-Rick & Angela Silva

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I, for one, am so glad that Christine is a part of OHSU.  Her grades have improved dramatically, she looks forward to classes, and she has begun to talk, and listen to, the other students online.

-Laura Mohrman

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I am the Student Body Vice President and I go to OHSU full time. OHSU is great for any student, from the travelers to advanced learners. I love this kind of learning just because it is SO flexible. And you can always make sure that you are understanding all of the curriculum. It’s one on one learning, on your own time, and wherever you want! Who wouldn’t want to learn like this?

My job as SBO is to help the President, Rachel Shearer, plan activities for the students of OHSU to get together with other students that are just like them. And to make the activities fun! The students have impact on these activities, and we do diverse things that public schools can’t. These students can connect with other students that are just like them and see the advantages of being an online student. These students have vast interests, and other students have even more diverse talents which makes all of the students interesting, and able to express themselves so easily. Not only are we smart, but we’re pretty cool too.

OHSU is an amazing place, and I enjoy attending. I have many interests, and some that may even surprise you. One of my favorite things to do is plan, and get people together. I love that I got the position as Vice President because it allows me to connect with other students who are just like me, and have seen the advantages of OHSU. I have made so many friends, when usually you would think that an online school’s disadvantage is the lack of having a social life, when really, I have gone to places in Utah I have never been to before! All to see the students who do such amazing things.

I love OHSU, and the freedom to learn more, to grow, or sometimes even learn about yourself, and your desires. OHSU is an amazing school, with the best teachers, the best parents, and definitely the best students. I have seen students that are notorious for their F’s to go to C’s, and B’s, and eventually A’s, because they feel no pressure, and that they can do all of this when they know they have the time to focus. OHSU is the height of education, and you can only fully appreciate this program when you experience it.

-Corinne P.

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I just wanted to point out how great of a year it’s been at OHSU. Honestly, it’s been a life changing experience. I have not received education like this before via virtual schooling–this is NOTHING like (anything I have done before). The teachers are one of the factors that have really impacted me–without their expert teacher skills, I would be on the road to destruction.  Before I joined OHSU, I was given textbooks for everything; textbooks that were impossible to understand. This made it exceptionally difficult for math. I was barely able to multiply and divide correctly and I couldn’t grasp the idea of fractions when I joined OHSU. It would only be a matter of time before I was held back because of my shaky math knowledge. Taking the CRTs last year, I did not know a single thing I was reading. Mrs. Weston saved me from such doom and taught in such an effective manner that even if I skipped some of the basics, I have learned almost everything that I did not understand the years before and I am understanding math concepts easily now, even after just one or two of her videos. I used to be terrified of math but I actually enjoy it sometimes now! I stare at things and say “About 3/4 of that is all that she gave me.” I couldn’t do that a year ago.  Current Issues has seriously changed my point of view, more than you can imagine. It makes me appreciate the existence of newspapers, radio, and TV, and makes me realize how much of a difference the Internet is making. I never realized how much social media is changing the way we live and communicate, and how it affects advertising.  I also showed some of the videos used in the course my mom’s friend who does not understand the impact and importance of social media. It never crossed my mind that books and other forms of communication protect us from being dominated by an evil ruler or emperor. What if Gutenberg never created the printing press? Where would we be now? It is also scary how much what we hear from the news and certain brands can influence humans! Current Issues has really made me realize aspects of society that I never saw before; it’s made a dramatic difference in the way I think.  If I dare explain how much I’ve learned this year, this email would explode, so I will stop right here. But I want you to know that this has been great experience and I will most certainly be coming back next year! This school certainly debunks myths about online schooling, because I think the learning here is great and very individualized. I always get help whenever I ask for it! The teachers are a big factor on what made this possible.  Thanks for setting this whole thing up. Please continue to do so… forever. I’m proud to be one of the first students of OHSU!

-Jizelle J.

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I have been homeschooled most of my life except for Kindergarten, where I missed a lot of school because I have really severe asthma and was always sick. I really like OHSU because it is really convenient when I am sick. I also really like the teachers. They are very nice and are always so flexible. I really wanted a High School experience since I am that age now, but didn’t want to go to public school. I really like OHSU because it feels like High School. We have class officers, a mascot, elections, and fieldtrips and social activities.  I love OHSU and appreciate all that my teachers do. Thanks OHSU teachers!

-Philip V.

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I travel a lot for professional skateboarding, so I need to be able to do school on my own time while traveling. This is why I love OHSU and why it should be recommended to many students.

