ENGLISH 1 H, CPE, CP (7.5 Credits)

The English 1 program is a required course that provides the foundation for success in all areas of the language arts and at all ability levels. Focusing on the theme of “identity,” students will read and respond to a variety of texts, including short stories, novels, drama, and poetry, as well as to a variety of non-fiction essays taken from both departmental collections and from contemporary newspapers and magazines. As they work with these materials, students will make thematic connections while learning and practicing analytic and critical reading skills. Students will learn and engage in all stages of the writing process, including prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. In so doing, they will recognize and practice the strategies and skills of content development, organization, and mechanical construction that are the building blocks of effective written communication. To monitor their growth, students will maintain writing portfolios of all compositions, along with periodic reflections of their writing strengths and weaknesses. As part of their experience in English 1, students will also engage in vocabulary development through exercises in word recognition, understanding new words in context, and review of roots, prefixes and suffixes; speech development through activities of oral presentation and speeches; and study skill development through an emphasis on note-taking and listening strategies. They will also apply the research process to a variety of assignments, each requiring the student to effectively find, evaluate, and use both electronic and paper-based sources. Central to all of the above, students will learn and apply the skills of critical reading, problem solving, decision-making, and self- managing that will support their success in the English program.

INTEGRATED ALGEBRA AND GEOMETRY CP (7.5 Credits)

This course meets 7.5 periods per week and serves the needs of those ninth-grade students who are not fully prepared to succeed in Algebra. There will be an intensive review and extension of the basic skills; a preparation in the basics of Algebra and Geometry; and the re-enforcement of problem-solving skills.

ALGEBRA 1 CP (7.5 Credits)

This course meets 7.5 periods per week and is an introduction to algebra, including topics such as linear equations, systems of linear equations, families of functions, polynomials, and quadratic functions. Elementary probability and statistics will also be introduced, and there is a strong emphasis on problem solving and real-world applications. Additional time will be provided for lab activities, a review and extension of skills, and detailed work on problem solving.

ALGEBRA 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course consists of an introduction to the study of algebra, including topics such as linear equations, systems of linear equations, families of functions, polynomials, and quadratic functions. Elementary probability and statistics will also be introduced, and there is a strong emphasis on problem solving and real-world applications.

Students who demonstrate superior achievement in Algebra 1 CPE may wish to study both Algebra 2 and Geometry during their sophomore year. These students should maintain an “A” average in Algebra 1 and have a positive teacher recommendation.

GEOMETRY H, CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course includes the properties of figures in a plane and in space as well as the use of real numbers in the measure of distances, angles, arcs, areas and volumes. Some topics for discussion and analysis are lines, planes, angles, triangles, direct and indirect proof, congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity, circles, areas of polygons and circles, areas and volumes of solids, and trigonometry related to triangles. A coordinate approach or a transformational approach will be utilized in developing some units.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

ALGEBRA 2 H, CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course continues the study of algebra, including topics such as quadratic functions, complex numbers, polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. Sequences and series are also introduced, and there is further study of statistics and probability.

Prerequisite: Geometry

INTEGRATED PHYSICAL SCIENCE CP (5.0 Credits)

This College Preparatory laboratory-based course will provide students with a fundamental understanding of the physical sciences with special attention to specific student needs. Emphasis is placed on the development of study skills conducive to mastery of science content and related math applications. Topics of study include key concepts and principles in physics and space & earth science. Laboratory activities are emphasized.

