Curriculum

 

Course Description:

Management is the process of deciding how best to use a business's resources to produce goods or services. This course is intended for students who are planning to pursue a business career and advanced program of study. Students will experience a rigorous student and learning experience using technology that integrates various academic disciplines to develop system thinking skills.

 

Course Description:

This course introduces students to 21st Century technology applications needed to be successful in society. Students will learn various Google applications and Microsoft applications as needed in a technology advancing society.  The course is designed for students to use proper
keyboarding techniques while gaining knowledge in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation applications with a focus on appropriate internet while incorporating strong communication and language skills needed in all careers. This course is recommended for all students.

 

 

Course Description:

In Grade 8, students will read major works of fiction and nonfiction from all over the world and from different time periods. They will continue to learn how to understand what they read and evaluate an author's assumptions and claims. They will also conduct research that will require the analysis of resources and accurate interpretation of literary and informational text. Throughout the year, students will focus on key ideas and details, craft and structure, and integration of knowledge and ideas. After reading the text closely, they will demonstrate their comprehension in oral and written responses to critical thinking questions.

 

Course Description:

This course focuses first on developing and refining the skills necessary to write well for a variety of purposes and audiences. Non-fiction essays provide the focal point for developing good writing skills. The class also introduces freshmen to the characteristics of poetry, drama, nonfiction, the novel, and the short story. Students' writing experiences include journals, responses to literature, and narrative, expository, and persuasive essays.

 

Course Description:

American Experience offers students an in-depth study of American literature from post-Civil War to contemporary American literature. Students will examine a range of genres: novels, poetry, short stories, and plays. Texts have been selected on the basis of how they are “American” texts and how they address the notion and pursuit of the “American Dream”. Students’ writing experiences include journals, personal reaction papers, literary analyses, and persuasive papers.

 

Course Description:

The purpose of this introductory college level course is to help students learn to read analytically and write effectively. The course, which is organized according to the curricular requirements for AP English Language and Composition will require students to read a variety of nonfiction prose from various cultures and time periods in order to analyze the authors intent and effectiveness. They will then be asked to write their own pieces (narrative, expository, analytical and argumentative essays) through multiple drafts using the rhetorical techniques most suited for their purpose. Students will also learn to analyze graphics and visual images and how they relate to texts or act as their own texts. Students will analyze their own writing and speaking to determine its’ effectiveness within various contexts.

 

Course Description:

Students in this Advanced Placement Literature course will read extensively, think critically about what they have read, write well organized, coherent essays and be prepared to discuss ideas analytically. This course combines the senior British literature requirement with selected pieces of contemporary literature. The close reading of these texts is designed to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the power and beauty of language and to comply with the curricular requirements described in the A.P. English Course Description.

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of college courses. Students will strengthen their critical reading and writing skills that are required across the disciplines. Students will focus on the understanding of, reporting on, reacting to, and analyzing the ideas of others. Texts will serve as models and sources for students to refine their skills in exposition, interpretation, and argumentation. Students will read texts critically, write thesis-based essays, and use reflection as a bridge to academic self-improvement. Students will read a variety of fictional and nonfictional texts. They will write papers and present their findings through class seminars and formal presentations.

Course Description:  

Through both reading and writing, students study the craft and process of writing. In a workshop setting, students compose short stories, poetry, plays, and narrative essays as they create personal portfolios. As a culminating project, students will submit their completed portfolios which will reflect their growth as writers and thinkers.

Course Description:

This course will explore the connection between psychological theory and literature. The course will focus particularly on works in which characters confront the need to integrate self and deepen their relationship with society. A range of psychological issues that are found in literature will be explored: depression, fear, delusion, self-actualization, memory, social processes, and other. Students will read a variety of literary texts along with texts from the fields of psychology and philosophy. In addition, students will write well for a variety of purposes and audiences with emphasis on modes required in college: argumentative, expository, research.
At the end of the course, students will write a Personal Manifesto that draws from fiction, non-fiction, and a variety of media to reflect, evaluate, and metacognitively determine how their thinking has been influenced, impacted and changed as a result of this course of study. Furthermore, going forward students will understand how their choices (words, attitude, and actions) impact their world.