-Tyson B.

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I chose OHSU because it would allow me to learn at my own pace.  I have always been ahead in my classes, but now  I have a 4.0 GPA for the first time in my life.  I can start school when I want to and I am protected against bullies.

-Anonymous

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I’ve done public school and it just didn’t seem like it was working for me. I hated sitting in that hard desk almost all day long and I was always hungry…I really like OHSU because it’s kind of like public school but I can work on my own schedule, I can do my work on my bed and if I get hungry I can go find an apple or something!

-Amber R.

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I chose OHSU because I think it is a better learning environment for me. I get the quality education that I have always wanted. In my other school, I felt like I was rushing myself, trying to get everything done in a short period of time. Here, I can pace myself, I don’t have to rush and I do better than I did at the local school. Thank you OHSU!!

-Emily L.

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OHSU really is a good school. The best part is that the teachers are great at communicating. If you have a question they will answer you quickly and if they won’t be around, they will let you know. Also with the voicethreads and other tech tools, it’s fun that you can still get to know other students.

-Sarah D.

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In my own humble opinion, open high school is THE BEST high school EVER.   It is more structured than home school, but more flexible than public school.  We take field trips, do service learning projects, have class officers and even fun activities like “Crazy Hair Day”.  You can totally have the whole social aspect of high school if you want it  We use a bajillion and one tools to communicate with our friends online.

-Jessica W.

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Objective: To instill a life-long spirit of service in all of Open High School students, teachers, Board members and parent volunteers.

Goals
School: OHSU will strive to meet the qualifications for the Gold Level Group President’s Volunteer Service Award of 1000 hours. http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/tg/pvsainfo/dspAboutAwards.cfm

Students: To complete 25 hours of service per semester via peer mentoring, class projects, and school service opportunities. (If students want to work toward individual awards, they can also count outside service hours for youth groups, community groups, etc.)

Faculty, Administrators, Staff, Parent Organization and Board Members: To set an example for OHSU students by volunteering 25 hours of service each semester through OHSU projects, meetings and activities, or through community organizations.

Process:
Service Learning Coordinator works with faculty to brainstorm, design, and implement at least one service-learning project into their curriculum each semester, keeping in mind the goal of 25 hours per student. SLC also works with Parent Organization to design and implement two school-wide service opportunities; one per semester.

Students, faculty, staff, parents, and Board members perform volunteer service hours, then document by sending the number of hours, date and a brief description to PO in charge of service/PVSA.  

A parent volunteer will accept student service hours and track them.

Guidance Counselor will provide support as necessary, especially during SEOPs since the award will set our students apart on college applications.

Director will provide oversight for the plan and work to ensure that all aspects are functioning well, in addition to facilitating communication between all involved.

Anyone who completes 25 hours of service per semester will receive a group PVSA award certificate, pin, letter from the President, local elected officials, school administration etc.

Content Release Schedule

And our use of open educational resources also means that the Open High School of Utah is committed to sharing their content with the public for free. Our content is built, taught once through, refined and then released. Our first content release date will be August 20, 2010.

Who Else is Using Open Educational Resources?

• MIT
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Yale
• Stanford

• The University of Utah
• Utah State University
• Utah Valley University
• Brigham Young University
• and others…

• The National Repository of Online Courses
• CK12
• Curriki
• OER Commons

MATH:
Algebra 1 is a two-semester course that fulfills an OSHU and USOE state graduation requirement.  The main goal of Algebra  is to develop fluency in working with linear equations.  In this course, students will work with tables, graphs, and equations and solve linear equations and inequalities and systems of linear equations and inequalities.    Students will learn how to simplify polynomials and begin to study quadratic relationships, along with analyzing mathematical situations verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences.

Algebra A is the first year of a two-year Algebra program, fulfilling an OHSU and USOE state graduation requirement.  The main goal of Algebra is to develop fluency in working with linear equations.  This 2 year program gives students the opportunity to study, learn, and practice algebraic concepts at a pace that allows additional learning activities, projects, and discussions. In this course, students will work with tables, graphs, and equations and solve linear equations and inequalities and systems of linear equations and inequalities. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences.

Algebra B is the second year of a two-year Algebra program, fulfilling an OHSU and USOE state graduation requirement. The main goal of Algebra  is to develop fluency in working with linear equations.  This 2 year program gives students the opportunity to study, learn, and practice algebraic concepts at a pace that allows additional learning activities, projects, and discussions. In this course, students will learn how to simplify polynomials and begin to study quadratic relationships, along with analyzing mathematical situations verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences.