Co-requisite: Algebra 1 CP or Integrated Algebra and Geometry CP

BIOLOGY 1 CP (7.5 Credits)

This College Preparatory laboratory-based course provides a fundamental understanding of biological concepts. The process of scientific inquiry and the integration of concepts within life experiences are stressed through class activities and laboratory investigations. Students will gain an understanding of the structure, characteristics and basic needs of organisms and will investigate the diversity of life. This course meets all of the Next Generation Science Standards in biology and prepares the students for the NJ State End of Course exam in Biology. *DISSECTION OPTION* (See Science Dept. in the Program of Studies for details)

Co-requisite: Algebra 1 CP

BIOLOGY 1 CPE (7.5 Credits)

This College Preparatory Enhanced course provides the student with an in-depth study of the life sciences. Biological principles and concepts are studied using the inductive approach and laboratory investigations allow students to explore the relationships between the principles and applications of biology. Topics of study are organized by interactions, foundation and interactions, development, and diversity of life. This course meets all of the Next Generation Science Standards in biology and prepares the students for the NJ State End of Course exam in Biology.*DISSECTION OPTION* (See Science Dept. in the Program of Studies for details)

Co-requisite: Algebra 1 CPE or Geometry CPE

CHEMISTRY H (7.5 Credits)

This laboratory-based chemistry course provides the student with an opportunity to study how the properties of and interactions with matter are consequences of their structure. Fundamental principles, including atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, kinetic theory, gas laws, thermochemistry, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics are developed. The principles of chemistry are studied quantitatively and the student’s mathematical and analytical skills are strongly utilized throughout this problem-solving course. Extensive student laboratory work will progress to a high level independence in experimental reasoning and analysis.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1

Co-requisite: For Incoming Freshmen: Algebra 2 H, Algebra 2 CPE, or Geometry H

WORLD CIVILIZATIONS CPE, CP (5.0 Credits)

This required survey course in World History for ninth grade students begins with the Renaissance and Reformation in the fifteenth century and continues to the present. Students study the historical, social, economic, geographic and political events of the explorers, Enlightenment, Revolutions, and imperialism. A significant emphasis is given to the events of the twentieth century including World Wars and regional conflicts, human rights issues, the arts, the impact of technology, and the economy in contemporary Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. Students in World Civilizations CP develop their skill of chronological thinking, geography, and decision-making. Students in World Civilizations CPE develop their skills in reading, writing, working with maps and charts. The importance of organizational habits and note-taking skills in the study of history is emphasized.

WORLD CIVILIZATIONS H (5.0 Credits)

This is a required survey course in World History for ninth grade students with excellent reading and writing skills. This course begins with the Age of Global Encounters in the fifteenth century and continues to the present. Students will learn about the importance of religion and philosophy, the Enlightenment, Revolutions, and imperialism. A significant emphasis is given to the events of the twentieth century including World Wars and regional conflicts, human rights issues, the arts, the impact of technology, and the economy in contemporary Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. Students in this course develop their skills of critical and chronological thinking, analysis and interpretation, geography, research, and decision-making. Students use primary documents, express their views in essays, editorials, and debates, and are expected to work independently in their study and reading about historical events.

CHINESE 1 H (5.0 Credits)

This course is designed for highly self-motivated students with an interest in the Chinese language and culture. A principally oral-aural method with intensive drills to develop concurrently the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing Mandarin Chinese, the most widely spoken dialect in China. An introduction to the Chinese culture will be immersed into daily activities and will be an essential component of the Chinese 1 curriculum. Students who wish to enroll in this course may take it concurrently with other language courses.

Prerequisite: Students must have a teacher recommendation for placement in the Honors program.

FRENCH 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is the first course of a four-year sequence. The course is designed for students new to the study of world languages with exciting themes such as authentic foods, daily life, meeting people, shopping and leisure activities. Students will learn interesting aspects about the French culture and will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication through reading, writing, listening and speaking. Communication with real life situations is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

FRENCH 2 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is intended for students that have completed the equivalent of French 1 CPE. Students will improve their knowledge about the French culture and will continue to improve their communication skills through presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication. Students are exposed to weekend activities, entertainment, French cuisine, describing oneself, authentic foods and shopping. There is a continued emphasis to combine reading, writing, listening and speaking into daily lessons and forms of assessments. Communication with real life situations is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

