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Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS-2) - Grades 9-12
This course provides students with practical hands-on experience as they are introduced to the components of a PC-based system running the Windows operating system. Students will learn productivity applications using Microsoft® Office 2000 (Word 2000, Excel 2000, Access 20090, PowerPoint 2000), Course objectives are in alignment with those required by Microsoft® for Microsoft® Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Exam. Other areas of emphasis include using Microsoft® Publisher, web page design using the html web language and Netscape Composer.
Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS-3) - Grades 11-12
Designed for students with little or no previous experience in structured programming, students are introduced to the Java language, problem solving, primitive data types, control structures, methods and algorithm analysis.
Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS-1) - Grade 6
Students are introduced to the components of a PC-based system focusing on basic skills in the areas of word processing, spreadsheet, database, electronics presentation, graphics and desktop publishing. Keyboarding skills are developed. With focus on social and ethical standards, students are familiarized with the Internet and electronic communication.
Computer I – Grades 9 – 12
This course provides students with practical hands-on experience as they are introduced to the components of a PC-based system, running in the Windows operating system. Students will learn productivity applications using Microsoft Office (Word 2000, Excel 2000, Access 2000, and PowerPoint 2000). Course-stated objectives are in alignment with those required by Microsoft for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Exam. At the conclusion of each course element, students will be given the MOS Certification Preparation test and given the necessary information to schedule a Certification Exam. Students will use several kinds of input devices to create moderately sophisticated digitally produced projects using Microsoft Publisher 2000. Students will produce a web page emphasizing the html web language, and Netscape Composer. Keyboard/typing knowledge is recommended.
Computer II – Grades 11 & 12
This is a full-year course designed for students with little or no previous experience in structured programming. Using the Java language, students are introduced to problem solving, primitive data types, control structures, methods and algorithm analysis. The course focuses on language features. Keyboarding/typing knowledge is recommended. Prerequisite: ComputerI.
Computer Technology – Grade 6
This course focuses on basic skills in the areas of word processing, spreadsheets, database, electronic presentation, graphics and desktop publishing. Students are introduced to the components of a PC-based system, running in the Windows operating system, and use the Microsoft Office Suite (Word2000, Excel 2000, Access 2000, and PowerPoint 2000). Keyboarding skills are developed, and students learn the alphabetic and numeric keyboards by touch. With focus on social and ethical standards, students are familiarized with the Internet, and electronic communication. Prerequisite: None
Computer Technology – Grade 7
This course focuses on basic skills in the areas of word processing, spreadsheet, database, electronic presentation, graphics and desktop publishing. Students are introduced to the components of a PC-based system, running in the Windows operating system, and use the Microsoft Office Suite (Word 2000, Excel 2000, Access 2000, and PowerPoint 2000). Keyboarding skills are developed and students learn the alphabetic and numeric keyboards by touch. With focus on social and ethical standards, students are familiarized with the Internet, and electronic communication.
Computer Technology – Grade 8
This course focuses on basic skills in the areas of word processing, spreadsheet, database, electronic presentation, graphics, and desktop publishing. Students are introduced to the components of a PC-based system, running in the Windows operating system, and use the Microsoft Office Suite (Word 2000, Excel 2000, Access 2000, and PowerPoint 2000). Students are introduced to the basic components of web design using html language. Keyboarding skills are developed and students learn the alphabetic and numeric keyboards by touch. With focus on social and ethical standards, students are familiarized with the Internet, and electronic communication.
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English – Grade 6
In sixth grade language arts, skills are developed to include listening, speaking, reading, vocabulary, writing mechanics, viewing/representing material with visuals, and character education through literature. Students read literature of various genres and themes. The vocabulary is generated by the literature that we read. Prefixes, suffixes, and word roots are emphasized. Students will also gain skills to use a dictionary, encyclopedia, and thesaurus in authentic and useful ways. Through writing, students will learn the correct ways to use punctuation, write complete sentences, how to address various audiences, and use the parts of speech correctly.
English – Grade 7
In seventh grade language arts, skills are developed to include listening, speaking, reading, vocabulary, writing, mechanics, viewing/representing material with visuals, and character education through literature. Various genres of literature are read silently, orally, and chorally. The vocabulary is generated by the literature read in class. Prefixes, suffixes, and root words are stressed. Students fine-tune their reference skills. Through writing, students learn to use correct sentence structure, spelling, mechanics, and the parts of speech.
English – Grade 8
In eighth grade language arts, skills are developed to include listening, speaking, reading, vocabulary, writing, mechanics, writing/representing material with visuals, and character education. Students examine relationships in literature and examine characters that overcome internal, as well as, external conflicts. The vocabulary is literacy and SAT driven. They also review paragraph development, develop proof-reading strategies, and emphasize text-based short answers. Through making charts, webs, bubble maps, the students are able to visually represent main themes and ideas in literature and writing.
English – Grade 9
In ninth grade English, skills are developed to include listening, speaking, reading, vocabulary, writing, mechanics, viewing/representing material, and character education. Students will participate in whole-class novel studies and emphasize focus on short stories and non-fiction of various genres. The vocabulary list is SAT driven. Pre-writing and planning skills are mastered during the two semesters. Writing process papers with emphasis on revised/edited and error-free final copies are done throughout the course.
English – Grade 10
This study is an anthology of American Literature beginning in the middle of the book called "New Directions" which focuses on literature written between 1910 and 1930 and continues through the twentieth century. Emphasis is placed on writing skills which include the research paper, the three-paragraph body essay, the descriptive, persuasive, and expository formal papers. The four major divisions in the study include literature, grammar, vocabulary, and composition. Selected novels by American authors are read in the summer and throughout the year.
English – Grade 11
This syllabus includes an anthology of English Literature beginning with the Anglo Saxons and continues to the eighteenth century. An emphasis in this study focuses on writing skills—research skills, essays, and expository, persuasive, and descriptive papers. The course components are: literature, grammar, composition, and vocabulary study on words frequently found on the SAT. Classic novels are assigned as summer reading and outside reading of selected novels is required throughout the year. The course is designed for college preparation.
English – Grade 12
This syllabus includes an anthology of English Literature beginning with the Romantic Age and continues to the present time. Incorporated in this course is an emphasis on writing skills which include expository, persuasive, and descriptive papers. Research papers on topics relating to the study are written during the first semester. The course focuses on four major divisions: literature, vocabulary, composition, and grammar. Summer reading and outside reading of classics complement the course. The study is designed for college preparation.
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Art – Grade 6
Students are given a brief introduction in the field of visual arts. They learn their way around the art room, procedures and care for the materials. They learn to understand and apply media, techniques, and processes. Poster contests, holiday crafts, and interdisciplinary projects are fit into the curriculum as needed and as time permits.
Art – Grade 7
Seventh grade art emphasizes the development of artistic skills needed to produce a desirable work of art. They further their understanding for applying media and techniques, as well as being introduced to the history and various cultures and the relationship to visual arts.
Art – Grades 9-12
Students continue more in-depth study to deepen their understanding and further their artistic skills. Students understand and apply media, techniques, and processes in 2-D and 3-D art forms. If students take more than one year of high school art, emphasis is placed on their involvement in designing and choosing good subjects. Also, students are expected to develop greater creativity, originality, and individual artistic expression. Superior artwork can be entered in various contests during the year. Notre Dame students have competed every year in the Annual High School Art Competition sponsored by Midwestern State University and in TAPPS Fine Arts contests since the early ‘90’s winning numerous awards in both.
Drama – Grades 9 - 12
This course introduces the student to theatre. Topics covered range from basic set design and construction to elements of performance. Learned techniques include improvisation, pantomime, blocking, voice and diction, and characterization. Students will engage in scenes and script analysis and will be directly involved in the creation of major productions throughout the year. Students also have the opportunity to compete in various drama contests in the TAPPS competition.
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American Civil War/Indian Wars – Grades 11 – 12 (Honors)
The fall semester addresses the Civil War, the causes, secession crisis, and first shots. The students give particular attention to the conduct of the war (strategies, key battles, arms and equipment, and the role of espionage). In addition, the students look at the war’s impact on civilians; music, art, and poetry; Hollywood and the war, and the war’s cost in human, economic and emotional terms. Highlights of the course include the extensive use of a sand table to demonstrate specific battles and a trip to Vicksburg, Mississippi. The spring semester deals with the Indian Wars, from 1864 to 1890, focusing on the Plains fights. Students study U.S. Army doctrine, weapons, and daily life. Most of the course revolves around encounters between the Army and the Indians, using the sand table. The course includes a field trip to the sites of the Washita fight in Oklahoma and the Adobe Walls fight in the Texas Panhandle.
American History – Grade 8
Eighth grade American History is a survey course that begins with the Native American World and continues through European Exploration and Colonization, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the New Nation, the Civil War and ends with Reconstruction. The periods following Reconstruction through the Twentieth Century will be covered in high school American History.
History of U.S. Intelligence – Grades 11 – 12 (Honors)
This course covers the types, targets, and uses of intelligence from George Washington to George W. Bush; the intelligence process; and the current intelligence community members. Highlights include case studies from WWII to the Iraq War, intelligence successes and failures leading up to 9/11, and crisis simulations and games. Throughout the course, the students act on intelligence analysts, producing studies and briefings on foreign threats to U.S. national security.
Social Studies – Grade 6
Sixth grade Social Studies combines the study of the geography, history, and culture of various regions and countries around the world with prehistory and the earliest civilizations, it continues through the development of the great empires of the world, ending with the twentieth century.
Texas History – Grade 7
Texas History is a one-semester course designed to provide a basic knowledge of the social and cultural fields of history which influenced the development of Texas. The first nine weeks begins with a study of the geographical features, earliest settlers and explorers of Texas and culminates with the Texas Revolution and the development of the Republic. The second nine weeks concentrates on Texas statehood, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and Industrialization up to the present day Texas.
United States Government – Grade 12
Government is a fall course covering the Constitutional Convention ("the miracle at Philadelphia"), democracy and federalism, rights and liberties, political parties and elections, the three branches of government, and the politics of national policy (economic, regulatory, and foreign policy). The focus is on how the U.S. government actually works; thus, the students spend most of the semester in three simulations: writing and debating a bill, the president and his national security team in a crisis situation, and arguments before the Supreme Court on a high-profile case.
United States History – Grade 11
This course focuses on seven important timeframes in U.S. history, from the American Revolution through the Cold War to twenty-first century challenges and crises. A major component of the course is in-depth analyses of the presidents. Students demonstrate, on the sand table, wars and battles involving the United States. Students also make comparisons between U.S. history and the history of other industrialized countries.
World Geography – Grade 7
World Geography deals with geopolitical realities around the globe; how geographers look at the world; the earth’s features, peoples, and cultures; population patterns; and governments. The course looks in detail at major regions (regional studies) which are presented to the class by individual students. Important connections are made between geography and current events.
World Geography – Grades 9 - 12
World Geography is a one-semester course designed to provide the student with an introduction to the five themes of geography, as well as an understanding of the relationship of geography to the development of culture and history, especially in relation to geopolitical concerns. There will be a considerable amount of map work and a major world map project that will be due in early December. More information on this will be sent home in early September.
World History – Grades 9 - 12
This survey course covers the rise of empires; the transition from empires to new patterns of governance; renaissance, reformation, and revolution; the era of European dominance; and twentieth-century crises, including the war on terror. A key priority is to make connections between "then and now."
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Latin I – Grades 8-12
This course introduced the Latin language through the reading method with emphasis on vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of Ancient Rome. Students will be exposed to Roman civilization, culture, history, literature, mythology and religion. The study of English derivatives is an integral part of this class; abbreviations, legal terms and mottoes related to Latin will be elucidated. The strong relationship which exists between Latin and English will be demonstrated and a basis for other languages will be laid.
Latin II – Grades 9-12
This course is a sequel to Latin I. After reviewing the material covered in Latin I, more grammar, syntax, and vocabulary are presented, followed by translations on the stories of Hercules, Ulysses, the Argonauts, the History of Rome and Caesar. The student should leave this course with a basic understanding of the Romans and how they lived, as well as a better understanding of English grammar and vocabulary.
Spanish I – Grades 6-12
In Spanish I the students will be introduced to the basic language structure, pronunciation, simple forms of conversation, and various cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries. They will begin to use the language as a means of communication. Development of all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing will be stressed.
Spanish II – Grades 6-12
Like Spanish I, Spanish II fuses the entities of language structure, pronunciation and conversation. A brief review of the basic skills taught in SpanishI begin the year. Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are continually stressed and are treated at a more advanced level as the year progresses. Study of various cultural aspects of the Hispanic world continues.
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Algebra I – Grade 8
Algebra I will use the tools developed in the second semester of Pre-Algebra I to explore more complex situations. New material introduced in this course includes systems of sentences, inequalities, exponents and polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, roots of numbers, and the quadratic function and equation. Problem solving and reasoning will be stressed.
Algebra II – Grade 9
Algebra II will use the tools developed in Algebra I to explore more complex situations. Students will also develop more advanced approaches, such as matrixes (?) and approximations to solve some old problems in new ways. New material introduced in this course includes min/max problems, function analysis and some trigonometry in preparation for Pre-Calculus. Problem solving and reasoning will be stressed.
Business Math – Grades 9-12
Business Math is designed to teach real-world applications in such areas as banking, the hotel/motel industry, retail, and real estate. We will cover areas of business mathematics, beginning with whole number and decimals, through fractions, percents, statistics, and equations, to specifics of business-related mathematics applications such as payroll, discounts, markup/markdown, interest, credit, depreciation, inventory, insurance, and taxes.
Calculus – Grades 11 - 12
Calculus is designed to achieve college level work. The course includes all topics normally taught in the first two college semesters of a three-semester calculus sequence. Material is presented from a practical perspective rather than a theoretical one. The course will prepare students who plan to enter professions involving math, engineering, physics, business or life sciences. Students will develop technological skills using graphing calculators.
Geometry – Grades 9-12
Topics in Geometry include the language of geometry (points, lines, planes and angles), reasoning and proofs, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, circles, polygons and area, surface area and volume, coordinate geometry, and transformations. Vocabulary is heavily stressed.
Mathematics - Grade 6
Math 6 will prepare students for Pre-Algebra. This course incorporates computing with fractions, decimals and integers, graphing, proportions and percents, probability, and geometry. Concepts stressed will be those necessary for success in Pre-Algebra. Estimation, mental computation, problem solving, critical thinking, and the use of technology will continue to be stressed.
Pre-Calculus – Grades 10 - 12
Pre-Calculus is a college-level course designed to prepare a student for Calculus. Course topics include a review of algebra and geometry facts. Students will develop abilities in college algebra and trigonometry to find skills and procedures to solve abstract problems. The goal is to establish a mathematical foundation, work ethic and comprehension of abstractions for successful completion of college level courses.
Pre-Algebra – Grade 7
Pre-Algebra is the building block for Algebra. This course will reinforce the properties and operations of real numbers. It also stresses the solving of algebraic equations. Additional topics will include percents, graphing on a number line and coordinate plane, probability, basic geometry and parallel lines, congruent polygons, similar polygons, and the Pythagorean Theorem.
Principles of Economics – Grade 12
The Economics course looks at gross domestic product and business cycles, jobs and wages, prices, households and businesses, money and credit, government and the economy, and international trade and finance. The goal is to increase the students’ economic literacy and their understanding of the U.S. market economy. The course explores both micro and macro economic theory and practice.
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Astronomy - Grade 12
This course gives an overview of classical, physical, planetary and stellar astronomy. The course includes an in depth study of the birth through death of stars, and covers the expansion and construction of the universe, active galaxies, quasars, and a study of each of the planets.
Biology – Grade 10
Students study the unique properties of living organisms. Included are the microbiology of viruses, bacteria and protozoans with beneficial and pathogenic relationships to man, the development of the animal kingdom from invertebrates through vertebrates, multicellular plants and ecological relationships. Students at this grade level and required to participate in the Science Fair.
Chemistry – Grades 11 & 12
The study of chemistry is based on the principle that the properties of matter are a consequence of the structure of matter. A balanced approach is used to present chemical theories and concepts of quantitive problems. The course will enable students to develop a better understanding of their physical world through readings, lecture, problem solving and laboratory exercises.
Genetics – Grade 11
Students will end this study with the knowledge of the intricate workings of heredity and genetics. They will gain information on chromosomes, cell division, and Mendellian ratios, linkage, DNA molecule, and mutations.
Human Biology – Grade 11
This course is a focused study of the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the human body. Studies include the chemical basis for life, energy and structure of the cell, DNA, and the systems of the body: skeletal, muscular, integumentary, circulatory, respiratory, immune system, digestive, nervous and sense organs, endocrine, and reproductive. Labs include a life-size body diagram and dissections.
Oceanography/Meteorology – Grade 12
This course covers an in depth look at the ocean which focuses on such topics as its floor, its features, and its marine life. In addition, a study of the correlation between the ocean and its interaction with the air around it, the origin of atmosphere and oceans, waves, tides, and the total marine environment are explored.