 

Course Description:

In this workshop setting, students will study aspects of public speaking: the compositions of speeches, the rhetorical situation, and effective delivery techniques. They will be taught organizational strategies to apply when writing autobiographical, informational, instructional, and argumentative pieces. To provide the foundation for these speeches, students will research information using print and electronic sources. Students will read and analyze effective speeches in a multitude of genres. In addition, students will write, revise, and deliver many speeches while using mentor texts as a guide.

 

 

Course Description:

This program seeks to develop the skills of French in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on oral language development, vocabulary building, text-based comprehension, survival language skills, and grammar.

 

Course Description:

Students will use the language in oral and written communication to express their opinions on
everyday topics such as school and family life, foods, and clothing. Reading and listening activities will be designed and used to enable students to function in authentic situations. In addition, students will be introduced to the culture of France.

 

Course Description:

The development of oral comprehension with a focus on the four language skills-listening, speaking, reading, and writing-continues with a systematic review of French I. Emphasis is then placed on the acquisition of new grammatical structures which are practiced in reading, writing, and speaking activities. Relating information in present, past, and future tense is also practiced. The cultural components continue to serve as themes in lessons.

 

Course Description:

Students expand grammar, vocabulary and listening comprehension with an emphasis on relating information, ideas, feelings and opinions. Writing practice reinforces skills and expression. Additional verb tenses are practiced. Cultural awareness continues to be integrated into lessons.

 

Course Description

This program seeks to develop the skills of Spanish in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on oral language development, vocabulary building, text-based comprehension, survival language skills, and grammar.

 

Course Description:

Students will use the language in oral and written communication to express their opinions on
everyday topics such as school and family life, foods, and clothing. Reading and listening activities will be designed and used to enable students to function in authentic situations. In addition, students will be introduced to the culture of Spanish speaking countries.

 

Course Description:

The development of oral comprehension with a focus on the four language skills-listening, speaking, reading, and writing-continues with a systematic review of Spanish I. Emphasis is then placed on the acquisition of new grammatical structures which are practiced in reading, writing, and speaking activities. Relating information in present, past, and future tense is also practiced. The cultural components continue to serve as themes in lessons.

 

Course Description:

Students expand grammar, vocabulary and listening comprehension with an emphasis on relating information, ideas, feelings and opinions. Writing practice reinforces skills and expression. Additional verb tenses are practiced. Cultural awareness continues to be integrated into lessons.

 

Course Description:

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course is intended for students with proficient Spanish listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The course is taught almost exclusively in the native language and is equivalent to a third-year university class with emphasis on conversation and composition. This course follows the core curriculum determined by the College Board. Students will receive intense practice in comprehending formal and informal spoken Spanish, composing expository passages, and expressing ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. Reading selections come from authentic Spanish literature, develop an expansive vocabulary and have a working knowledge of all verb forms and tenses. A major objective in this course is to prepare students for the rigorous Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture Examination in the spring of the school year. 

 

 

Course Description:

In this history course, students will study the domestic and world events that led to the creation and development of the United States and its rise as an industrial power in the late 19th century. Beginning with the development of European Colonies and continuing through to the Gilded Age, students will examine the political, economic and social development of the United States through the interpretation of primary and secondary sources that include maps, charts, essays, and political cartoons. In preparation for their future college and career aspirations, students will continue to develop their common core skills as they work collaboratively with their peers and utilize technology effectively in order to learn and convey ideas.

 

Course Description:

In World History, students will study a variety of cultural and historical developments that have impacted the world community beginning in the 1800s to the present day. Geographic areas of study will include: Western and Eastern Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. These regions will explore through critical analysis of primary resource materials and in collaborative discussions and debates. Through the creative utilization of technology, students will work independently and collaboratively to communicate historical thinking and complete performance assessments.

 

Course Description:

The study of United States History in the eleventh grade is designed as a survey course framed to present academic content, concepts, and skills, and to foster the development of responsible citizens. The use of historical novels, primary source work, National History Day activities, as well as an emphasis on historical writing will ensure that students are propelled toward the development of higher-level thinking. This course will highlight root causes and interconnections of events throughout America's past. Historical analysis will underscore economic, social, and political dynamics of American history through the interaction of diverse groups, the creation of a national identity, the rise of social movements, and the growth of federal institutions. US History will provide a brief review of American history from 1492 to 1898, then focus on the significance of the 20th century. Major topics will include American Imperialism, the Progressive era, World War I, the 1920s, the Great Depression, World War II, foreign and domestic consequences of the Cold War, Civil Rights and other social movements, the turmoil of the 1960s, the political and economic fallout of the 1970s, the conservatism of the 1980s, and post-Cold War events that continue to shape our world today.

