MADISON HIGH SCHOOL
CURRICULUM GUIDE 2016­2017 February, 2016 CURRICULUM BOOKLET This curriculum guide is designed to assist students in their selection of courses of study. Madison High School offers a wide variety of courses in an effort to meet the needs of all students. A description of each course is included here. Selection of classes is based on recommendations of teachers, study skills, grades, standardized test scores, advice of parents and counselors, and your particular interests and plans for the future. The Guidance Department urges you to read this booklet before you schedule your courses. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS* The State of New Jersey and Madison High School have recently changed graduation requirements. Please read this section carefully for the requirements which apply to your child. Each year­long course that meets three times in a cycle is awarded 5 credits (lab sciences are usually 6 credits). A course that meets one semester, three times in a cycle is awarded 2.5 credits. I.​
Students must earn a minimum of 130 credits to graduate, as follows:* 4 years of English 20 credits 3 years of Social Studies (World, US I, US II) 15 credits 3 years of mathematics [i]
15 credits 3 years of laboratory science[ii] 15 credits 1 year of world languages [iii] 5 credits 1 year of visual and/or performing arts [iv] 5 credits st​
1 year of 21​
Century Life and Careers [v] (Practical arts) 5 credits 1 year of PE and health for each year of enrollment 16 credits 1 semester of financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy [vi] 2.5 credits [i] Including Algebra I, Geometry and 5 credits in a third year of mathematics that builds on the concepts of Algebra and Geometry. [ii] Including Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics and/or Environmental Science plus a third laboratory/inquiry based science. [iii]​
Students are highly encouraged to exceed these requirements. [iv]​
Check Appendix A for a list of courses that satisfy these requirements. [v]​
Check Appendix A for a list of courses that satisfy these requirements. [vi]​
Starting with the MHS class of 2020, students must take “Personal Finance” to satisfy this requirement. Keep in mind that these are minimum high school graduation requirements. They do not reflect college admission requirements. The courses you take in high school and your grades in these classes will affect the kinds of educational and career opportunities open to you later. Your counselor will help you decide the program best suited to your goals, needs and abilities. Colleges usually require a minimum of 16 academic units in the high school program. An academic (Carnegie) unit is a full year of study in one of the following areas: English, history, mathematics, lab science, or world language. 1 II.​
Pass graduation exams as per New Jersey State Department of Education. State Testing Requirements:* PARCC ELA Grade 9 >= 750 (Level 4) ​
or PARCC Algebra I >= 750 (Level 4) ​
or PARCC ELA Grade 10 >=750 (Level 4) ​
or PARCC Geometry >= 725 (Level 3) ​
or PARCC ELA Grade 11 >= 725 (Level 3) ​
or PARCC Algebra II >= 725 (Level 3) ​
or SAT Reading* >= 400 ​
or ACT Reading or ACT PLAN Reading >= 16 ​
or ACT or ACT PLAN Math>= 16 ​
or Accuplacer Write Placer >= 6 ​
or Accuplacer Elementary Algebra >= 76 ​
or PSAT10 Reading or PSAT/NMSQT Reading** >=40 ​
or PSAT10 Reading or PSAT/NMSQT Reading*** >=22 ​
or PSAT10 Math or PSAT/NMSQT Math** >= 40 ​
or PSAT10 Math or PSAT/NMSQT Math*** >=22 ​
or ACT Aspire Reading >= 422 ​
or ACT Aspire Math >= 422 ​
or ASVAB­AFQT Composite >=31 ​
or ASVAB­AFQT Composite >=31 ​
or Meet the Criteria of the NJDOE Portfolio Appeal Meet the Criteria of the NJDOE Portfolio Appeal *
SAT taken prior to March, 2016 **
PSAT taken prior to October, 2015 *** PSAT taken after October, 2015 The College Board will establish new ‘threshold scores’ in May, 2016 for the new SAT. Students in the class of 2020 are required to take PARCC assessments if they are in classes covered by PARCC content before they are eligible to utilize either the substitute assessments or the portfolio appeal. This requirement will become effective for the 2016­2017 school year. III. Students need to complete 7 hours of volunteer service per year. This service requirement can be satisfied by participation in the annual Day of Service each May.* 2 GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES Course Load Madison High School has 8 periods of classes each day, plus a designated lunch period. Students are expected to attend class at least seven periods, allowing one study hall at most. This allows time for a choice of electives. These courses may well lead to a career in the future. Explore areas new to you! Scheduling and Leveling of Courses All incoming 9th grade students are scheduled individually with parent, student and counselor participation. th
th
Recommendations concerning class placement are provided by 8th grade teachers. Parents of current 9​
and 10​
grade students will receive notification alerting them of the general time frame of their child’s scheduling conference. Parents th
of current 11​
graders are encouraged and invited to attend the scheduling conference, as the scheduling conference for th
current 11​
grade students also doubles as a college/post­secondary planning meeting. All students will receive a list of their proposed classes during their scheduling conference. Multiple criteria are used when determining course placement recommendations. Criteria used for teacher recommendations may include ​
current ​
academic performance, (generally the grade at the semester mark, in January) writing samples, completion of appropriate prerequisites, completion of summer assignments, and/or teacher discretion. Teachers make course recommendations for the following year in February. Students and/or parents are encouraged to discuss any questions they may have about a course recommendation with the appropriate teacher. At times, during the spring, teachers may change their initial recommendation. In this case, a letter will go home to the parent alerting them of the change. On occasion, parents/students may want to “override” a teacher’s recommendation. Overriding a teacher’s recommendation can only be done after consulting with the departmental supervisor. Information, including deadline dates, and other “override” stipulations can be found on the override form. Overriding a teacher’s recommendation is a decision that should be done only after the student and parent are fully aware of all the stipulations. Overrides must be completed and processed during the override window. The override window for the 2016­2017 school year is May 19, 2016­June 10, 2016. After June 10th, override requests will not be honored. Override forms can be picked up from your counselor. Students will receive next year’s schedule in June. If a correction is needed in the schedule, ​
students must see their high school counselor before school ends. Changes in your schedule after the new school year has begun are very difficult to make and can not be guaranteed. Therefore it is vital that students review their schedule, when they receive it in June, and request any schedule change in June. Higher level courses focus on in­depth analysis, set high expectations, and move at a quicker pace. To succeed at this level, the student must make a serious commitment to the course. Please be aware that the student may earn lower grades in a higher level course than he/she would in the lower level course. Students are responsible for completing any summer assignments. Summer assignments will be handed out in June. 3 Please note the following grading procedure that will apply if a student changes levels once the school year has begun​
: 1. If a student changes level within the first three weeks of school, the “new” teacher will use only the grades from the remaining assessments to determine the first marking period grade. 2. If the student changes to a lower level after the first three weeks of school, the grades earned in the higher level course will follow the student to the new placement. No weighted grade credit will be given if a weighted course is dropped and a regular course is added. Withdrawal from Courses If you withdraw from a course that has been in session an extended period of time, you will receive a grade of W (Withdrawn/Pass) or WF (Withdrawn/Fail). The time limit for withdrawal without mention on the transcript can be found in the MHS student handbook. Refer to the student handbook for deadlines. Remediation Students will be automatically reviewed for remediation on the basis of their performance on their annual standardized tests. Remedial classes are available in literacy and mathematics. Classified Students Students with special needs will follow a prescribed Individualized Education Program determined by the Child Study Team after consultation with student, teachers, parents, and counselor. Selective Service All male students, when they reach the age of 18, must register for the United States Selective Service. Information about this can be found online, from Mr. Levine, or at any post office. AP Courses Because the AP exam is an integral part of the AP experience all students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam. Students must pay the AP exam fee which is approximately $90 per exam. Students who meet The College Board income guidelines may be eligible for a fee reduction for the exam. Students who do not take the AP exam may be subject to the following consequences: ● Notifications of such to the colleges in which they have (or will) apply. ● A notation on the transcript that the student did not take the AP exam. ● A final grade penalty. ● Removal of the “AP’’ designation from their transcript. NCAA Information Any student who may have an interest in playing college sports at the Division I or Division II level must meet certain requirements set forth by the NCAA. Students and parents interested in NCAA eligibility must inform their child’s guidance counselor and coach, in writing, by the start of freshman year. Identifying NCAA interest after this time may be too late to properly advise the student and parent on the course selections and requirements for eligibility. For more information, parents and students should go the NCAA Eligibility Center web site at www.eligibilitycenter.org​
, and speak with Mr. Levine, Director of Guidance. 4 Honors and Advanced Placement Courses In Honors and AP courses, an “A” is equal to 5 points as opposed to the usual 4; a “B” is equal to 4 points rather than 3; a “C” is equal to 3, rather than 2, etc. All AP and Honors classes have mandatory summer assignments, which will be graded when school starts. ENGLISH Honors English 9 Honors English 10 Honors English 11 Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Advanced Placement English Language and Composition SOCIAL STUDIES Honors World History Honors U.S. History I Advanced Placement American History Advanced Placement Psychology Advanced Placement Modern European History Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics MATHEMATICS Honors Algebra II Honors Geometry Honors Pre­calculus Advanced Placement Calculus AB Advanced Placement Statistics SCIENCE Honors Biology Honors Physics Honors Chemistry Advanced Placement Chemistry Advanced Placement Biology Advanced Placement Physics Advanced Placement Environmental Science WORLD LANGUAGES Honors French IV, V Honors Italian IV, V Honors Spanish IV, V Honors Chinese IV, V Advanced Placement Italian Language Advanced Placement French Language Advanced Placement Spanish Language Advanced Placement Chinese Language MUSIC AP Music Theory 5 COMPLETE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS LANGUAGE ARTS HONORS ENGLISH 9​
(110) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grade 9 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, writing samples, average grade of B+ in Honors Language Arts 8, or A­ in regular Language Arts 8, and completion of the summer reading project. This course is the first in a sequence of three college­bound honors courses, including the opportunity for Advanced Placement courses in both junior and senior year. Honors students are challenged in every aspect of language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They are required to read difficult works of literature, develop a higher level of thinking skills, expand their vocabulary, improve their grammar and use of language, deliver both formal and informal speeches, and write in a variety of forms. The course covers a variety of genres ­ the short story, poetry, drama, and the novel ­ while focusing on four universal themes: Innocence and Experience, Coming of Age, Choices, and Stereotypes and Gender Bias. ENRICHED ENGLISH 9​
(111) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grade 9 Prerequisites: Language Arts 8, writing samples, teacher recommendation. This is the first in a four year sequence of college bound courses intended to help students develop the skills necessary to achieve success in high school and college English studies. The Enriched level student works at a faster pace with more complex works than his/her counterpart in English 9. The course covers a variety of genres ­ the short story, poetry, drama, and the novel ­ while focusing on four universal themes: Innocence and Experience, Coming of Age, Choices, and Stereotypes and Gender Bias. ENGLISH 9​
(112) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grade 9 Prerequisites: Language Arts 8, teacher recommendation. This is the first in a four year sequence of college bound courses intended to help students develop the skills necessary to achieve success in high school, and ultimately in their post­graduate pursuits. The course covers a variety of genres ­ the short story, poetry, drama, and the novel ­ while focusing on four universal themes: Innocence and Experience, Coming of Age and Identity, Choices, and Stereotypes and Gender Bias. Through personal reflection, small­group, and whole­class discussion, formal compositions (narrative, argumentative and explanatory with periodic emphasis on prewriting, organizing and revising), and assessments using multiple modalities, students process the content through the lens of each unit’s theme. HONORS ENGLISH 10​
(120) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, writing samples, final grade of B in Honors English 9 or an A in Enriched English 9. Grade 10 Honors English 10 is the second course in a sequence designed to link traditional English classes to Advanced Placement classes. Strong motivation, independent study, and responsibility in meeting deadlines, and ability to read and digest challenging works are keys to success in this course. Students recommended for placement in Honors English 10 should demonstrate superior performance in language skills in class performance and on standardized tests, as well as self­motivation and strong study skills. The course is organized chronologically beginning with the Romantics and culminating in contemporary works of fiction and nonfiction. The diversity and unity of the American experience is reflected in the works studied. Students are required to read difficult works of literature and informational texts, develop a higher level of thinking skills, expand their vocabulary, improve their grammar and use of language,do research, create a multimedia presentation, and learn to write in a variety of forms, including narrative, argumentative, and explanatory, with periodic emphasis on prewriting, organizing, and revising. Students in all levels of English 10 will study both classic and contemporary American works in a variety of genres ­ novels, memoirs, short stories, poetry, films, including documentary ­ to broaden and refine the language and communication tools they need to navigate 21st century discourse. Language and literature study at the honors level provides a bridge from the experience of freshman year, an introduction to scholarship at the secondary level, to the experience of junior year, where students prepare for college­level reading comprehension, analysis and synthesis. 6 ENRICHED ENGLISH 10​
