JOHNSTON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 

 

 

 

 

 

 


A Rhode Island Department of Education

Regents’ Commended School – 2005, 2006

 

2007,2008
PROGRAM OF STUDIES and COURSE SELECTION BOOKLET
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


JOHNSTON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

 

2007-2008

 

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The mission of Johnston High School, in partnership with the parents and the community, is to promote the academic, social, physical, and psychological well being of each student. Together we will create an institution responsive to the needs of an ever-changing society by offering rigorous and dynamic programs, which challenge all students to achieve high standards, become life-long learners and lead self-fulfilling, productive lives.

 

 

 

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS (SE)

 

The Johnston High School Student:

 

  1. Takes responsibility for his/her learning.
  2. Demonstrates the ability to be an autonomous learner.
  3. Understands and demonstrates a sense of community and good citizenship.
  4. Reads actively and critically for a variety of purposes.
  5. Writes and speaks effectively.
  6. Listens and views materials actively and critically.
  7. Reasons effectively and solves problems.
  8. Understands the concepts of personal physical fitness and good health.
  9. Understands and applies technological concepts.
  10. Performs and applies numeracy skills for a variety of purposes.

 

 

All courses in the Program of Studies address Student Expectations (SE) by number (1-10) as indicated in parentheses after the course description.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOHNSTON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

PROGRAM OF STUDIES

2007 - 2008

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

                                                                        Page Number

 

Mission and Expectations                                                                                 2 

Accreditation Statement                                                                                    4

Affirmative Action Policy                                                                                  4

JHS Telephone Numbers                                                                                   5

Graduation Requirements                                                                                                 6-7

Grading                                                                                                                  7

Honor Roll                                                                                                            7-8

Weighted Rank System                                                                                      8

Class Standing/Grade Level                                                                              8                                             

Course Credit                                                                                                       8

Course Selection Procedures                                                                             8-9

Course Changes                                                                                                   9

Release of Records                                                                                             10

Selective Service Registration                                                                           10

College Entrance/Career Interest Exams                                                        10-11

College Admissions Requirements                                                                   11

Student Support Services                                                                                   11-13

                                                English as a Second Language                                                         11

                                                Guidance                                                                                               11-13

                                                Special Education                                                                               13

Student Health Services                                                                                     13-14

Library Media Services                                                                                      14-15

Academic Program General Information                                                       15-16

Art                                                                                                          17-19

Business                                                                                                                20-22

                                                                National Academy of Finance                                         23

English Language Arts                                                                        24-28

Interdisciplinary Courses                                                                   29

International Languages                                                                    30-32

Mathematics                                                                                        33-37

Performing Arts                                                                                    38-39

Physical Education/Health                                                                                40-42

Science                                                                                                  43-47

Social Studies                                                                                       48-52

                Academy of Law, Public Safety and Security               52

                                Course Listing by Department                                                                          53-56

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

 

Johnston Senior High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions, offering postgraduate instruction. Accreditation of an institution by the New England Association indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality, periodically applied through a peer group review process. An accredited school or college is one which has available the necessary resources, to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so and given reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.

 

Accreditation by the New England Association is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of the quality of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

 

Inquiries regarding the status of an institution’s accreditation by the New England Association should be directed to the administrative staff of the school or college. Individuals may also contact the Association.

 

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

209 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA.  01730-1433

(617) 271-0022

 

 

JOHNSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY

 

Johnston Public Schools’ policy prohibits discrimination based upon age, physical handicap, sex, marital status, sexual preference, gender identity or expression, race, religion, national origin, color, creed, or political affiliation. No employee or applicant shall be denied employment because of discriminatory practices.

 

 It should be noted that in accordance with Title IX every effort is being made so that all students have an equal opportunity to enroll in any course established for their grade and preparation, regardless of sex.