Prerequisite: French 1 CPE

ITALIAN 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is the first course of a four-year sequence, however, enrollment is not restricted to students who wish to complete two years of a world language. The course is designed for students new to the study of world languages. Students will learn exciting aspects about the Italian culture including but not limited to la piazza, la Sicilia and Roma. The students will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication through reading, writing, listening and speaking activities. Communication in real life situations is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards

ITALIAN 2 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is intended for students that have completed the equivalent of Italian 1 CPE. Students will improve their knowledge about the Italian culture including open-air markets, the role of the family and studying abroad. The students will continue to improve their communication skills through presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication. There is a continued emphasis to combine reading, writing, listening and speaking into daily lessons and forms of assessment. Communication in real life situations is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

Prerequisite: Italian 1 CPE

SPANISH 1 CP (5.0 Credits)

This course is the first course of a two-year sequence. The course is designed for novice students or students new to the study of world languages. Students who wish to study Spanish, but find the pacing of the CPE program too rapid and too inclusive, will find this course to be appropriate for their needs. Students must have teacher/counselor/case-manager recommendation to be placed into the CP program. This course is not designed to prepare the student for Spanish 2 CPE. Students will learn exciting aspects about the Hispanic culture and will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal modes of communication. Students will be exposed to the following themes: physical and personality traits, likes and dislikes, sports and leisure activities, school events and classes, locations within the community, and the home and household chores through reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities. Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

SPANISH 1 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is the first course of a four-year sequence; however, enrollment is not restricted to students who wish to complete two years of a world language. The course is designed for students new to the study of world languages. Students will learn exciting aspects about the Hispanic culture and will be able to express themselves in presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal modes of communication through reading, writing, listening and speaking activities. Students will be able to communicate about topics including likes and dislikes, leisure activities, the school, places in the community, food and restaurants, health and exercise, family and celebrations, and the home. Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

SPANISH 2 CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is intended for students who have completed the equivalent of Spanish 1 CPE. Students will improve their knowledge about the Hispanic culture and expand their communication skills to include discussions about school and extra-curricular activities, daily routines, shopping and clothing, childhood pastimes, holidays and special celebrations, and issues impacting the environment. The students will continue to improve their communication skills through presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal modes of communication. There is a continued emphasis to combine reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills into daily lessons and forms of assessment. Communication is the number one goal for the district, meeting the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

Prerequisite: Spanish 1 CPE

ACTING LAB CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is designed to provide students with the foundation to develop their craft as a performer. The course provides students with a safe environment in which they may experiment and explore a variety of acting techniques. Additionally, students will apply these techniques to the texts of select master modern and classic playwrights.

APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT & I-APPS. CP (2.5 Credits)

The course reflects the shift of consumers and business people who recognize that mobile applications help users streamline and organize their lives with the touch of a screen. Apps can provide a wide range of services from educational to informational, and social to recreational, helping users navigate their lives, as well as their surroundings. Do you love “Angry Birds” or “Candy Crush?” Then focus on learning to develop applications or “Apps” for personal use, and/or creating simple games for tablets, laptops, or handheld devices. Additionally, students will explore the “I” applications, ie, iMovie, etc. Integration of the applications is essential to the courses. Projects will be developed based on student interest.

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN CP (2.5 Credits)

This course is designed to challenge students through the use of Technology Learning. Activities (TLA’s) using the 9-step designing loop, as well as developing basic skills in the use of small hand tools and limited power machinery. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities. Safety is stressed in the school, as well as at home and work.

AUDIO & FILM EDITING CPE (5.0 Credits)

This course is designed to teach students how to mix and edit audio using Pro Tools, as well as how to film and edit video footage using Final Cut. Lighting, filming techniques, recording, and mixing, as well as proper care for equipment will be taught and utilized throughout this project-based course.

