ENGLISH
ENGLISH 9 REGENTS
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
The reading and literature component of English 9 regents provides a foundation in
inferential and critical thinking skills, literary elements, and literary terms and techniques.
The literature includes all genres (short stories, nonfiction, drama, poetry and the novel)
and represents classical to modem and world and American authors. The composition
component includes narration, description, persuasion, exposition, and self-expression
(journal writing, poetry, personal essays). Emphasis is placed on learning to write the
formal essay. There is intensive study of vocabulary and etymology. A research report is
required.
The listening and speaking component includes oral reports, small group and class
discussion, oral interpretation of poetry, prose and drama passages, and a formal
entertaining speech.
ENGLISH 10 REGENTS
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: successful completion of English 9R
The reading and literature component of English 10 regents expands and builds on the
curriculum begun in English 9 regents. The literature includes all genres (short stories,
nonfiction, drama, poetry and the novel) and represents classical to modem and world
and American authors. A major novel is taken in depth to thoroughly explore and further
reinforce knowledge of the literary elements and literary terms and techniques. The
composition component includes narration, description, persuasion, exposition and selfexpression (journal writing, poetry, personal essays). Emphasis is placed on refining
formal writing skills and building vocabulary. A research paper and précis are required.
The listening and speaking component includes oral reports, small group and class
discussion, oral interpretation of poetry, prose, and drama passages, and a formal
informative speech.
ENGLISH 11 REGENTS
1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: English 10
The reading and literature component includes a survey of American literature from
Colonial times to the present. Emphasis is on the major literary movements within each
century and a representative sampling of most major American writers. Composition –
includes self-expression (i.e., journal), narration, exposition, description and persuasion.
In addition, there is also a comprehensive review of reading comprehension skills,
vocabulary, spelling, grammar and usage in preparation for the New York State
Comprehensive Exam in English. Finally, a research paper is also required. Listening
and speaking includes oral book reports and formal debate.
ENGLISH 12 REGENTS
1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: English 11R
The reading and literature component is a survey of world literature. Authors include
Aristotle, Sophocles, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, Swift, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Ibsen,
Conrad, Kafka, Solzhenitsyn, Mann, Orwell, Beckett, Ionesco and Miller. Composition
develops critical writing skills from print journalism to analytical essays. Students are
required to experience writing in all modes (description, narration, etc.) and genre within
the context of each literary unit. A thesis-based research paper is also required.
Listening and speaking includes oral book reports and persuasive speeches.
ENGLISH 12 LOCAL
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: English 11R
The reading and literature component is a survey of world literature from the Golden Age
of Greece to the present within the first semester and a study of 20th Century, nonfiction
American literature during the second. The emphasis is on the development of critical
reading skills and vocabulary within the context of literature, classical and modem, which
is relevant to contemporary life. Composition includes self-expression, narration,
description and persuasion with particular emphasis on exposition. Major projects
include the creation of a “mock” daily newspaper (modeled on The New York Times)
and an expository writing/research paper. Practical writing skills include resume, job
application and consumer complaint letter. Listening and speaking includes oral book
reports and persuasive speeches.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH
Grade 12 Regents Credit * 6 times/cycle/year
This advanced placement course is the equivalent of most first year college English
classes. Students who score satisfactorily on the Advanced Placement Test taken in May
will receive up to 1 full year’s credit in English from most colleges and universities. This
course deals with critical analysis of various pieces of literature.
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATIONS
1 Local Credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
English Elective
Students learn about communications and media through hands on production of the
Chehocton, HCS’s yearbook. The course requires some outside class work on fund
raising activities. Students learn from three different skill areas: journalistic skills,
technology skills, and life skills. Reporting, writing, photography, graphic design,
business, and publication law are some of the journalistic skills that students are exposed
to and learn. In addition, students are exposed to and learn valuable technology skills in
areas including desktop publishing, word processing, digital imaging, and the internet.
Introduction to Communications class also exposes students to valuable life skills such as
communication skills, people management, project management, problem solving and
time management skills.
SAT PREPARATION
½ credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
English Elective
This course will prepare the student to take (or re-take) the PSAT and SAT tests. Using
actual SAT exams, students’ strengths and weaknesses are analyzed and an
individualized plan of study is developed. This is a self-directed course where teachers
provide small group instruction in test taking strategies and review of necessary skills.