 (Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action)

 

 

 

 

 

 

HIGH SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER

(401) 233-1920

 

HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

 

Dr. Elizabeth Mantelli, Principal                                             Ext 2602

Ms. Alicia J. Storey, Assistant Principal                                 Ext 2701

 

GUIDANCE

                                                                                                                     For Last Name:

Ms. Wilma Palmaccio, Department Chairperson                    Ext 2706         V-Z  

Mrs. Deana Lavoie                                                                  Ext 2705         Mi-U

Ms. Debbie Licciardi                                                              Ext 2704         E-Me

Mrs. Katie Welnowski                                                            Ext 2703         A-D

 

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

(401) 233-1900

Mrs. Margaret Iacovelli                                                           Superintendent of Schools

Mrs. Kathryn Crowley                                                            Assistant Superintendent

Mrs. Melissa Devine                                                               Business Manager

Mrs. Carolyn Roseman                                                           Director of Special Education

 

JOHNSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

 

Mrs. Janice Miele, Chairperson                       Mrs. Lorraine Iafrate  

Mr. John Conti, Vice Chairman                      Mr. Robert LaFazia

Mrs. Sandra Comella-Gabaree

                                                                       

                                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Johnston High School

DIPLOMA SYSTEM

 

To earn a Johnston High School Diploma, students must complete 23 credits, successfully complete a graduation portfolio, and participate in end of course departmental assessments and the Rhode Island state assessment.

 

Credits

All students will successfully complete 23 credits in the following subjects to be eligible to graduate:

 

English                                    4.0

Mathematics                            4.0

Science                                    3.0

PE/Health                                2.0

American History                    2.0

Social Studies                         1.0

Fine Arts                                   .5

Computer Applications           1.0

Electives                                  5.5 

Minimum Credits                  23.0

 

Graduation Portfolios

All students will prepare, maintain, and successfully present a graduation portfolio, with a summative reflection, to be eligible to graduate.  Graduation portfolios contain a minimum of 10 tasks with reflections from the following specified subject areas:

 

2 English Language Arts Tasks

            2 Math Tasks

2 Science Tasks

2 Social Studies Tasks

1 Fine Arts Task

1 Technology Task (May be embedded in another task.)

Departments’ End of Course Assessments

All students will take end of course assessments which are standardized by, and embedded in, courses. 

 

Rhode Island State Assessments

All students’ proficiency is assessed in 7 academic standards pertaining to reading, writing and mathematics on the Rhode Island state assessment. 

 

Transfer and Appeals

Students who transfer from another school will have their transcripts reviewed.  Graduation decisions are the responsibility of the principal.  Parents may appeal graduate/not graduate status by submitting a written request for a hearing to the principal

SUMMARY OF

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

 

Credits (23) in appropriate academic disciplines

Departments’ End of Course Assessments (embedded in courses)

Graduation Portfolio (including minimum 10 tasks with reflections and a summative reflection)

Rhode Island State Assessment

 

 

GRADING and ACADEMIC RANKING

 

Report cards are issued four times annually and interim reports are issued semi-quarterly. Numeric grades are used at Johnston High School.  All courses, including Physical Education and Health, are included in the numerical grade point average (GPA).

            Unweighted GPA                            Weighted GPA                        Quality Points                                         

          Based on numeric grades                      Multiply Unweighted GPA’s by                 Unweighted GPAs times

      Earned in Full Credit Courses                                   Appropriate Factors                           Appropriate Factors                                                                         

                                                                                Honors    College Prep/Career                Honors                    CollegePrep/Career

            Grade                     GPA                  Courses   Courses                                   Courses                   Courses

 

A+  =  97-100             4.30                 x 3       x 2                   =          12.90               8.60                

A =      94-96               4.00                 x 3       x 2                   =          12.00               8.00                

A- =     90-93               3.67                 x 3       x 2                   =          11.01               7.34

B+  =  87-89               3.30                 x 3       x 2                   =            9.90               6.60    

B =      84-86               3.00                 x 3       x 2                   =            9.00               6.00