Geometry The main goal of Geometry is for students to develop the structure of Euclidean geometry logically and apply the resulting theorems and formulas to address meaningful problems.  Students will use experimentation and inductive reasoning to construct geometric concepts, discover geometric relationships, and formulate conjectures.  Students will employ deductive logic to construct formal logical arguments and proofs. Students will use dynamic geometry software, compass and straightedge, and other tools to investigate and explore mathematical ideas and relationships and develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations.

Algebra 2 A primary goal of Algebra 2 is for students to conceptualize, analyze, and identify relationships among functions.  This course builds on concepts learned in Algebra 1 andGeometry by extending linear algebra and coordinate geometry concepts to other functions and systems of equations.   Students will develop proficiency in analyzing andsolving quadratic functions using complex numbers.  Students will investigate absolute value, radical, exponential, logarithmic and sine and cosine functions algebraically, numerically, and graphically. Students will extend their algebraic skills to compute with rational expressions and rational exponents. Students will analyze statistical data and apply concepts of probability using permutations and combinations.

LANGUAGE ARTS:
English 9 is a two-semester course that fulfills an OHSU and USOE state graduation requirement.  In this course, we will study novels, plays, poetry, and articles as a means of improving critical thinking, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression.  Through written, audio, and video recordings, students share their reactions to the characters, themes, and issues of the works studied.  Grammar, vocabulary, symbolism, plot points, and character development are among the language and literary techniques which students will study in this course.  Throughout the course, students will make connections between the themes and characters of literature, and the events and interactions of their own lives.

English 10 is a two-semester course that fulfills an OHSU and USOE state graduation requirement.  We will study and explore poetry, narratives, short stories, novels, non-fiction essays, articles and informational texts.  Our comprehension of these texts will be facilitated by analyzing and evaluating the literary elements, plot, character development and themes of each work.  As part of this course, we will continue to develop writing skills by experimenting with multiple forms of writing. We will clarify thinking and writing by improving our ability to support opinions, providing expressive details and using the writing process as a means to strengthen ideas.  This course will provide ample opportunities for students to imaginatively and critically express themselves through multi-media resources as they make essential connections to the world, themselves and literature.

Honors English 10 will include all of the elements of English 10 plus several in-depth projects that will allow students to develop and apply the writing, reading, and critical thinking skills they learn in the course.

English Composition There? Their? They’re? This one semester course, completed in conjunction with the core Language Arts course, focuses on fundamental, cross-curricular writing and English grammar and usage.  Students will work through all steps of the writing process to create effective paragraphs and essays—skills that will apply in all disciplines throughout high school and beyond.  Wikis and group work will allow students to share ideas and connect with other students, and interactive instruction and review will clarify grammar and usage rules to help our students avoid embarrassing mistakes that beset the English written word.

SCIENCE:
Earth Systems This course is designed to fulfill the Utah State Core Requirements for Earth Systems Sciences.  We will explore the Earth and the solar system.  We will learn about Earth’s landforms, rocks, atmosphere, and climate.  We will understand how different processes reshape our planet, and discover how and why the Earth has changed over time.  We will see how science affects us everyday and how we, in turn, affect our planet.

Biology This course is a first-year  Biology course which is designed to fulfill the science requirements for OHSU and USOE graduation requirements.  Students will be studying life and life systems with a close look at Ecology, Cellular Biology, Human Physiology, and Evolution.  The use of media and technology will allow students to work individually and independently to understand life’s processes, scientific inquiry, research methods, and scientific design and problem solving.  For example, in the first unit of study, students will research a parcel of land that is for sale and be able to construct an Environmental Impact Statement after analyzing the affects of development on the ecosystem.

SOCIAL STUDIES:
World Civilization is a survey course that examines historic and cultural events from five time periods in world history.  Students learn about early civilizations, classical civilizations focusing on Greece, Rome and China, and interregional contact which lead to exploration and cultural diffusion during the middle ages.  From there students investigate the role of revolution and social change and finally culminate their study of world history with a look at the march towards global integration during the 20th and 21st centuries.  This is a rich and interactive course offering students opportunities for students to become eye-witnesses of history.

Honors World Civilization will include all of the exciting elements of World Civ, plus several projects that will allow students to apply the concepts they learn in real-world experiences.

