Freshman Registration Guide
- KMHS Mission Statement
- Schedule, Course Levels, Academic Clubs
- Graduation Requirements
- Core Area and Electives Course Descriptions
- Career & Technical Education (CTE) Information and Course Descriptions
- Grading Scale
- Dates and Contacts
KMHS Mission Statement
Kings Mountain High School Mission Statement
The mission of Kings Mountain High School is to provide a safe and orderly environment where high expectations enable students to obtain skills and knowledge necessary for graduation and for becoming responsible and productive citizens.
Freshman Academy Mission Statement
The Freshman Academy is a program designed to support a successful transition to high school for incoming freshmen to participate. Ninth-grade students engage in a rigorous academic curriculum while building positive relationships with peers and teachers in a safe, supportive environment.
A new KMHS freshman can expect:
- A parent meeting to educate families about the 9th-grade registration process.
- Separate ninth grade facilities for core academic courses.
- Early academic and behavioral interventions for students who may need additional support.
- An informative freshman orientation night held in August.
- A dedicated school counselor housed within the Freshman Academy.
- Opportunities to join clubs and participate in extracurricular activities.
We look forward to welcoming you to KMHS and supporting your success!
Welcome from the Principal
Dear Mountaineer Parents and Students,
Welcome to the registration process at Kings Mountain High School. KMHS has designed a Registration Guide that provides information on course offerings, course descriptions, and other materials we believe you will find helpful. The registration process is very important for every student and should be taken seriously. We encourage you to seek guidance as you prepare to select your courses for the upcoming school year. Our goal is to ensure that each student has the best high school experience possible. Please take advantage of the knowledge and support of our teachers and school counselors as you make these decisions. I encourage you to challenge yourself and take full advantage of the outstanding learning opportunities that KMHS has to offer. If you have any questions about any part of the registration process, please contact the school and ask to speak with one of our administrators or counselors. I look forward to another banner year at KMHS and am confident that every student will receive an excellent high school education.
Go Mountaineers!
Melissa Wilson, Principal
Counselors make recommendations concerning a student’s course of study based on the following considerations:
- End-of-grade test scores
- Previous grades
- Teacher recommendations
Other factors to consider:
Plans after graduation, such as - Attending a four-year college - Pursuing advanced technical training - Entering the job market
Schedule, Course Levels, Academic Clubs
Your Future Begins Now!
PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE
- Find out what your strengths are and enhance them with liberal doses of hard work and discipline.
- Listen carefully during the registration process and become familiar with the content of your registration guide.
- Discuss the information you have learned about registration with your parents and teachers.
- Identify your career goals, and then choose the courses that will help you reach your goals.
- Complete your registration form and return it to the appropriate person. Please note that schedule changes will NOT be made after initial selections.
REGISTRATION
During the spring, rising 9th grade students will select three elective courses and two alternate courses. Academic courses will be chosen for students based on EOG scores and final grades from the previous school year to ensure appropriate placement and support. Student schedules will be developed over the summer and will be available at orientation in August. Because course selection plays an important role in a successful high school experience, students are encouraged to carefully consider their choices. Once schedules are finalized, changes will not be made.
BLOCK SCHEDULE
The academic year at Kings Mountain High School is divided into two 90-day semesters: fall and spring. Students will follow one of two schedule formats. Some students will take four classes per semester, with each class meeting for 90 minutes. Others will have a combination schedule that includes three 90-minute classes in one semester and two year-long classes that meet for 45 minutes each day. Students can earn up to eight credits each year, allowing them to graduate with a total of 32 credits over four years. Most courses are offered during both semesters; however, a few courses are only available in either the fall or spring semester.
GRADE LEVEL PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS
Six credits are required to be promoted from 9th grade to 10th grade. Two credits must include English I and a math course.
TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to take End of Course (EOC) tests or Career Technical Education (CTE) exams in subjects that are tested. The State of North Carolina requires that students take an End of Course test in the following courses: Math 1, English II, Biology, and Math 3. All exams will count 20% of a student's final grade.
REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN KMHS ATHLETICS
To be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics, students must be enrolled as full-time students at Kings Mountain High School and remain in good academic standing. A student is considered to be in good academic standing when they have passed at least 70% of their courses from the previous semester, maintained at least 85% attendance, and are on track to advance to the next grade level or graduate within the calendar year. Please note that study hall and/or early release are not considered academic courses. Senior athletes are strongly encouraged to avoid study hall or early release, as this may negatively impact athletic eligibility. In addition, all students must have a current sports physical on file before participating in athletics. Athletes are also required to verify their residence status and meet all eligibility and compliance requirements outlined in the NCHSAA handbook.