B- =     80-83               2.67                 x 3       x 2                   =            8.01               5.34

C+ =    77-79               2.30                 x 3       x 2                   =            6.90               4.60

C  =     74-76               2.00                 x 3       x 2                   =            6.00               4.00    

C- =     70-73               1.67                 x 3       x 2                   =            5.01               3.34

F  =      below  70        0.00                                                     =            0                    0

 

The GPA recorded on the transcript is based on an unweighted 4.3 scale and is listed above in the GPA column which identifies the number of GPA units earned based on the final average earned in each full credit course.  (Semester course GPA’s are multiplied by .5 since they are worth .5 credits instead of one full credit.)  Total GPA units are divided by total credits earned for the student’s average GPA.  This unweighted GPA is the one which colleges typically use to make acceptance and scholarship decisions.  The honor roll is determined using unweighted GPA’s.

 

HONOR ROLL

 

Honor roll is computed each quarter and is not a cumulative honor.  The unweighted GPA is used to calculate honor roll.  The honor roll is reported to local newspapers so that students will receive recognition for their academic achievement.

HIGH HONORS:                  4.00 - 4.30  GPA

1st   HONORS:                       3.67 - 3.99  GPA

2nd  HONORS:                       3.00 - 3.66  GPA

3rd   HONORS:                       2.67 - 2.99  GPA

 

 

The weighted GPA scale is used only for the purpose of determining class rank.  This weighted GPA scale rewards students for taking honors, AP and EEP level courses.  To calculate the weighted GPA, a student multiplies the GPA earned for an honors level course by 3 and a college preparatory level course by a 2 to determine quality points.  (Semester courses, as with the unweighted GPA, are multiplied by .5)  The quality points for each course a student has passed are added up and the total quality points is the QPA (quality points accumulated).  The QPA is used to determine class rank which of course is important to colleges and which determines the valedictorian and salutatorian of each class.

 

VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

 

The valedictorian and the salutatorian of each class are those students whose weighted rank is first and second in the class, after seven semesters of high school.  To be selected valedictorian and salutatorian, students must have completed three semesters of academic work at Johnston High School. 

 

 

 

GRADE LEVEL CLASSIFICATION/CLASS STANDING

 

A student is placed in a specific grade according to the number of credits accumulated by the end of the school year.  Completion of summer school classes with a passing grade will add to a student’s accumulated credits.

 

2007-2010
CLASS STANDING

MINIMUM NUMBER

OF CREDITS

SOPHOMORE   (10)              

                5

     JUNIOR        (11)

               11

     SENIOR        (12)

               16

 

COURSE CREDIT

 

To receive credit for a course, the student must complete the course with a passing grade of 70 or above during the school year.  Summer school or tutoring will be accepted only under the conditions outlined in the policy of the Johnston School Department.  A student who passes a repeat course will have both the failure and a passing grade of 70 recorded on the transcript.

 

COURSE SELECTION PROCEDURES

 

The course selection process at Johnston Senior High School begins in spring when, in assemblies with their classmates, students listen to presentations by members of the Guidance Department. These sessions are meant to acquaint students with course offerings, graduation requirements, and the need for planning to meet life/ career objectives. Thoughtful, informed course selection is extremely critical and must be taken very seriously by students and parents. It is a process that must involve the recommendations of teachers, consideration of the student’s past performance, and future life plan.

 

As part of the process, all students must submit a course selection sheet signed by faculty and parents. Failure to submit the proper forms may result in a student not being properly scheduled. Once a program has been selected, loaded into the computer and approved, it will be considered final. It is based on these figures that materials and textbooks are purchased, teachers are hired, and rooms are scheduled. Adjustments must be made before the end of the current school year.

 

Courses will run if there is sufficient student request and available staff. If a class must be cancelled, students will be given the opportunity to make an alternative selection.  Students are encouraged to make responsible choices when initially selecting courses. Please be certain to:

 

·         Consult with your parents and guidance counselor.