(121) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grade 10 Prerequisites: English 9, teacher recommendation. English 10 is an American Literature course. The course is organized chronologically beginning with the Romantics and culminating in contemporary works of fiction and nonfiction. The diversity and unity of the American experience is reflected in the works studied. Students are required to read difficult works of literature and informational texts, develop a higher level of thinking skills, expand their vocabulary, improve their grammar and use of language, do research, create a multimedia presentation, and learn to write in a variety of forms, including narrative, argumentative, and explanatory, with periodic emphasis on prewriting, organizing, and revising. Students in all levels of English 10 will study both classic and contemporary American works in a variety of genres ­ novels, memoirs, short stories, poetry, films, including documentary ­ to broaden and refine the language and communication tools they need to navigate 21st century discourse. Language and literature study at this level provides a bridge from the experience of freshman year, an introduction to scholarship at the secondary level, to the experience of junior year, where students prepare for college­level reading comprehension, analysis and synthesis. ENGLISH 10​
(122) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grade 10 Prerequisites: English 9, teacher recommendation. English 10 is an American Literature course. The course is organized chronologically beginning with the Romantics and culminating in contemporary works of fiction and nonfiction. The diversity and unity of the American experience is reflected in the works studied. Students are required to read difficult works of literature and informational texts, develop a higher level of thinking skills, expand their vocabulary, improve their grammar and use of language, do research, create a multimedia presentation, and learn to write in a variety of forms, including narrative, argumentative, and explanatory, with periodic emphasis on prewriting, organizing, and revising. Students in all levels of English 10 will study both classic and contemporary American works in a variety of genres ­ novels, memoirs, short stories, poetry, films, including documentary ­ to broaden and refine the language and communication tools they need to navigate 21st century discourse. Language and literature study at this level provides a bridge from the experience of freshman year, an introduction to scholarship at the secondary level, to the experience of junior year, where students prepare for college­level reading comprehension, analysis and synthesis. HONORS ENGLISH 11​
(130) 5 credits – 1 year
Grade 11 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, writing samples, final grade of B in Honors English 10 or an A in Enriched English 10. Honors English 11 is the third course in a sequence designed to link traditional English classes to Advanced Placement classes. Students in this course are expected to demonstrate superior performance in reading comprehension, written composition, and study skills. Like the other English 11 courses, the course will provide students with a sense of how British literature captures (through both comedy and tragedy) human reaction to social injustice, the pleasures and pains of love, and man’s enduring struggle to remain true to himself despite the overwhelming pressures of society. Special attention will be paid to the evolution of poetry, drama, and fiction. Works of classic authors Chaucer, Shakespeare, Swift, Bronte, Austen, and Eliot, as well as contemporary authors will be among those explored. Students will be expected to develop an appreciation for sharing insights and perceptions into those works in discussion groups. Writing assignments will stem from the literature and will include formal literary analysis, expressive and creative writing. ENRICHED ENGLISH 11 ​
(131) 5 credits – 1 year
Grade 11 Prerequisites: English 10, Teacher recommendation, writing samples. Junior year English is designed to give students a sense of how British literature captures (through both comedy and tragedy) human reaction to social injustice, the pleasures and pains of love, and man’s enduring struggle to remain true to himself despite the overwhelming pressures of society. Works of classic authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Swift, and Austen, as well as contemporary authors will be among those explored. In composition, students are asked to solidify the process of prewriting, composing, revising and editing begun during the freshman and sophomore years. This course provides reinforcement of reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar skills that will aid students in preparing for the NJ state required standardized testing, the SAT/ACT, and entry level college composition courses. 7 ENGLISH 11​
(132) 5 credits – 1 year
Grade 11 Prerequisites: English 10, Teacher recommendation. Junior year English is designed to give students a sense of how British literature captures (through both comedy and tragedy) human reaction to social injustice, the pleasures and pains of love, and man’s enduring struggle to remain true to himself despite the overwhelming pressures of society. Works of classic authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Swift, and Austen, as well as contemporary authors will be among those explored. In composition, students are asked to solidify the process of prewriting, composing, revising and editing begun during the freshman and sophomore years. This course provides reinforcement of reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar skills that will aid students in preparing for the NJ state required standardized testing, the SAT/ACT, and entry level college composition courses. ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION​
(141) ​
5 credits ­ 1 year Grade 12 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, B­or better in Honors English 11, and A in Honors English 10, or an A in Enriched English 11, and completion of the summer reading project. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) Advanced Placement English Language and Composition is a college­level, non­fiction rhetoric and writing course for seniors. (Juniors may take the course as an elective in addition to English 11.) In prerequisite English courses, the focus of study is on the elements of fiction and literary devices, and thus, ​
literary analysis. In AP Language and Composition, students engage primarily in the study of nonfiction and ​
rhetorical ​
analysis. Students analyze a variety of classic and contemporary texts, including memoirs, essays, editorials, letters, speeches, and visual texts such as editorial cartoons, with the goal of understanding the writer’s craft. Some imaginative literature is used, but the emphasis here is still on understanding the writer’s craft instead of literary analysis. Students read, annotate, write, and discuss regularly. Throughout the year, students are expected to demonstrate a high level of skill in analytical, narrative, expository, and argumentative writing, both with and without research. Writing moves beyond the five paragraph essay; students imitate the classical argument, but they consider structure more organically, and as a rhetorical choice. Topics for student writing are primarily student generated. The course begins with a focus on analysis of fundamental rhetorical features and style, progresses to a more specific study of argument, and ends with a focus on writing the synthesis essay and a multimedia project. A lengthy researched essay is submitted in the fourth marking period, the culmination of a year­long project. Students admitted into the course have demonstrated a high level of writing competence. In addition to having a firm grasp of grammar, syntax and basic structure, students have a strong interest in reading closely and developing their own writing through regular revision and with feedback from both the teacher and peers. Student engagement in a wide range of issues in a variety of subjects ­ historical, scientific, political, etc. ­ is critical to success in the course. On the exam, students will demonstrate their abilities to read and write analytically, and write cohesive and convincing arguments, synthesizing sources where required. Integrated into the course are regular opportunities to practice for the exam by completing timed essays and multiple choice practice tests. ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION ​
(140) ​
5 credits­1 year Grade 12 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, writing samples, B­ or better in Honors English 11, or an A in Enriched English 11, and completion of the summer reading project. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) th
This course can be taken in addition to another English course for 11​
grade students and as a stand alone English course th
for students in 12​
grade. AP Literature and Composition is designed to meet the course descriptions and guidelines outlined by the College Board. The larger goals of the course are those of an advanced literature and writing course aimed at exposing students to a broad range of literary works, enhancing both expository and expressive writing skills, nurturing insight and perception through regular class sessions. The study of literature and poetry will address the historical and literary context of each work, how each work is representative of its genre, and include a close reading and analysis of the literary elements such as tone, diction, syntax, figures of speech, irony, themes, and motifs. Students will also be responsible to read and discuss literary criticism and theory in conjunction with selected primary works. Students will also apply reading of collateral poetry, essays, and nonfiction to their analysis of each work. Vocabulary skills will be developed through the literature and through a deliberate study of literary terminology. Assessment will consist of frequent journal writings, reading quizzes, free response writings, and both prose and poetry response pieces derived from the works studied but patterned after previous AP questions. Journal entry prompts will focus on literary analysis, asking students to respond to style, meaning or both of a previously read story or of a passage presented to them in class that day. Quizzes will primarily focus on literary analysis as well. 8 The AP­style essay questions for the unit and the course will all be patterned after the following template: How does the style and structure of the passage convey the meaning of the passage as a whole? This course will be writing intensive, with the students writing a new piece every other week in order to develop both their powers of interpretation and articulation. Students will write a mixture of journal response, timed in­class prose and poetry analyses, timed free response essays, process papers (that incorporate multiple drafts and revisions), and an extended length poetry­based research paper. Writing is assessed at times by the teacher, at times by the student and peers, and at times by both. Range finder exercises and discussions will allow students to gain feedback and revise their own writing. Grammar will be studied as the need arises and connected directly to individual student needs. ENGLISH 12: SENIOR SEMINAR​
(146) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grade 12 Prerequisites: English 11, teacher recommendation. Senior Seminar is a year­long course designed to help students improve their critical reading, writing, and thinking skills for college or the workplace. This course will be divided into three units, with each unit exploring the myths and reality of the following themes: war, identity, and love. The texts students read in each unit have been selected because they promise to be meaningful, accessible, and engaging to students. In addition, the selected texts will provide both traditional and modern views of the themes in question, as well as a diverse array of perspectives regarding the themes. The units are divided and sequenced so that there is a purposeful build of both critical vocabulary and reading and writing skills to help the students best meet the demands of the Common Core State Standards. Through reading and discussion, research and analysis, the student will become aware of major literary themes, will gain insight about the works, and will develop an understanding of the components of literature and the techniques used by prominent authors. Additionally, the study and practice of various forms of written communication will emphasize appropriate vocabulary, grammar usage, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and paragraph development. Students enrolled in the course must pass the course in order to graduate as this class serves as the 4th required year of English. CREATIVE WRITING​
(156) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grade 12 Prerequisites: Enriched English 11, writing sample, teacher recommendation. This course can be taken in conjunction with Contemporary Humanities (for 12th grade students) as a year of English or may be taken independently as an elective (for 11th or 12th grade students). Creative Writing teaches the students to turn the events of their lives into poetry, personal narratives, short stories and a one­act script. Students will study specific techniques of these four types of writings, completing practice writings. They must generate their own ideas, based on their lives and experiences, but they will also be given professional models as well as models from other student publications, such as Glyphs. Students will move through four stages in their writing: prewriting, drafting, revising/editing and publishing. All major assignments will be shared in small peer groups and/or with the entire class. Students will maintain a writer’s portfolio. Creative Writing is a class for students who are both inner­directed and outwardly­observant, or for those who wish to develop these qualities. CONTEMPORARY HUMANITIES​
(157) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grade 12 Prerequisites: Enriched English 11, writing samples, teacher recommendation. This course can be taken in conjunction with Creative Writing, Public Speaking or Science Fiction and Fantasy (for 12th grade students) as a year of English or may be taken independently as an elective (for 11th or 12th grade students). The course of study uses American and European literature as it has evolved in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries in conjunction with the visual arts to reflect the culture and to relate the dramatic changes in these artistic forms to shifts in Western artists. Its thesis is that the arts reflect the culture, and an attempt is made to relate the dramatic changes in these artistic forms to shifts in Western artists’ perceptions of the world and themselves. Exercises in writing, note­taking, discussion, recognition and analysis of paintings and sculpture are all drawn from representative examples of the arts. Independent research skills are strengthened and re­emphasized through assignments and field trips to local museums and other cultural destinations. The completion of four major assessments analyzing significant intellectual, literary and artistic movements are required in addition to a final research paper or presentation analyzing a work of art of the student’s choosing applying the artistic lenses studied in the course. 9 SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY​
