Richland County School District One

ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

High School Scholars

In 1983-84 Richland County School District One implemented the High School Scholars (HSS) program. This program, leading to a special diploma, was designed to encourage students to pursue excellence through a rigorous academic program.

Eligibility
Any rising 9th- or 10th-grade student who has the ability and desire for excellence in academics and to contribute meaningfully to the school and community may apply.

Course Requirements
English (AAP or AP)	4 units
Math (AAP or AP)	4 units
Science (AAP or AP)	4 units
Social Studies (AAP or AP)	4 units
Foreign Language	3 units
Fine Arts Appreciation Course (or 3 units of high school credit in a specific art; or a combination of arts courses, 2 of which may be applied towards an elective)	1 unit
Physical Education/ROTC	1 unit
Computer Science	1 unit
Electives	8 units
Total	30 units

AAP - Advanced Academic Program
AP - Advanced Placement (College Credit)

Grades

To earn the special diploma, a 4.0 grade point ratio (GPR) in AAP or AP courses must be attained for the four years' work as a participant in the program. No grade below a C will be accepted in non- AAP or non-AP courses.
When computing the GPR for HSS, college-credit courses (non- AP courses taken on a college campus) will be given the same weighted grades as AAP courses and will count towards the 30-unit requirement.

Extracurricular Activities

Students must earn eight points for extracurricular activities. These points may be earned through in-school activities, sports, fine arts participation or community service. Two of these points must be earned in the fine arts.

Extracurricular Point System

The High School Scholars point system was developed by a committee made up of students, parents and faculty. If students participate in some activities not included in the point system, they have a right to present them to the Guidance Counselor to determine whether these activities could count towards their extracurricular requirements.

The activities that are to be counted as extracurricular should be verified by the appropriate sponsor, instructor, coach, etc., and turned in to the school's HSS contact person by May 1 of each year. Seniors must turn in their extracurricular points no later than March 15 of their senior year.

In-school Points
	One point: Any team sport Marching band Editorial staff of annual Editorial staff of newspaper Editorial staff of literary magazine Production crew or cast of a major fine arts production Cheerleader Debate Team (minimum of 75 NFL points earned) President of student government One-half point: Officer of in-school club or council HSS Student Advisory Committee One-quarter point: Membership in in-school club or council (Membership points are awarded based upon active participation and regular attendance in the organization.)

Fine Arts Points
	One point: Instrumental lessons Voice lessons Dance lessons Drama lessons Participation in youth orchestra, performance choir, community theater production One-half point: Attendance at fine arts performances, such as plays, concerts, art exhibits, etc. (A maximum of 1 point per year may be earned from such events.)
Community Service Points
	One-half point: Participation on community sports team 10 hours as a community service volunteer (This work is to be done during the school year. A maximum of 1 point per year may be earned from such service.)

Awards And Recognitions

At graduation, students will receive a diploma designating them as Richland County School District One High School Scholars.

The school district will provide a special stole to be worn over the graduation robe. This stole may be used at any special event during the senior's last nine weeks of school.

Students who are active participants in the program and achieve a 4.0 or better GPR in AAP or AP courses will receive a High School Scholar letter. In subsequent years, when the above grades are attained, a star will be added to the letter. At the end of the senior year, a plaque will be given to the successful participants in the program, and a dinner, convocation or reception will be held in their honor.

Scholarship opportunities to colleges and universities will be promoted by the high schools.

Senior scholars will have the opportunity to participate in a mentorship program, when available.

Application Procedures

Students may apply for the program through their school's guidance office.

If students have met the curriculum requirements, they are eligible to become a participant in the program at any time.

Students who transfer into the district may participate in the program if they can provide official proof that they have taken courses comparable to the AAP or AP courses required in the program.