21-22 Course Catalog
21-22 Course Catalog
21-22 Course Catalog
Course Catalog
2021-2022
Preparing students for exceptional lives…
Kennedy Catholic Middle and High School
2120 Shenango Valley Freeway
Hermitage, PA 16148
(P) 724-346-5531 (F) 724-346-3011
https://www.kennedycatholicschools.org
Welcome
Welcome to Kennedy Catholic Middle/High School!
The Kennedy Experience
The Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools offers your child exceptional academic programs that prepare them to
achieve and succeed in college and beyond. As a student at KCFS your child will engage in exceptional
academic programs, obtain spiritual guidance, and benefit from religious instruction. Combining academics
with spirituality is at the heart of Kennedy experience. Additionally, your child will have access to a vast array
of extracurricular activities and athletic programs, and the opportunity to enrich and enhance their community
by serving others. These benefits are what allow our graduates to excel in their fields and assume leadership
positions in communities both here in the United States and abroad.
Table of Contents
Contacts 2
Mission and Vision Statement 2
Bell Schedules 3
Community Service 4
College Visits 4
Report Cards 4
Transcripts 4
National Honor Society and National Junior Honors Society 4
Student Assistance Program (SAP) 5
Intermediate Unit 4 Services 5
Honor Roll 5
Class Standing, Rank, and Graduation 5
Graduating with Honors 6
Students Transferring Out 6
Add/Drop/Transferring Classes 6
Failed Courses 6
Dual Enrollment Program 6
Academic Opportunities 6
Course Levels 7
Grading 7
Graduation Requirements 7
Suggested Course Outline 8-9
Course Offerings 10-28
Weighting Scale 29
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Contacts
The Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, J. C. L. Bishop of Erie
Mr. Mark Ferrara President
Mrs. Erin Marks Principal
Mr. William Blum Director of Finance
Ms. Cathy Cathcart Assistant Finance Director-AP/AR
Mr. John Niemi Director of Athletics, HS/MS IT, Facilities
Sr. Margaret Pellerite, SSJ Director of Campus Ministry
Mrs. Patricia Polesnak Spiritual Director-Students-Faculty-Parents
Mrs. Nicole Perry Director of Enrollment
Mrs. Janet Taylor Director of Student Life
Mrs. Jennifer Rignani Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs
Mrs. Dina Whalen Executive Assistant/ Main Office
Ms. Allison Zreliak Director of Guidance
Our Vision
The Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools is a Christ-centered faith community that exists as a response to
Jesus’ mandate: “Go and teach all nations.” In fulfilling this mandate, we open our doors to a population of
diverse racial, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds and thereby live our motto Christo Servire, to serve
Christ. We strive to provide students with an exceptional educational experience that encompasses academic
excellence, outstanding extracurricular activities and continual spiritual growth. We guide our students in their
spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional, social and physical development by providing an atmosphere conducive
to acquiring and increasing knowledge on all levels.
As a Catholic community, we celebrate liturgies and unite our prayers in response to the needs of the wider
community. We also provide for the broadening of our views so the students may seek social justice in a global
society.
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Our total commitment to our mission and vision enables the KCFS to provide what is, without question, the
most exceptional primary and secondary education available in our region—an education that has enabled
thousands of our students to excel in their fields and assume leadership positions in communities both here in
the United States and abroad.
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Bell Schedule
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Community Service Hours Requirement
Refer to the student handbook for complete requirements.
Prior to graduation, students must complete the following service hours:
7th Grade - 15 hours 8th Grade - 15 hours
9th Grade - 25 hours 10th Grade - 25 hours
11th Grade - 25 hours 12th Grade - 25 hours
College Visits
Senior students are excused from two school days to visit colleges during the fall semester and two school days
during the spring semester. Junior students are excused from two schools days to visit colleges during the spring
semester. For some extenuating circumstances more excused school days may be allotted. If a student needs
more than the allotted days, excused absences will be given at the discretion of the administration. A college
visit is consider an excused absence when it is approved at least seven days in advanced. College visit forms are
available in the guidance office.
Report Cards
Report Cards are given at the end of every quarter and school year. Please allow 2-3 weeks after the end of the
quarter for a report card to be received.