(160) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grade 12 Prerequisites: Enriched English 11, writing samples, teacher recommendation. This course can be taken in conjunction with Contemporary Humanities (for 12th grade students) as a year of English or may be taken independently as an elective (for 11th or 12th grade students). Science Fiction & Fantasy is a genre study examining a variety of contemporary science fiction and fantasy works, not as mere escapist entertainment, but as prophetic social commentary. The class will identify and explore common themes and techniques, evaluating the literary and cultural significance of each work studied. Students will exercise their writing, note­taking, discussion, presentation, and reading skills. Works by Čapek, Asimov, Adams, Tolkien, and Rowling are studied, in addition to research and nonfiction of emerging technologies and literary criticism. Students are expected to complete a major assessment for each work studied in addition to a final research paper or presentation of a science fiction or fantasy work chosen by student, applying concepts studied in class, and submitted as a final examination grade. PUBLIC SPEAKING ​
(176) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grade 12 Prerequisites: Enriched English 11, writing samples, teacher recommendation. This course can be taken in conjunction with Contemporary Humanities (for 12th grade students) as a year of English or may be taken independently as an elective (for 11th or 12th grade students). In Public Speaking, students will analyze and evaluate speeches delivered in a variety of time periods and contexts by figures such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth, Anna Quindlan, and Steve Jobs, as well as write, prepare, deliver, and evaluate three types of speeches: persuasive, informative and special occasion. They will learn how to effectively employ a wide range of rhetorical strategies, including researched information and visuals such as PowerPoint, to fulfill varied purposes and to address audiences with differing attitudes toward the subject matter. Students will write and deliver their own formal speeches. They will generate their own topics, write several drafts, practice, and finally deliver polished speeches for an audience. JOURNALISM​
(170) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Recommendation of teachers or guidance counselor, and permission of the instructor through application process. Journalism is open to all students grades ten through twelve who desire to be on the staff of The Dodger, the MHS online newspaper, and who wish to learn the basic elements of producing a high quality student newspaper using state of the art on­line publishing. Students who elect journalism must submit an application to the English department and should have a realistic view of their writing skills and of their ability to meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively. Leadership is provided by the editor­in­chief with support from the advisor­teacher. The editor is responsible for all steps of the publication, but the advisor grades and evaluates all staff and the articles they have written. SOCIAL STUDIES NOTE​
: All courses below whose titles contain the terms “World History” or “U.S. History” will meet the state graduation requirements of one year of World History and two years of American History. WORLD HISTORY​
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5 credits ­ 1 year Grade 9 Honors World History​
(200) Prerequisites: Requires a B+ average or higher in 8th grade Honors Language Arts or an A­ average in regular Language Arts class ​
combined with​
an A­ average or higher in 8th grade Social Studies and completion of summer project. Enriched World History​
(201) Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation. World History​
(202) Prerequisites: For students in 8th grade Social Studies who have an average of C or lower. This ninth grade World History course teaches students to master factual data and critical thinking skills, while applying the science of historiography to each unit of study. The course covers three areas of the world: Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Within each of these regions, students learn about political, economic, social and religious developments. Honors level students will be expected to work more quickly and more independently. The amount of assigned reading and writing work increases from World History to Enriched World History to Honors World History. 10 U.S. HISTORY I​
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5 credits ­ 1 year Grade 10 Honors U.S. History I​
(210) Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, final grade of B­ in Honors World History or an A in Enriched World History, and completion of a summer project. Enriched U.S. History I​
(211) Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation. U.S. History I​
(212) Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation. This tenth grade United States History course teaches students to master factual data and critical thinking skills, while applying the science of historiography to each unit of study. The course covers the late colonial era starting with the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and creation of the U.S. Constitution to the Civil War, the settlement of the western frontier and the birth of an industrial nation. The amount of assigned reading and writing increases from U.S. History I to Enriched U.S. History I to Honors U.S. History I. U.S. HISTORY II​
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5 credits ­ 1 year Grade 11 Advanced Placement​
(220) Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, final grade of B­ in Honors U.S. 1 or an A in Enriched U.S. 1, and completion of summer project. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) Enriched U.S. History II​
(221) Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation. U.S. History II​
(222) Prerequisites: U.S. History I. This eleventh grade United States History course teaches students to master factual data and critical thinking skills, while applying the science historiography to each unit of study. In addition to certain themes in American history and th
consideration of current events, the course includes major domestic and global developments since the late 19​
century, such as the Progressive and Civil Rights movements, the rise of totalitarian states, Third World movements, and international conflicts and their resolution. The amount of assigned reading and writing work increases from U.S. History 2 to Enriched U.S. History 2 to AP History. All students will complete a major research assignment in which they will develop and defend a thesis using primary and secondary source materials via a written paper and/or multimedia presentation. ADVANCED PLACEMENT MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY​
(260) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, B­ in AP U.S. History or an A in previous enriched level course, or permission of instructor and summer project. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) This elective course offers a survey of European history from 1400 to 1980. Students use a college­level text, read both primary and secondary sources, do considerable writing, and make oral presentations. In addition to familiarity with major events, students develop their critical thinking skills, finding in each European history unit the significance of an individual, group or event. They must read critically, weigh evidence, and draw valid conclusions. ADVANCED PLACEMENT U. S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS​
(262) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation: B­ in AP U.S. History or an A in previous enriched level course, or permission of instructor and summer project. Students are strongly encouraged to complete US History 2 prior to taking this course. (Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) This elective course provides students with an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. policies and the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the voices, groups, institutions, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. All students will complete a major research assignment in which they will develop and defend a thesis using primary and secondary source materials via a written paper and/or multimedia presentation. 11 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY​
(264) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grades 11­ 12 Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation: B­ in AP US History, AP Government and Politics or AP Modern European History or an A­ in previous enriched level course, or permission of instructor and summer project. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) This elective course provides an in depth survey of basic psychological theory and concepts, drawing upon the various fields of psychology—learning, personality, behavior, heredity, statistics, mental illness, and social psychology. Students examine authoritative research on the behavior of both humans and animals in an attempt to improve their understanding of human behavior. HUMAN BEHAVIOR​
(257) 2.5 credits – 1 semester
Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. This course provides an introduction to the psychological and societal forces that shape human behavior. Students will examine basic theories and concepts and apply them in contemporary contexts to develop a relevant understanding of culture, social structure, norms, socialization, personality development, learning, development, mental illness and various treatment options. Contemporary issues such as social networking, crime and punishment, social bias, the personal and societal costs of addiction, alcohol and drug abuse, family systems, stress and peer pressure are researched and explored via classroom discussion, multimedia and student presentations. HISTORY & THE HOLLYWOOD CINEMA ​
(258) 2.5 credits – 1 semester
Grades 11 – 12 Prerequisites: None. How accurate is the history filmed by the Hollywood moviemakers? This course examines “historical” commercial films as they are presented to modern moviegoers. Students will learn to question what they see on the screen. Sorting through the hype for the accurate historical content and assessing the value of a film will be done through critical movie viewing, and research and analysis of primary and secondary sources. ECONOMICS​
(255) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. In this course students learn how our market economy deals with the basic conflict between unlimited wants and limited resources. Attention is given to such topics as inflation and deflation, business cycles, supply and demand, our monetary system, and ways in which other types of economies deal with economic problems. Students learn basic economic laws and examine different types of economic behavior. CURRENT AFFAIRS/DEBATE​
(259) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. In this course, students will learn about a broad range of contemporary issues which impact American lives today. Social issues, the economy, foreign policy, and government decisions and actions will make up the categories of current affairs to be studied. Students will form research teams to examine these issues. The semester will culminate in a formal debate of one issue which the students select as most significant. MATHEMATICS ALGEBRA I SEMINAR, GEOMETRY SEMINAR ​
(384)​
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5 Credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 10 Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation. Corequisite: Algebra I or Geometry. Algebra I Seminar and Geometry Seminar are full­year courses designed to remediate and support the mathematical needs of students enrolled in Algebra I or Geometry. B​
alancing depth of understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and application, these courses will support those students who are identified as in need of an additional course as they meet the demands of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in Algebra I or Geometry. ​
These courses are individualized according to the needs of the students and parallel the co­requisite Algebra I or Geometry course. These courses do not fulfill the mathematics requirement for graduation. 12 PRE­ALGEBRA​
(314) 5 Credits – 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of Math 8. This course is an introduction to algebraic concepts that will allow students to master the building blocks of Algebra for later success in Algebra I and Algebra II. The course will focus heavily on expressions and equations, functions, rational numbers, radicals, exponents, the Pythagorean theorem, volume and congruency and similarity. Pre­Algebra will develop the student’s depth of understanding and procedural skill and fluency. The curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. This course does not fulfill the mathematics requirement for graduation. ALGEBRA I​
(311) 5 Credits – 1 year
Prerequisites: Placement criteria and successful completion of Math 8. Students in Algebra 1 continue their study of patterns and relationships, formalizing their knowledge, learning to use symbolic notation and connecting their understandings to the real world. Units of study will include linear equations and inequalities, linear, absolute value, quadratic and exponential functions, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials, radicals, and data analysis. The curriculum is aligned to the Common Core Standards for Mathematics and encourages all learners to take an active part in meeting the course goals as outlined in the curriculum document. GEOMETRY​
(321) 5 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of Algebra I. Geometry is a college preparatory course that is primarily approached from a Euclidean point of view. Coordinate geometry, solid geometry, and transformational geometry are explored. In the course, the primary emphasis is on inductive and deductive reasoning and logical problem­solving techniques. Geometry offers opportunities for students to develop as active problem solvers, critical thinkers and effective communicators. Consistent practice of algebraic skills enables students to make conjectures while working through challenging problems. Geometry requires students to explain their thinking and analyze diverse problems, while also providing students with the chance to develop mathematical reasoning to work through everyday mathematical challenges. Each unit provides students occasions to develop deeper understanding of mathematics coupled with gaining procedural skill and fluency and application as outlined in the Common Core State Standards. Major topics include congruence, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, and circles. The curriculum is aligned the the Common Core Standards for Mathematics and encourages all learners to take an active part in meeting the course goals as outlined in the curriculum document. INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA ​
