Governance Board & Leadership Team
March 23, 2022 2022-03-23 11:43Governance Board & Leadership Team
Electives 2022-2023
High School Electives 2022-2023
English Department
High School
English Grade 9
The 9th grade year English course establishes the foundation for the study of composition and literature. Ninth Graders are both tested on and expected to establish these habits for success not only in English but in their other classes. The study of composition begins with a focus on grammar (parts of speech, parts of sentence, phrases, and clauses) as well as punctuation and agreement rules. Students will practice writing in various sentence patterns; they will also write letters, paragraphs and multi-paragraph essays, practicing narrative, descriptive, expository, and argumentative modes of discourse. The study of vocabulary takes an etymological approach so that students learn to build meaning rather than memorize definitions. Literature samples each of these genres: short story, essay, poetry, drama, and novel. We follow the California Common Core Standards.
English Grade 10
This course emphasizes the use of world literature to be read widely and critically in alignment with the Common Core Standards. The world literature book is arranged into short stories, dramas, poetry and non-fiction from around the world and different time periods. 10th grade English builds upon the writing skills of grade 9 with the construction process of the well-wrought theme (3-5 paragraphs) as the major goal. Included are elements of unity, coherence, and emphasis; inductive and deductive reading; and four types of themes: exposition, narration, description, and argumentation. Vocabulary building continues with the study of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Students also learn and apply to their own writing the Modern Language Association (MLA) requirements for documentation. Formal grammar instruction continues from ninth grade. American literature from the Colonial Period to the present is surveyed in chronological and/or thematic units.
English Grade 11
The focus this year is on the history, culture, and major writers of different eras of American Literature. Students are expected to respond critically to written assignments and class discussions. Creative writing is examined this year and students will be expected to explore and develop crafting skills and strategies for writing various types of essays, character sketches, poems, and short stories. In addition, there will be elements of research discussed and research writing developed. Emphasis will be placed on following the Common Core Standards, the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing and publishing. Students will also develop testing strategies to assist in preparation for the SAT.
With an early focus on preparation for the PSAT, students continue their study and application of grammar (specifically verb usage, parallel structure, effective coordination/subordination of ideas), and effective essay writing. Writing assignments demonstrate literary analysis as well as synthesis of multiple sources according to correct MLA documentation. Students practice not only strategies for timed writings but also steps to the writing process. Vocabulary study continues with a text different from that used in English 1 and English 2. A survey of British literature includes the earliest English epic Beowulf, readings from Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, as well as samplings from the works of Donne, Milton, Blake, Eliot, Yeats, and others at the teacher’s discretion.
Approved by the College Board, this restricted course is designed for seniors interested in reading, discussing, and writing about some of the most famous and important works and authors in literature. Because this course also fulfills requirements for a freshman college composition course, essays are regularly scheduled. This course must be taken for two semesters.
Math Department
High School
Algebra 1 (with Geometry Supplement) (Grade 9)
This course offers students the opportunity to study Algebraic
concepts, using Common Core Standards as a guide, in order to attain an
increased level of mastery of the material. This one-year double-period
course will teach students the basics of the number system and the use of
algebraic expressions and equations. The course will cover functions, graphs,
and applications. It will also develop the skills necessary to continue college-prep
study. Topics covered include properties of real numbers; representation of
verbal expressions as mathematical expressions; methods for solving equations,
inequalities and application problems; proportions; factoring; simplifying
rational and radical expressions; forms of linear equations and graphing
techniques; and methods for solving systems of equations and quadratics. Algebraic
skills (particularly work with ratios, simplification of and operations with
radicals) are applied.
In this course, students
learn geometry concepts from Euclidean and algebraic concepts. Students
engage in activities which require them to identify, analyze, and solve
problems involving the following topics: segments, angles, triangles,
quadrilaterals, polyhedral, circles, spheres, transformations, if-then
statements, and proofs. Course work includes studying how geometry
relates to algebra through an exploration of analytical geometry and its
graphs. The course emphasizes the need
for students to comprehend the abstract and symbolic nature of geometry.
Geometry (Grade
10)
In this course, students
learn geometry concepts from Euclidean and algebraic perspectives using the
Common Core Standards as a guide.
