Required Classes for Freshmen
English
Department Head: Nicole Miller
English 9
The ninth grade is divided into SEVEN units of study:
1. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and related poetry, short stories, and children's books.
2.Writing/Non-fiction unit
3.To Kill a Mockingbird
4.Poetry
5.Romeo and Juliet
6.The Giver
7.The Odyssey, epic poem
Within these seven units, speaking and listening skills are stressed when applicable, and writing skills are taught and further supported. (1 credit)
Social Sciences
Department Head: Chris Genthner
Global History and Geography 9
This history course is organized in a chronological, thematic approach. The course concentrates on the history of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. Extensive practice in the analyzing of documents and the writing of both document-based and thematic essays will be a major emphasis in this two-year Global History course. Mandatory Regents exam is given in 10th grade. (1 credit)
Leadership In Action
In this one-semester elective, students will experience the true meaning of leadership. The student will research leaders in our community and world. Students will develop their own style of leadership through hands-on activities. The course allows the student directed time for learning, planning, coordinating, and evaluating school and community projects. This course will also focus on communication skills, self-awareness, self-esteem, stress management, human relations, team building, and meeting skills. The student who participates in this course will reap the benefits in all aspects of his/her life. (.5 credit)
LOTE
Languages Other Than English
Department Head: David Makepeace
Students are required to pass the New York State Proficiency exam and pass the 8th grade course in Spanish or French to earn 1 credit for high school. Students who do not meet these requirements, will be required to take either Spanish I or French I to earn 1 credit required for graduation.
Spanish Level I
Spanish Level I is a course designed to provide alternate instruction in Level I LOTE for students who failed the New York State proficiency exam and have not received the one required credit of high school LOTE. The course also serves as an entrance point for students who wish to begin a second LOTE.
A combination of alternate approaches to grammar and modified curriculum enhance the student's chances of success. Students have the opportunity to re-enter the Regent's sequence as 10th graders at Level II. (1 credit)
French and Spanish Level II
Pre-requisite: Completion of Junior High School French/Spanish and passing proficiency exam.
This course builds on the material covered in the Junior High School LOTE program. Continued growth is provided in listening and speaking skills combined with the review and reinforcement of the grammar and vocabulary studied previously. Emphasis is placed on enabling the student to function in a variety of situations (travel by plane and train, leisure activities such as camping, ordering in a restaurant, etc.) Reading and writing skills are further developed at this level. Students will continue to learn about how people of the second culture think and live. (1 credit)
Math– Students will be placed in a math class based on teacher recommendation.
Department Head: Kristen Weis
Algebra I
This is the first year of a 2-year course ending with the Regents Integrated Algebra exam in June of 10th grade. This course is designed for students who have exhibited difficulty in mathematics and to allow students to gain confidence in his/her math abilities. They will also learn many real-world applications and experience a number of hands-on activities. Students will follow this course with Algebra II.
Geometry Honors Regents
Pre-requisite: Integrated Algebra Honors
This is an enriched course of study designed for students who have not only excelled in mathematics, but have also shown unique abilities in problem solving and creative thinking. All students will be expected to have taken the Regents Integrated Algebra course and exam in 8th grade. Students will take the Regents Geometry Exam in June. Students are expected to maintain at least an 80 average. (1 credit)
Integrated Algebra Regents
This course is the first of a 3-year sequence for our students planning to graduate with a NYS Advanced Regents Diploma. All students will take the Regents Integrated Algebra exam in June. Students then will follow with Regents Geometry to continue pursuing the Advanced Regents Diploma, or may choose to follow with an elective.
Physical Education
Department Head: Kelly Bosch
Physical Education is a course of study and activity designed to meet required New York State Learning Standards. Team and individual sports, fitness concepts, and life-long physical activities are experienced. Students are expected to attend, actively participate, perform required written work, and display responsible personal and social behavior. (.5 credit)
Science -Students will be placed in a science class based on teacher recommendation.
Department Head: Mike Cronmiller
Living Environment - Regents
This course is based on the content and understanding specifically addressed by the Living Environment Core Curriculum. These key areas include: similarities and differences among living organisms, homeostasis in organisms, genetic continuity, reproduction and development, evolution, ecology, human impact on ecosystems, scientific inquiry skills, and laboratory skills. (1 credit)
NYS Mandatory Laboratory Requirement:
Pre-requisites for admission to the Regent's Living Environment exam is successfully completing a minimum of 1,200 minutes of hands-on laboratory experiment with satisfactory written reports for each lab investigation. (1 credit)
Living Environment - Honors
Pre-requisite: Teacher Recommendation, minimum score on entrance exam, and minimum of 90% average in 7th and 8th grade science classes.
This course is composed of the top students who are eligible to take Regents Living Environment. Students will follow the Regents curriculum at a faster pace and will explore extended laboratory work beyond the basic requirements. This group will take the standard Regents exam in June. A minimum course grade average of 85 should be maintained. (1 credit) |