(347) 5 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of Geometry. This course will review algebraic concepts and skills introduced in Algebra 1, as well as, explore and apply concepts from Algebra 2. The course is aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and provides opportunities for students to practice problem solving and critical thinking skills. ​
Intermediate Algebra offers opportunities for students to develop as active problem solvers and effective communicators. Major concepts will include equations and inequalities, linear, quadratic and exponential functions, systems of equations and inequalities, polynomials and polynomial functions, radicals and radical functions, and data analysis. ​
This course will provide qualified students with a third year of college preparatory mathematics and prepare students for Algebra II. PRE­COLLEGE ALGEBRA​
(331) 5 Credits – 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of Intermediate Algebra Note: This class is only available to students enrolled in Intermediate Algebra during the 2015­2016 school year. This course will provide a general review of the fundamental algebra skills and concepts. Linear equations and inequalities, quadratic system of equations, and polynomial and rational expressions will be studied in detail. The algebraic skills involving the solution of equations, functions and relations, and logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions are strengthened and broadened. Topics in trigonometry, probability, and statistics are explored. Applications with an algebraic perspective are emphasized. It will provide students with the essential knowledge and strategies to be successful problem solvers and further their study of mathematics. In the first semester, infusion of SAT preparation will be incorporated. Successful completion of this course will provide students with a fourth year of college preparatory mathematics. 13 ALGEBRA II​
(313) 5 Credits – 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, final grade of C­ or better in Algebra 1 or successful completion of Intermediate Algebra, and completion of summer review assignment. Algebra 2 is a college preparatory course that builds on concepts mastered in Algebra 1 and Geometry. This course offers opportunities for students to develop as active problem solvers, critical thinkers and effective communicators. Consistent practice of algebraic skills enables students to make conjectures while working through challenging problems. Algebra 2 requires students to explain their thinking and analyze diverse problems, while also providing students with the chance to develop mathematical reasoning to work through everyday mathematical challenges. Each unit provides students occasions to develop deeper understanding of mathematics coupled with gaining procedural skill and fluency and application as outlined in the Common Core State Standards. Major topics include polynomial functions, radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, sequences and series, trigonometric ratios and functions, probability, and data analysis and statistics. ADVANCED ALGEBRA & TRIGONOMETRY ​
(346) 5 Credits – 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of Algebra 2. This course is designed for the college preparatory student who has completed Algebra II and requires greater mastery of the skills and knowledge needed for success in PreCalculus. It is recommended for juniors who wish to take Precalculus during their senior year and for college­bound seniors who desire additional mathematical knowledge beyond Algebra 2. This course will both strengthen and extend the Algebra II concepts and prerequisites for Pre­Calculus, which include an emphasis on essential algebraic skills as well as the study of functions, conics, introductory trigonometry, sequences and series. Concepts studied in the course include: factoring and quadratic functions, applications of quadratics, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, triangle trigonometry including the laws of sines and cosines, radian measure, inverse trigonometric functions, the unit circle, systems, matrices and more. In connection with the Common Core State Standards, this course examines the concepts of: Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Modeling, and Probability and Statistics and also incorporates the 8 Standards for Mathematical Practice as identified in the Common Core State Standards. PRECALCULUS​
(343) 5 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and final grade of C or better in Algebra II or successful completion of Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry. Precalculus is a course designed for students who have a strong background in Algebra and Geometry. General function theory is examined with an emphasis on polynomial, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions. The conic sections and vector theory may also be included in the curriculum. Much mathematical theory is discussed and practical applications are emphasized when appropriate. The course provides a solid foundation for continuing the study of mathematics and prepares students for calculus. CALCULUS ​
(345) 5 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of Honors Precalculus or Precalculus. Calculus is a course for seniors who have met the prerequisite requirements. This course will prepare the college­bound student with a solid background in calculus and is recommended for students who have successfully completed pre­calculus. The curriculum contains calculus and related topics, but not at the rigorous level of study of the AP Calculus program. The calculus curriculum focuses on the following three main areas of calculus ­ the study of limits, differentiation, and integration. General theory is developed and applications are made to real­world situations. Students are required to know, occasionally prove, and apply theorems based on the fundamental concepts of calculus. Calculus topics are presented four ways: geometrically, numerically, algebraically and verbally. Topics include the study of functions, finding derivatives by definition, finding derivatives by the rules and their application, defining integrals and their applications, differential equations and approximations. 14 HONORS GEOMETRY​
(322) 5 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Placement criteria, successful completion of Honors Algebra I and completion of summer review assignment. Honors Geometry is an accelerated geometry course that is primarily approached from a Euclidean point of view. Coordinate geometry, solid geometry, and transformational geometry are explored. In the course, the primary emphasis is on inductive and deductive reasoning and logical problem­solving techniques. Geometry offers opportunities for students to develop as active problem solvers, critical thinkers and effective communicators. Consistent practice of algebraic skills enables students to make conjectures while working through challenging problems. Geometry requires students to explain their thinking and analyze diverse problems, while also providing students with the chance to develop mathematical reasoning to work through everyday mathematical challenges. Each unit provides students occasions to develop deeper understanding of mathematics coupled with gaining procedural skill and fluency and application as outlined in the Common Core State Standards. Major topics include congruence, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, and circles. The curriculum is aligned the the Common Core Standards for Mathematics and encourages all learners to take an active part in meeting the course goals as outlined in the curriculum document. HONORS ALGEBRA II​
(312) 5 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, final grade of B­ or better in Honors geometry, final grade of A­ or better in eighth grade Honors Algebra I and completion of summer review assignment. Honors Algebra II is an accelerated course for those students who have successfully completed Honors Algebra I in the eighth grade. The course builds on concepts mastered in Algebra 1 and Geometry and offers opportunities for students to develop as active problem solvers, critical thinkers and effective communicators. Consistent practice of algebraic skills enables students to make conjectures while working through challenging problems. Honors Algebra 2 requires students to explain their thinking and analyze diverse problems, while also providing students with the chance to develop mathematical reasoning to work through everyday mathematical challenges. Each unit provides students occasions to develop deeper understanding of mathematics coupled with gaining procedural skill and fluency and application as outlined in the Common Core State Standards. Major topics include polynomial functions, radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, sequences and series, trigonometric ratios and functions, probability, and data analysis and statistics. HONORS PRECALCULUS​
(332) 5 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, final grade of B­ or better in Honors Algebra II, and completion of summer review packet. Honors Pre­calculus is a course designed for students with above­average ability in mathematics. Functions are studied in depth with an emphasis on trigonometric, algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions. In addition, analytic geometry, especially the conic sections and vectors, is studied. Because the course is designed for the above­average student, it is taught with a rigorous approach, and most concepts are derived and/or proved. Much mathematical abstract theory is discussed, and practical applications are emphasized when appropriate. The course provides a solid foundation for the continued study of advanced mathematics, particularly AP Calculus. ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS​
(370) 5 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, final grade of A or better in Algebra II or final grade of A­ or better in Precalculus, or final grade of B­ or better in Honors Pre­calculus or final grade of B­ or better in Honors Algebra II, and completion of summer assignment. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) AP Statistics is a college­level course which will prepare the students to take the Advanced Placement Examination in statistics prepared by The College Board and administered at the high school during the month of May. The course will focus on data collection, analysis, and decision­making and will follow the syllabus for Statistics as developed by The College Board. Students who select this course should be motivated and willing to work in a course taught at the college level. 15 STATISTICS​
(371) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and successful completion of Algebra II, Precalculus, or Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, or final grade of B­ or better in Intermediate Algebra. “Decisions or predictions are often based on data—numbers in context. These decisions or predictions would be easy if the data always sent a clear message, but the message is often obscured by variability. Statistics provides tools for describing variability in data and for making informed decisions that take it into account.” Statistics is designed for the college bound student who has demonstrated success in Algebra 2 and wishes to continue to explore a large range of topics with an emphasis on “real world” applications. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: Exploring Data, Planning a Study, Anticipating Patterns, and Statistical Inferences. This course would prepare students for AP Statistics or the college course equivalent​
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Technology plays an important role in statistics by making it possible to generate plots, regression functions, and correlation coefficients, and to simulate many possible outcomes in a short amount of time. Students will regularly apply the tools of technology including the graphing calculator and computers to solve problems. They will be challenged through critical thinking exercises and participate in various group and individual activities that will enhance their mathematical reasoning ability and communication skills. Students are expected to use the information and technology in various ways in real world applications. ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB​
(340) 5 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, final grade of B­ or better in Honors Pre­calculus and completion of summer assignment​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) AP Calculus AB consists of a full academic year of work in Calculus and related topics comparable to a first year mathematics course in most colleges and universities. The course, as outlined by The College Board, represents college­level mathematics for which some colleges may grant advanced placement and/or credit following successful completion of the Advanced Placement Examination administered at the high school in May. AP Calculus AB focuses on conceptual understanding of limits, derivatives and integrals. This is implemented by presenting topics four different ways including graphically/visually, numerically, analytically and verbally. AP Calculus AB offers opportunities for students to develop technical competence and a sense of utility of calculus. The course work encourages students to become logical thinkers, learning to write the solutions to problems in a connected, step­by­step manner with explanatory sentences. Consistent practice with using multiple representations of solutions allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of each topic studied throughout the year. ​
SCIENCE PHYSICS​
(441) 6 credits – 1 year Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation. Physics is a laboratory science course designed to lead students to a solid conceptual understanding of forces, motion, and energy. Students participate in hands­on lab activities and interactive simulations emphasizing real­world situations that build upon existing knowledge of relationships in the physical environment. Concepts are supported by algebra­based mathematics, allowing students to develop reasoning power through problem solving. ENRICHED PHYSICS​
(445) 6 credits – 1 year Prerequisites: A final grade of B­ or better in 8th grade science, a final grade of C­ or better in Algebra I, teacher recommendation. Enriched Physics is a laboratory science course designed to lead students to a quantitative and conceptual understanding of forces, motion, and energy. Students participate in hands­on lab activities and interactive simulations which are observed, described and interpreted to reach an understanding of the laws of the physical world. Students are required to analyze data, understand abstract concepts, and apply knowledge to solve new problems using algebra­based mathematics. Problem­solving is used on a regular basis to improve logic and reasoning skills and to reinforce concepts. 16 HONORS PHYSICS​