 

Course Description:

This course is intended to give students interested in history a college level survey of the history of modern Europe from 1400 to the present day. Students will practice analytical and critical thinking skills as they learn to appreciate the heritage of Western Europe civilization's political, social economic, intellectual, scientific, and artistic history. Great events such as the French Revolution and World War I, ideas such as imperialism and nationalism, and the influence on an age such as Napoleon, Hitler, and Stalin will be studied in depth. Students may opt to take the AP European History exam in May. Students who take this course can't take Western Civilization II.

Course Description:

AP Government & Politics is one-year course that is content driven by the College Board, as students have the option of taking the Advanced Placement test in May. During the year, students will explore six units: 1. Constitutional Foundations 2. Political Theory and Beliefs 3. Parties, Interest Groups, and the Media 4. Government Institutions 5. Public Policy, and 6. Civil Rights and Liberties

 

Course Description:

AP United States History is a survey course covering American history from the pre-Columbian period to the present. The class is taught in accordance with the AP U.S. History curriculum framework and is designed to prepare students for the AP U.S. History national exam given in May of each academic year.

 

Course Description:

Social studies is the examination of the social sciences and humanities in order to foster citizenship, life-long learning and responsibility in our students. Students will be introduced to content from history, geography, psychology, economics and more. Emphasis will be placed on developing the skills in organization, higher order thinking, reading for comprehension and historical writing and research. The course will encourage students to be helpful and active citizens in their school and community.

 

Course Description:

Twentieth Century Conflicts is designed to make complex international issues understandable and meaningful for students. Using a student-centered approach, 20th Century Conflicts develops critical thinking and an understanding of the significance of history in our lives today-necessary ingredients of responsible citizenship.

 

 

Course Description:

In this course, students will take their understanding of unit rates and proportional relationships to a new level, connecting these concepts to points on a line and ultimately using them to solve linear equations that require them to apply algebraic reasoning as well as knowledge of the properties of operations. Students will also expand their understanding of numbers beyond rational numbers to include numbers that are irrational—meaning that they cannot be written as a simple fraction, such as the square root of 2 or √2. Through exploration of this content, students will learn to apply problem-solving strategies and effectively communicate mathematical thinking.

 

Course Description:

This course is a comprehensive Algebra 1 course. Topics include positive and negative numbers; dependent and independent variables in equations and formulas; fractions and fractional equations; special products and factoring; powers, roots and radicals; and solving and graphing equations, inequalities and systems of equations. It includes an introduction to quadratic equations, proportion and variation.

 

This course is designed to present a logical development, with emphasis on basic concepts and 
understanding of geometry. It deals with measurements and relationships of lines, angles, triangles, 
circles, polygons, and solid figures. Although emphasis is placed on methods of proof, numerical 
problems are constantly used throughout the course.

 

Course Description:

This course is a study of functions and their applications. Topics covered will include operations with functions and their inverses, linear functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities. The course will focus on linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and radical functions. This class will also cover statistics and probability, students will be able to interpret categorical and quantitative data, make inferences and justify conclusions, know and apply rules of probability, and use probability to make decisions. This class will prepare students for Pre-Calculus and other advanced courses.

 

Course Description:

Pre-calculus reviews and embeds all content previously learned throughout Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 as well as units on functions; polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; trigonometric functions of real numbers; trigonometric functions of angles; analytic trigonometry; and polar coordinates.

This pre-calculus course includes not only all standard topics listed above, but also integrates the use of technology via the graphing calculators. The wide variety of topics and multiple levels of exercises meet many different learning styles. Communication exercises including reading, writing, discussion, and visual thinking are presented within applications throughout the course.

 

Course Description:

The course topics include coordinate systems, algebraic functions and graphs, limits, derivatives and antiderivatives. The second half of the course includes the definite integral and applications, transcendental functions and formal integration. Students enrolled will be prepared to take the AP exam.

