academic Electives 2 units 4 credits

TOTAL 18 units 36 credits

SAIL+

Student Academic Interdisciplinary Lab

A Gifted Magnet Program for Grade 9

The SAIL+ Program is a continuation of the middle school SAIL Program for academically talented and highly motivated ninth grade students. Students are encouraged to maximize their potential in an educational environment tailored to meet their needs and abilities. The SAIL+ program is designed to challenge students while also providing individualized academic guidance and goal setting relative to their future plans.

PROGRAM GOALS

The SAIL+ Program will foster each student's ability to:

· Think critically and creatively

· Communicate effectively

· Understand the natural world and global society

· Build a balanced sense of self

· Contribute to society

CURRICULUM

The SAIL+ Program offers students an interdisciplinary learning approach. This program approaches broad themes from the perspectives of science, math, literature, history, and geography in order to permit students to understand the ways these subjects interrelate. SAIL+ provides students the opportunity to master skills and exceed State and District standards. Students may enroll in ALL FOUR SAIL+ CORE CLASSES, or they may choose to ENROLL IN THREE, TWO or ONE of the core classes to best meet their needs.

The core academic content area courses are:

English 1, 2 Honors World History: 1450 to Present 1, 2 Honors

Geometry 1, 2 Honors Physical Science/Earth & Space Science Honors

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRESSION

Students accepted into the SAIL+ Program receive weighted grades in the core academic content area courses. During their ninth grade year, the SAIL Coordinator works closely with the student and the student’s family to ensure academic success and to monitor academic achievement. A four year plan is developed for each SAIL+ student building on individual strengths and interests. The students have the opportunity to accelerate into an Advanced Placement English Language and Composition course in the tenth grade as well as participate in other academic and personal growth programs such as Project Lead the Way and JROTC.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested students will complete an application process for acceptance in the SAIL+ Program. The application process includes the following:

· Middle school test scores

· Middle school transcript

· Teacher recommendation checklist

· Parent checklist

· Sample of student's writing

· Interview

STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS

SAIL+ is designed to appeal to students who are:

§ Academically talented

§ Highly motivated learners

§ Independent learners

§ Divergent thinkers

§ Risk takers

§ Stimulated by challenges

§ Creative producers

§ Self disciplined

§ Emotionally mature

The Comprehensive Application is available from the SAIL+ Program Coordinator.

(Robin Knoepke — (719)328-6783 or knoepr@d11.org)

Honors Endorsement Program (HEP)

HONORS ENDORSEMENT SEMINAR

Course Length: Up to six semesters Grade: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None, Open to all HEP participants Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Elective, Honors)

Honors Endorsement Seminar emphasizes learning while working directly with community businesses. Students choose from a variety of interdisciplinary and experiential internships including law, engineering, businesses and field studies, etc. The program is offered for all students enrolled in the Honors Endorsement Program. For further information, talk with your counselor.

Mitchell High School Honors Endorsement is awarded to students who have successfully completed a specialized educational program designed to provide a challenge commensurate with their ability. The following lists minimum requirements for students receiving this honor:

I. ACADEMIC CORE

Honors Endorsement Program candidates are required to complete a program of study consisting of core and advanced courses. Entering freshmen are counseled to complete core course work early in their high school careers to leave enough time in later years to pursue special interests. Students who receive the Honors Endorsement must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

HONORS ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM CORE ACADEMIC COURSE WORK

English.......................................................................................................................... 8 credits

Fine Arts/Humanities................................................................................................. 2 credits

Mathematics................................................................................................................ 6 credits

Physical Education..................................................................................................... 3 credits

Foreign Language....................................................................................................... 4 credits

Health........................................................................................................................... 1 credit

Science......................................................................................................................... 4 credits

Economics.................................................................................................................... 1 credit

Social Studies.............................................................................................................. 6 credits

Technology................................................................................................................. 1 credit

Advanced Learning Experience................................................................................ Up to 8 credits

II. ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Completion of additional program options is required of all participants and depends upon the student’s goals, strengths, and Student Educational Plan (SEP).

A. Activities: Students must participate in a minimum of one school activity per semester. Below is a list of possible activities from which students may choose. Activities are to be recorded in the SEP.

Athletics VICA Performing Arts

School Clubs FBLA/DECA Yearbook

Academic Teams Forensics, debate/speech Newspaper

B. School and/or Community Service: Students must successfully complete a minimum of 100 community service hours. Community service must be documented in the SEP.

C. Advanced Learning Experiences: Advanced learning experiences, such as the following, will be recorded in the SEP.

Community Mentorship Independent Study Original Research

Study Abroad Internship

III. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

In addition to successful completion of all requirements outlined in Sections I and II, candidates must select an area of emphasis for specialization:

Academic Business/Marketing-Technology Leadership

Athletics Fine Arts Visual Arts

IV. APPLICATION PROCESS

Application for enrollment in the Honors Endorsement Program includes:

· Completion of an application form with letters of recommendation.

· An interview.

The comprehensive application is available from the HEP Coordinator. (Robin Knoepke — (719)328-6783 or knoepr@d11.org

AIR FORCE JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS

The mission of Junior ROTC is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community. This course will educate and train students in citizenship, promote community service, instill responsibility, character, self-discipline, and leadership qualities.