Transcripts
A transcript is a cumulative reflection of the students’ courses, grades, and credits received while a student in
high school. It is an official document to show proof of graduation and credits earned. Transcripts are sent to
universities/colleges, schools, and programs during the admissions process. To request a transcript for yourself
or to be sent to a school, workplace, etc. students will need to complete a transcript request form. Transcript
request forms are available in the guidance office.
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Student Assistance Program (SAP)
Through the Student Assistance Program (SAP), KCFS faculty members are trained to identify students who are
experiencing emotional, behavioral, academic or chemical difficulties that pose a barrier to their learning and
success in school. SAP offers support resources to those students and their families. This program is mandated
through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The primary goal of the program is to help students overcome
barriers in order that they may achieve, remain in school and advance.
Anyone can refer a student to SAP—any school staff, a student’s friend, a family member. The students
themselves can go directly to the SAP team to ask for help. The SAP team then contacts the parent for
permission to proceed with the SAP process. To refer a student to SAP, please contact the Guidance Counselor
or Principal.
Intermediate Unit 4
The Intermediate Unit 4 offers services to non-public schools. For more information, visit
https://www.miu4.org/domain/42
Honor Roll
Honor Roll is awarded to both middle and high school students after the completion of each quarter and school
year. Quarterly honor roll is determined by each weighted quarterly average and final honor roll is determined
by calculating the weighted cumulative final average of the year. Students have the opportunity to achieve three
levels of honor roll.
The Valedictorian will be the student at Kennedy Catholic who has the highest cumulative weighted average
after the 3rd quarter of his or her senior year and has met all requirements for graduation.
The Salutatorian will be the student at Kennedy Catholic who has the second highest cumulative weighted
average after the 3rd quarter of his or her senior year and has met all requirements for graduation.
Starting with the Class of 2022, to be eligible to be recognized as the valedictorian, salutatorian, or in the Top
Ten of your graduating class, students must be a Day One Junior. This means only those students who were
enrolled beginning on the first day of school of their junior year and stayed enrolled through their junior and
senior year will be eligible to be recognized as valedictorian, salutatorian, or in the Top Ten at commencement.
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Graduating with Honors
Students who display outstanding academic achievement are eligible to graduate with honors from Kennedy
Catholic High School. The status of graduating with honors is awarded to students who achieve a cumulative
average of 90% or better after the 3rd quarter of his or her senior year.
To ensure proper academic placement for our students, some courses and electives require a subject instructor’s
signature for course placement. Course placement will be based on current academic progress and demonstrated
mastery of content. Students who wish to take a course outside of the recommendation will need to complete a
signed parent consent form. Parent Consent forms are available in the guidance office.
Failed Courses
Student are require to pass a course with a 64.5% or better. If a student’s grade in a course falls below the
marking at the end of the school year, then the student is required to make up that course. In this circumstance,
information will be provided to the student and his or her parents/guardians.
Academic Opportunities
Ask about other academic opportunities offered at Kennedy Catholic.
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Course Levels
Advanced Placement (AP)
Advanced Placement courses are formatted off the syllabus created by the College Board. Advanced
Placement courses are considered a college level course. Teachers are expected to base the course off
the guidelines and instructions of the College Board. At the end of the course students have the
opportunity to take the AP Exam. Students may receive college credit for his or her score on the AP
Exams. Receiving college credit is unique for each college/university and is at the discretion of the
college/university.
Grading
Grades are calculated using a weighted scale that reflects the difficulty of each course. The weighted values are:
Advanced Placement (AP): x1.05
Honors (HN): x1.03
College Preparatory (CP): x1.00
A+ / A-
*Academic Weighing Scale available on page 29 A 100 – 94.50
98 / 94
**Weight not applied to middle school courses
B+ / B-
B 94.49 – 84.50
91 / 85
Graduation Requirements C+ / C-
C 84.49 – 71.50
Students are required to earn a minimum of 28 credits for 82 / 72
graduation. D+ / D-
D 71.49 – 64.50
71 / 65
Students must earn at least 7 credits per school year to advance to F 64.49 and below
the next grade.