·         Read all materials carefully before choosing courses.

·         Speak with your teachers about their recommendations.

·         Accurately record information on the course selection worksheet. Get all of the signatures you are required to have.

·         Turn in the worksheet when requested to do so. If you do not submit requests, a schedule will be generated for you.

·         Remember that there is no guarantee that all courses listed will be run. Student selection will determine which courses will run and which will not.

·         Courses may be combined at the discretion of the Administrator.

 

 

 

 

 

COURSE CHANGES

 

Careful thought must be given to each course selection. Discuss your choices with your counselor, teachers, and parents. Do not register for classes with the idea that changes will be made if things do not work out. A decision to elect a course is much like a contract. All changes in a student’s schedule will be made in accordance with the following guidelines and restrictions:

 

  1. Contact the guidance department as soon as you know a schedule change is necessary.
  2. Course changes are subject to the availability of space in the requested course. Teacher preferences cannot be the basis of course request changes.
  3. The guidance department will open for a limited time period in the summer for course change issues based on end of year and/or summer school status.
  4. During the first five days of a semester, schedule changes may be made for reasons including:
    1. Correcting an error in your schedule.
    2. Adding an additional course (Students are responsible for all work covered during their absence).
    3. Dropping a course provided the credit requirement is met.
  5. Courses will not be dropped after the first 5 days of the semester unless extenuating circumstances exist and a replacement course may be found.

 

RELEASE OF RECORDS

 

Federal law and school department regulations direct that individual school records cannot be released to any person or organization without the specific written consent of the parent or adult student who has reached his 18th birthday, unless specifically exempted by law or unless the student has clearly registered in another secondary school.  Such authorization shall clearly identify the recipient, the types of information being released, the length of time for which his or her release is valid, and the general purpose for which the records will be used.  In the event that such records are sent out without specific authorization (for example, by court order), the parent or adult student will be so informed. Records to other educational institutions may be released upon request if evidence shows that the student has registered there (unless specifically prevented by the parent); however every effort will first be made to have parental authorization.

 

Students seeking issuance of transcripts to colleges should be aware of additional requirements in addition to that of written consent.  There is a special form available in the Guidance Office that should be submitted to the Guidance secretary at least 10 school days in advance of the due date together with a stamped addressed 9” x 12” envelope or envelope provided by the college.  Students should consider the mailing transit time to assure arrival before the deadline.

 

Students sending college applications must submit a stamped addressed envelope for each grade report needed.  Counselors shall be given 10 school days to process the counselor’s portion of the application packet.

 

Transcripts issued to undergraduate students will be issued at no cost to the student; however, students must provide postage.  Graduate transcript fees are $2.00 per transcript.

 

SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION

 

All males, no later than 30 days after their 18th birthday, must register with the U.S. Selective Service.  Registering online is the recommended method of doing so.

 

 

CAREER RELATED ASSESSMENTS

 

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a career interest inventory offered to juniors and seniors at no cost or obligation.  The Guidance staff announces to all upper class students when and how they should register for this test.

 

 

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

2007-2008

PSAT/NMSQT

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is offered in October of each academic year.  The test is normed for students in the 11th grade, yet it is open to all students.  Juniors who take the test are eligible to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

 

SAT

The Scholastic Aptitude Test is offered numerous times per year.  Typically, students take the SAT in the spring of their junior year and then in the fall of their senior year.  Registration materials are available in the Guidance Office or online at http://www.collegeboard.com.  Students are responsible for mailing the registration materials or registering online.

 

SAT II

SAT II’s are subject tests (formerly known as Achievement Tests) that test knowledge in a specific area and are offered several times a year.  Some colleges may require as many as three SAT II tests.  Students are responsible for mailing registration materials or registering online.  The materials are available for students in the Guidance Office.