Mitchell High School is one of eight schools in Colorado to provide and Air Force Junior ROTC program. The program is available to students in grades 9-12. Academic course credit will apply towards graduation requirements.

The Air Force Junior ROTC curriculum focuses on two areas, Aerospace Science and Leadership Education. From their learning experiences students will realize the significance of aerospace achievements and will develop improved attitudes of personal integrity, self-discipline, self-reliance and patriotism. Cadets learn leadership fundamentals that will prepare them to assume leadership responsibilities within the cadet corps, school, and local community. Leadership development includes wearing the uniform, engaging in Air Force customs and courtesies, participating in drill and ceremonies, giving and receiving instructions, and acting as leaders and members of an organization. The activities associated with the Junior ROTC program include color guard, drill team, saber team, model/rocketry club, and field trips to local bases, colleges, and industries. Another activity the cadets enjoy is the end-of-year military ball and awards ceremony.

The course is not a recruiting program for the military, nor is it a military boot camp. It is a blend of science, social science, physical education, training in drill and ceremonies, and leadership development. Students do not incur any service obligation by participating in the Air Force Junior ROTC program. Those students who complete two years of the program and receive a “Certificate of Training” may, upon request, have one semester of college-level Air Force ROTC General Military Course (GMC) waived. Students who complete three or four years of Air Force Junior ROTC and receive a “Certificate of Completion” may be qualified for increased consideration in the annual nation-wide competition for senior ROTC scholarships and service academy appointments.

Students completing at least two years of Junior ROTC are entitled to advance promotion to the grade of no less than E-2 on initial enlistment in the Air Force or Reserve component of a Military Service. At the discretion of the military departments, students may be awarded the grade of E-3 for successful completion of at least three years of Junior ROTC.

AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC 1, 2 AVIATION HISTORY/LEADERSHIP I

Course Number: US.AFROTC1, US.AFROTC2

Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None. Credit per Semester 1.0 (PE, *Social Studies Elective or Elective)

A course fee is required. *Does not replace Social Studies graduation requirements.

This course provides a historical perspective from 1775 through the Persian Gulf War. The emphasis is on the role of the military in history. Leadership skills and development are also key components of this course.

AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC 3, 4; 5, 6 GLOBAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES

Course Number: US.AFROTC3, US.AFROTC4, US.AFROTC5, US.AFROTC6

Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC 1, 2 Credit per Semester 1.0 (PE, *Science Elective, Social Studies Elective)

A course fee is required *Does not replace Science or Social Studies graduation requirements

This multidisciplinary course introduces students to various regions of the world from a geographic, historical and cultural perspective. The course provides increased international awareness, clear insight into foreign affairs, and better understanding of America’s interests and role in the world. Geopolitical issues such as terrorism, economics, politics, military issues, religion, environmental concerns, human rights, disease, over population, literacy, the migration of peoples and other cultural issues will be examined.

**Pending Board Approval**

AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC 7, 8 MANAGEMENT OF THE CADET CORPS/LEADERSHIP EDUCATION IV

Course Number: US.AFROTC7, US.AFROTC8

Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade: 12

Prerequisite: AFROTC 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 and 6 Credit per Semester 1.0 (Elective) A course fee is required.

Management of the Cadet Corps is a course that provides 4^th year cadets the opportunity to gain hand-on experience in managing the entire Cadet Corps. Cadets apply concepts learned in previous courses in planning, organizing, coordinating, directing and controlling cadet activities. Leadership Education IV focuses on the principles of management. Specifically, the cadets will: understand the fundamentals of management; know the concepts and skills of problem solving, decision making and negotiating; and comprehend the importance of managing yourself and others. Cadets will demonstrate their class knowledge in managing the Cadet Corps day-to-day activities.

ART/VISUAL ARTS

DISTRICT 11

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

HIGHER EDUCATION ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The two semesters of Humanities credit may be fulfilled by any 2 Art courses.

Calligraphy1/2 *

Ceramics 1/2; 3/4

Commercial Art 1/2 *

Digital Art 1/2 *

Fibers 1/2 *

Freehand Drawing 1/2; 3/4

General Art 1/2 *

Jewelry 1/2

Painting 1/2; 3/4

Photography 1/2; 3/4

Printmaking 1/2 *

Sculpture1/2 *

Survey of Art History *

The one required credit of Computer Education may be fulfilled by:

Digital Art 1/2 *

The following courses can be used to fulfill the requirement for 2 units of Academic Electives (2 years/4 semesters):

Any Honors courses

Any Advanced Placement courses

Any International Baccalaureate courses

Calligraphy 1/2 *

Ceramics 1/2; 3/4

Commercial Art 1/2 *

Digital Art 1/2 *

Fibers 1/2 *

Freehand Drawing 1/2; 3/4

General Art 1/2 *

Jewelry 1/2

Painting 1/2; 3/4

Photography 1/2; 3/4

Printmaking1/2 *

Sculpture 1/2 *

Survey of Art History *

*Indicates class is available at other D-11 high schools

Art

CERAMICS 1

Course Number: AR.CERAM1 &