Geography is a one semester Social Studies course that fulfills an OHSU and USOE state graduation requirement.  This course covers both physical and cultural geography.  Students learn  various methods of defining place on the earth’s surface.  Students also investigate types of Ecosystems and Biomes.  Various methods of how the earth can be changed and modified naturally are then discussed, with students learning about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and erosion.  From there we learn about man-made modifications to the earth and their impact.  Finally economic systems are covered as well as political systems of government.  The course emphasizes student application of core standards with information that is happening in real time.

AP Psychology is a year-long class that is available for 10th graders. Students will learn the history and practical application of the psychology of the human mind, and be prepared for the AP Psychology test that will be taken in May of each year.

Current Issues is a one semester Social Studies elective that fulfills OHSU’s elective requirement for graduation.  The class takes a close look at the media surrounding us.  We analyze the unique place in history occupied by the United States that allowed media to develop and flourish.  From there we investigate the origins of Newspaper, Television, Internet, and Advertising. After looking at the past history of various mediums of mass communication, students then take a look at current efforts and future endeavors of each communication tool. Finally students end the course in a disruptive innovation on the research paper–with collaborative research done in a Wiki Space.  Students stay connected with current events as they are happening and learn perspective about the media that we interact with on a day to day basis.

GLOBAL LANGUAGE
Spanish 1  Students who choose to take Spanish 1 will learn to converse in, read, write and understand Spanish at a Novice level. Emphasis will be placed on the functional use of the language so that students can actually use it. Additionally, students will learn about Spain and Latin American countries and cultures. Study will include food, traditions, holidays, customs, games and more. Bienvenida!

CAREER and TECHNICAL ED.
Computer Technology The goal of this class is to familiarize students with basic computing principles and terminology.  By engaging in real-world activities, students will become acquainted with modern technology and learn why it is important.  When students understand how computers work, finding solutions to technological problems becomes a lot easier.  We will be exploring topics such as computer hardware, software, document processing, and a variety of other useful applications. We will also review basic netiquette and internet safety skills in addition to creating blogs, e-portfolios and other fun applications. The skills that students learn in this class will help them throughout their entire experience at OHSU as well as in future technological endeavors.

Digital Photography This course will allow students to become familiar with the functions of a digital camera.  Students will learn how to use light and their camera to create art.  They will also learn the rules of photography and how to tastefully break them.  Students will develop higher level thinking through art criticism, art history, and aesthetics by learning about photography. (Student must have access to a digital camera as a prerequisite to this class.)

Graphic Design This course will teach students how design is used in modern communication.  We will study various areas of design, including product, corporate,logo, t-shirt, poster, and a variety of other design-related projects.  Students will learn design rules, design trends, and how to critique good and bad design.  This class will show students what the design industry is like and how a career in the design field might suit them.

HEALTH/P.E.
Health II is a one semester course that fulfills a USOE state graduation requirement. It covers a wide spectrum of current health topics. It investigates various components of mental, emotional, social, consumer, physical and reproductive health. It provides students with age-appropriate knowledge, skills, attitudes and the preventative measures necessary for creating a life-long healthy lifestyle. Health II is designed to arm students with the most current and relevant health information so students are able to make wise, informative and positive choices to enhance their overall well-being. Health II is an essential class which fosters the concept of living a healthy, well-balanced life in all facets. Health II is a must have class in the virtual world. It fuses everyday real health issues in an invigorating, exciting, explorative, technology filled way allowing students a much more comprehensive, and imaginative way to study themselves and the make meaningful connections to the world around them. Welcome to 21^st century health! All aboard!

Fitness for Life Physical fitness and nutrition are important parts for everyday life.  Fitness for Life will give you the opportunity to create personal fitness goals and make nutrition plans that are useful and fun!  We will explore different ways to exercise and use your personal talents and ambitions to make physical activity a part of your daily routine.  Bring a good attitude, be ready to participate, and get excited to advance your skills and/or try something new!

FINE ARTS
Music Appreciation is a one semester course that will introduce students to the fundamentals of creating, enjoying, and listening to music. Students will learn about the basics of creating music including melody, harmony, and rhythm. Students will also explore instrumental and vocal timbre and will critique musical performances. Students will also be exposed to many musical styles including traditional, folk, jazz, opera, popular, and classical music.  Through unique online software, students will be able to compose, arrange, and share their own musical ideas. Students will learn to appreciate the complexity and the art of music.

OHSU Slideshow

Classroom Overviews

Geography
Current Issues
English 9
Computer Technology
Algebra
Earth Systems