Course work includes studying how geometry relates to algebra through an
exploration of analytical geometry and its graphs. The course emphasizes the need for students
to comprehend the abstract and symbolic nature of geometry. This course covers
geometric terms and processes, logic, and problem solving. Various forms of
proof are studied. Emphasis is placed upon reasoning and problem solving skills
gained through study of the following major topics: angle relationships,
congruent and similar triangles, geometric inequalities, parallel lines and
their applications to quadrilaterals, areas of a polygon and circular regions,
arcs and angle measures related to circles, surface area and volume of solids,
and coordinate geometry. Trigonometry will be introduced as it applies to
geometry. Algebraic skills (particularly work with ratios, simplification of
and operations with radicals) are applied.
Algebra 2 (Geometry and Precalculus) Grade 11
This course offers
students the opportunity to study advanced algebraic concepts using Common Core
Standards while further developing the student’s understanding of algebraic
& geometric methods. All concepts of Algebra 2 are emphasized including
quadratic equations, polynomials, logarithms, exponential functions, analytical
geometry and its graphs, and the complex number system. Problem solving
skills, study skills, and student responsibility are also emphasized throughout
the course.
The course also covers
geometric terms and processes, logic, and problem solving. Various forms of
proof are studied. Emphasis is placed upon reasoning and problem solving skills
gained through study of the following major topics: angle relationships,
congruent and similar triangles, geometric inequalities, parallel lines and
their applications to quadrilaterals, areas of a polygon and circular regions,
arcs and angle measures related to circles, and surface area and volume of
solids. Trigonometric functions as ratios of sides of right triangles and
as related to circular and simple harmonic motion; applications; methods for
graphing; trigonometric identities, equations and formulas; inverse
trigonometric functions; Law of Sines and of Cosines; trigonometric form of complex
numbers and DeMoivre’s Theorem, exponential and logarithmic functions,
including the natural logarithm; determinants and Cramer’s Rule; Binomial
Theorem; sequences, including arithmetic and geometric; combinations,
permutations and probability. A programmable graphing calculator is required.
Calculus (Grade 12)
This course provides
students with one semester of differential calculus and one semester of
integral calculus in alignment with Common Core Standards. Students who
successfully complete this course will have studied the equivalent of a first
semester of college calculus, less the proofs.
In addition, they are challenged to develop time management skills,
engage in critical thinking, and become mathematically literate.
Functions, limits, derivatives and their applications, integrals and
their applications, and related topics will be covered. Students are exposed to a variety of testing
formats including short answer, multiple choice items, and free response
questions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and not rote
procedures or memorization. The course requires approximately four to eight
hours per week of work outside of class.
Statistics and Probability (Elective)
Statistics acquaints students with the major concepts and tools for
asking statistical questions, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing
conclusions from them. Using Common Core
Standards as a guide, students will work on projects involving developing their
own questions, gathering and analyzing data they collect. Topics covered will include
describing data numerically and graphically, simulating events with probability,
observing distributions in outcomes, methods of inference, and correlation and
regression of data. Computers and calculators will allow students to focus
deeply on the concepts involved in statistics.
AP Calculus
Calculus AB
This is a one-year
course, and one semester of college credit may be earned upon passing the A.P.
Exam. Topics include limits, continuity, differential and integral calculus,
and related applications to include logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric
functions. This course is restricted to students who have at least 90% in
Algebra 2. Approval by the department is required.
Calculus BC
Approved by
College Board
Calculus BC is
a full-year course in the calculus of functions of a single variable. It
includes
all the topics
covered in AP Calculus AB plus additional topics such as polar and parametric
curves,
differential equations and infinite series. Two semesters of college credit may
be
available upon
passing the A.P. Exam. This course is restricted to students who have at least a
90% in Algebra
2. Approval by the department is required.
Science Departmet
Hight School
Biology (Grade 9)
Using the Next Generation Science Standards as a guide, this course is primarily centered around the study of life, exploring the major kingdoms and their interaction with each other, as well as the environment. Levels of development from simple to complex, ranging from cells to systems, will be studied. This course will include classifications, real life connections, and tips to remember content. Hands-on Laboratory and S.T.E.M. (Science Engineering Technology Math) projects will enhance the understanding of concepts through contact with the organisms being studied.
Chemistry (Grade 10)
This laboratory course is designed to develop a foundation of the science of chemistry in order to achieve a greater understanding of the world. Using the Next Generation Science Standards as a guide, students are introduced to the various processes, activities and concepts of chemistry with a cross-curricular mathematical approach. Current scientific developments will be examined along with their implication in today’s world. The topics include but are not limited to the study of the atomic structure of matter, the periodic table, chemical bonding, and chemical equations.
