PROGRAM COMPLETER SEQUENCES

Portfolio Requirement For A High School Diploma 

Students must complete an electronic career portfolio which consists of a series of career exploration activities joined with educational course work for the purpose of post-secondary planning. Career portfolios are accessed through SchooLinks, through the Clever Software App, located on the SMCPS web page under “Digital Textbooks and Online Resources.” The career portfolio is begun in grade 6 and culminates in an end product that demonstrates a student’s knowledge, competencies, and interests. For questions about this requirement, contact your school counselor or the College/Career Readiness Center at your home high school.

Student Service-Learning Requirements For A High School Diploma 

Students must complete a program in student service-learning developed by the St. Mary’s County Public Schools, including service preparation, action, and reflection components. Students enrolled in St. Mary’s County Public Schools meet this requirement through service-learning activities conducted in middle school and through the satisfactory completion of specific courses in high school. Specifically, student service-learning at the high school level is infused into the ninth grade United States History course and the tenth grade Government course. Students not completing these courses in the St. Mary’s County Public Schools must have met this requirement through programs in other school systems or through the completion of Independent Study Student Service-Learning or School Student Service-Learning.

High School Assessments and College & Career Readiness 

The following courses have assessment requirements for graduation:  Algebra 1, English 10, Government, and Biology.  These assessments are known as Maryland COmprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP).  Studentsd must participate in the course associated assessments in order to fulfill graduation requirements.  Additionally, all students must participate in at least one math and one English/Language Arts assessment during high school, even students who took the Algebra 1 MCAP in middle school.  Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, the MCAP tests in Government and Biology will transition to End of COurse assessments (EOC).  Beginning with the first-time freshman in the 2023-2024 school year, these EOC's will count for 20% of a student's final transcripted grade for the respective courses.  Students are designated as College and Career Ready (CCR) at the beginning of their 11th grade year by achieving identified measures. CCR status may be dependent on performance on the Algebra I and/or English 10 MCAP(s).  Students should contact their high school counselor if they have questions regarding their CCR status.

Maryland High School Certificate 

This certificate may be awarded to students with disabilities who do not meet the requirements for a diploma but who meet one of the following criteria. The student is enrolled in a special education program for at least four years beyond grade 8, or its age equivalent, and is determined by an Individualized Educational Program Team (IEP Team), with agreement of the student’s parents/guardians, to have developed appropriate skills for the individual to enter the world of work, act responsibly as a citizen, and enjoy a fulfilling life. The world of work includes but is not limited to gainful employment, supported employment, or sheltered workshops. The student has been enrolled in a special education program for four years beyond grade 8, or its age equivalent, and has reached age 21.

Grade 12 Enrollment 

First time students in grade 12 must minimally enroll in four class periods (or its equivalent) to include a Mathematics and English credit. Waivers for full-time grade 12 attendance will only be granted when the student can present proof of concurrent enrollment in college, or early admission to approved Vocational, Technical, or Other Post-Secondary School.

Eligibility For Extracurricular Activities 

To be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics, students must be enrolled in SMCPS and maintain grade point average, attendance requirements, and other requirements outlined in the student handbook. In accordance with COMAR 13A.06.03.02.A., in order to be eligible for athletics, students shall be “officially registered and attending the member MPSSAA school they are authorized to attend under regulations of the local school system.”

Course Offerings 

The school system reserves the right to cancel or combine any class due to insufficient enrollment. Courses are open to all students without regard to race, sex, age, or disability. Enrollment at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center is limited to space available.

CAREER AND COLLEGE READINESS (CCR)

Beginning in the school year 2024-2025, as required by the Blueprint for Maryland, blueprint funding will support tuition costs for up to four approved college courses taken on the college campus or online (up to two courses in the fall semester and up to two courses in the spring semester); Advanced Placement (AP) tests; or certifications for those students that are designated as CCR or are economically disadvantaged.