(450) 6 credits – 1 year Prerequisites: A final grade of A­ or better in 8th grade science, a final grade of B­ or better in Honors Algebra I, completion of summer assignment, teacher recommendation. Honors Physics is a laboratory science course designed to lead students to an in­depth quantitative and conceptual understanding of forces, motion and energy. Students participate in hands­on lab activities and interactive simulations which are observed, described and interpreted to develop an understanding of the laws of the physical world. Students are required to perform quantitative analysis of laboratory data, understand and explain abstract concepts and apply knowledge to new situations. Extensive application of mathematical reasoning is used to solve multi­step problems. ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS​
(451) 6 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: A final grade of B or higher in Honors Physics and Honors Geometry or an A or higher in Enriched Physics and Geometry, completion of summer assignment, teacher recommendation. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) This Advanced Placement Physics course provides a systematic development of principles of physics and stresses the development of conceptual understanding. Problem solving is emphasized through experimental investigations, physical intuition, computer simulations, creativity and extensive use of mathematical reasoning applying algebra, trigonometry and geometry. The AP Physics course covers mechanics, electricity and magnetism, fluid mechanics & thermal physics, waves & optic and atomic & nuclear physics. This course is intended to be equivalent to college level foundations in physics course for students in life sciences, pre­medicine and some other applied sciences. Upon successful completion of the Honors Physics and AP Physics sequence, students will be prepared to take the AP Physics 1 and 2 exams. Students are at minimum required to take either the AP Physics 1 or AP Physics 2 exam; those who perform well enough may be eligible for advanced standing in college. CHEMISTRY ​
(436) 6 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Passing final grade in Physics, teacher recommendation​
. Chemistry is a laboratory science course designed to lead students to solid understanding of the properties, composition and interactions of matter. Students explore the nature of matter through guided investigations, hands­on lab activities, and demonstrations. These activities serve to introduce, illustrate and reinforce concepts and give students an opportunity to enhance critical thinking skills through organizing information and solving problems. ENRICHED CHEMISTRY​
(430) 6 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: A final grade of C­ or better in Enriched Physics and Geometry OR a final grade of A or better in Physics and Algebra I, teacher recommendation Enriched Chemistry is a laboratory science course designed to introduce students to the atomic nature of matter and the interactions between elements that give rise to the great variety of chemical compounds. The driving forces of chemical reactions are introduced. Mathematical modeling of simple chemical systems is used. HONORS CHEMISTRY​
(425) 6 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: A final grade of B­ or better in Honors Physics and Honors Geometry OR a final grade of A or better in Enriched Physics and Geometry, completion of summer assignment, teacher recommendation Honors Chemistry is a laboratory science course designed to develop an understanding of the atomic nature of matter and the structure of the atom. Students learn to conceptualize and mathematically model a wide variety of complex chemical processes. Problem solving constitutes a major part of the course. ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY​
(440) 6 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: A final grade of B or better in Honors Chemistry and Honors Algebra II or an A or better in Enriched Chemistry and Algebra II, completion of summer assignment, teacher recommendation. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) Advanced Placement Chemistry is a laboratory science course designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course. The concepts and laboratory experiments are mainly quantitative in nature. Students enrolled in the course are required to take the AP exam; those who perform well enough may be eligible for advanced standing in college. 17 BIOLOGY​
(421) 6 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Passing final grade in Physics and Chemistry, teacher recommendation. Biology is a laboratory science course designed to lead students to a solid conceptual understanding of fundamental biological concepts. Students participate in hands­on lab activities and interactive simulations emphasizing the composition of living systems and their relationship to their environment. The process of scientific inquiry and the integration of concepts within life experiences are stressed during the presentation of topics. ENRICHED BIOLOGY​
(424) 6 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: A final grade of C­ or better in Enriched Chemistry and Algebra II OR a final grade of A or better in Chemistry and Geometry, teacher recommendation. Enriched Biology is a laboratory science course designed to lead students to a conceptual understanding of biological concepts and scientific inquiry and processes. Students participate in hands­on lab activities, interactive simulations, discussions and evaluations addressing historical development, evolutionary theories, cell structure, reproduction, genetics and ecology of living organisms. Students are required to analyze data, understand abstract concepts and apply knowledge to solve new problems. HONORS BIOLOGY​
(420) 6 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: A final grade of B­ or better in Honors Chemistry and Honors Algebra II OR a final grade of A or better in Enriched Chemistry and Algebra II, completion of summer assignment, teacher recommendation. Honors Biology is a laboratory science course designed to lead students to an in­depth conceptual understanding of biological concepts and scientific inquiry and processes. Students participate in hands­on lab activities, interactive simulations, discussions and evaluations addressing historical development, evolutionary theories, cell structure, reproduction, genetics and ecology of living organisms. Students are required to perform quantitative analysis of laboratory data, understand and explain abstract concepts and apply knowledge to new situations. ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY​
(460) 6 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: A final grade of B or better in Honors Biology and Honors Precalculus or an A or better in Enriched Biology and Precalculus, completion of summer assignment, teacher recommendation. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) Advanced Placement Biology is a laboratory science course designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course taken by biology majors. AP Biology includes those topics regularly covered in a college course. College textbooks are used and the labs performed are equivalent to those done by college students. Students enrolled in the course are required to take the AP exam; those who perform well enough may be eligible for advanced standing in college. FORENSICS ​
(461) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Prerequisites: Completion of two full years of laboratory based science courses. This course will uncover the mysteries of crime scenes, investigate accidents and their causes, delve into the disappearance of people and apply scientific analysis to other similar situations. Students will learn practical applications for concepts learned in biology, chemistry and physics. Concepts include but are not limited to: projectiles, DNA analysis and chemical identification of unknown substances. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE​
(472) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Prerequisites: Completion of two full years of laboratory based science courses. This course will provide an introduction to the environmental sciences for students considering a career in this field or for students simply interested in learning about the many environmental issues prevalent in modern society. Topics may include environmental law and policy; global climate change, environmental ecology and biodiversity, the relationship between energy and environmental quality, toxicology and waste management. 18 ASTRONOMY​
(474) 2.5 credits­ 1 semester Prerequisites: Completion of two full years of laboratory based science courses. This course will provide students with a basic understanding of our universe. Students will explore the origins of our solar system, the life and death of stars, the makeup of our solar system, the life and death of stars, the makeup of our galaxy and the vastness of the Universe. This course will give special attention to the scientific discoveries of the past century and the knowledge gained through manned and unmanned space exploration. ECOLOGY​
(473) 2.5 credits­ 1 semester Prerequisites: Completion of two full years of laboratory based science courses This course introduces basic principles of ecology ­ the study of relationships between living organisms and the environment. Students will investigate and develop an understanding of how the distribution and abundance of living organisms are affected by physical and biological aspects of an ecosystem. Topics include populations, communities, ecosystem structure, energy flow, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and applications to conservation biology. Emphasis will be placed on New Jersey ecosystems, and the science courtyard will be utilized for laboratory exercises and data collection. ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE​
(470) 6 credits ­ 1 year Prerequisites: Completion of two years of a science that includes a lab such as Physics, Chemistry, or Biology, and one year of algebra. It is recommended that students have achieved at least a B or higher in their science and math classes. (Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) AP Environmental Science is designed as a full year course. The many goals of this course include: to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternate solutions for resolving or preventing them. WORLD LANGUAGES Because there is no tracking in the World Language Department, there are no different levels for students to take within the same course. For this reason, a student who has successfully passed the current level of world language may proceed to the next level. Please note that if the student experienced difficulty in the current level of language study, the student may well experience difficulty in subsequent levels. Once credit has been received for a World Language course, the student cannot “go back” to take a lower level course in the same World Language and receive credit for it. To receive credit, students must continue to advance through the levels. CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH​
(510) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. This course will develop the study and language acquisition skills to enable the student to begin learning Spanish for communication. Students will begin to learn how to survive in an environment where Spanish is spoken and will also learn about the cultures of several Spanish speaking countries. (Teacher recommendation is required for entrance.) SPANISH I​
(511) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Spanish I is an introductory course offered to beginning students or students who have begun their studies in junior school, but need further practice before continuing. This course provides an introduction to the four basic communication skills of language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing, with an emphasis on the first two skills. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary are learned in the natural context of dialogues, short picture descriptions and readings. Spanish culture is presented in conjunction with the various lessons. The approach is multimedia. 19 SPANISH II​
(5l2) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish I or teacher recommendation. Spanish II is offered to students who have mastered the present tense. This course continues to provide an introduction to the four basic communication skills of language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing, with emphasis on the first two skills, but more attention is given reading and writing as the course progresses. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary are learned in the natural context of dialogues, short picture descriptions and readings. Spanish culture is presented in conjunction with the various lessons. The approach is multimedia. SPANISH III​
(5l3) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish II or teacher recommendation. Spanish III is offered to students who have mastered the present tense and the past tense. As the year progresses, the students are allowed greater freedom in their oral work. Vocabulary and grammatical structures are taught in various audio­oral exercises and later in written exercises. Students write simple guided compositions. Cultural topics are expanded and dealt with in greater depth. HONORS SPANISH IV​
(5l7) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish III and completion of summer work. Spanish IV is conducted entirely in Spanish and prepares students for the honors level. Further development of the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing are stressed. At this point less emphasis is placed on passive skills and there is more devotion to speaking and writing skills. Grammatical structures introduced at levels I, II and III will be reviewed and presented in greater detail for reinforcement of knowledge and enlargement of scope. Items not previously taught or stressed will be presented to round out the students’ knowledge of language. Spanish culture will be presented in conjunction with the various lessons and current affairs. The approach is multimedia. HONORS SPANISH V​
(515) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish IV and completion of summer work. Honors Spanish V provides the student with a solid grammar background. Review time is spent to reinforce and perfect previously introduced forms. New tenses are studied. The subjunctive mode is thoroughly explored. New structures are introduced to polish self­expression. Greater emphasis is placed on reading, writing and expanding vocabulary. ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGE​
(516) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Spanish V and completion of summer work. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) In AP Spanish, grammar study is more individualized. Students with difficulty are given extra help. Already proficient students continue their studies. New structures are introduced to perfect self­expression. There is a continued emphasis on the improvement of Spanish pronunciation. The students are able to understand Spanish when spoken to at a normal speed by speakers from various Spanish­speaking countries on a topic within their experience. The reading of literature and civilization materials is intensified, expanding vocabulary. All genres are included. Free composition is increased. FRENCH I​