 

Course Description:

The purpose of the Statistics course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. The four main themes are: 1. Exploring Data: Observing patterns and departures from patterns, 2. Planning a Study: Deciding what and how to measure, 3. Anticipating Patterns: Producing models using probability theory and simulation, 4. Statistical Inference: Confirming models. 

 

 

Course Description:

In this course students will be able to identify and analyze that pure substances have characteristic physical and chemical properties and are made from a single type of atom or molecule. They will be able to provide molecular level accounts to explain states of matters and changes between states, that chemical reactions involve regrouping of atoms to form new substances, and that atoms rearrange during chemical reactions. Students are also able to apply an understanding of the design and the process of optimization in engineering to chemical reaction systems. 
Forces and Interactions focuses on helping students understand ideas related to why some objects will keep moving, why objects fall to the ground and why some materials are attracted to each other while others are not. Students answer the question, "How can one describe physical interactions between objects and within systems of objects?"
Energy help students formulate an answer to the question, "How can energy be transferred from one object or system to another?" Students develop their understanding of important qualitative ideas about energy including that the interactions of objects can be explained and predicted using the concept of transfer of energy from one object or system of objects to another, and the total change of energy in any system is always equal to the total energy transferred into or out of the system.
Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer help students formulate an answer to the question, "What are the characteristic properties of waves and how can they be used?" At the middle school level, the topic is broken down into Wave Properties, Electromagnetic Radiation, and Information Technologies and Instrumentation. Students are able to describe and predict characteristic properties and behaviors of waves when the waves interact with matter.

 

Course Description:

Earth Science is an integrated study of energy transfers, the chemical structure and properties of matter, how materials cycle through the Earth's system, and how science and technology affect the quality of our lives. Scientific inquiry, literacy, and numeracy skills are developed through hands-on laboratory activities in this course study. 

 

Course Description:

Students in high school develop understanding of key concepts that help them make sense of life science. The ideas are building upon students’ science understanding of disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts from earlier grades. There
are four life science topics in high school: 1) Structure and Function, 2) Inheritance and Variation of Traits, Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems, 3) Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, and 4) Natural Selection and Evolution. The performance expectations for high school life science blend core ideas with scientific and engineering
practices and crosscutting concepts to support students in developing usable knowledge that can be applied across the science disciplines. 

 

Course Description:

In this course students will explore the concepts of a scientific model, chemical calculations, reactions and energy rates, atomic and molecular theories, and bonding. Emphasis is placed on quantitative chemistry and graphical analysis.

 

Course Description:

This course is intended for those who need a technical background in studies they pursue after graduation. The topics covered are generally the same as in the advanced placement physics course but at a less rigorous level. Students who plan to major in pre-med, nursing, biology, pre-law, etc. will be adequately prepared by this course. Students who plan to major in engineering, electronics, chemistry or physics should take advanced placement physics. Topics covered include mechanics, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism.

 

Course Description:

This course is intended for those who need a technical background in studies they pursue after graduation. The topics covered are generally the same as in the advanced placement physics course but at a less rigorous level. Students who plan to major in pre-med, nursing, biology, pre-law, etc. will be adequately prepared by this course. Students who plan to major in engineering, electronics, chemistry or physics should take advanced placement physics. Topics covered include mechanics, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism.

 

Course Description:

APES is designed to be the equivalent of a one semester college course in environmental studies. The course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Analysis of natural and man-made environmental problems will be conducted in both in class and the field. The relative risks associated with these problems and alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them will be evaluated. Field trips may be conducted.

 

Course Description:

A major objective of this course is to prepare the students for the AP Chemistry examination that is administered in spring each year. During the course of the school year, there will be a brief review of the first-year chemistry and an in-depth discussion of advanced concepts such as Chemical Kinetics, Chemical Equilibrium, Chemical Bonding, Thermochemistry and Electrochemistry.

 

Course Description:

This foundation course introduces students to career opportunities in S.T.E.M., technology, and engineering. The need for skilled workers trained in the different science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields is increasing dramatically. Topics to be covered in this course include varied STEM occupations, engineering design and modeling and engineering systems, and desktop publishing applications. This course is recommended for students who have an interest in technology but need more exploration to choose a pathway such as engineering, manufacturing, construction, or a graphic design career.