Physics (Grade 11)
Physics is an advanced level science class that satisfies the high school graduation requirement of a physical science class. Students should have successfully completed or currently enrolled Algebra 1. The physics curriculum includes interactions of matter and energy, velocity, accelerations, force, energy, momentum and charge. Students will be challenged to apply their knowledge of the laws of physics to solve physics related critical thinking problems. The course includes an overview of scientific principles and procedures, and leads students toward a clearer understanding of motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, and the laws that govern the physical universe. … Throughout the course, students solve problems, reason abstractly, and learn to think critically.
Biology (Honors)
This course is designed for the student who may be interested in pursuing a career in the biological or medical field. This academically rigorous course, guided by the Next Generation Science Standards, will build upon topics covered in Biology. The course is an introductory anatomy and physiology course (cross-curricular link), covering all of the organ systems, associated disorders, etc. This is a content heavy course, with a variety of lab demonstrations/activities, and students are expected to display excellent study habits and mature, involved classroom behavior in order to succeed. Students should be able to use high-level cognitive skills in order to connect content across the course as each unit builds on the previous units. This class will demonstrate some of the learning and assessment expectations of a 1st or 2nd year college biology program.
Chemistry (Honors)
This laboratory course will prepare the college bound student with a depth of understanding of the fundamentals of Chemistry, which is defined here as the study of the properties of matter as a consequence of its structure and behavior. The course encourages development of the student’s abilities to think logically and clearly using a problem-based, computationally rigorous approach involving the use of both traditional and computer labs. The course is intended to be an intense academic preparation for college level courses and the student should expect to spend at least four hours per week in individual study and review. Assessments in this course will use free-response, multiple-choice, and problem-solving questions to better prepare students to take the SAT subject test in Chemistry, and other college placement exams. This course will focus on applying chemical principles to predict and explain chemical behaviors observed in research, industry, and everyday life, which will lead students to a better understanding of how the physical world impacts their lives and values.
AP Biology
Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry and Biology or Honors Biology
AP Biology will engage you in a full-year, introductory college-level biology course. You will investigate the ‘Big Ideas’ of life science: Evolution, Information Storage and Transfer, Energetics, and Systems Interactions. Using science practices, you will formulate your own valid explanations of life science phenomena and design and carry out original laboratory investigations of important biological topics. This course will prepare you to succeed in further college-level science study and the national AP® Biology Exam given by the College Board.
AP Chemistry
Prerequisite: Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
As a second-year course, AP Chemistry is designed for students who seek a deeper understanding of the structure of matter and how this correlate to its behavior. All of the major topics discussed in Honors Chemistry are revisited in more detail, with an emphasis on the theory behind the general concepts presented in the first–year chemistry course. This course is the equivalent of a one–year college–level introductory chemistry course and is structured around the nine topics and the science practices articulated in the AP Chemistry curriculum framework provided by the College Board.
AP Physics (Algebra Based)
Prerequisites Physics or Honors Physics
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.
The following 2 courses are calculus based
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Electricity and Magnetism is a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study and activities as well as hands-on laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation.
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: Mechanics is a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through
Social Studies and Business Department
Hight School
World Geography Grade 9
This course will introduce the student to the description, analysis, explanation and representation of natural phenomena such as: Earth- Sun relationships; Earth’s representation on maps and in air photos; temperature, moisture, and pressure; air masses, fronts, and storms; and landform evolution by tectonic, erosion, and depositional forces This course is a systematic study of the elements of the physical environment (e.g. weather, climate, landforms, water, soil and vegetation), and an analysis of their interrelationships and patterns of world distribution.
Sociology Grade 10
The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of human behavior and its role in society through the study of society, human social behavior, and social groups. Topics to be covered in this course include, but are not limited to: 1) deviance, crime and social control; 2) population and aging; 3) economic/social stratification; 4) collective behavior; and 5) marriage and families. The content is taught using English/Language Arts Common Core Standards. The student will be expected to incorporate current events into the study of these issues. Consideration will be given throughout the course to the study of geography and its influence upon individuals and events.
Business (Elective)
The course provides core content applicable to all aspects of business and encompasses the practical applications of management theory. Students will be introduced to fundamental management functions including planning, organizing, leading and controlling from multiple perspectives. The course is designed with a skills based approach and focuses on: the business environment, different types of business ownership, how to lead and manage a business, how to find, hire, and keep the best employees, how to use social media and technology to promote your business, how to manage your business financially. By the end of this course, students will be able to take courses such as finance and accounting having established a very sound background.