(551) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. French I is an introductory course or for students, who have begun their studies in the junior school, but need further practice before continuing. This course provides an introduction to the four basic communication skills of language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing, with an emphasis on the first two skills. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary are learned in the natural context of dialogues, short picture descriptions and readings. French culture is taught in conjunction with the various lessons. The approach is multi­media. 20 FRENCH II​
(552) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of French 1 or teacher recommendation. French II is a continuation of French I. French II is offered to students who have mastered the present tense. There is continued special emphasis on audio­oral training before instruction in reading and writing. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary are learned in the natural context of dialogues, short picture descriptions, and readings. French culture is taught in conjunction with various lessons. The approach is multi­media. FRENCH III​
(553) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of French II or teacher recommendation. French III is offered to students who have mastered the present tense and the passe compose with avoir. The skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are further developed. All classroom activities are conducted in the target language. Grammatical structures are presented in the model approach with the use of a variety of pattern drills, both oral and written. Written work is of necessity still very controlled at this level. All material is presented orally first. The reading selections cover a wide variety of cultural topics and culture is taught in conjunction with the lesson itself. HONORS FRENCH IV​
(557) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of French III and completion of summer work. French IV is a continuation of special emphasis on oral­audio­presentation before reading and writing instruction. More advanced grammatical structures, variety of tenses and mood, and sophisticated vocabulary are presented through a variety of methods to prepare students for the honors level. The reading selections from two main texts and supplementary readers cover a wide variety of cultural topics and some current affairs. The approach is consistently multimedia. HONORS FRENCH V​
(555) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of French IV and completion of summer work. Honors French V provides continued practice and sharpening of the communication skills of language learning; listening, speaking, reading, and writing with emphasis still on the first two skills. Grammatical structures and vocabulary are reviewed and learned in the structural context of reading selections from 20th century French authors. French culture is taught in conjunction with this elementary sampling of contemporary French literature. The approach is multi­media, and communication is in French. ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE​
(556) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors French V and completion of summer work. (Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) During this final year of the seven year sequence, the linguistic accomplishments of the previous years are integrated and extended. The students’ appreciation and enjoyment of French literature and civilization are deepened, their knowledge in these areas is increased, and their ability to communicate in French is extended. The students are able to understand French when spoken at normal speed on a topic within their experience. This is the “Language” course of the Advanced Placement Program. Rapidity of oral comprehension is stressed. There is continued emphasis on French pronunciation. Writing activities are advanced and free composition is increased. The study of grammar is determined by the needs of the class; structures taught previously, but not mastered, are re­taught. ITALIAN I​
(560) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Italian I is an introductory course offered to beginning students and to students who have begun their studies in the junior school but need further practice before continuing. This course provides an introduction to the four basic communication skills of language learning; listening, speaking, reading and writing, with emphasis on the first two skills. Italian culture is taught in conjunction with the various lessons. 21 ITALIAN II​
(56l) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Italian I or teacher recommendation. Italian II is offered to students who have mastered the present tense. It continues developing the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills begun in the first year. The readings will be stories, history and culture of Italy. Audio­visual aids, will be used to develop an understanding of the spoken language and an appreciation of Italian culture. ITALIAN III ​
(562) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Italian II or teacher recommendation. Italian III is offered to students who have mastered the present tense and present perfect with avere. This course emphasizes continued refinement in the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students begin to expand their readings into short stories and begin to write more open­ended compositions. Additional grammar is taught and oral comprehension skills are developed through tapes. The approach is multi­media and communication is in Italian. HONORS ITALIAN IV​
(566) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Italian III and completion of summer work. Further study of Italian literature, art, music, history, and science is included in this course and prepares students for the honors level. HONORS ITALIAN V​
(564) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Italian IV and completion of summer work. Honors Italian V provides the student with a solid grammar background. Review time is spent to reinforce and perfect previously introduced forms. New tenses are studied. The subjunctive mode is thoroughly explored. New structures are introduced to polish self­expression. Greater emphasis is placed on reading, writing and expanding vocabulary. ADVANCED PLACEMENT ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE ​
(567) 5 credits – 1 year Grades 11 ­12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Italian V and completion of summer work. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) AP Italian is divided into two distinct areas of study. During the first semester all previously learned grammar and vocabulary are introduced and practiced, while students enjoy samples of Italian literature. During the second semester, students concentrate on preparing for the Italian Language AP exam. CHINESE II​
(598) 5 credits – 1 year
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chinese I in middle school or teacher recommendation. Chinese II continues to provide an introduction to the four basic communication skills of language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course begins with an emphasis on the first two skills, but as the course progresses more reading and writing are studied. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary are learned within the natural context of dialogues, short picture descriptions and readings. Chinese culture is presented in conjunction with various lessons. The approach is multimedia and includes interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes. CHINESE III ​
(599) 5 Credits – 1 year
Grades 9 ­ 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chinese II or teacher recommendation. This course is designed for students who have successfully completed two years of Chinese. Students will to continue to develop their skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Topics will include schools and classes, hobbies, sports, and families. In addition, students will be exposed to the Chinese culture by introducing the major Chinese holidays, popular songs, movies and sports. 22 HONORS CHINESE IV ​
(568) 5 Credits
Grades 10­12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chinese III and completion of summer work. In this course, students will continue to develop the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. At this level, students are challenged to communicate with high level of accuracy and have an opportunity to gain extensive culture knowledge as well. Throughout the whole year, students will practice communications using interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes. HONORS CHINESE V​
(590) 5 Credits – 1 year Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chinese IV and completion of summer work. Honors Chinese V provides practice and sharpening of the communication skills of language learning, with greater emphasis placed on reading, writing and expanding vocabulary. Grammatical structures and vocabulary are reviewed and learned in the structural context of reading selections and the study of Chinese culture. ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHINESE LANGUAGE​
(591) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Chinese V and completion of summer work. ​
(Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) During this final year of the seven year sequence, the linguistic accomplishments of the previous years are integrated and extended. The students’ appreciation and enjoyment of Chinese culture and civilization are deepened, their knowledge in these areas is increased, and their ability to communicate in Chinese is extended. The students are able to understand Chinese when spoken at normal speed on a topic within their experience. There is continued emphasis on Chinese pronunciation. Writing activities are advanced and free composition is increased. The study of grammar is determined by the needs of the class; structures taught previously, but not mastered, are re­taught. ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)​
(196) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 ESL is a course for students whose English proficiency is below the standard as measured by a State­approved assessment instrument (currently ACCESS for ELLs). ESL is not a substitute for the required English courses for graduation. TECHNOLOGY COMPUTER­AIDED DESIGN I (CAD I)​
(667) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. CAD I is the student’s gateway to a fun and exciting experience in the Engineering or Architectural field. Throughout this course, students will be using the industry standard program AutoCAD. Students will focus on the basics of measurements, angles, navigating the AutoCAD program, 2D and Orthographic drawing. Students will also touch on basic 3D design and animation in the Inventor and 3DStudio programs. COMPUTER­AIDED DESIGN II (CAD II) ​
(668) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: CAD I and recommendation by instructor. Students continue their journey towards the field of Engineering in CAD II. Students will focus on advanced drafting concepts such as Section View, Auxiliary View and Assembly drawings. Students will also learn and complete several advanced 3D graphic modeling and animation projects. This class utilizes AutoCAD, Inventor and 3DStudio software. ARCHITECTURE​
(669) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: CAD I and recommendation by instructor. Explore the fabulous world of Architecture in this class. Students will focus on learning basic architectural drawing skills. Students will design and draw a full set of working drawings for a ranch style home. 23 DIGITAL ADVERTISING​
(663) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Digital Advertising focuses on the uses of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator for document layout and element design. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to use industry­standard software to integrate text, graphics, and photographs to create a variety of professional quality CD covers, movie posters, business cards, Public Service Announcement posters, magazine covers, DVD covers, and product advertisements. Digital Advertising is perfect for a student who has an eye for design but isn’t an artist, who is creative on the computer and likes to learn new things. ADVANCED DIGITAL ADVERTISING (664) ​
2.5 credits – 1 semester
Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Minimum of B in Digital Advertising. Skills Required: Basic InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop Course Proficiency: By the end of this course, students will demonstrate a high level proficiency in using InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator; create an advertising campaign for a product they have chosen or developed by researching the demographic who will purchase the product, plan an advertising strategy to appeal to that demographic and create a unified, consistent advertising campaign across multiple mediums: Magazine Ad, Magazine Cover, Layout for story about product, CD Case layout, DVD Case layout, Promotional Poster, Product Display; and develop pieces to include in an art portfolio for applying to schools for Marketing or Advertising. YEARBOOK​
(661) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Recommendation of teachers or guidance counselor, and permission of the instructor through application process. Students will focus on the production of the yearbook. Each student will be responsible for projects leading to the final production of the yearbook. The projects will require the student to: write yearbook copy, design creative layouts, produce final output on the computer, and organize for the physical and financial production of the yearbook. Production of the yearbook will require the students to move through four stages in their writing: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and publishing. Yearbook is a class for students who are inner directed and outwardly­observant, or for those who wish to develop these qualities. Yearbook is suited to students who are strong photographers, writers, or designers. Students interested in editorial positions MUST BE available to work after school as well. MULTIMEDIA I​
(655) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Enjoy watching DVDs? Ever wonder what goes behind their creation? In Multimedia I, you will combine and manipulate various media elements, such as sound, video, text and images to create your own Production Company, Movie Trailer and DVD Menu. Your final project will require you to work in a group to shoot and edit a Commercial using a digital camcorder. In Multimedia I, you will learn to use Director, Photoshop, Audacity, Windows Movie Maker and Pinnacle software. MULTIMEDIA II​
(656) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Multimedia I and recommendation by Instructor. Add a third dimension to your Multimedia experience. Use the industry standard Maya software to manipulate and create 3D characters and backgrounds. Learn the basics of animation and use sound and other graphic elements to design and create a movie short in the vein of Disney’s Pixar animated movies. VIDEO PRODUCTION ​
(173) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. This video production course teaches students to use mini­dv cameras to film, edit and create various projects. Past video production projects have included Public Service Announcements, music video, movie trailers, and product commercials. Students interested in video production must be suited to working in groups with other students, and must be responsible to finish projects within an allotted time frame. 24 TELEVISION PRODUCTION​
(178) 5 credits – 1 year
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None.