DRIVER’S ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Under North Carolina law, all students under the age of 18 who are eligible for a driving permit or driver’s license must remain enrolled in school and make adequate progress toward graduation in order to receive or keep their driving privileges. Adequate progress is defined as passing at least 70% of courses during the previous semester. “Lose Control, Lose Your License” – State legislation requires public schools to notify the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles if a student is expelled or suspended for more than 10 consecutive days for serious offenses. These include possession or sale of alcohol or illegal drugs, possession of a weapon, or physical assault on a teacher or other school personnel.
ACADEMIC COURSE LEVELS
College Prep Courses: Course content, pace, and academic rigor follow standards specified by the NC Standard Course of Study with occasional content enrichment where appropriate.
Honors Courses: Course content, pace, and academic rigor put high expectations on the students and surpass standards specified by the NC Standard Course of Study. Such courses demand a greater degree of independence and responsibility on the part of the student. The state weighting system adds the equivalent of 1 / 2 quality point to the grade earned.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Course content, pace, and academic rigor is college-level as adopted by the College Board or the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and is geared to enable students to pass the AP or IB test. The state weighting system adds the equivalent of one quality point to the grade earned. Students who take AP courses are required to take the corresponding AP examinations. Students who do not take the AP exam will be penalized one letter grade (school board policy 3540). These courses are available to students grades 10 - 12.
College & Career Promise (CCP) Courses: These are courses typically taught on KMHS campus by Cleveland Community College instructors, for which students can earn both high school and college credit. The state weighting system adds the equivalent of one quality point to the grade earned if the course is considered honors level. These courses are available to students in 11th and 12th grade.
FUTURE READY CORE
All students will be expected to meet the requirements outlined under the Future-Ready Core Course of Study. The primary differences between this course of study and previous courses of study are:
- An additional mathematics course for those students who previously did not pursue the College/University Prep Course of Study;
- A recommended four elective credits in a concentrated area; and
- 22 state credits required for graduation.
- Cleveland County Schools requires 6 additional credits.
By taking four elective credits in a concentrated area, students can tailor their course concentrations to fit their interests and goals while building a strong academic foundation. Under the six total elective units required for graduation, four elective credits (a four course concentration) could be taken from one of the following areas of focus: Career & Technical Education, ROTC, Arts Education or any other subject area (e.g. mathematics, science, social studies, English). The remaining two electives must be any combination from Career & Technical Education, Arts Education or Second Languages.
For some students with learning disabilities, the Occupational Course of Study will remain an option. These students should have the Occupational Course of Study identified in their Individualized Education Program.
ACADEMIC CLUBS
Kings Mountain High School offers the following academic honor clubs: National Honor Society, Career and Technical Education Honor Society, and Beta Club.
National Honor Society (NHS)
This organization recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Membership is considered the highest honor awarded by the school. Interested students should contact their school counselor for more information.
Career and Technical Education Honor Society
Kings Mountain High School Chapter Students are nominated for membership by a Career-Technical Education teacher during their senior year. Eligible students demonstrate academic excellence, good character, maintain the required GPA, and take four or more courses (including one Level II course) within a North Carolina Career Cluster.
BETA Club
To be eligible for the KMHS Chapter of the National Beta Club, students must meet the following requirements under the Future Ready Core Curriculum:
- Maintain a 3.9 cumulative weighted GPA
- Have no course failures
- Have no suspensions since 9th grade
- Demonstrate good character and responsible attitudes.
