delaware valley regional high school

Delaware Valley

Regional High School

Course Guide

2014 - 2015

19 Senator Stout Road Frenchtown, NJ 08825

(908) 996-2131 www.dvrhs.org

Course Guide 2014-2015

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DELAWARE VALLEY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

19 Senator Stout Road Frenchtown, NJ 08825 Telephone: (908) 996-2131 Website: www.dvrhs.org

Board of Education

Ellen Gordon-Obal, President Milford Borough Brett Reina, Vice President Holland Township

A. William Dietz Kingwood Township Debora Frank Kingwood Township Robert Haver Frenchtown Borough Sandra Howell, Ph.D. Holland Township Sharon Kelly Alexandria Township William Martin Holland Township David Sousa Alexandria Township

Administration

Daria Wasserbach Superintendent Teresa Barna Business Administrator/Board Secretary Adrienne Olcott Principal Frank Guenther, Ph.D. Director of Special Services & Guidance Adam Wright Vice Principal for Discipline & Attendance Daniel Hemberger Vice Principal for Curriculum in Humanities & Arts Mike Gurysh Vice Principal for Curriculum in Math & Science Bill Deniz Director of Athletics

Mission Statement

At Delaware Valley Regional High School, we engage and prepare our students through a broad range of dynamic opportunities, inspiring them to achieve their fullest potential, and graduate ready to embrace their future.

Our Vision

Delaware Valley Regional High School is a dynamic force within our community. Strong relationships are essential. Focused leadership, a positive culture, engaging instruction, enthusiastic students, and school-wide pride are keys to our success. Our school, as a dedicated and vibrant learning community, is fundamentally committed to preparing our students for their life pursuits.

Equal Opportunity (Non-Discrimination) Policy

It is the policy of Delaware Valley Regional High School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, social or economic status in its educational programs or activities and employment policies as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and N.J.A.C. 6:4-1.1 et. seq. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to Dr. Frank Guenther, Affirmative Action Officer.


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Guidance Department Frank Guenther, Ph.D., Director 996-2132 x2741 [email protected] Counselors Kathy Cevera 996-2132 x2614 [email protected] Kristin Henderson 996-2132 x2611 [email protected] Ogden Kruger 996-2132 x2625 [email protected] Kristina Sterbenc 996-2132 x2616 [email protected] Aimee Thomson 996-2132 x2263 [email protected] Scott Woodland 996-2132 x2613 [email protected]

Student Assistance Counselor

Ogden Kruger 996-2132 x2625 [email protected] Mental Health Counselor

Katie Bergacs 996-2132 x2421 [email protected]

Department Supervisors & Coordinators

Art Dan Hemberger [email protected] Academic Support Dan Hemberger [email protected] Business Dan Hemberger [email protected] English Dan Hemberger [email protected] Freshman Learning Academy Carolyn Wolsiefer [email protected] Guidance Kathy Cevera [email protected] Industrial Technology Mike Gurysh [email protected] Math Mike Gurysh [email protected] Music Dan Hemberger [email protected] Physical Education/Health Bill Deniz [email protected] Science Mike Gurysh [email protected] Social Studies Dan Hemberger [email protected] Special Education Tiffany Kuhl [email protected] World Languages Mike Gurysh [email protected] Special Services Frank Guenther, Ph.D., Director 996-2132 x2741 [email protected] Child Study Team Melanie Dysart, Social Worker 996-2132 x2621 [email protected] Jenn Reuber, L.D.T.C. 996-2132 x2622 [email protected] Jon Lyman, Psy.D., School Psychologist 996-2132 x2623 [email protected] Dorise Benson, Speech Therapist 996-2132 x2831 [email protected]


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 – General Information

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Graduation Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 6 Grading System ................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Scheduling ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Freshman Learning Academy ........................................................................................................................................... 10 Freshman Electives ........................................................................................................................................................... 11 Course Placement Guidelines ........................................................................................................................................... 12

