Buccaneer Bulletin

It is time to begin thinking about courses for next school year! The course selection process starts in March. Students are encouraged to review the Course Selection Book to learn more about the various classes offered at Chartiers-Houston Jr./Sr. High School. Students can also gain valuable insight from teachers, friends, and family members about potential future courses.

Once all students have completed the course selection process in Skyward, scheduling for the 2025-2026 school year will begin. The master schedule will be built based on student course selections, which determine the courses offered, the number of sections available, and the periods in which they are scheduled. This process ensures that as many student course requests as possible are accommodated within the 9-period day. Therefore, it is important to select courses of interest.

Once student schedules are released in the summer, students will be provided open office hours to discuss any potential changes or questions with the counselor. Note that schedule changes are prioritized for incorrect sequencing, courses the student already completed, and requesting a different level of a course. Students are limited to one elective change based on availability. Schedule changes impacting movement of core classes will prohibit elective changes.

Grade 7 & 8 students take English, Math, Science, and Social Studies both years. All middle school students have the option of enrolling in chorus or band. Students will automatically receive a study hall on their schedule if chorus or band are not selected. Additionally, students participate in the following 6-week rotation courses:

Grade 7

· Wellness

· Family & Consumer Science (FACS)

· Technology

· Coding

· Art

· Intro to Media

Grade 8

· Career Exploration

· Wellness

· Robotics

· French

· Spanish

· Music

Dr. Havelka and Mr. McNally will share scheduling information with current 6th and 7th grade students. Students will receive course selection sheets to share with families. Parent signatures are required prior to submission. Course selection sheets with parent signature are due by March 17.

Do you wonder about what courses your high school child should enroll in for next school year? Do you wonder about how the master schedule is built based on student course selection? Is your child on track for graduation? Join us on Wednesday, March 12, at 6:00PM in the new Digital Media Center to learn answers to these questions and more! This presentation was developed with current 8th grade families in mind. However, all high school parents/guardians are cordially invited to join us for a presentation on scheduling and the course selection process.

• Students receive course selection sheets in social studies classes March 3-12
• Students enter course selections into Skyward during social studies classes on March 11-17
• Course selections can be reviewed by students and parents through March 30

Class of 2026 - March 3

Class of 2027 - March 4

Class of 2028 - March 5

Class of 2029 - March 12

Class of 2026 - March 13

Class of 2027 - March 11

Class of 2028 - March 14

Class of 2029 - March 17

• Read new course descriptions in this newsletter
• Review additional courses in the 2025-2026 Course Selection Booklet
• Identify courses of interest on the course selection sheet
• Select up to 8.0 credits on the sheet
• Select at least 3.0 credits of course alternates and number them from most interest to least interest
• Snap a picture on your phone of the completed sheet
• Review options with families
• Charge your laptop in preparation of online course selection in Skyward during social studies classes

This 18-week course introduces high school students to fundamental accounting principles. Students will explore the accounting cycle, business transactions, financial reporting, and checking with hands-on activities. Through practical assignments and projects, students will develop the skills necessary for accounting in both personal and business contexts. This course is aligned with Pennsylvania's STEELS standards.

Buccaneer Beats is a vocal ensemble for building high-level performance in contemporary a cappella singing. It is open to students in grades 9-12 who have successfully auditioned. The ensemble will perform, analyze, and research popular music of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Students will learn a variety of vocal styles using appropriate tone quality, intonation, diction, rhythms, musicianship, and microphone technique for performing a cappella, commercial/pop music. In addition to the vocal experience, this class will equip the student with basic music literacy skills—clefs, notes, staves, keys, rhythm. Focus parts are: Vocal Percussion, Soprano, Mezzo, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, and Bass. Performing is a key part of this ensemble.

This course, a 3-college credit course through the University of Pittsburgh, is designed to acquaint students with multiple theories and practices associated with effective leadership. In answering the question, “What is leadership?” it examines such theories as situational, participative, transformational, and servant leadership. Consideration is given to issues of followership and the many roles we play in life. The class also addresses those leadership and administrative skills and practices usually associated with effective professional management. One of the strengths for this class is that it is very personal and applicable to a student’s development and everyday life, not to mention their future. This class is meant to be active and engaging, if not exciting, and this can be accomplished through the use of guest speakers, group exercises and projects, movies and video presentations, current events, community service, job shadowing, field trips, and more.