Students should be able to attain substantial increases in SAT scores after participating in
this course.
SOCIAL STUDIES
GLOBAL STUDIES I REGENTS
Grade 9 * 1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Global Studies I Regents provides students with the opportunity to study other nations
and their cultures within a framework that is designed to develop a global perspective.
Areas of the world included in this course include Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia,
East Asia and Latin America. This course and Global Studies II Regents prepare students
to take the Regents Examination in Global History.
GLOBAL STUDIES II REGENTS
1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: Global Studies I
Global Studies Regents provides students with the opportunity to study other nations and
their cultures within a framework that is designed to develop a global perspective. Areas
of the world included in this course include the Middle East, Europe, and the former
Soviet Union. This course and Global Studies I Regents prepare students to take the
Regents Examination in Global History.
UNITED STATES HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT REGENTS
1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
U.S. History and government is the chronological study of American Government.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the study and understanding of the Constitution of
the United States.
ECONOMICS
½ Local credit * t times/cycle/half year
The senior Economics course concerns itself with 26 basic economic concepts for which
the State Education Department requires an understanding. These include most
fundamental questions in any economy – what, how much, and for whom to produce.
Next, these concepts are examined as they actually work in practice. Supply, demand,
and equilibrium price form the basis for a market system. Students will then realize the
size and scope of the economy from government statistics and goals that are set in terms
of growth, full employment, and price stability. Finally, students must realize that
economic specialization demands global interdependence. People living in industrialized
societies can no longer rely on personal or even national desire or need in making
economic decisions. People need to develop a world view.
GOVERNMENT
½ Local credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
The other required senior course is Government. It is drawn from the broad range of
experience the student has encountered throughout the educational program, including
areas beyond the defined social studies curriculum, i.e., science education, health
education, business education, etc., and including life experience beyond the classroom
and school door. The course centers on defining, analyzing, monitoring and discussion
issues and policies as the fundamental participatory activity in a democracy. We define,
analyze and formulate tentative policies or solutions to societal issues that are public in
nature at the four levels of government.
PSYCHOLOGY
½ Local credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
Social Studies Elective
Psychology is taught as a one semester elective in the Social Studies department,
normally for juniors and seniors. The course is approached as a combination of personal
adjustment and scientific discipline-oriented fields of study. Students get a general
overview of such topics as personality, motivation, emotions, growth and development,
mental health and mental illness, and social behavior. Scientifically, we try to measure
and compare statistics, sensation and perception and physiology. A good selection of
video tapes and computer software make psychology an interesting and informative
course for college bound students as well as students planning on immediate entry into
the work force.
GREAT ISSUES OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
½ Local credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
Social Studies Elective
Great Issues is taught as a one semester elective for juniors and seniors. The course
discusses the way events that occur in human history impact the basic structure and
momentum of the times. The teacher will select three of the following major issues of
the 1900’s: The Great Depression, The Holocaust, The Vietnam War, Civil Rights, The
Cold Ware. Emphasis is placed on individual and group research. Various projects will
be required throughout each period spent on each issue.
MATHEMATICS
SEQUENTIAL MATH I REGENTS
1 Regents Credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation, pre-algebra is helpful
This is the first in a sequential series that leads to the completion of a regents or precollege track in mathematics. Aspects of Algebra and Geometry are integrated. Also
studied are irrational numbers, analytic geometry, logic, probability, statistics and
transformations. Passing the final is required to move on to Sequential Math II Regents.
Students will be using scientific calculators as a tool for exploration and problem solving.
MATH A-1
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
This course covers basic algebra skills. It is the first year of a two year algebra course
with the Math A regents exam at the end of the second year. It is slower pace yet covers
the same skills and concepts as Sequential I Regents.
SEQUENTIAL MATH II REGENTS
Regents credits * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: Passing Sequential I Regents, including the final and/or teacher
recommendation. Credit for Pennsylvania Algebra course may be granted, i.e., 9th
graders from Preston that have had Algebra I may enter Sequential II one year ahead.
This is the second in a sequential series that leads to the completion of a Regents track in
mathematics. Topics to be studied include logic, Euclidean geometry and the notion of
proof using deductive reasoning; an extension of algebraic skills that include quadratic
equations with irrational solutions, fractions and the integration of algebra and geometry
to solve problems; analytic geometry including transformations and locus; probability
and combinatorics; right triangle trigonometry. Students will be using scientific
calculators as a tool for exploration and problem solving. Passing the New York State
examination is required for Regents credit.
MATH A-II
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
This course is the second year of a two year algebra program. It covers more of the
geometric aspects of algebra including several Sequential Math II topics. This course is
slower paced and will not include geometry proofs. Regents Math A exam is required at
the end of this course.
SEQUENTIAL MATH III REGENTS
1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: Sequential II Regents including passing the Regents examination.
This course integrates the traditional topics from Algebra II and Trigonometry with
various topics from Probability and Statistics and Geometry. Emphasis is placed on
using algebra as a tool in solving problems from other areas of mathematics. This
integrated approach is designed to give students a better appreciation of mathematics as a
broad and exciting field of study. Students will be using scientific calculators as a tool
for exploration and problem solving.
Topics studied in Course III include real and complex number systems; logarithmic and
exponential functions; conic sections; trigonometry introduced by a study of the circular
functions; trigonometric identifies; trigonometry applied to solving triangles; Binomial
Theorem; Bernoulli experiments in probability; statistical study of measures of dispersion
including range, variance and standard deviation; the geometry of the circle; and
composition of transformations Successful completion of this course includes passing
the Regents examination given in June.
MATH APPLICATIONS
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of high school math and the fulfillment
of Regents exam graduation requirement
This course is designed to introduce students to the applications of math in a variety of
settings. In many cases, students will develop the math concepts through investigations
and hands-on experiments. Some of the topics include: graphing and modeling, statistics,
consumer life skills, geometry and logic.
PRE-CALCULUS
1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: Course III Regents and fulfillment of the regents exam graduation
requirement
This course places an emphasis on problem solving strategies and “real world”
applications to deepen understanding of the mathematical concepts and strengthen ability
in algebraic manipulations and modeling. A graphical approach is used in the
development of most topics. Students will use the graphics calculator as a tool for
modeling, problem solving and exploration.
The material in this course includes in depth analysis of polynomial, rational,
trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions; polar coordinates and parametric
equations; matrices, coordinate geometry; and sequences and series.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS
Grade 12 * 1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: Pre-calculus taken previously or concurrently
This advanced placement course is the equivalent of most first-year college calculus
classes. Students who score satisfactorily on the Advanced Placement Test taken in May
will receive up to 1 full year’s credit in Calculus from most colleges and universities.
This course is primarily concerned with developing an intuitive understanding of the
concepts of calculus and experience with its methods and applications. Students will use
the TI-85 graphics calculator to assist in problem solving and graphical analysis of
problems. The topics studied include functions and graphs, limits and continuity,
differential calculus including derivatives of polynomial functions; trigonometric and
inverse trigonometric functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; applications of
derivatives to extreme value, graphing, and rate of change problems, area under the
curve, volumes of solids of revolution, and exponential growth and decay problems.
SCIENCE
EARTH SCIENCE REGENTS
1 Regents credit * 6 times + lab/cycle/full year
While taking Earth Science, students should be enrolled in Sequential Math 1. The Earth
Science course is divided into fourteen major topics of study. Topic I is Observation and
Measurement. Topic II is The Changing Environment which includes the nature of
change and environmental equilibrium. Topic III is Measuring the Earth which includes
models, evidence of the earth’s shape, determining positions on the earth, fields and using
topographic maps. Topic IV, Earth Motions, includes celestial observations, the earth’s
rotation, the earth’s revolution, seasons, the moon and its phases. Topic V is Energy in
Earth Processes which includes electromagnetic energy, energy transfer, heat and
temperature, heat energy and phase changes. Topic VI, Insulation and the Earth’s
Surface, includes the warming and cooling of the earth’s surface and global warming.
Topic VII, Energy Exchange in the Atmosphere, includes meteorology. Topic VIII is
Moisture and Energy Budgets which includes the water cycle, oceanography glaciation,
water pollution, and climates. Topic IX is the Erosion Process. Topic X is the
Depositional Process. Topic XI, the Formation of Rocks, includes rocks and sediments,
minerals and the rock cycle. Topic XII is the Dynamic Crust which includes volcanoes,
earthquakes, earth’s interior and plate tectonics. Topic XIII is Interpreting Geologic
History which includes geologic events, correlation techniques, determining geologic
ages, radioactive decay and the fossil record. Topic XIV, Landscape Development and
Environmental Change, includes landscape characteristics and development.
BIOLOGY REGENTS
1 Regents credit * 6 times + lab/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: Earth Science Regents
Regents Biology is a one credit course most commonly taken during the tenth grade. The
course follows the NYS Regents Biology curriculum. A state mandated laboratory
requirement must be met in order to sit for the Regents exam. Major topics of study
include cytology, taxonomy, biochemistry, human physiology, reproduction and
development, genetics and ecology. Laboratory experiences are designed to reinforce
concepts presented during lectures.
UNIFIED SCIENCE
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Unified Science is a tenth grade alternative to Biology. It covers a wide range of core
curriculum providing a foundation of scientific literacy for students in the twenty-first
century. Concepts in the physical, life and earth sciences from the disciplines of biology,
chemistry, physics and earth science are coordinated into major subject areas related
directly to students’ personal experiences. Practical investigations and experimentation
are consistently used to reinforce the learning experience. Topics covered include forces,
energy, food and digestion, machines and movement, genetics and evolution and ecology.
CHEMISTRY REGENTS
1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
This course presents a modern view of chemistry suitable for students with a wide range
of skills and abilities. The outline of topics includes the unifying principles of chemistry
and is basic to the understanding of our environment. Topics discussed will include
matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, kinetics and equilibrium,
acids and bases, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
Applications of these principles to modern life and industry will be included.
In addition to the classroom work, students will participate in a lab class per week so that
the knowledge gained may be reinforced through hands-on activities. These lab activities
will tend to be both technical and open ended in nature, allowing students to draw their
own conclusions and verify predictions based on laboratory data. Some of the lab
exercises will involve the use of computers for data analysis and graphing of physical
results. Cooperative learning will be stressed in the lab situations. Students enrolled in
Regents Chemistry must have completed Sequence I Math, Algebra and also should have
completed or at least be currently enrolled in tenth year mathematics.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
1 credit * 6 times + lab/cycle/full year
Environmental science is designed to improve student awareness of the environmental
issues we currently face as well as those we face in the future. The emphasis in this
program is the study of science and the development of thinking and decision making
skills. This is achieved through group activities, oral presentations and laboratory
exercises. Topics covered include living things in ecosystems, water, air, atmosphere and
climate, land, food, biodiversity, energy, waste and population growth.
SENIOR SCIENCE SEMINAR
1 Credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Senior Science Seminar has been developed as an elective science course to be taken
along with Physics. It is not an AP course, nor is it a Regents course. The content is
selected at the beginning of the year by the students and the teacher and has included
topics such as: resource management, human genetics, astronomy, and population
dynamics. Topics may change from year to year as interests vary. Current topics in
popular science are discussed as they appear in the media. Student evaluation is done by
testing, projects, outside work, and research of the information using the library and the
internet.
PHYSICS
1 Regents credit * 6 times + lab/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: Sequential Math I and II
The Physics course offered at Hancock provides a clear and straightforward presentation
of the basic concepts of physics, developed in an orderly manner to present a unified,
logical sequence. A brief overview of algebra, trigonometry and graphing using common
physical quantities is provided.
An important part of the Physics course is the laboratory experiences that the students
receive. Each cycle there is a Physics laboratory meeting. These labs are keyed to the
classes and lead students to an awareness of how physical laws operate in everyday
phenomena.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
SPANISH I
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Spanish 1 is an introduction to the sounds, elementary grammar and vocabulary of the
Spanish language. Students learn to communicate basic needs and information through
conversation. Students will reach Checkpoint A of the New York State Regents Foreign
Language Syllabus.
CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH I
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Conversational Spanish I is an introduction to the sounds, elementary grammar and
vocabulary of the Spanish language. Students learn to communicate basic needs and
information through conversation. Students are working toward Checkpoint A of the
New York State Regents Foreign Language Syllabus.
SPANISH II
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Spanish II is a continuation of the study of the mechanics of the language, exploring more
fully the grammar and vocabulary. Students will reach Checkpoint B of the New York
State Regents Foreign Language Syllabus which enables them to carry on conversations
employing grammatical structures above the basic information giving stage.
CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH II
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Conversational Spanish II is a continuation of the study of the mechanics of the language,
exploring more fully the grammar and vocabulary. Students will be working toward
Checkpoint B of the New York State Regents Foreign Language Syllabus which enables
them to carry on conversations employing grammatical structures above the basic
information giving stage.
SPANISH III
1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Spanish III is a comprehensive study of the language placing emphasis on speaking,
reading comprehension and listening for vital information which will enable the student
to reach Checkpoint C of the New York State Regents Foreign Language Syllabus. At
this level, the student is able to participate in conversations with a non-English speaking
Spanish language speaker. The comprehensive New York State Regents exam is given at
the conclusion of the course.
SPANISH IV
1 Regents credit * 6 times/cycle/full cycle
Spanish IV is a further study of the language exploring traditional Spanish literature.
HEALTH
HEALTH
½ local credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
Health is usually taken in 10th grade. Each student is required to take health for one
semester during their high school years. Units covered are mental health, tobacco,
alcohol and drugs, safety and first aid, infectious diseases, physical fitness, CPR and
nutrition.
DRIVER EDUCATION
½ local credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
The classroom phase meets for 30 hours and the car phase meets over 24 hours. These
times meet the requirements for both New York State and Pennsylvania. Topics covered
in the classroom are traffic laws, drive techniques, SIPDE process, driving in adverse
conditions, evasive action, alcohol and other drugs and insurance. Each student is
required to have a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license. Instruction will take place in
the village, secondary roads and on four-lane highways. A blue card will be given upon
successful completion of the course. Students must pass both phases with a 75% or better
to receive the blue card. Students will usually receive a discount from their insurance
company after successful completion of the course.
OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION TO OCCUPATIONS
1 local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
In Introduction to Occupations, four areas are studied. Economics of business deals with
business terms, structure and setting up a business. Differences in world economic
systems are investigated. Getting A Job includes interest inventories and aptitude tests.
Students learn to fill out applications, complete cover letters and resumes, what to expect
at an interview and how to keep a job. The Financial Management section is devoted to
simulations where the students keep financial records for single adults and families at
different life stages. They pay bills, keep the checkbook and record of receipts and
payments. They learn about budgeting and household expenses. Students explore
careers that they have interest in and discover qualifications, pay expectations,
responsibilities involved and training required. This course is required for students who
want to attend the BOCES Program or can be combined with other elective courses in
Business, Music or Art for one-3 unit sequence.
BUSINESS
KEYBOARDING
½ credit * 6 times/cycle/full
No prerequisite
The keyboarding content of this course is designed to help students develop alphabetic
and numeric keyboarding skills using touch control on computers. Business letters,
tables, reports and term papers will be introduced for personal use. This course is highly
recommended for the college-bound student.
KEYBOARDING AND COMMUNICATIONS
1 local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
No prerequisite
A required course for all business majors, this course is recommended for tenth graders.
The course is composed of three modules: keyboarding, keyboarding applications and
business communications. The keyboarding/keyboarding applications content of this
course is designed to prepare students to develop alphabetic and numeric skills on
computers. Students will develop word processing skills and learn the correct format for
business letters, reports, tables and manuscripts. In communications, listening, speaking,
reading and writing skills are emphasized and developed within the context of business
and technical applications. The nature of communications in today’s business society,
the language system, and technical aspects of language are included.
ACCOUNTING I
1 local credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
This course is designed to develop occupational competencies in double-entry
accounting. This course covers the entire accounting cycle including special journals
such as cash receipts, cash payments, sales, and purchases journals, posting to ledgers,
preparing financial statements and closing procedures. Students will receive instruction
with accounting software and computer usage during the second semester
ACCOUNTING II
1 local credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
Prerequisite: Accounting I
This course is designed to develop competencies essential for a range of entry-level
accounting positions and especially recommended for those students who anticipate
advanced studies in accounting and business administration at the college level.
Specialized topics include the following: plant assets, depreciation, promissory notes,
deferrals and accruals, and accounting control systems. Students will use professional
accounting software on the computer and become familiar with spreadsheets and
analyzing the financial condition of a business.
BUSINESS ANALYSIS/BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
1 local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
Prerequisite: Keyboarding/Communications
Business Analysis emphasizes the interrelationships of basic business functions with the
common goal of the business, the primary objective being to enable students to perceive
the common components of business as they are related to the whole.
Business Computer Applications emphasizes a hands-on approach to providing to the
student specific applications of computer technology in business and industry. Contents
of the course are based on basic business functions and word processing, spreadsheet,
data base, and graph skills are developed and applied.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
½ local credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
This class will examine basic desktop publishing, database management, spreadsheets,
drawing/painting applications and communications software. In addition to these areas,
students will examine other forms of software that will help them succeed in today’s
technology driven society. Finally, students will also be encouraged to look at some of
the social ramifications of the computer in our society.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
½ local credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
This course will teach basic programming skills utilizing the Hyper Card authoring
program and the Hyper Talk programming language. Students will learn basic animation
skills and a wide variety of authoring skills to produce interactive, multimedia programs
of their own.
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN COMPUTERS
½ local credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
This course is intended for the serious computer student and allows the student to utilize
their knowledge and skills to work independently on the computer. Students will utilize a
wide variety of software to complete projects designated by the instructor and conceived
by themselves.
WEB PAGE DESIGN
1 Local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
This course is for the serious computer student and allows the class to design and publish
the school’s web page. Students will learn and use the HTML language, the digital
camera and appropriate software programs.
ART
The visual arts are unique forms of knowledge and expression which nurture a range of
intelligence and allow people to give creative and critical expression to their deepest
thoughts and insights about themselves and the world. It is necessary, therefore, that all
students, regardless of their backgrounds, talents, or abilities, to have a comprehensive,
sequential, fully integrated education in the visual arts. Student’s artistic experience
provides opportunities for growth in effective communication, imaginative problem
solving, harmonious collaboration and independent risk taking.
The high school art program is designed for the art major, the serious student who is
interested in pursuing high education in the art field. The development of a portfolio that
displays the student’s abilities in a variety of art forms is a major goal. In order to
achieve the variety and quality work necessary toward this goal, the program is made up
of different and specific art disciplines that rotate.
For the non-art major, along with the completion of competent self-expressive works of
art, the program provides a variety of learning skills that promotes the development of
technical skills and creative-independent thinking, and aesthetic principles of art history
and visual theories of art.
Extracurricular art activities include the Olympics of the Visual Arts held in Albany,
Odyssey of the Mind in Oneonta and many individual art and poster competitions.
STUDIO IN ART (COMPREHENSIVE FOUNDATION COURSE – CFA)
1 local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
A year long introductory art course designed to provide a foundation for any advanced
course as well as meet the requirements for graduation. The emphasis of the course is a
concentrated study of the elements and principles of design, using a wide range of media.
TECHNICAL DRAWING
1 local credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
The first half year is designed to introduce students to a variety of experiences in the
drafting area. Students are expected to develop the skills needed to represent the shape
and size of various objects. This course provides an excellent foundation for anyone
going into technical education. The second semester is devoted to using the skills
obtained to solve numerous technical design problems.
STAGE DESIGN
1 credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
This course will introduce the student to the application of the elements and principles of
visual design to the specific problems encountered in stage design. The course will
provide background and instruction in historical and contemporary styles and trends,
stage sets, lighting, costumes, makeup, mask making and puppetry. Students will design
and create sets and produce a puppet show.
DRAWING AND PAINTING I AND II
½ credit each * 6 times/cycle/half year each
An art course designed to develop recognition and skill in traditional fine art. A variety
of drawing medium and experiences will be included in this in-depth exploration of line,
value, color and composition. Opaque and transparent painting medium will be explored
in a variety of traditional applications. Students will need to be serious about their intent
as the pace of this course may be demanding. Drawing and Painting I will include pencil,
chalk, pastels, charcoal, water colors and mixed media. Drawing and Painting II will
include advanced pencil drawing, ink and felt tip pens, acrylic painting and oil painting.
CERAMICS I AND II
½ credit each * 6 times/cycle/half year each
This is an advanced art course dealing with the various methods of pottery making from
the simplest hand-built techniques to throwing on the potter’s wheel. Emphasis will be
placed on design principles and the historic and cultural (Asian, European and Native
American) aspects of ceramics. Students should be serious about their intent and be
prepared for out of class work time.
PRINTMAKING
½ credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
A ½ year course designed to develop skill in the four traditional divisions of printmaking:
relief print, intaglio, lithography and serigraphy. This course will challenge student’s
abilities, raising their creative potential to the highest level.
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
1 credit * 6 times/cycle/full year
A course for Senior art majors interested in pursuing a career in art. Students will
produce a comprehensive and well-balanced commencement portfolio of their work on
slides or video.
MODERN ART
½ credit * 6 times/cycle/half year
An advanced art course designed to provide an overview of 20th Century art styles such
as Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Non-objective,
Pop Art and Psychedelic Art. Artists that influenced these styles will be studied.
Students will learn how to create non-objective art and how to abstract representational
images. Course involvement will include studio experiences in a variety of mediums
such as acrylic and tempera paint, collage, paste and printmaking techniques through
lecture, discussion, demonstration and field trips.
Additional courses developed as interests/needs increase:
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Jewelry Making
Folk Art
Computer Graphics
Computer Animation/Animation
MUSIC
CHORUS
1 local credit * 3 times/cycle plus performances
Prerequisite: Student must demonstrate proficiency in vocal technique
The high school chorus is made up of students in grades 9-12 who demonstrate
proficiency in vocal technique as well as a desire to perform in a music organization.
The group performs three major concerts a year, Christmas, Pops and Spring Concerts.
The chorus also performs for various social functions such as the PTO and Rotary.
Individual chorus members also audition for membership into All-County and All-State
Music Festivals throughout the year. Rehearsals are scheduled every day during the
regular school day. Daily rehearsals include vocal warm-ups, sight-reading, performance
techniques and the preparation of concert repertoire. Repertoire includes a wide range of
musical styles, from the Classics to Rock n’Roll. The students are taught the
fundamentals of singing and the art of showmanship, emphasizing the fundamentals of
good musicianship. Vocal lessons are also available during the school day.
SWING CHOIR
1 local credit * 3 times/cycle plus performances
Prerequisite: Audition
The Swing Choir is a vocal ensemble which performs a variety of styles of music,
including classical, jazz, pop and Broadway. The Swing Choir is open by audition only.
BAND
1 local credit * 3 times/cycle/plus performances
Band provides a musical outlet for young instrumentalists at the high school level.
Instruments included in instruction include members of the brass, woodwind, and
percussion families. Individual or small group lessons are mandatory to receive a full
credit and are scheduled on a rotating basis. The aim of the instrumental teacher is skill
mastery. The student will understand and be able to demonstrate basic and advanced
musical concepts and techniques (i.e., note reading, rhythmic and dynamic identification,
key and time signature, stylistic and period markings, etc.)
The band performs pre-game at all home football games when school is in session. In
addition, we participate in homecoming and Memorial Day parades, pep rallies, at least
three yearly concerts and other performances. Varsity football players and cheerleaders
are excused from pre-game activities, but not from concerts, rehearsals and performances.
Arrangements are made with the athletic director to accommodate sports during each
appropriate season.
BOCES
The following occupational education courses are offered at the Robert W. Harrold
Education Campus located in Sidney Center, New York. Students may select a course
according to their interests. Each course is 3.00 credits/6 times cycle/full year. The
course selection may vary from year to year as needs/interests arise.
AGRICULTURAL AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT/HYDRAULICS AND DIESEL
MECHANICS
This is a multifaceted program exploring the design and repair of many different types of
equipment from small chain saws and weeders up to heavy construction equipment used
on farms and for recreation. Students are taught to use hand tools, trade related power
tools and test equipment on projects that are designed to develop their troubleshooting
and repair skills.
AUTOBODY
Students build competencies in repairing, refinishing, and painting damaged vehicles in
the auto body shop on campus. Providing collision estimates and figuring customer
changes are an important aspect of this program. Skills learned include: glass
replacement, removing dents, frame straightening, spray painting and replacement of
parts and trim.
AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS/AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Actual diagnostic repair work comprises a large portion of this program. Students are
taught to use hand tools and electronic testing devices. They master competencies in auto
electronics, exhaust and suspension systems, emission control, carburetion, fuel injection
and motor vehicle inspection.
BUILDING TRADES
This program instructs with hands-on experiences and focuses on four construction trade
areas: carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical. It’s designed to prepare students for
immediate employment in the construction trades or further education. Job sites include
on and off campus construction projects.
CHILD CARE
Students may enroll in this program for one year or extend their education in the more
advanced two-year program. They master competencies in teaching art, music, science
and games to children. Students also focus on competencies in language arts, nutrition,
health care, child development and discipline. The preschool program on campus
provides the environment for hands-on instruction.
COMMERCIAL FOODS
This course is designed for students seeking careers in the dynamic, exciting technical
food management field in hotels, restaurants, and institutions. Students learn menu
planning, food storage, inventory control and management skills. Through work
experience in our student-run kitchens and dining rooms, they will learn the many facets
of meal preparation, baking and table service.
CONSERVATION
Students master competencies in heavy equipment operation, welding, surveying, forestry
and land use regulations using the 150 acre campus property and adjoining lands as their
laboratory. They construct roads, ponds, sanitary systems, produce maple syrup, manage
forest resources and learn the basic operation of bulldozers, backhoes, loaders and
excavators.
COSMETOLOGY
This course provides students with the total hours of instruction and practical experience
needed to be employed as New York State licensed cosmetologists after they pass their
state board exam taken upon completion of this program. First-year students master basic
cosmetology competencies with an opportunity to refine their skills during their second
year. A clinic, opened to the public offers them actual salon experience.
DRAFTING
Using traditional drafting tools as well as the latest Computer-Assisted Drafting (CAD)
equipment, students in this program are trained to produce sophisticated engineering
drawings. They will master competencies in measurement, dimensioning procedures,
orthographic projections, geometric construction, auxiliary views, isometric drawings and
geometric tolerancing to industry standards.
ELECTRONICS
Students master competencies in troubleshooting, assembly and repair or robots, TV’s,
VCR’s, stereos and microcomputers through hands-on experience. Areas of study
include DC and AC electronics, semiconductors, circuit construction, digital soldering,
telecommunications, fiber optics and microcomputers. Electronic related careers are
among the fastest growing areas of employment.
GRAPHIC ARTS/PRINTING
Students use state of the art computer equipment to learn modern graphic arts and
printing techniques. This program was designed with the assistance of printers from our
BOCES district.
INFORMATION PROCESSING/COMPUTER SYSTEMS OPERATION
This program is ever-changing based on needs assessed by business and industry.
Students master competencies in computer systems, software applications, and electronic
office equipment. Continuous upgrading of the technology used prepares students for the
workforce or college. Software applications mastered range from simple to highly
sophisticated programs.
LANDSCAPING AND GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT
Students master competencies as they plant, grow and maintain plants in the 2,000 square
foot campus greenhouse. They engage in hands-on projects that teach them landscape
design, turf management and the operation of a nursery. In the student run floral shop,
they can sharpen their “people” skills as they display and sell their floral arrangements.
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSING
This ten month program is offered to students who wish to take their state licensing
examination in Practical Nursing. They receive most of their classroom instruction at
BOCES campus including: Nursing I & II, Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology,
Pharmacology, Growth and Development, Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Basic Nutrition.
They also fulfill their clinical experience requirements at area hospitals and nursing
homes (adults only).
NURSE ASSISTING/HEALTH OCCUPATIONS
Students develop the skills necessary to care for patients in community health centers,
hospitals, nursing homes, or in private homes. Skills such as CPR, Emergency First Aid,
body structure and function, and the use of medical terminology are taught in the
classroom with hands-on training provided in local nursing homes and hospitals.
PRECISION METAL MACHINING
Classroom instruction includes blueprint reading, metallurgy and use of measurement
tools. Students master competencies in hands-on applications including machining,
interpreting drawings, grinding and forming individual projects with use of new
computerized numerically controlled (CNC) machines.
SECURITY AND LAW
This program provides extensive training in patrol, criminal law investigation, and
security work helping students master the competencies needed for immediate
employment. Work experience is incorporated into the second year program providing
students with opportunities to work in such locations as the sheriff’s department, county
court, local police agencies and private security.
UNIQUE CAREER PLACEMENT
This program enables high school seniors to investigate future careers such as law,
graphic arts, veterinary science, travel and tourism, fashion merchandising and real
estate. Students work with a selected mentor in their field of interest for ten hours a
week. Additionally, they also spend one-half day a week on the BOCES campus for
related instruction.
WELDING
Students develop nationally certifiable welding skills established by the American
Welding Society. The program equips students with the basic technical and manipulative
skills needed for entry level employment in shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc
welding, gas metal arc welding, submerged arc welding, gas welding and metal
fabrication on both plate and pipe.