CHAMBER CHOIR CP (5.0 or 2.5 Credits)

This course is for advanced vocal students By Audition Only. The goals of this class are to further develop the student’s successful ensemble singing skills, to improve their musicianship, to further develop their appreciation for working together toward a common goal, and to allow them a more advanced choral experience. Students are expected to perform during the Winter, FLOW and Spring Concerts. Students who wish to take the CP course for 2.5 credits must have permission from the director

Prerequisite: By Audition Only

CHOREOGRAPHY CP (2.5 Credits)

From Martha Graham to Mia Michaels and Bach to Beyoncé, this is your chance to develop a unique style and create a choreographic masterpiece! Choreography is an introductory level composition class in which students will explore a variety of techniques for creating choreography. Basic, intermediate, and advanced compositional elements will be examined, as students seek to create innovative solos, duets, and group pieces that enhance individual expression. In addition to studying the styles of a diversity of master choreographers, students will develop a language to constructively and critically examine the work of professional choreographers, of their peers, and of their own.

COMMUNICATIONS CP (2.5 Credits)

Communications is an introductory, experiential course in which students will study various forms of media, use available technology, and create individual and group projects to reveal their level of understanding. The students’ process of understanding will involve critical thinking, problem solving, creative, technical and performing skills that form the basis of media theory, history, technology, industry and personal relationships. From their study and projects, students will develop a discerning and knowledgeable attitude toward media, develop proficiency in the use of each medium, and develop an understanding of the effects of media on themselves and on society.

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (CAD) CP (2.5 Credits)

CAD is offered to those students who are interested in following engineering, architectural, or technical careers. Students will be introduced to Computer Aided Design (CAD), sketching, and basic technical drawing skills. Students will also use problem-solving skills to develop creative solutions to design problems. There is an opportunity for students to design and build a prototype model.

COMPUTER ANATOMY CP (2.5 Credits)

In this course, students will learn about the two different components of a computer or “machine;” the hardware and the software. Students will explore the hardware components that make the computer work and run the computer. The students will learn how the software interacts with the hardware.

COMPUTER SCIENCE H (5.0 Credits)

This honors-level course is designed to give students an understanding of structured programming. Students will design, write and execute programs in modern computer languages. Specific topics include top down design, conditional statements, branching, looping, built-in and user defined functions, and elementary applications.

Prerequisite: Students must have achieved at least a ‘B’ in an accredited Algebra 1 program.

CONCERT CHOIR CP (5.0 or 2.5 Credits)

This course is designed for students entering high school with beginning or intermediate skills. Concert Choir is a large choral group comprised of boys and girls. The music they sing, in English and other languages, includes movements from larger works of the great composers of several periods. Class periods serve not only as rehearsals, but also for practical training in style, form, interpretation, sight-reading, dynamics, and vocal technique. Students are expected to perform during the Winter, FLOW and Spring Concerts.

CONTEMPORARY BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY CP (2.5 Credits)

This course focuses on preparing high school and business students for the 21st Century world. Advanced functions in the MS Office Suite will be used to create a digital portfolio, as well as a traditional resume suitable for college applications and employment. Career Planning and Interviewing Skills will be highlighted, with mock interviews led by staff members. Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship will also be explored.

CONTEMPORARY FOODS CP (2.5 Credits)

The primary focus of this course will be to emphasize the basic principles of food preparation. The students will develop necessary skills through hands on experience, while preparing a wide variety of dishes from various food groups.

DRAMA CP (2.5 Credits)

Drama is an introductory, experiential course in which students produce individual and group projects based on selected theater interests. Through these areas of interest, which may include play analysis, acting, basic designing of costumes, make-up, lighting, or scenery, play writing, and publicity/house management, students are encouraged to develop both their practical knowledge and aesthetic awareness of the creation process and of the principles involved in creating a tangible, artistic product: a play.

DRAWING 1 CP (2.5 Credits)

The Drawing I course focuses on the practices and applications of basic drawing principles and techniques in order to build students’ drawing skills. Students will be introduced to the elements and principles of design, aesthetic awareness, and art appreciation. A wide variety of drawing media such as graphite, charcoal, ink, markers, colored pastels, and/or colored pencil will be explored through a multitude of real and inventive subject matter. Students will be prepared to further explore their artistic expression as they continue in the art program. Students in Drawing I may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will increase their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs.