- Exemplify responsible citizenship
Eligible students may be invited to join these academic honor clubs in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
Graduation Requirements
Content Area |
Future-Ready Core |
NC Academic Scholars Program Requirements |
English |
4 Credits I, II, III, IV |
4 Credits I, II, III, IV |
Mathematics |
4 Credits Math 1, Math 2, Math 3, and one higher math |
4 Credits Math 1, Math 2, Math 3, and 4th higher math credit with Math 3 |
Science |
3 Credits a Physical Science course, Biology, and Earth/Environmental Science |
3 Credits Physics OR Chemistry, Biology, and Earth/Environmental Science course |
Social Studies |
4 Credits Civic Literacy, World History, American History or AP US History, Economics and Personal Finance |
4 Credits Civic Literacy, World History, American History or AP US History, Economics and Personal Finance |
Foreign Language |
Not Required |
2 Credits (Same Language) |
Computer Skills |
Students must demonstrate through state testing. | Students must demonstrate through state testing. |
Health and Physical Education |
1 Credit Health/Physical Education & CPR |
1 Credit Health/Physical Education & CPR |
Career & Technical |
see Electives Sheet |
2 Elective credits in a second language required for the UNC System AND 4 elective credits constituting a concentration recommended from one of the following: Career and Technical Education (CTE), JROTC, Arts Education, Second Languages, any other subject area AND The student shall have completed at least three higher-level courses during junior and/or senior years which carry quality points such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge International, or Dual Enrollment courses; Advanced CTE and CTE credentialing courses; honors level courses, or Project Lead the Way courses. |
|---|---|---|
Arts Education |
See Electives sheet |
|
Electives |
12 Credits required 2 electives of any combination from either and 4 course concentration recommended: - Career-Technical Education - Arts Education - Second Languages |
|
Total |
28 Credits |
28 CreditsAND4 Year Unweighted GPA 3.5 |
Core Area and Electives Course Descriptions
English
English I
Students in English I explore how audience, purpose, perspective, bias, and context influence oral, written, and media communication. They study various literary genres, elements, and devices, and are expected to evaluate texts, critique ideas, and support opinions through written and oral work. Assignments may include essays, research papers, creative writing, book reviews, speeches, multimedia presentations, and portfolios. Students practice personal narrative, process explanation, expository, persuasive/argumentative, and literary analysis writing. Vocabulary and comprehension are developed through Latin and Greek roots, while grammar and language skills are reinforced through daily lessons and writing assignments.
English I Honors
Honors English I covers the same objectives, standards, and requirements as College Prep English I but with greater complexity, depth, and pace. The course emphasizes higher-level thinking, self-directed learning, and more challenging projects, products, and portfolio-based assessments. Students can expect a rigorous curriculum that broadens and deepens their study of literature, writing, and communication skills.
English Electives
Yearbook
Prerequisites: Completion of Yearbook in 8th grade and completed online application. Yearbook students learn the fundamentals of journalism, including interviewing, journalistic writing, page design, copyrighting, photography, and fundraising, to produce, edit, market, and distribute the school yearbook, Milestones . Students are responsible for selling business advertising and meeting strict deadlines as part of their grades. This course requires self-motivation, strong time-management skills, and may be repeated for credit with instructor approval.
Media Production
Prerequisites: Suggested final grade in 8th grade ELA of a B or higher, and completed online application. Creative Writing and Publishing is an introductory course which provides multimedia instruction to create content for media audiences. This course teaches fundamental skills to prepare students to publish in audio, photo, print, video, and web platforms. Conceptual, practical, and ethical frameworks for integrating forms of media gathering, reporting, and storytelling will be explored. This course provides hands-on training to allow students to learn about journalism, media production, and public relations.
Sciences
Earth/Environmental Science
This course will provide students with a clear understanding of basic earth science and environmental issues.
Earth/Environmental Science Honors
Honors Earth/Environmental Science is a rigorous curriculum designed to allow highly motivated students to conduct an in-depth study of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. In Honors Earth/Environmental Science students are expected to work independently on a variety of assignments and accept greater responsibility for their learning. In order to develop a greater understanding of the processes that shape our everyday lives, the curriculum will integrate inquiry, investigation and a variety of technologies with the study of the earth as a system. The impacts of human activities on earth systems will also be a focus. The results of student investigations should be communicated through presentations and formal laboratory reports. Enrichment and integration with other disciplines are encouraged. 8th grade students who have successfully completed Earth/Environmental Science and met all advancement criteria are eligible to enroll in Biology in 9th grade and should select Biology during registration.
Mathematics
Math placement is based on previous math placements as well as academic placement requirements (see below).
Foundations of Math 1 (Fall Semester), Math 1B (Spring Semester)
Students will learn to perform operations with numbers and expressions, collect, organize and interpret data with matrices and linear models, use relations and functions to solve problems, as well as describe geometric figures in the coordinate plane algebraically. State End-of-Course Exam required in spring semester.
Math 1 Semester
Prerequisites: Course sequence will determine placement. This course is designed for 9th graders who have completed Algebra Foundations in the 8th grade. State End-of-Course Exam required.
