FPHS iT Information

Information Night Presentation

In this new information age, students must have the ability to gather and distribute information through electronic communication. One of the goals of the iT program is to graduate students who are comfortable with and proficient in using information technology in all forms so they can interact with individuals, organizations and agencies in our technological economy.

iT Program Beliefs

• Students should learn to research, analyze, evaluate, and communicate information using innovative and efficient formats.
• Professional development for educators is imperative if technology is to be effectively used in the teaching and learning process.
• Technology will help students become active, independent, lifelong learners.
• Technology enhances education by helping students to solve problems, develop critical thinking skills, communicate their ideas, and work collaboratively on multidisciplinary projects.
• Students should learn to work ethically, independently, and collaboratively.

iT Program Structure (4 Strands)

The iT Program at Forest Park High School is divided into four separate strands. Perspective students apply to one of the three strands when applying for the iT Program. These strands are:

1. Computer Science (Programming) – students in this strand develop their skills as programmers and learn how to solve real-world problems using code. This strand relies extensively on students mathematical and logical skills.
2. Networking – students in this strand learn how to plan, develop and build computer networks with an emphasis on cyber security.
3. Interactive Media- students in this strand learn how to transfer their artistic mindset and skills to a digital format.
4. Gaming - students in this strand learn how to graphically design and program a variety of video games.

Project Lead the Way

In addition to the four strands, the iT Program at Forest Park High School provides students the opportunity to take elective courses in Project Lead the Way Program (PLTW).

PLTW is a national engineering curriculum developed by industry leaders in cooperation with educational professionals. PLTW provides students the opportunity to think and act like an engineer, using math, science and the engineering thought process to create engineering solutions to real-world problems.

PLTW is NOT a separate strand in the iT Program, but rather an elective option within the iT Program.

IT Program Expectations

Upon enrollment in the iT Program, students are expected to meet the following requirements to remain in good standing within the iT Program:

• Enroll in at least one core iT course. Project Lead the Way is considered an elective course and not a core class.
• Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 (“C”).
• Earn at least a "C" in all iT courses.
• Receive no U's in conduct at any time.
• Receive no discipline referrals for student conduct. (Infractions of the Code of Behavior may result in immediate termination of placement in the iT Program and immediate return to base school.)
• Maintain academic integrity at all times by not providing nor receiving unauthorized assistance on assignments and assessments.
• Agree to abide by all rules and procedures including those applying to attendance and school tardies. It is the responsibility of all transfer students to attend school on-time.

IT Program Commendations

Prior to graduation from the IT program, students can earn one of three recognitions:

• Platinum Medal (in development) - in addition to completing the Gold Medal requirements, student must complete and present a capstone project in their iT area of study which directly impacts the Forest Park community
• Gold Medal - earned if student complete at least 6 iT courses with a B or higher in each course and complete 40 hours of community service
• Silver Medal - earned if student complete at least 4 iT courses with a C or higher in each course and complete 40 hours of community service

When applying for the iT Program, students must select a specific strand which they would like to start in. Each strand is associated with the below entry course:

After completing one year in the program, students have the option to continue to higher level courses within their strand or to explore entry level courses in a different strand. 

All iT students must complete 40 hours (10 hours a year) of community service prior to the end of the 3rd quarter in their senior year in order to medal in the program.  All service hours must be logged through X2VOL which is accessed through Naviance. Current service opportunities will be shared through Canvas.

 Click on this link to go to Naviance 

X2VOL Support

Please view the informational videos below to learn how to log your hours.

How do I sign into x2VOL through Naviance Student?

How to Log Hours:

How to join groups and goals: 

Please note: It is our overall intention that our students understand, appreciate and value what they are learning in their iT classes with the real-world experiences though community service.  We understand that there are many wonderful and meaningful volunteer opportunities which will absolutely count as long as it is not limited to only members of that organization which benefit that organization. We ask that these (non iT focused) hours are not the sole focus of the student service and that they value the connection between ‘Community Service and iT’.  Any volunteer work performed outside of this emphasis should be shared with the iT Leadership before completed to make sure that it meets guidelines for acceptance.

Service Hour Guidelines:

• No more than 20 hours of the same activity with the same organization without iT Leadership approval.
• No more than 10 hours for any single event without approval.  
• Activities may only be counted if:
  1. Anyone is eligible to participate. If only the member of the organization is able to participate, then the community service is part of that organization and not part of the iT community service commitment. (ex: Religious School teaching, Political candidate promotion…)
  2. All activities are verified by the sponsor through X2VOL, confirming that the above is true.
     • Note: the one whom you have identified as the coordinator and has initialed off on your hours must have a valid phone and email. 
  3.  A reflection of the service has accompanied the documentation. This may include photos, a brief write-up or any other personal or visual validation of the service preformed.

Please do not wait until your senior year to validate hours to ensure your hours have met appropriate guidelines.

Any community service hours that are performed in association with FPHS and are verified by a member of the iT staff or club/activities coordinator from FPHS will be honored.

Note: each individual activity must be documented etc.. each SWAT meeting, BTG or BWS event must be individually documented not all rolled into one entry.

Any questions or concerns please see Mr. Street.

CHECK OUT OUR 2024-2025 GAME DESIGN DEMO REEL

 2024_GDD_DemoReel.mp4