FASHION & TECHNOLOGY 1 CP (2.5 Credits)

This course is designed to familiarize the student with basic principles of clothing construction, textiles and fabric care. It gives each student an opportunity to apply these principles in a laboratory situation. Construction of garments, home decorating items, and creative crafts are encouraged. No experience with the sewing machine is required.

GRAPHIC DESIGN 1 CP (2.5 Credits)

Students are given a foundation in the principles and elements of design, and an introduction to the concepts, professional terminology, and skills of a graphic artist. Students apply design theory to solve graphic design challenges such as logo design, magazine/book layout, photo manipulation, editorial illustration, labels, package design, posters, brochures, advertising design, greeting cards, and corporate image design. Drawing and sketching is the foundation and basis of all art domains. Students in Graphic Design I will be introduced to basic drawing skills and may required to keep a sketchbook, which will enhance their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA CPE (5 Credits)

Through the use of various multimedia files, students will learn to animate and edit images, videos, and audio content to produce professional appearing products. Students will utilize the Photoshop application for image editing and will use the appropriate tools and software packages for animation, including the respective coding languages. Other applications may also be used through the class. The students will create several projects increasing sophistication during the course of the year.

Prerequisite: Algebra I

JOURNALISM CP (2.5 Credits)

Journalism is open to all grades levels and provides students with hands-on experience in writing for publication in print and electronic media. Areas of special interest include gathering and writing news, conducting and recording interviews, and crafting features, sports stories, and effective editorials. Students will examine the history of journalism and the role of journalistic reporting in society.

MUSICAL THEATRE CP (2.5 Credits)

This course examines the form, theory, history, and changing styles of the American book musical, which has dominated the Broadway stage for the past century. Students will learn and apply a variety of musical theatre performance techniques as they play a vital role in creating a successful production.

PAINTING 1 CP (2.5 Credits)

The Painting I course focuses on an introduction to painting as a means of artistic communication by using various materials such as acrylic, watercolor, and tempera paint. Students will develop an understanding of the core elements and principles of design, as well as painting techniques such as paint application, brush techniques, canvas construction, washes, and/or glazing. They will build and expand their abilities and creativity through a variety of projects working from life and their own original ideas. They will be prepared to further explore their artistic expression as they continue in the art program. Drawing and sketching is the foundation and basis of all art domains. Students in Painting I will be introduced to basic drawing skills and may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will increase their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs.

POP AND ROCK: AN INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC CPE (5.0 Credits)

Pop and Rock is an introductory music appreciation course that will involve music listening and analysis for the inexperienced musician. Discussion of music history, theory, and culture is combined with the development of critical listening skills and exposure to all eras of musical development in the Western World from early European sacred music to modern rock and pop music. Though this is not a performance class, students will learn to aurally identify key components of music, such as melodies, harmonies, and rhythm. The initial components of the class will provide a foundation to the study of Music Theory. Much of the class will include units on jazz, rock, pop, and film music, which will allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the class to music they hear most commonly throughout their lives.

SCRIPT WRITING CP (2.5 Credits)

Using a balance of lecture, writing exercises, and work-shopping, Script Writing offers a safe and supportive environment for young writers of all levels to gain a firm grounding in the art and craft of writing for the stage and for screens of all sizes. In this course, students will master manuscript format, conflict, plot structure, characterization, dialogue, and finding their own voice through the writing process.

SCULPTURE & CERAMICS I CP (2.5 Credits)

The Sculpture and Ceramics course is designed to provide the student with experience in the creation of three-dimensional art using various techniques such as carving, modeling, casting, and/or construction. Through multiple projects and activities, students will utilize a variety of traditional and non-traditional materials, which may include clay, wood, metals, plaster, found objects, paper-mache, and stone. They will understand the core elements and principles of design and how they apply to three-dimensional art. Students will be prepared to continue in the art program and further explore and expand their abilities and creativity in three-dimensional art. Drawing and sketching is the foundation and basis of all art domains. Students in Sculpture and Ceramics I will be introduced to basic drawing skills and may be required to keep a sketchbook, which will enhance their ability to convey a clear vision of their designs.