 

ACT

The ACT is offered several times a year.  The ACT is an alternative to the SAT, although not all colleges accept it in place of the SAT.  Typically, students take the ACT in the spring of their junior year and then again in fall of their senior year.  Registration materials are available in the Guidance Office.  Students are responsible for mailing the registration materials or registering on-line.  Further information is available at www.act.org.

 

 

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

 

     English…………………………………………………………………………   4 credits

     Mathematics (Alg.1, Alg.2, Geometry, College Alg., Pre-Calculus, Calculus)...  4 credits

     International Languages (high school level)……………...(one language)……    2-4 credits

     Social Studies………………………………………………………………….   3-4 credits

     Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, AP Science)………………………......    3-4 credits

 

Courses in art, music, humanities, computer science, etc. are suggested to complete a well-rounded program.

 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

 

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

 

The goal of the ESL program is to provide appropriate language experience so that students with limited English skills may become proficient in English. The program emphasizes the acquisition of interpersonal communication skills and encourages competitive academic skills. Instructional strategies promote effective speaking, reading, writing, listening and thinking in English. Credit is earned through all ESL courses.

 

GUIDANCE

 

The Guidance Department of Johnston High School, in partnership with the Rhode Island School Counselor Association, has implemented a comprehensive, school-counseling program.  This comprehensive counseling program serves as an organizational framework to provide multiple opportunities for students to meet the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) national standards.  Standards-based counseling has shifted the focus from a student-by-student system of service delivery to a comprehensive and developmental focus in the three domains that are fundamental to student success: academic, career and personal/social development.  School counselors work with all students, school staff, families, and members of the community as an integral part of the education program.  The counseling program provides an opportunity for all students to achieve success.  The program is data driven, and allows for review, analysis, and interpretation of data to make an ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of the school’s comprehensive guidance program.

 

School counseling programs promote success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention programs, and intervention activities, advocacy, and social/emotional and career development (American School Counselor Association, 1997).  This program meets the needs of students and schools in the 21st century.  The program further meets the requirements specified in the high school reform regulations adopted by the Rhode Island Board of Regents.

 

The responsibilities of Professional School Counselors include the following:

 

  1. To implement a comprehensive school counseling program as the infrastructure for personalization that includes an Individual Learning Plan for each student.
  2. To deliver components of the counseling program that articulate the nine standards in the academic, career and personal/social domains.
  3. To provide proactive leadership to ensure that every student can succeed.
  4. To support students with the challenges they encounter presented by school rigor, policies and the socialization pressures.
  5. To invest in making schools a welcoming learning community where all students can achieve academic, career, and personal/social success.
  6. To assist with the coordination of resources and services for students and families through community outreach.
  7. To collaborate with agencies to provide a variety of services and opportunities to students and their families.
  8. To advocate for the students they serve.
  9. To use their collaboration with all school community members.
  10. To incorporate group counseling, thereby impacting more students than in a one on one model.  This will increase the total number of student counselor interactions and help ensure that “no child is left behind”.
  11. To assist students and parents in tracking the progress of students toward graduation.
  12. To provide limited personal counseling.
  13. To assist the student in the development of academic, career, personal/social goals.
  14. To assist students in course selection and to help students adjust schedules as needed.
  15. To assist students by initiating exploration activities/programs that connect academic course work with career options: i.e., college selection, military service, trade and technical schools.
  16. To assist in the interpretations of individual and group tests.
  17. To provide information about students to their parents, to their teachers and to others who are professionally concerned in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.
  18. To help students make the transition from one level to another, from one school to another and from school to employment.
  19. To act as a consultant to parents, students, teachers and administrators by working together effectively to improve the educational experience for all students..
  20. To conduct evaluation and follow-up studies for purposes of improving guidance services.
  21. To assist parents and students with scholarship and financial aid information.
  22. To advise students about the following programs:  Concurrent Enrollment, Early Enrollment and Early Graduation.
  23. To participate as a member of the referral team (ET, RTI, SST).
  24. To serve as a member of the crisis intervention team.
  25. To assess student transcripts to ensure that they meet Johnston High School and the Rhode Island Department of Education’s graduation by proficiency requirements.