This course is designed to engage students in competitive team or individual sports. Competitive Games will teach students how to compete in a variety of team and individual games, students will enhance their athletic abilities, learn about sportsmanship and teamwork, and gain confidence and experience in competition. The course aims to improve students' athletic performance, in-game knowledge, personal success, and skill development, to foster a positive and competitive sports environment, teach students about sportsmanship and ethical behavior, develop leadership and decision-making skills, and prepare students for participation in competitive sports at various levels.

This course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and comprehensive knowledge required to produce high-quality digital media. Students will leverage photo editing software, to enhance images and create visually compelling digital content. Students will gain foundational knowledge in photography, learning to capture their own images. The curriculum which incorporates the use of Coursera, includes a range of projects, from designing digital advertisements to producing posters and conducting photoshoots, offering a robust, hands-on experience

This course provides an in-depth introduction to artificial intelligence (AI), covering its fundamental principles, techniques, and applications. Students will explore the history and evolution of AI, understand its societal impacts, and gain hands-on experience in designing and implementing AI projects. The curriculum which incorporates material from Coursera, is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, preparing students for future endeavors in AI and related fields.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of investing and tax preparation. Students will gain hands-on experience in managing personal finances, preparing taxes, and making informed financial decisions. Topics will include stocks, payroll, personal income tax preparation, and ethical considerations in financial decision-making. By the end of the course, students will have the skills necessary to prepare personal taxes, interpret paychecks, and develop a foundational knowledge of investing, aligned with Pennsylvania’s STEELS standards.

This course is designed to foster an inclusive environment in Physical Education by integrating peer mentors to support students with exceptionalities. Through this course, students will develop essential social skills, demonstrate good sportsmanship, and act as role models. Peer mentors will assist their peers in adapted physical activities, ensuring that all students can participate and benefit from the physical education experience. The course emphasizes the importance of empathy, teamwork, and effective communication, preparing students to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Assessment will be based on participation, teamwork, and reflective practices.

The Podcasting course is a semester-long elective that introduces students to the art and craft of podcast production. Students will utilize Coursera and learn the skills required to create professional-quality podcasts, including concept development, scripting, audio recording, editing, and distribution. The course emphasizes creative storytelling, ethical media practices, audience engagement, and the importance of diversity in media content. By the end of the course, students will produce a series of original podcast episodes, which will be shared with the school community.

This course is designed to help high school students (grades 9-12) develop and strengthen their individual, healthy vocal technique, expand their knowledge of vocal repertoire across various styles, and build the confidence needed to perform as solo vocalists. Through a mix of technical exercises, repertoire exploration, and performance practice, students will gain the skills and self-assurance to succeed in solo performances, whether for auditions, competitions, or school ensembles/events. No prior formal training is necessary, but a willingness to engage and perform is essential.

This Broadcasting course equips high school students with the skills and knowledge needed to produce and present high-quality, ethical, and impactful news. Covering a range of broadcasting platforms (radio, television, podcasts, live streams), students will learn essential journalism principles, reporting techniques, audio-visual production, scriptwriting, and editing. This course emphasizes responsible journalism, media literacy, and the ethical responsibilities of being a content creator in an era of fast-paced, real-time news. Through hands-on projects and the use of Coursera, students will create their broadcasts and develop a portfolio showcasing their work across various media formats.

The Yearbook course provides high school students with hands-on experience in designing, creating, and producing the school yearbook. Students will learn the fundamentals of yearbook journalism, design principles, photography, layout, and publishing. They will collaborate in a newsroom-like environment to produce a final product that reflects the school community's diversity, highlights important events, and preserves memories. The course fosters creativity, teamwork, and project management skills while giving students ownership over a significant publication lasting years. Students will utilize Coursera within the course.

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, students in grades 9 will enroll in a semester-long Health course and a semester-long Physical Education course. The 18-week health course is designed to provide 9th grade students with a comprehensive understanding of health and wellness, integrating both theoretical knowledge and practical physical education. Students will explore various dimensions of health, including physical, emotional, social, and environmental wellness. Through interactive lessons and physical exercises, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The course aims to promote lifelong healthy habits and a balanced lifestyle.

• Log into Skyward
• Select Course Requests for 2025-2026
• Select up to 8.0 credits of courses by clicking on the plus sign in front of the course
• Click the Save Course Requests
• Click on the alternate tab and select 3.0 credits of alternative elective courses
• Click the Save the Course Requests

• Log into Skyward
• Select Course Requests for 2025-2026