STAGE MOVEMENT / DANCE CP (2.5 Credits)

Stage Movement is a dance fundamentals class for any student interested in a variety of movement styles and approaches to dancing. Students will work together to improve dance skills including alignment, strength and flexibility. In addition, students will create original movement pieces enhancing creativity, and use dance as a means for expressive artistry.

Techniques include:

Body Conditioning (including yoga, Pilates, and physio-ball technique)

Ballet and Modern Dance

Cultural Dance Forms

Social Dance Styles

STRING ORCHESTRA CP (5.0 or 2.5 Credits)

The course provides students with experiences designed to develop basic string technical instrument skills and musicianship. Primary emphasis is placed on tone development, sight-reading, and ensemble performance. Students are expected to perform at the Winter, FLOW and Spring Concerts.

SYMPHONIC BAND CP (5.0 or 2.5 Credits)

Membership in the Symphonic Band is open to all high school students, regardless of any previous musical background or experience. The Symphonic Band program includes music fundamentals of reading music notation, performance techniques, and rules of music interpretation. In addition to performing in evening concerts, Band students perform at assemblies, clinics, and festivals. Students are encouraged to take this course for four years and are expected to produce increasingly advanced work with each year. Students are expected to perform at the Winter, FLOW, and Spring Concerts.

TECHNOLOGY LAB CP (2.5 Credits)

In this course, the students will become proficient in two photo editing programs; iPhoto and Photoshop. They will also become skilled with different productivity programs such as the Microsoft Office Suite.

THEATRE PRODUCTION CP (2.5 Credits)

This course is designed to provide students with a “behind-the-scenes” look at today’s theatre. Students will have the opportunity to study various aspects of stagecraft and theatrical production, including theatre safety, stage management, set design and construction, lighting design, audio engineering, properties mastery, costuming, as well as stage makeup and hair design.

TV STUDIO PRODUCTION CPE (5.0 Credits)

The changes in broadcasting techniques have been dramatic with the advent of digital technology. This course allows students to learn the latest in digital editing, as well as the parameters for creating projects for broadcast. Students will utilize the TV studio to create and develop independent projects.

WEB DESIGN CPE (5.0 Credits)

Students will explore the topic of programming for the web using scripting languages. The languages will be selected from those, which are current. Emphasis will be on designing and implementing web pages using the modern scripting languages. This is a project-orientated course and students are expected to design and de-bug web pages. The course will also include a unit on programming in C#.

Prerequisite: Algebra I

WIND ENSEMBLE CP (5.0 or 2.5 Credits)

Membership in the Wind Ensemble is open to all high school students by Audition Only. Emphasis is placed upon developing appreciation for all styles of music through the study and performance of original band works and transcriptions. The level of selected music is a grade 3-1/2 and higher requiring advanced musical skills. Students are expected to perform at the Winter, FLOW and Spring Concerts. Students who wish to take the CP course for 2.5 credits must have permission from the Director.

Prerequisite: By Audition Only

WRITER’S WORKSHOP CP (Creative Writing) (2.5 Credits)

Writer’s Workshop is a course designed for students of all levels of writing proficiency who want to further develop their writing skills. In a workshop environment, students progress at their own pace and receive feedback through individualized teacher conferencing and by engaging in peer and self-evaluation. Students use group discussion to analyze elements of effective writing and then apply these features to their own work. The course focuses on creative expression; the skills mastered easily transfer to academic class settings as student writing becomes more focused and descriptive in nature and the student writer develops an awareness of the role of language in communication

Revised 1/7/16 by the Office of Curriculum - cjf