Educational Opportunities Handbook 2018
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` Educational Opportunities Handbook 2018 - 2019 9/26/2018 CORE VALUES, BELIEFS AND LEARNING EXPECTATIONS Core Values and Beliefs RHAM High School is a community of students and adults working collaboratively so that teaching and learning take place in a safe, respectful and positive environment. We provide a rigorous comprehensive education to prepare students for postsecondary study, work and life. We provide diverse instruction designed to ensure students take responsibility for their own learning. We work with families and community members to support the personal, academic and career development of every student. Expectations for Student Learning Academic Expectations The student will demonstrate skills in: ● Reading and writing ● Speaking and listening ● Problem solving ● Artistic expression ● Physical fitness, health and wellness Social Expectations The student will demonstrate personal and academic integrity Civic Expectations The student will demonstrate active participation in the community 2 January 2018 Dear Students: This handbook will help to guide you as you make decisions regarding your studies at RHAM High School. As you read through the handbook, you should be thinking of possible career choices as well as your education beyond high school. To help in your decisions, a wide variety of Career Pathway flow charts are included as you consider the many and diverse courses offered at RHAM High School. We are offering several new and exciting courses this year: APPLIED TECHNOLOGY: Applied Computer and Digital Skills SOCIAL STUDIES: Abnormal Psychology MUSIC: History of Popular Music ART & ENGLISH: Publication (Semester:Journalism and Yearbook) Publication (Year:Journalism and Yearbook) Advanced Publication (Journalism and Yearbook) ART: Animation II SCIENCE & ENGINEERING: Principles of Biomedical Science (Project Lead the Way) Each student must complete the Showcase Portfolio during his/her senior year. Students will be awarded one credit upon successful completion of the Showcase Portfolio. In addition to planning your course schedule, make sure to consider participating in one or more of our many co-curricular activities. Our athletic programs and clubs provide you with multiple opportunities to focus on areas of interest and explore new areas. Your four years in high school will pass by very quickly. Careful planning will allow you to make the most of your high school years. Please make sure that you consult with your school counselor, your teachers and your parents/guardians if you have any questions about the planning process. Sincerely, Scott Leslie, Principal Thomas Mueller, Assistant Principal Penny Bryzgel, Assistant Principal 3 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES HANDBOOK RHAM HIGH SCHOOL REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 8 Hebron, Connecticut 06248 Board of Education Ms. Judith Benson-Clarke, Chairperson Ms. Amy D'Amaddio, Vice Chairperson Ms. Stephanie Bancroft, Secretary Mr. David Gostanian, Treasurer Mr. Scott Fleeher Ms. Kathleen Goodwin Mr. Joseph E. O’Connor Ms. Susan Rapelye Mr. Robert Schadtle Mr. Thomas Tremont Ms. Jean Wilson Administration Dr. Patricia Law, Superintendent Ms. Jennifer Hoffman, Director of Pupil Services Mr. Scott Leslie, Principal Mr. Thomas Mueller, Assistant Principal Ms. Penny Bryzgel, Assistant Principal School Counselors Ms. Loree Conners Ms. Jennifer Mott Alysse Hoagland Ms. Molly Kalla Ms. Tiffany Krupp Ms. Emily Lata Regional School District No. 8 Board of Education prohibits harassment and discrimination in educational programs, services, or employment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state or federal nondiscrimination laws and in accordance with Titles VI, VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1973, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, and appropriate State laws. The Title IX building coordinator is Thomas Mueller who can be contacted at 85 Wall Street, Hebron CT 06248; telephone: 860-228-9474; fax: 860-228-5312; email: [email protected]. The 504 Coordinator is Jennifer Hoffman who can be contacted at 85 Wall Street, Hebron CT 06248; telephone: 860-228-9474; fax: 860-228-5313 ; email: [email protected]. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Subject Page Graduation Requirements …………………………………..………….…….……6 Grade Weighting and Class Rank …………………………………………....……7 Official High School Transcripts .………………………………….……..….…...8 Course Cancellation …………………………………………………………………8 Categories of Instruction …………………………………………..……………..8 General Honors Criteria …………………………………………………………9 Course Directory ……………………………………………………………....…10-16 Career Planning …………………………………………………………………18 Career Pathways. …………………………………………………………………19-44 Guidance Services ………………………………………………………..………..45 PROGRAM & COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Applied Technology Department ………………………………………..………44-58 Art Department …………………………………………………………..……59-73 English Department ………………………………………………………………..74-88 Family and Consumer Sciences Department ………………………………………..89-90 Mathematics Department ………………………………………………………..91-99 Music Department ………………………………………………………………..100-103 Physical Education & Health Department …………………………………….….104-106 Science Department ………………………………………………………………..107-118 Social Studies Department ………………………………………………………..119-129 Special Education Department ………………………………………………..130-132 World Language ………………………………………………………………..133-139 The Showcase Portfolio ………………………………………………………..140 Special Programs ………………………………………………………....……. 141-142 Other Schooling Options …………………………………………………….….143-147 Educational Program Planning Guide………………...…………………………….. 148 5 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Credit distribution requirements for RHAM graduates are as follows: SUBJECT English 4.00 Social Studies 3.00 (including 1 credit U.S. History and 1/2 credit of Civics) Science 3.00 (including 1 credit Biological Science and 1 credit Physical Science)* Mathematics 3.00 Arts (Fine or Technical Arts)** 1.00 Physical Education (PE 9 and PE 10) 1.00 Health*** .50 Technology Elective**** .50 Electives 7.00 Showcase Portfolio 1.00 Total 24.00 * The following courses are classified as Physical Sciences: 9th grade General Science Chemistry Physics Geology Astronomy/Meteorology Environmental Science ** Students must complete at least one credit of course work from Fine Arts or Technical Arts courses prior to graduation. These courses are listed in the following departments: Art Department Music Department Family & Consumer Sciences Department Applied Technology Department *** The .50 Health credit is met by taking the grade 10 Health class. State law allows parents to request exemption from the sections of the class that involve HIV/AIDS, family life education, and sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program. That request must be made in writing to the student’s school counselor. (Regional School District 8 Policy 6205 - adopted 2014, revised 2015) **** Students must take at least one of the following approved technology elective courses prior to graduation: Introduction to Video Production Applied Technology Innovation Video Basics Digital Electronics Journalism: Layout and Design Graphic Design Creating Motion Pictures Animation I & II Marketing Principles Computer Integrated Manufacturing Broadcast Journalism I & II Management Principles 6 Introduction to Engineering Design Personal Finance - Online Financial Accounting Principles of Engineering Digital Media I & II Aerospace Engineering Computer Programming I & II Architectural & Civil Eng. Photography II Computer Hardware Repair Audio Production and Recording Music Production Music Scoring for Film CERT-Community Emergency Response Training Digital Drawing & Painting Publication (Journalism & Yearbook) Publication Advanced (Journalism & Yearbook) AP Computer Science Principles Office Applications for Professionals Applied Computer and Digital Skills Students are promoted to the next higher grade as they achieve the following course credits: GRADE CREDITS 10 5 11 11 12 17 Graduate 24.00 ⇨All students are encouraged to take at least six credits per year. However, all students must carry and actively pursue a minimum of 5 credits. ⇨All students are encouraged to take courses required for graduation as early in their high school career as possible, and to develop a co-curricular program that supports and enhances their academic endeavors. ⇨Any request for early completion of graduation requirements must be submitted in writing to the principal prior to June 1 of their Junior year; i.e. one year prior to graduation year. GRADE WEIGHTING As part of our goal to provide varied levels of academic challenge, the Board of Education has approved a policy of weighting courses for grade point average. This policy is to encourage students to take appropriate courses in terms of their achievement levels and interests. Grade weighting will apply only to GPA. Classes listed as Level 1/2 will be treated as Level 1 when determining GPA. Unleveled courses are not included in the GPA calculation. This policy will not affect honor roll/eligibility calculations. The system of weighted grading is as follows (L3 included for courses prior to ‘16-’17): H 1 2 3 A+ 5.3 4.8 4.3 3.8 A 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 A-