Accounting (Elective)
This course teaches students the basic accounting practices and procedures for operating business. Concepts taught will include journalizing and posting transactions, preparation of financial statements, petty cash, and payroll. In addition, students will learn about ethics and social responsibility
World History (Elective)
Students will study the fundamental cultures and events that have been particularly significant in the development of major civilizations from the first millennium on. The first semester will emphasize European Feudalism, the development of Islamic Empires, the dynastic traditions of China, Imperial Japan, and Native American societies. In the second semester, students concentrate on a thematic study of global history, highlighting the process of developing global economic systems, imperialism, industrialization, revolutions in politics, modern warfare, and 20th century society.
Microeconomics (Elective)
Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy.
Macroeconomics or AP Macroeconomics (Electives)
AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level macroeconomics course. Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies.
Other High School Electives
High School
Visual Arts (Painting and Drawing)
Students will develop an understanding and knowledge of line, shape, perspective, proportion, volume, and composition. Students will develop a full range of drawing skills, expand their vocabulary of mark making, make accurate perceptual drawings, and use those skills to hone their ability to self-express. Drawing is a basic studio course in the media and techniques of drawing. In class activity will emphasize the study and mastery of two-dimensional representation, multiple different drawing media, and teach students how to make informed choices in their methods of representation in order to accurately communicate with others through visual image making. Students will achieve an understanding of composition, mass, form, texture, space, value, and color. Students will also be introduced to the basic unifying principles of image making and how to utilize them to create compelling and memorable works.
Painting is a basic studio course in the media and techniques of painting. Activity will emphasize the study of color, structure, creativity, and aesthetic values in general. A command of techniques and materials, both traditional and experimental, will be taught.
Performing Arts: English Drama
This course strengthens a student’s creativity skills in becoming a successful storyteller. Project-based learning methods explore each student’s unique way of thinking and communicating as he investigates the synthesis of basic theatrical concepts into a cohesive whole. Important learning objectives include the analysis and application of physical communication styles, dramatic structure principles, and oral interpretation techniques. On a daily basis, students will rehearse and perform projects exploring creative visualization and communication feedback while collaborating with their classmates in an expressive learning environment. Acting Workshop is designed for the kinesthetic learner with a need to enhance his English skills, develop self-confidence, and boost self-esteem through fun, challenging, and non-traditional classroom activity. The first semester explores the fundamentals of becoming a confident and informed performer. The second semester synthesizes these basics by analyzing the actor’s understanding of performing styles and his connection to the history of theatrical art. By the end of the second semester, students will have performed in a variety of theatrical styles including improvisation, Shakespeare, and stage combat.
Design and Technology
This class is an introduction to the fundamental principles of two-dimensional design. Students will achieve an understanding of line, form, texture, pattern, space, value, and color. Students will be introduced to the unifying principles of design and how to utilize them to create a compelling, easily understandable, and memorable image. Problems dealing with spatial organization, measurement, and composition are emphasized in numerous two-dimensional projects. Students will develop basic design skills through hands-on, tactile, project-based artworks that explore positive and negative space, scale and form, patterns, color, and image reproduction. Assignments explore the manipulation of numerous two-dimensional media, printmaking techniques, manual image reproduction, and proper usage of manual design tools.
AP Computer Science A is an introductory college-level computer science course. Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures. Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a description of the course requirements necessary for student success, with a focus on big ideas that encompass core principles, theories, and processes of the discipline. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced computer science coursework and its integration into a wide array of STEM-related fields.
Program and Coding
Introduction to Coding covers a basic introduction to the principles of programming, including algorithms and logic. Students engage in hands-on programming tasks in the Python programming language as they write and test their own code using the approaches real programmers use in the field.
Physical Education
This course is designed for freshmen and provides a well-rounded exposure to a multitude of physical activities that prepare the student for a lifetime of good health. Students participate in units designed to provide a wide array of experiences in the physiological and psychological participation in sport and physical activity.
Health and Food
This course is designed to cover fundamental and current topics in healthy habits and wellness. This semester course focuses on the six dimensions of health: mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social. Throughout the term we will cover areas of conflict resolution, injury prevention, alcohol and other drugs, community and environmental health, family health and, mental and emotional health, nutrition, personal and consumer health, physical activity, and tobacco. This course provides a well-rounded exposure to a multitude of physical activities that prepare the student for a lifetime of good health.