Required Courses:
English - 4 credits
Mathematics - 4 credits
Science - 4 credits
Social Studies - 4 credits
Theology - 4 credits
World Language - 2 credits (3-4 strongly encouraged)
Physical Education - 1 credit (2 – 0.5 credit courses)
Other Required Courses and Electives - 5 Credits
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Suggested Course Outline:
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Other Electives
Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
Broadcast Journalism Broadcast Journalism Broadcast Journalism Broadcast Journalism
Chorus Chorus Chorus Chorus
Concert Band Concert Band Concert Band Concert Band
Engineering: Design Engineering: Design Engineering: Design Engineering: Design
Engineering: Programming Engineering: Programming Engineering: Programming Engineering: Programming
Business Rotation Business Rotation AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science A
Art Art Business Rotation Business Rotation
Publications Publications Art Art
High School Phys. Ed. Publications Publications
Lifetime Sports CP Psychology CP Psychology
Team Sports High School Phys. Ed. Humanities
General Business (21-22)/ Lifetime Sports High School Phys. Ed.
Business Law (22-23)/
Team Sports Lifetime Sports
Sales and Marketing (23-24)
Team Sports
English 7 English 8
Reading 7 Reading 8
Theology 7 Theology 8
Art 7 Art 8
Academic Studies/Newspaper/Band/Choir
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Course Offerings:
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
CP English 9 Course Number: ENG100
Level: Freshman Credits: 1 Weight: 1.00
Prerequisites: None
Summer Reading: Will be assigned as required
Course Rationale and Description: Students will be instructed in grammar, literature, and writing.
Grammar – sentence elements, punctuation mechanics and usage, capitalization, diagramming
Literature – introduction to literary genres including Shakespeare, novels
Writing – sentence structure, development of topic sentence and paragraphs, essay (descriptive, creative, and
expository), research paper, MLA format
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CP English 11 Course Number: ENG300
Level: Junior Credits: 1 Weight: 1.00
Prerequisites: English 9 and 10
Summer Reading: Will be assigned as required
Course Rationale and Description: This course is designed to give students an understanding of the
chronological development of American Literature from the Native Americans to modern times. Prominent
American authors and significant documents of American history are studied for understanding and
interpretation. Career shadowing is required for primary sources for paper, which is written in MLA format.
Periodic writing assignments require correct grammar, spelling, and format. Independent reading of novels
requires interpretive skills. Fifteen vocabulary units (20 words per unit).
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HN English 12 Course Number: ENG401
Level: Senior Credits: 1 Weight: 1.03
Prerequisites: English 9 and 10, AP or HN English 11
Summer Reading: Will be assigned as required
Course Rationale and Description: Students will be instructed in grammar, literature, and writing.
Grammar – elements of style rather than basic elements taught in conjunction with writing
Literature – literary works of every genre read and analyzed with emphasis on literary criticism; British and
World literature
Writing – themes about literature concerned with the analytical process in literary interpretation, argumentative
research paper, MLA format, writing journals for weekly directed essays
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MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
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CP Trigonometry (Previously Algebra 3) Course Number: ALG300
Level: Junior - Senior Credits: 1 Weight: 1.00
Prerequisites: CP Algebra I, CP Algebra II, CP Geometry
Course Rationale and Description: A thorough review of topics covered in Algebra II with an emphasis
on fundamental skills and repetition and building confidence in students’ math skills. All topics covered in a
standard Algebra II course are presented and built upon. The second semester is an introduction to base
definitions and applications of trigonometry. The right triangle will be discussed and students will solve
trigonometric equations, graph trig functions, and work with fundamental identities.
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SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
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HN Physics Course Number: PHY300
Level: Junior and Seniors Credits: 1 Weight: 1.03
Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and instructor approval
Course Rationale and Description: This course studies the fundamental laws of nature on which all
science is based. It is designed to enable students to appreciate the role of physics in today’s society and
technology. Physics is the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts
such as energy and force. Introductory course covers classical mechanics.
number, and email address given to the instructor by email from the school administrator. Students must agree
to attend one required summer meeting in June, date to be determined in May so students can schedule
accordingly. No make-up meetings will be offered.
email address given to the instructor by email from the school administration. Students must agree to attend one
required summer meeting in June, date to be established in May so students can schedule accordingly. No
make-up meetings will be offered.
email address given to the instructor by email from the school administration. Students must agree to attend one
required summer meeting in June, date to be established in May so students can schedule accordingly. No
make-up meetings will be offered.
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SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
the way, students will consider important movements that define who we are, notably those involving Women’s
and Civil Rights for all Americans. Through examining great successes and tragedies, students will better
understand their own role in America’s unfolding narrative.
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AP Psychology Course Number: PSY500
Level: Senior Credits: 1 Weight: 1.05
Prerequisites: Instructor Approval
Summer Assignments: See Instructor
Course Rationale and Description: The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and
scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that
have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena
associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and
cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal
behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods,
including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence,
and effectively communicate ideas.
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THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT
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HN Western Traditions Course Number: THE401
Level: Junior or Senior Credits: 1 Weight: 1.03
Prerequisites: None
Course Rationale and Description: The Philosophical Journey, An Interactive Approach. This course
offers an interactive approach into the Philosophical influence on Western Traditions. The students will explore
the great western thinkers and disciplines of traditions and culture. It offers a steady introduction of philosophy,
both in terms of major philosophers and the activity of doing philosophy, by covering the major periods of
philosophy in history (ancient, medieval, modern and post-modern.) By examining major texts and connecting
ideas and systems of thought, the course provides an insightful and sophisticated look at the meaning of nature,
life, knowledge, politics, and other universally important realities.
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WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT
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CP Spanish I Course Number: SPN100
Level: Freshman Credits: 1 Weight: 1.00
Prerequisites: None
Course Rationale and Description: Students will begin to develop their Spanish accent, build
vocabulary, and utilize verbs in the present tense. Basic Spanish expressions will be used in the classroom
setting. The students will be reading and writing in Spanish to internalize the language. Students will also get a
taste of the Spanish culture.
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ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COURSES
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ELECTIVES
Broadcast Journalism Course Number: VID101
Level: Freshman – Senior Credits: 0.5/1 Weight: 1.00
Prerequisites: Preferable but not limited to experience with video editing and storyboarding
Course Rationale and Description: The study of broadcast media, writing and editing news scripts,
video editing, camera operations, and news production. Prepares students to produce the Kennedy News. Class
topics include broadcast style writing while conforming to ethical principles, current news and media literate,
branding, editing news stories and reporting techniques, Final Cut Software, and operating video cameras.
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Engineering: Design Course Number: ROB100
Level: Freshmen - Senior Credits: 1 Weight: 1.00
Prerequisites: None
Course Rationale and Description: This course provides an in-depth exploration of solid modeling
using two different professional level computer software; SolidWorks and SpaceClaim. Along with an
introduction to the Engineering Design Process the students get hands-on experience of working collaboratively
inside an Engineering classroom. Students learn the basics of accurately sketching in 2-D and transforming and
designing the sketch into an accurate representation of the 3-D object. The students turn their new 3-D design
into real-life 3-D printed object from the MakerBot replicator out of plastic filament. The course is designed to
motivate and inspire students into a possible Engineering-focused career path.
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CP Psychology Course Number: PSY101
Level: Junior, Senior Credits: 1 Weight: 1.00
Prerequisites: None
Course Rationale and Description: This course introduces students to the study of psychology. The
course will follow the development of psychology from its beginnings in ancient Greece to the way it is
practiced today. Psychology will be explored as an empirical science. Students will learn how the many
schools of psychology have merged and explore some of the traditional areas in the study of psychology.
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Team Sports Course Number: PE103
Level: Sophomore, Junior or Seniors Credits: 0.5/1 Weight: 1.00
Prerequisites: Freshman Physical Education
Course Rationale and Description: This is a class graded on participation in team sport
activities. Sophomore, Junior, and Senior students are permitted to participate. In the class to stay active and fit,
while improving their skills through practice and game situations. They will experience at least nine sports
throughout the school year that are specifically designed to improve the students emotional, social, and physical
wellness. Course Content will include Soccer, Football, Team Handball, Floor Hockey, Basketball, Indoor
Lacrosse, Volleyball, Kickball, Softball, Baseball, Dodgeball, and Physical Fitness Testing (optional).
* Courses listed in this catalog are subject to change based on student interest and availability. *
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