 

Course Description:

 

 

Course Description:

Students will develop techniques and processes to communicate through a variety of media incorporating interdisciplinary and multi-cultural topics. Students will reflect and analyze their own artwork, peers' and famous artists' in order to make connections between visual arts, other disciplines and daily life.

 

Course Description:

The Elements of Art (line, shape, color, value, texture, form and space) are the basic building blocks of any work of art. They are the vocabulary that makes up the language for talking about, analyzing and creating works of art. 

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to introduce the student to media and techniques of painting. Basic ideas and skills will be introduced using such media as watercolor, tempera and acrylic paint. Through the exploration of these mediums students will learn that painting is a universal and unique language. Students will be exposed to various painters and painting styles from past and present.  Students will sequentially build on their knowledge learned in the Elements of Art course to further explore various media and drawing techniques. This class places emphasis on studio production designed to further develop independent and collaborative problem-solving skills. 

 

Course Description:

Students will learn terminology, technical systems, and processes used by the graphic art industry. Sample activities will support those understandings. The main programs used will be Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Students will be required to display an understanding of those programs along with creating a portfolio using digital photography and the internet.

 

Course Description:

The advanced placement Studio Art Program enables highly motivated students to do college level work in studio art while still in high school. AP Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead candidates submit a portfolio of work for evaluation with the College Board at the end of the school year. This course involves significantly more time and commitment than most high school courses. Therefore, the program is intended for students that are seriously committed to studying art.

 

Course Description:

Ever wonder what makes medieval chant and modern rap similar in musical style? This is a musical survey course that explores the similarities and differences of music throughout history. Music from the 16th-21st century will be listened to and discussed. Students do not need a musical background in-order-to enroll for this course. Students will be expected to do listening in and out of class, learn how to discuss music, and write several short comparison papers. 

 

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need in order to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The curriculum addresses the prevention of unhealthy behaviors and the promotion of positive attitudes and behaviors through interactive activities that call upon consistent student engagement. The impact of both negative and positive attitudes, behavior, and choices on emotional and physical health is ongoing throughout the course. Community problems and concerns are also considered.
This course provides opportunity for students to build skills to make informed decisions on sexual health practices, demonstrate effective communication skills to avoid or deal with sexually risky situations and dating violence, and identifies physical, social and emotional risk factors of sexual intercourse, including contracting STDs and getting pregnant.

 

Course Description:

The mission of health & wellness education is to empower students to achieve their fullest potential for the betterment of self, family, and community by maintaining their highest level of health and wellness. The mission of Health & Wellness Education is to promote effective learning by providing knowledge, developing skills, and encouraging decision-making strategies that create positive attitudes and behaviors. Thy dynamic interaction and interdependence of physical, mental, emotional, and social health involve a person’s total being and is the essence of a “healthy” person.
Comprehensive health and wellness education focusses on the concept of the whole person: The physical, mental, social and emotional dimensions of the individual. 

 

 

Course Description:

Student interest and aspiration are the basis for the development of the student's academic program. A planned academic program will lead to the acquisition of the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to be an effective learner in school and across the life span.  An ongoing plan will be designed to ensure that students complete their secondary education with 21st Century skills necessary to complete in the global economy. Students will engage in on-goal setting and related activities for academic growth.

 

Course Description:

Personal/social development contributes to academic and career success by helping students understand and respect themselves and others, acquire effective interpersonal skills, understand safety and survival skills and develop into contributing members of society. Students will acquire the attitudes, knowledge and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others. Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve these goals. Additionally, students will experience a wide variety of involvements within their school and community.

 

Course Description:

A preparation course for the Reading and Writing sections of the Scholastic Aptitude Test ("SAT").  Test strategies for the SAT, ACT and SAT subject tests will also be presented and practiced.  

 

Course Description:

 individualized student-centered plan that engages every student based on their unique interests and strengths helping them to understand the relevancy of education to achieve postsecondary educational and career goals.  It will provide the student support and assistance in setting goals for academic, career, social emotional, and physical development that meet rigorous high school and postsecondary expectations. This written plan and supporting activities, such as student portfolios, experiences outside the classroom, along with academic/personal records should be electronic portable following the student from school to school and district to district.