Math 2 Honors
Prerequisites: Must have taken Math 1 in 8th grade with a final grade of 80 or higher. Math 1 EOC score of Level 4 or higher. Math 2 honors demands a more challenging approach to the student’s study of geometric concepts. Students will have opportunities to take greater responsibility for their learning.
Social Studies
World History
This course begins with a study of the Prehistoric Era and concludes with the important economic, social, and political developments of the 20th century. Students study the origins of the world civilizations and the impact of non-western civilizations on the west and on world cultures. Important events, persons, and trends as they affected the world of the past and the contemporary world are stressed.
World History Honors Honors
World History provides the opportunity for advanced work, rigorous study, and systematic study of major ideas and concepts found in the study of global history. The course is challenging and requires students to take greater responsibility for their learning by participating in problem-seeking, problem-solving, scholarly and creative process, critical analysis and application, and reflective thinking. Although the goals and objectives are the same as those found in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, the material is taught with greater complexity and reflects a differentiated curriculum. 8th grade students who have successfully completed World History and met all advancement criteria are eligible to enroll in Civics in 9th grade and should select Civics during registration.
Social Studies Electives
AP Human Geography
Prerequisites: Approved application and administrative approval AP Human Geography course is equivalent to an introductory college level course in human geography. The course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socio-economic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards.
AP World History
Prerequisites: Successful completion of World History in 8th grade, qualifying EOG scores, an approved application and administrative approval. AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation
Physical Education
Health and Physical Education I
The first required course in physical education will combine health education in areas such as chemical and substance abuse, mental health, nutrition, chronic diseases with physical fitness testing, concepts of exercise physiology, and personal improvement of the students’ circulatory, respiratory, and muscular systems.
Exceptional Children’s Program
All admissions to the Exceptional Children’s Program are based on placement by the School-Based Committee. An IEP is required.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Information and Course Descriptions
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a program that provides students with academic and technical skills through courses designed to prepare them for post-secondary education and future careers. Because many CTE courses have unique requirements, please review the information below carefully before registering:
- Many CTE classes require proof of insurance due to the nature of course activities.
- The final grade in CTE courses may include a final exam worth 20% of the overall grade.
- Partial credit is not given. Courses must be completed in full to earn credit, including multi-hour and year-long courses.
- Some courses are closely connected to a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) . Students are strongly encouraged to participate.
- Many CTE courses are recognized by the NC Community College System for articulated college credit. Students who earn a final grade of B or higher and score 90–100 on the post-assessment may be eligible for college credit at Cleveland Community College or another NC community college. Students should check with the specific college for eligibility requirements.
- Some courses are offered through the Career and College Promise (CCP) Program. These courses are taught by Cleveland Community College and allow students to earn college credit and up to four high school credits.
- Students who excel in CTE courses may qualify for membership in the Career & Technical Education Honor Society.
- Starred (*) courses indicate completer courses .
- Some CTE courses may offer work-based learning opportunities, such as job shadowing, guest speakers, internships, and field trips.
KMHS Ninth Grade Electives
Sports & Event Marketing I
Recommended Prerequisite : Marketing, Principles of Business & Finance. This course is designed to help students interested in sports, entertainment, and event marketing. Emphasis is placed on the following principles as they apply to the industry: branding, licensing, and naming rights; business foundations; concessions and on-site merchandising; economic foundations; promotion; safety and security; and human relations. Marketing simulations, projects, and teamwork activities provide reinforcement for the instructional strategies.
Principles of Family & Human Services
Students learn core functions of the human services field; individual, family, and community systems; and life literacy skills for human development. Emphasis is placed on professional skills, human ecology, diversity, analyzing community issues, and life management skills. Activities engage students in exploring various helping professions, while building essential life skills they can apply in their own lives to achieve optimal wellbeing.
Foundations of Health Science
This course is designed to encourage potential health care workers in their role and function as health team members. Topics include terminology, the history of health care agencies, ethics, legal responsibilities, careers, holistic health, human needs, change, cultural awareness, communication, medical math, leadership, and career decision-making.