 

Students are assigned a counselor based on the first letter of their last name.

 

 

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION

 

Services are designed to enable students to make academic progress in the general education program curriculum whenever possible. These services are available for students who meet the federal guidelines. These services may include in-class support, social work services, speech and language services, occupational therapy services, out of classroom support, and specialized classes for students unable to make progress in the general education curriculum.

 

The Planning Center is a special education support service available to all special needs students and staffed by special educators to assist students in making progress in meeting the standards.

 

 

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

ROLE OF THE CERTIFIED SCHOOL NURSE-TEACHER

 

The Certified School Nurse-Teacher is a registered nurse who has a Bachelor’s Degree and is licensed to practice nursing by the Rhode Island Department of Health.  He/she also meets the certification criterion for School Nurse-Teachers set forth by the Rhode Island Department of Education.  The School Nurse-Teacher’s primary role is to protect and promote the health of students in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for School Health Programs as developed by the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Education.  The Certified School Nurse-Teacher may also function as a resource or an instructor in areas of education directly related to health and safety.  In the elementary schools, the Nurse-Teacher may be an itinerant, serving more than one building each day.  At the middle and high school levels, the Nurse-Teacher is in residence for the full school day.  The Certified School Nurse-Teacher, under the direction of the Superintendent, works directly with the school principal and staff members.

 

 

 

 

 

Services provided by the Certified School Nurse-Teacher may include:

 

 1.  Assessing injured and ill students, including appropriate treatment and follow-up.

 2.  Implementing and monitoring student compliance with state immunization laws.

 3.  Maintaining, updating, and properly storing student permanent health records.                    

 4.  Coordinating health screening programs (vision, scoliosis, hearing, dental, blood    
          pressure, height, weight, communicable disease) including planning    
          implementation, re-screening, referring and following-up.                                                                             

 5.  Interpreting medical data to meet the needs of children with special health problems.

 6.  Planning, implementing, and evaluating direct care to technology-dependent  
          students according to Children and Youth Assisted by Medical Technology in 
          Educational Settings:  Guidelines for Care by Porter, Haynie, Bierle, Caldwell, and
          Palfrey, 2nd Edition, Paul H. Brooks Publishing, 1997.

 7.  Working under guidelines of RI Department of Health to help prevent and control      
          outbreaks of communicable disease.

 8.  Participating in the Child Outreach Program, including planning, screening, re-
          screening, referral, and consultations for all health screenings.

 9.  Assisting in and monitoring sports and medical health examinations.

10. Providing health counseling to students, staff and families as needed.

11. Administering medication and monitoring and documenting the protocols.

12. Assessing, planning, treating, referring, and/or following-up on health problems that
          may interfere with students’ learning.

13. Assisting in the development and evaluation of health education programs including
                       classroom instruction and staff in-service as/when indicated.                                         

14. Serving as a health resource to parents and teachers.

15. Participating as a member of the referral team (ET, RTI, SST).

16. Serving as a member of the crisis intervention team.

17. Serving as a liaison between school, home and community for health related issues
          and services.

18. Participating in periodic update conferences by RI Departments of Health and

                    Education.

19. Participating in process of preparing inventory, budgeting, and ordering health
          supplies.

LIBRARY MEDIA SERVICES

 

The school library media center program provides:

 

  • Access to library media professionals, collections and programs
  • Full integration of library media programs into curriculum
  • A full-time library media specialist working in partnership with direct level personnel, administrators, teachers, parents, business, industry, social agencies, other librarians, and members of the larger community
  • A serious commitment by each of those partners to the value of full and open access to information and ideas
  • Access to information technology

 

The high school library media program serves to support, supplement and expand curriculum. Additionally the media program fosters independent skills for life long learning. Access to a variety of library media including books, periodicals, non-print media and computer resources is therefore vital for both faculty and students. The following specific services are offered: