Quabbin Regional High School Barre ◊ Hardwick ◊ Hubbardston ◊ New Braintree ◊ Oakham Course Catalog 2021-2022 1 Quabbin Regional School Committee Lee Wolanin, Chair Fred Jean-Francois Mark Brophy, Vice Chair Edward Kelly Dr. Richard Allan David Marsh Emily Cartier Walter Nutter Debra Chamberlain Marcelino Sarabia David Correia Peggy Thompson David Deschamps Mark Wigler William Hansen Administration Dr. Sheila Muir –Superintendent Dr. Kristin Campione – Director of Student Services Adam Couturier – Director of Secondary Teaching, Learning, & Support Gregory Devine – Principal Jason Gilmartin – Assistant Principal Janet Hicks – Assistant Principal Steven Nicora – Dean for Student Success Mark Miville – Athletic Director Guidance & Counseling Department Guidance Counselors Donna Hubbard– Grades 7-12; Last Names A-Fau Mary Catherine Gaspar –Grades 7-12; Last Names Fay-Mai Ashley Csorba – Grades 7-12; Last Names Maj-Spi Meghan Cloutier – Director, Grades 7-12; Last Names St-Z Adjustment Counselors Stacey Canfield–Grades 6-12 Nick Cammuso –Grades 6-12 EOE: Quabbin Regional School District’s Policy of nondiscrimination will extend to students, staff, the general public and individuals with whom it does business; and will apply to race, color, national background, religion, sex, disability, economic status, political party, age, handicap, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness and other human differences. 2 ACCREDITATION Quabbin Regional High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization, whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions offering post-graduate instruction. Accreditation of an institution by NEASC indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of instructional quality periodically applied through a peer group review process. An accredited school or college is one which has the necessary resources available to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation. Vision & Mission Statement Quabbin Regional High School is a collaborative learning community, where all students have opportunities to achieve personal excellence in a safe and accepting environment. Our mission is to prepare students to become self-reliant, life-long learners who are responsible and resourceful citizens in a global society. Core Beliefs We believe in giving all students access to a rigorous standards-based program of studies designed for a future in which they will work and learn. in using specific and appropriate data to inform both school and instructional decision making. in using multiple measures to determine and evaluate the performance of individuals and the school. in giving all students access to technology-enhanced learning environments where students and teachers acquire information, interact globally, and creatively problem solve. in engaging students and teachers in critical thinking, open inquiry, cooperative learning, and reflective practices both within and outside the classroom. in innovation to serve students and the community in a dynamically-changing environment. in ongoing, effective, research-based professional development to enhance student achievement. in empowering students to take ownership of their personal development and education, to set challenging goals, and to become risk takers. Core Values We value civic, social, and environmental responsibility. collaborative approaches to teaching, learning, and decision making among and within school, home, and community. a strong sense of security and the existence of a safe, positive, and caring environment. dignity, honor, and respect for all. 21st Century Learning Expectations Students will actively learn and collaborate exercise responsible citizenship communicate effectively effectively use technology think critically think creatively 1/21/2021@ 10:37am 3 CONTENTS COURSE SCHEDULING ………………………………………………………………………… 5 COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS & PLANNING…………………………………………… 6 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ART & DESIGN DEPARTMENT ………………………………………………………. 7 BUSINESS DEPARTMENT …………………………………………………………..… 13 ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ……………………………………………………………... 15 INNOVATION PATHWAY DEPARTMENT (Technology & Design) ………………... 23 MATH DEPARTMENT …………………………………………………………………. 28 MUSIC DEPARTMENT ………………………………………………………………… 33 NAVAL JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS ………………………... 37 SCIENCE DEPARTMENT ……………………………………………………………… 40 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT …………………...………………………………. 48 WELLNESS DEPARTMENT …………………………………………………………... 53 WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT ………………………………………….……. 55 INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) PROGRAMME …………………….… 63 FOUR YEAR IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME PLANNING CHART ………………….. 64 ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS …………………………………………………………. 78 QRHS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS …………………………….……………………….. 80 CREDITS & GRADING …………………………………………………………………………. 81 PROMOTION & RETENTION …………………………………………………………………... 83 TRANSFER STUDENTS & OUTSIDE COURSEWORK ……………………………………… 83 GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) & RANK ……………………………………………............84 4 COURSE SCHEDULING QRHS creates a master schedule based on student course selections. Scheduling for students happens mid-way through the school year. Students are provided online resources and course selection worksheets which they can use when planning out their courses and considering possibilities. Students request courses for the following year online via their Aspen student account. Students will enter their course requests while the ‘scheduling window’ is open. All course selections must be made before the ‘scheduling window’ is closed. Once it is closed students will no longer be able to access the course request function on Aspen. Quabbin has an open process for course requesting where student scan select the courses they want at the level they choose as long as they have successfully completed any prerequisite courses. Student have a wide variety of choice and we encourage them to communicate with their parents, teachers, and school counselor when determining the courses they will request for the following year. The courses a student chooses in freshmen and sophomore years can have implications on their schedule in future years, the opportunities they are able to access, as well as future plans and/or college applications. It is recommended that students consider their high school career, well as their post-graduate goals and aspirations, when making course decisions each year of scheduling. Once course selections are completed by students, an email will be sent home to notify parents/guardians to check their child’s course requests for the following school year via the Aspen parent portal. If any changes need to be made students or parents can email their guidance counselor to request a change. The Guidance Department advises each student to be deliberate and thoughtful in their selection of courses. The master schedule is created based on student requests. Once the master schedule is set, there will be limited availability to make changes to a student’s schedule. COURSE SELECTION PROCEDURE Quabbin provides a limited time for the course selection process. It is recommended that students: Review the courses offered and prerequisites; a passing grade is required for all prerequisites Review the courses required for your grade level and review graduation requirements Review college admission criteria Review and select appropriate Instructional Level or Phase to make sure students choose a course load that appropriately challenges them Select the electives that complete their schedule and meet their goals, including Alternate electives Collaborate with parents/guardians in making course choices Consult with teachers and guidance counselor FULLY COMPLETE COURSE SELECTIONS ONLINE WHILE THE ‘SCHEDULING WINDOW’ IS OPEN Choose electives and alternate electives to best ensure their schedule most closely matches student interests Once Course Scheduling Window is closed, Parents are able to view their student’s course requests on the Parent Portal. Notification is sent via email in the Spring, notifying parents to view their child’s requests via the Portal. Students can meet with their guidance counselor or email them to make changes to their course requests. ADD/DROP TIMETABLE Students are able to change a first trimester course in the first five days of school based on course availability. After the first five days of school, no schedule changes will be made unless a student needs a core subject in order to successfully progress towards meeting graduation requirements. School counselors may require teacher, administrative and/or parent approval for a schedule change which they question. All course change requests for Trimester 2 or 3 need to be completed FIVE SCHOOL DAYS BEFORE that trimester begins. The only changes allowed outside of this timeframe are for students who fail a core subject or a change initiated by a school counselor or student liaison. 5 COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS It is Quabbin Regional High School’s expectation for all students that they develop the skill set, knowledge, and habits needed to form and achieve their post-graduate goal. Whether a student is headed toward employment, college, vocational training, military, or a service experience, the academic and co-curricular activity