Physical Science – Grade 9
This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts in chemistry and physics. Studies include the metric system, properties of matter, mixtures, compounds, acids and bases, atomic structure, formulas, and equations. Physics topics include forces, motion machines, magnetism electricity, heat, light, and sound. Students are offered the opportunity to explore these basic concepts in chemistry and physics in laboratory experience that emphasizes data gathering and analysis. Earth and space science is also a component of this course.
Science – Grade 6
This course is designed to give students a foundation and general knowledge of science including the fields of life, earth/space and physical science. Students will observe demonstrations and participate in hands-on labs that illustrate the concepts. Students at this grade level are also required to participate in our Science Fair. Students in the last 5 years have attended our Red River Regional Science Fair and our State Fair.
Science – Grade 7
This course is an introduction to the field of Biology. Students will be able to participate in the scientific method and begin to learn the skills necessary to effectively read, research, and understand life from a scientific perspective. The study begins from the one-celled organism and continues through more complex creatures. Students will participate in various labs that will illustrate the concepts.
Science – Grade 8
This course is an introduction to the field of Earth Science. Students will explore the universe, the planet earth, including all aspects within and upon it. Specifics include such topics as, atmosphere, water and land masses, plate tectonics, weathering and erosion, climate, and resources. Students at this grade level and required to participate in the Science Fair.
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Religion – Grades 6-12
Students learn about the life and teachings of Jesus, the Old and New Testaments, Church history, faith, tradition, the Trinity, personal prayer, the Sacraments, sacramentals, morality and moral life, Christian principles and values, Christian conscience, Christian decision-making, Mary and the Saints . . . and a whole lot more!
Service hours: Students from 6th through 12th grades are required to perform service hours to the Church or community. There is a graduated scale of hours from six (6) in the sixth grade up to twenty (20) in the twelfth grade.
Spiritual Opportunities: Weekly Mass, beginning each class with a prayer, adoration of the Eucharist, Lenten Stations of the Cross, Junior Ring Blessing Ceremony, regular visits from Sister Devota and Father Kyle Waltersheid (Assistant Diocesan Vocation Director), off-campus spiritual retreats, and Chapel prayer time . . . and a whole lot more!
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Academic Enrichment – Grades 6-12
Academic Enrichment is a course that faculty members place students in that need reading or comprehension help at various enrichment or remedial levels. Students are taught methods to organize, summarize, and find main topics in their subject areas. Study skills are also introduced and reinforced during the course. Students are given one-on-one tutoring and attention during class. It is required that all students who attend have a student planner and fill it out daily. Positive reinforcement is the driving force for success in this class. The teacher works with other faculty members and the parents to ensure the student’s success.
Health – Grades 9-12
This course focuses on the relationships that exist among physical, mental, and social health. Students learn that their decisions affect all these areas of health. A foundation for these areas include building skills, nutrition, managing stress, promoting family and peer relationships, and gathering information about tobacco, drugs, alcohol, diseases, disorders, and other factors.
Journalism – Grades 9 - 12
Journalism is an elective course in which students create a school newspaper and learn about the many facets of journalism. Students will learn interviewing skills and how to write various types of news articles. They learn how to create original formats and enter journalism data into Microsoft Publisher. Students will also extend their computer and software skills during the course. In addition to learning about journalism, students will critique different medias and use the different media sources in their daily lessons and become proficient in presenting information in creative, visual ways.
Speech – Grades 9 - 12
This course is designed as an introduction to communication and the art of public speaking, speaking techniques, and speech structure. Topics covered in this course include impromptu speaking, informational speeches, persuasive speeches and group presentations. An integral part of this learning process is research and practice. As students gain confidence and skill in all areas of public speaking, they have the opportunity to compete in various speech contests in the area.
Yearbook – Grades 11 & 12
A high school elective, this course concentrates on the production of the Knight (school newsletter) and the Notre Dame yearbook. In the fall, staff organization, cover design, theme selection, layout preparation, typography and copyrighting receive attention. In addition, photographers cover many campus events with film and digital equipment. The second semester consists of a concentrated effort to prepare the remainder of the yearbook on a demanding deadline schedule with the last work due late in May. Some work may be required outside of class, and students are expected to generate ad sales by contacting local businesses. Successful yearbook students must enjoy self-directed learning, teamwork, writing and the graphic arts. Prerequisite: ComputerI and Department approval or recommendation.
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