Television Production is designed to provide students with a general understanding of television production art and technology with experience in planning, shooting, editing, and using television production techniques in the creation of various television program projects. Students will work with digital cameras, switchers, and other TV­related hardware as well as learn to edit film using Final Cut Pro software. Students are required to film one school event or project each marking period. WOODWORKING​
(700) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. This is an introductory course covering the basic skills of woodworking including the use of both hand and power tools. Students design, plan and construct projects at appropriate skill levels. HOME TECHNOLOGY​
(721) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. In this one­semester course, students will learn basic skills needed to maintain a house. These will include: fixing simple plumbing and electrical problems, preparing and plastering walls, wallpapering, painting, working with an interior designer and other simple repairs. ENGINEERING DESIGN​
(722) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. This course will provide students with a fundamental understanding of the engineering design process. Students will engage in project based work that follows the steps in the engineering design: define the problem; do background research; brainstorm solutions; choose the best solution; do development work; build a prototype; test and redesign and report findings. Course is designed for Science and Technology students interested in engineering design, CAD and fabrication PROGRAMMING​
(670) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Prerequisites: None. Students will be introduced to various terms and functions used by computer programmers in order to complete a task. By the end of the course, students will be able to implement solutions to solve basic computational problems, including manipulating images, visual design, and analyzing and troubleshooting created programs. The main computer language students will learn is Processing, a programming language based on Java. BUSINESS INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS​
(657) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Introduction to Business is a course designed to introduce students to a wide range of business concepts and scenarios. The course requires students to work effectively both as individuals and in a group setting. Concepts that will be discussed include management decision making and conflict resolution, business ethics, licensing, franchising, business etiquette (both in written and verbal communication), interviewing protocol and strategies, as well as, discussions revolving around current business events. As a part of the interviewing unit students will prepare for and be placed in a competitive interviewing scenario which will be videotaped and critiqued. Additionally, to supplement the curriculum various videos from CNBC & PBS will be incorporated including: Inside the McDonald’s Empire, House of Cards, and Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room. 25 GLOBAL MARKETING​
(665) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Recommended for students considering a business/marketing career or college major. Marketing is present in all we do and affects all aspects of our daily life. From the cereal we eat, to the clothes we wear, to the cars we drive, marketing has a profound impact on the world we live in. Students will be introduced to all aspects of marketing, including product, promotion, advertising, distribution and sales and the role these aspects play in the global economy, as well as, how they affect consumer behavior and decision making. An interactive, computer simulation will be incorporated to emulate the “real­world” consequences of decision making and competition. Highlights of the class include; NO Logo Day, Teen Beverage Project, Designing a Storefront & Store Layout, Branding & Packaging and the field trip to Times Square and a real marketing firm. Students will be exposed to career opportunities in marketing and this academic elective will be particularly valuable to students considering majoring in business in college (marketing, public relations, advertising, design). Concepts covered/discussed include: Marketing mix, market segmentation, promotions, visual merchandising, distribution, price planning and branding & packaging. PERSONAL FINANCE​
(658) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None, however, this course involves a great deal of mathematics applications. Personal Finance is a practical class which will introduce students to various financial concepts and ultimately, elevate their financial competency. Students will begin by learning how to create and maintain a budget and expense tracker using Excel spreadsheets. One of the highlights of the class is the Stock Portfolio simulation where students will work in groups of two and be assigned to research, then purchase a portfolio of stocks. The students will manage their portfolios in a competitive environment against their classmates to see which group can realize the greatest return over the remainder of the semester. Other concepts covered/discussed include: Budgeting, check­writing & reconciliation, banking services, real estate, investing & the stock market, credit, and taxes and risk management. COOPERATIVE BUSINESS EDUCATION​
(751) 15 credits ­ 1 year Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. This is a supervised part time work experience program for students wishing to enter business or industrial occupations following high school. It also provides an opportunity for those intending to continue their education to gain meaningful work experience while still in school. Students will participate in paid work experience occupations with cooperating employers. Various entry­level occupations will be included. VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO ART​
(819) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Studio Art is designed to provide a foundation for students who intend to study fine art and build a portfolio as well as those students who wish to take the class for personal enrichment. This comprehensive art course is predominantly studio (production) oriented but also integrates aesthetics, art criticism and art history as they relate to various studio projects. This general art course provides students with a foundation in introductory drawing, painting and two or three­dimensional design. DRAWING​
(821) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisite: Studio Art or permission of the Department Supervisor. This course will emphasize and assist students in developing the skills and techniques required to produce drawings with a high degree of “likeness” to the observed subject. Emphasis is placed on learning techniques to create the illusion of three­dimensional space in a two dimensional format. The students will learn to work directly from still­life set­ups, utilize photographic references, and lighting. In addition to exploring the use of line, value and shape as tools to represent their environment objectively, students will also learn how to incorporate subjective elements such as “mood” or “expression” in their drawings. 26 PAINTING​
(822) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Studio Art & Drawing, or permission of the Department Supervisor. This course assumes an intermediate to high degree of prior skill and proficiency with respect to drawing ability. Painting further develops the principles and techniques learned in Drawing with emphasis on color. Students will utilize both opaque and transparent color media such as watercolor and acrylic paint. This course is highly recommended for students planning to take Advanced Art Studio and Art Major. It is predominantly production (studio) oriented. Students are introduced to concepts of art history, art criticism, and aesthetics as they relate to studio projects. ADVANCED STUDIO ART ​
(823) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grades 11­12 Prerequisite: Studio Art, Drawing, Painting or approval of the Department Supervisor. Advanced Studio Art is a higher level art course for students with an interest in building a portfolio and who intend to take Art Major in the following year. This comprehensive course is production (studio) oriented. The projects and activities assume a high degree of prior knowledge and skill and proficiency with a variety of media. Students who have taken the necessary prerequisites are well equipped for this course. The projects will focus on advanced drawing, painting, and two and three­dimensional design. Each project will integrate aesthetics, art criticism, and art history. ART MAJOR​
(824) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grade 12 Prerequisites: All of the following: Studio Art, Drawing, Painting and Advanced Studio Art. Art Major is a senior level art course for students who have completed the necessary prerequisites, and have an interest in completing a portfolio for college admission to a BA or BFA program. The course of study each student will follow may be tailored to the area of art and design the respective individual would like to pursue at the university level. For this reason, students will have the option to deviate from the assigned studio projects, provided they articulate, in writing, clear and achievable objectives for their proposed course of independent study. Students will actively engage in the critique process throughout the development of their studio projects. This course is predominantly production oriented. The projects assume a high degree of proficiency in drawing, painting, 2­dimensional and 3­dimensional design. Each project will integrate aesthetics, art criticism, and art history. FINE ART DIGITAL IMAGING ​
(808) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Fine Art Digital Imaging is an introductory mixed media course that explores the combination of digital images with traditional art media and experimental techniques. Students will learn basic operations of the digital camera and Adobe Photoshop, standard and creative methods of printing digital images, and integrate printmaking with digital photography. Students will gain experience in historical and contemporary methods of both photography and printmaking. Students must own their own digital camera to take this course. ALTERNATIVE DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNIQUES ​
(810)​
​
2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Fine Art Digital Imaging. Alternative Imaging Techniques is a continuation of Fine Art Digital Imaging. An emphasis will be placed on using alternative methods to acquire images and complete projects­ such as scanning, printmaking, printing digital images on alternative surfaces, and incorporating collage, assemblage and book arts. Student will also learn advanced techniques with the digital camera and Adobe Photoshop. Opportunities to concentrate on a specific technique will be granted. Students must own their own digital camera to take this course. 3 DIMENSIONAL DESIGN​
(805) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. This course will provide students with a foundation in the elements and principles as they apply to creation of 3­dimensional art forms. Students will design and produce a variety of 3­dimensional compositions using a different media, such as wire, metal, wood, paper, clay, found­objects etc. This art course is predominantly studio (production) oriented and integrates aesthetics, art criticism, and art history as they relate to the various studio projects. This course has no prerequisites and is appropriate for both the committed art enthusiast and the individual with no prior high school art class experience. 27 ADVANCED 3D DESIGN​
(807) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: 3D Design. This course is a continuation of 3D Design and involves additive and subtractive methods of creating 3­dimensional compositions. The materials students use may include, but are not limited to: wire, plaster, wood, hand­made paper, stone, clay, and found objects. Students will be working on a larger scale with more precision, and have the opportunity to concentrate on a specific media, producing portfolio pieces. This course is for the student who has an interest in art, sculpture, architecture, industrial design, and for the student who would like to continue studying 3­dimensional art. Advanced 3D Design is predominantly studio (production) oriented and integrates aesthetics, art criticism, and art history as they relate to the various studio projects. INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS & GLAZING TECHNIQUES ​
(809) 2.5 Credits ­ 1 semester
Grades 9­12 Prerequisites: None. This semester long course will encompass an investigation of ceramic material, its historical precedent, and its contemporary application for visual art. It will offer students broad­based exposure to the many possibilities of ceramics focusing mainly on processes and idea development. The projected ceramics curriculum will include hand­building techniques, slip­casting, tile­making, raw material study, studio practice, methodology development, and investigations that enhance critical thinking through reflection, explaining, and responding to artistic choices via critique. INTRODUCTION TO THEATER​
(171) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Students may repeat the course. The Introduction to Theater course is designed to offer each student an opportunity to experience a variety of outlets for creative expression in the theater arts. Each unit is designed to introduce the student to a specific aspect of theater, such as: theater games and improvisation technique, voice and speech production techniques and activities, presentational acting styles, representational acting style, technical aspects of theater production such as scene design, lighting, and basic makeup techniques and playwriting. The course concludes with a public performance of a play. TECHNICAL THEATER​
(172) 2.5 Credits­1 Semester
Grades 9­12 Prerequisites: None. This course is an exploration of the duties of stage technicians and their contribution to the total aesthetic effect of a dramatic production. Topics covered will include design research and principles; equipment use and maintenance; principles and application of sound, lighting, costume and makeup considerations and selection; theatre safety and the function of technical stage personnel in production work. Technical theatre will incorporate academic study and hands­on application of knowledge and skills. All students enrolled in this course will be expected to participate in a certain number of evening/weekend events (exact # TBD) where they run sound/lights for events in the high school auditorium. CONCERT BAND​
(865) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Symphonic Band is open to all students who play a band instrument. The band performs at assemblies, public concerts, and band festivals. Students must attend all band functions. Lessons are given to all band members on a weekly basis. Extra­curricular opportunities that exist for band students include the Jazz Band, the pit orchestra for the spring musical and the Dodger Marching Band. These ensembles are voluntary. ORCHESTRA​
(860) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Wind players by teacher recommendation only. Orchestra is open to students who play a string instrument. Lessons are given to all orchestra members on a weekly basis. Substantial music from the orchestral repertoire is selected for performance, which also includes jazz and popular styles. The orchestra performs at concerts and festivals that are scheduled throughout the school year. Students must attend all orchestra functions. 28 WIND ENSEMBLE​
​
(867) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisite: Wind players by audition only. Wind Ensemble is a comprehensive performance based class for the advanced band student. The wind ensemble student will focus on all areas of prodigious practice and performance. Music styles studied may include but are not limited to Contemporary works, Classic Literature, Concert Marches and Romantic Literature. The Wind Ensemble student will take part in the rotating lesson schedule and be encouraged to participate in Area Band, Region Band and All State Band. CHORUS​
(856) 5 credits ­ 1 year Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Chorus is open to all students who have a desire to improve their vocal technique and to perform in a group ensemble. The chorus will perform at assemblies, evening concerts, and community events and at music festivals. Chorus members must attend the required performances. A great variety of music will be learned from genres ranging from madrigals to folk music to Broadway musicals. Students may participate in two music ensembles during the same class period if they wish. ADVANCED PLACEMENT: MUSIC THEORY​
(852) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Music Theory & Technology, or permission of the instructor. (This course will be offered in 16­17, but will ​
not​
be offered in 17­18.) (Note: Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.) AP Music Theory will enhance students’ musicianship by developing and extending upon aural, analytical, performance, and compositional skills. Areas of study will include terminology, notation history, four part harmony, counterpoint, dictation, improvisation, ear training, and score study. In addition, students will utilize current music technology including ​
Finale, Band in a Box, and Yamaha midi­synthesizers ​
in class. The course is intended for junior and senior level music students and it will prepare students for the AP Music Theory Exam.