Sustainable Agriculture I
This course focuses on the increasingly complex world of producing enough food and fiber to meet the growing world demand and at the same time maintain ecological balance and conserve our natural resources. Students will explore implementing environmentally sound practices in agricultural production to satisfy the needs of a growing population for today and tomorrow. A breadth of topics including: crop and animal production, natural resource management, agroforestry, food safety, and the farm to fork continuum will set the educational stage for this course. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. Work-based learning strategies appropriate for this course are apprenticeship, cooperative education, mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. FFA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.
Foundations of Agriculture
Prerequisite: Application This course focuses on integrating biological/physical sciences with technology as related to the environment, natural resources, food production, science, and agribusiness. Topics of instruction include agricultural awareness and literacy, employability skills and introduction to all aspects of the total agricultural industry. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced. Workbased learning strategies appropriate for this course are apprenticeship, cooperative education, mentorship, school-based enterprise, service learning, job shadowing, and supervised agricultural experience. FFA competitive events, community service, and leadership activities provide the opportunity to apply essential standards and workplace readiness skills through authentic experiences.
Welding Technology I Honors
This course introduces advanced welding and cutting practices used in industry and construction and emphasizes hands-on experience. Topics include safety, inspection, weld fit-up and testing, metal properties, and shielded metal (SMAW) arc welding. Mathematics and science are reinforced.
3D Modeling and Animation I
This introductory course introduces students to concepts and tools used by digital artists in careers such as graphic 11 design, film, and game design. Students work with professional-grade software, including Adobe Creative Cloud and 3DS Max, to create 2D and 3D digital graphics, as well as audio and video media. Skills developed in this course provide a foundation for advanced courses in digital design and animation.
Fundamentals of Drone Technology
Explore the basic skills and knowledge needed to be a recreational drone pilot. Develop a sectional chart using legends for planned drone mission flights. Develop a basic program to conduct an autonomous flight using small drones in the classroom. Gain the knowledge, skills, and industry credentials for careers in drone technology.
Business Essentials
This course will introduce students to realistic business and finance principles by examining fundamental economic concepts, the business environment, and primary business activities. Through workplace scenarios and problem-based learning, students will explore business ethics, customer relations, economics, financial analysis, human resources management, information management, marketing, operations, and business technology.
Drafting I Honors
This course introduces students to the use of simple and complex graphic tools used to communicate and understand ideas, concepts and trends found in the areas of architecture, manufacturing, engineering, science, and mathematics, sketching and computer assisted design (CAD) skills and techniques. English language arts, mathematics, and science are reinforced.
Entrepreneurship I
Conceptualize starting, opening, working for, and operating a small business. Explore feasibility, design thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, and the Lean Canvas Business Model. Investigate channel management, pricing, product/service management, and promotion. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in entrepreneurship.
Theater Arts (Beginning)
This course will offer practical experience in the production of established plays throughout history. Elements of acting, directing and playwriting will be blended with a study of the evolution of theater. At the end of the year, there will be a full production of different scenes acted throughout the year.
Band (Novice & Novice-B) (2 Credits)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 8th Grade Band. Students will present three public concerts during the course of the year, as well as attend the South Central District Contest Festival. Students will concentrate on fundamentals and sight-reading skills and perform for graduation. This is a year-long course.
Chorus (Women’s & Concert)
To be a member of this group, students will demonstrate an ability to match pitch and an understanding of rhythm at a basic level. Students must have demonstrated that they are self-disciplined and are able to work in group situations. This group is open to high school students who have had minimum previous training in music but would like to perform. If Chorus is selected, it may be given both semesters.
Visual Art (Beginning)
This course introduces the student to the field of visual arts. Students explore concepts, techniques, mediums, and artists from various periods of history. This experience will help students get an overview of the pursuit of art as an avocation and a career, thus helping to determine if the student should pursue further courses in this area. The successful art students will have an interest and curiosity about all styles and methods of art production, combined with perseverance, self-discipline, and the ability to work to obtain the desired results.
Grading Scale
Dates and Contacts
Parent Night
Thursday, March 10th
Kings Mountain High School
6:30 pm - Information session in Auditorium 7 :00-8:00 pm (Self-guided tour of elective classes)
8th Grade Advisement & Registration
March 23rd, 24th and 25th - will meet with students at KMMS
Academic Questions?
Contact: Jada Holland 9th Grade Guidance Counselor 704-476-8330, ext. 3141
jbholland@clevelandcoutyschools.org
CTE or Career Cluster Questions?
Contact: Eric Boyd Career Development Coordinator 704-476-8330, ext. 3085
egboyd@clevelandcountyschools.org