MUSIC THEORY, TECHNOLOGY, RECORDING & IMPROVISATION ​
(850)​
​
5 credits­1 year
Grades 9­12 (This course will ​
not​
be offered in 16­17, but will be offered in 17­18.) Students will utilize music theory concepts in creative projects while using current computer applications including Garage Band​
, ​
Movie Maker, Finale, Band­in–a­Box and midi­synthesizers. Projects will include recording computer generated instruments and live student performances, creating music for videos/films, improvisation, arranging, and song writing in various popular music styles. Students will also be encouraged to bring in their own technology to be used in class. Open to all students who are current or past members of any MHS music ensemble or have some prior music experience elsewhere. All instrumental and vocal types are welcome. BEGINNING GUITAR ​
(874) 5 credits ­ Full Year
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. Beginning Guitar is open to any student who is interested in playing the guitar. No prior experience is required to take this class. Topics to be covered include left and right hand techniques, playing with a pick, note reading, position playing and chords. Beginning guitar students will combine with intermediate/advanced students in the Guitar Ensemble which performs in concerts during the school year. Music selected for study and performance include popular, jazz, blues and classical styles. Students must already own or have access to a guitar to take this class. INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED GUITAR ​
(875) 5 credits ­ Full year
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: Beginning Guitar (874) or permission from the instructor. Intermediate/Advanced Guitar is open to any student who is interested in studying the guitar at a more advanced level. Topics to be covered include advanced left and right hand techniques, fretboard knowledge, barre chords, sight reading and improvisation (playing your own guitar solos.) Intermediate/Advanced students will combine with beginning students in the Guitar Ensemble which performs in concerts during the school year. Music selected for study and performance include popular, jazz, blues and classical styles. Students must already own or have access to a guitar to take this class. This class may be repeated. 29 INTRODUCTION TO DANCE​
(872/873) 2.5 credits – 1 semester
Grades 9 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. In this course students will learn the basic fundamentals of dance. They will learn dance warm­ups and rhythmic fundamentals. Stretching, balance, coordination and posture will be emphasized. The class will serve as an introduction to basic dance skills, positions and contemporary dance techniques. Students will gain strength, flexibility and creativity of artistic expression. Students in grades 9 and 10 may take this course in addition to Physical Education, students in grades 11 and 12 may take this course in lieu of Physical Education. PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH Students are required to pass Health and Physical Education each year in attendance. This is in accord with New Jersey State requirements. At Madison High School, all students are required to take Physical Education/Health all four marking periods each school year. Health Education is a comprehensive K­12 grade program. At the high school level there are units in first aid, driver education, physical and personal health, nutrition, disease/HIV, safety and accident prevention, family life, human relations/mental health, abuse/violence prevention, chemical health education, environmental and consumer health. In addition, all freshmen must take PGC, the MHS Peer Group Connection program, as part of their Physical Education and Health courses. Students will be scheduled into zero period PE only as space permits. SPECIAL EDUCATION The Special Education Department offers a full continuum of programs for eligible students to support their academic success. Students are provided with the opportunity to participate in general education classes with appropriate accommodations and supplementary aids and services. Many classes offer In­class Support sections in which a general education teacher and a special education teacher collaborate to provide instruction. The In­class Support model combines the expertise of both the content area specialist and the special educator to meet the varied learning styles of students. Students who demonstrate more significant weakness in specific academic areas may receive small group instruction in special education resource center classes. In addition, the Pathways vocational studies program promotes the successful transition to post­secondary independent living by providing a curriculum focused on employment readiness skills, functional academics and community work experiences. Special education elective classes in Learning Strategies, Resource Center Support, Career Exploration, Study Skills and Work Study may be offered depending upon the educational needs of students. LEARNING STRATEGIES​
(932) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grade 9 The course is designed to assist students in transitioning from Junior School to High School by supporting the development of the necessary study habits and personal responsibility for learning to meet with success in the general education classroom. Students will learn about the nature of learning disabilities, individual learning style, strategies for learning, self­advocacy and social skill development. The course will include units of study on strategic approaches to reading comprehension and vocabulary, written expression, test­taking, note taking, and concentration and memory techniques. Students will focus on improving their organization, time management and study skills. The students are provided the opportunity for direct instruction, guided practice and opportunity for transfer of learning by emphasizing the application of skills and strategies to students’ course materials. LANGUAGE ARTS LITERACY LAB/MATH LAB​
(937) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grades 10 ­ 11 This course is designed to provide students with remediation in reading comprehension and written expression and/or in basic geometry and algebra skills. Preparation for the NJ State required standardized testing is the main focus of this class. The following skills will be provided, but coursework is individualized according to the needs of each student. ● Learning and applying reading comprehension strategies ● Improving written language skills through practice using writing prompts as well as editing and revising course assignments ● Reviewing the basics needed to establish the logical structure and concluding with volumes of solids and some transformational geometry ● Reviewing algebraic concepts, including quadratic equations, polynomial expressions, factoring, graphing non­linear equations, the solution of first and second degree equations, and the introduction to functions 30 CONSUMER MATH​
(941) 2.5 Credits – ½ year
Grades 11 ­ 12 This course will provide a math elective course for special education students. Consumer Math will focus on the development of the practical math skills needed for successful post­secondary college or career planning. The course is designed to apply math to real life situations and examples. The students will have the opportunity to learn and apply skills such as computing interest rates on loans, maintaining a budget, balancing a checkbook and making price comparisons for economical shopping. CAREER EXPLORATION ​
(955)​
​
2.5 Credits – ½ year
Grades 11 ­ 12 The purpose of this class is to help students discover their personal strengths, interests, values and skills. and to assist students in making sense of the world of work including organizing job classifications, the personal and education requirements for specific careers, and occupational trends. In this class students will become familiar with the decision­making process related to career choice and use knowledge they gained about themselves and the information about the world of work in making their own career choice. PATHWAYS PROGRAM Grades 9 ­ 12 The pathways program provides a comprehensive instructional program for students with cognitive disabilities. The program focuses on developing employment readiness by teaching functional academics, prevocational/vocational skills and communication and social skills and by offering appropriate work opportunities in the school and within the local communities. The program will serve students in grades 9­12. Students may attend some or all of the classes in this program based on their needs as indicated in their Individual Education Plan (IEP). ADDITIONAL COURSES THEORIES AND PRACTICES IN LEADERSHIP​
(62) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grade 11 Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. This course will provide students with a thorough knowledge of group dynamics, Students will also learn leadership and problem­solving skills and will have first hand opportunities to utilize these skills when they lead weekly small group discussion with freshman. LITERACY SUPPORT​
(190) 2.5 credits ­ 1 semester
Prerequisites: Standardized test scores, teacher recommendation. Grades 9 ­ 12 The focus of the Literacy Support class is on strengthening reading and writing skills, building vocabulary, enriching comprehension, and improving students’ ability to read for information, academic work, and pleasure. This course is designed to support the work students are doing in their regular English classes. Additional attention may be paid to preparing students for the NJ State required standardized testing. STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM​
(230) 1.5 credits or 3 credits ­ semester or full year Grades 10 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. This semester course offers students the opportunity to apply knowledge acquired in the classroom to meet pressing needs in the high school community. Students can earn academic credit while doing volunteer service such as improving our school facilities, school climate and serving the needs of fellow students and faculty members. Students work under the direction and supervision of a faculty member who directs and evaluates their volunteer efforts. Students are required to complete a tracking form documenting their hours of service and a reflective writing summary at the end of their volunteer experience. 31 ADVANCED SERVICE PROJECT​
(232) 5 credits ­ 1 year
Grades 11 ­ 12 Prerequisites: None. This full­year elective offers students the opportunity to apply knowledge acquired in the classroom to meet urgent community needs. Students can earn academic credit while contributing to the community and exploring various career options. Students enrolled in this course will make arrangements to do volunteer work in area service organizations—first aid squads, volunteer fire departments, municipal agencies, hospitals and organizations that meet the needs of children, senior citizens, the homeless and economically disadvantaged, and the disabled. Students may also focus their energies on improving district school facilities, school climate and serving the needs of fellow elementary and junior school students. Students work under the direction and supervision of a faculty member and/or service organization personnel. Students are required to complete a service learning projected tied to one or more academic disciplines, maintain a portfolio that documents their work throughout the school year, and attend 8 meetings with the service learning coordinator throughout the year. The service project will culminate in Day of Service activities in which students will lead underclassmen in completing a service learning project. VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL​
(VHS) Grades 10 – 12 Through VHS students may have the opportunity to ​
supplement the curriculum offered at Madison High School with an on­line, internet based, course offered through the Virtual High School program. Students who may be interested in this program should pick up an application in the guidance center. For further information, including registration and course restrictions, please contact the coordinator of VHS at MHS, Pam Klurfield, Media Specialist. MORRIS COUNTY SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM MCST PROGRAMS​
15­ 20 credits ­ 1 year Grades 11 ­ 12 Morris County School of Technology offers career and technical programs to high school students living in Morris County. Tech­prep programs are available which lead to related studies at County College of Morris. At the shared time instruction programs MCST, students receive both classroom instruction in theory and “hands on” training. Students can earn a total of 20 credits per year in MCST. Some of the programs have a math or science instruction component, for which 5 academic credits can be earned. Application must be made to the program, in the spring of a student’s sophomore year and must be approved both by Madison High School and by the staff of MCST. Transportation to and from the program (located in Denville) is provided by the school district. Currently, students attend four class periods at MHS (including English and PE/H) and then go to MCST for the balance of the day. SHARED TIME PROGRAMS​
: Auto Body Collision and Repair Auto Service Technology Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) Carpentry Cosmetology Electrical Trades Engineering, Design, and Advanced Manufacturing Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Welding Fundamentals of Food Services Fundamentals of Building & Grounds Maintenance Fundamentals of Retail & Supermarkets Careers 32 ​
Appendix A Madison High School Electives 2016­17 1 3 Dimensional Design ​
3 Advanced 3D Design ​
1 Advanced Art Studio ​
Advanced Digital Advertising ² 2 Advanced Service Project ​
1
Alternative Digital Imaging ​
1 AP Music Theory ​
2 Architecture ​
1 Art Major ​
1 Art Studio ​
1 Introduction to Ceramics & Glazing Techniques ​
1 Chorus ​
Computer­Aided Design I (CAD I) ² 2 Computer­Aided Design II (CAD II) ​
1 Concert Band ​
2 Cooperative Business Education ​
2 Digital Advertising ​
1 Drawing ​
2 Engineering Design ​
1 Fine Art Digital Imaging ​
2, 5 Global Marketing ​
1 Beginner Guitar ​
1 Intermediate/Advanced Guitar ​
2 Home Technology ​
2, 5 Introduction to Business ​
4 Introduction to Dance ​
1 Introduction to Theater ​
2 Journalism ​
4 Music Theory, Technology, Recording & Improvisation ​
2 Multimedia I ​
2 Multimedia II ​
1 Orchestra ​
1 Painting ​
2, 5 Personal Finance ​
2 Programming ​
2 Student Volunteer Program ​
3 Television Production ​
4 Technical Theater ​
3 Video Production ​
1 Wind ​
Ensemble ​
​
2 Woodworking ​
2 Yearbook ​
1. Visual/Performing Art st​
2. 21​
Century Life & Careers 3. Visual/Performing Art OR Practical Art 4. Can be used as a visual or performing art if taken in addition to a full year of Physical Education. 5. Financial literacy requirement. Beginning with class of 2020, all students must take Personal Finance to meet this requirement. The administration at Madison High School recognizes the difficulty fulfilling elective requirements may pose for some students. The administration also understands the “interdisciplinary” nature of many of its elective course offerings. Any student with difficulty fulfilling the performing art, practical art or financial literacy requirements should discuss their concerns with their counselor. 33