Section 2 – Course Catalog

Skills for the 21st Century ................................................................................................................................................. 14 Academic Support ............................................................................................................................................................. 15 Art ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Business ............................................................................................................................................................................ 18 English .............................................................................................................................................................................. 21 Industrial Technology ....................................................................................................................................................... 28 Mathematics ...................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Music ................................................................................................................................................................................. 35 Physical Education & Health ............................................................................................................................................ 37 Science .............................................................................................................................................................................. 38 Social Studies .................................................................................................................................................................... 43 World Languages .............................................................................................................................................................. 49 Special Education .............................................................................................................................................................. 53 Accelerated Credit Program .............................................................................................................................................. 58 Hunterdon County Polytech Program ............................................................................................................................... 59


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SECTION I

GENERAL INFORMATION

Introduction

Graduation Requirements

Grading System

Scheduling

Freshman Learning Academy

Freshman Electives

Honors

Co-Curricular Eligibility


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Introduction

This course guide has been developed to aid Delaware Valley Regional High School students in planning their high school academic experience. The curricula have been aligned to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCCS 2009) and the Common Core State Standards (2010) with an emphasis on 21st Century skills, which is intended to “create 21st Century learning environments that engage students, foster achievement, and cultivate the skills needed to compete, connect, and collaborate in a global society” (http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/2009/). The NJCCCS include Science, Visual and Performing Arts, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Technology, 21st Century Life and Careers, World Languages and Social Studies. The Common Core State Standards include English Language Arts and Mathematics. By addressing these standards, Delaware Valley offers a diverse curricular program, which includes Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, MOOC, and Special Education classes. Additionally, Delaware Valley offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, activities, and athletic programs that serve to enhance our students overall academic experience. Selecting courses requires a balance between a student’s requirements, abilities, and desires. Students should work in conjunction with their parents and guidance counselors to choose their course of studies, which best reflects their future educational, vocational, and career plans. Please be advised that courses may be cancelled due to enrollment and budget constraints.


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Graduation Requirements

NJ State Minimum* Graduation Requirements by Content Area and Grade 9 Class

Course and credit requirements for all students entering grade 9 in:

2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 LANGUAGE ARTS

LITERACY

20 credits aligned to grade nine through 12 standards

MATHEMATICS 15 credits including algebra I and geometry or the content equivalent**

15 credits including algebra I and geometry or the content equivalent* and a third year of math that builds on the concepts and skills of algebra and geometry and prepares students for college and

2Ist century careers

SCIENCE

15 credits including at least five credits in laboratory biology/life science or the

content equivalent** and one additional laboratory/ inquiry-based science course

which shall include chemistry, environmental science, or physics

15 credits including at least five credits in laboratory biology/life science or the content equivalent**; an additional

laboratory/inquiry-based science course including chemistry, environmental science, or physics; and a third laboratory/ inquiry-

based science course

SOCIAL STUDIES 15 credits including satisfaction of N.J.S.A. 18A:35-1 and 2; five credits in world history; and the integration of civics, economics, geography and global content in all course offerings

FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC BUSINESS, AND

ENTREPRENEURIAL LITERACY

2.5 credits (for the Class of 2017, all incoming 9th graders will take Financial Literacy in their 9th grade year)

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

3 ¾ credits in health, safety, and physical education during each year of enrollment, distributed as 150 minutes per week, as required by N.J.S.A. 18A:35-5, 7 and 8

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS 5 credits (Fine Arts)

WORLD LANGUAGES 5 credits or student demonstration of proficiency (10 credits required at Del Val)

TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY Consistent with the Core Curriculum Content Standards, integrated throughout the curriculum

21st CENTURY LIFE AND CAREERS, OR CAREER-

TECHNICAL EDUCATION 5 credits (Practical Arts)

TOTAL CREDITS (State Minimum) 120***

*School districts may establish course and/or credit requirements, which exceed the State minimums. **"Content equivalent" means courses or activities that include the same or equivalent knowledge and skills as those found in traditionally titled courses which are required for high school graduation and which are aligned with the Core Curriculum Content Standards. This content must be taught by certified teachers, may be integrated in one or more courses, may be titled differently, or may present material in an interdisciplinary or spiral format. ***The 120 credit total is greater than the sum of the individual requirements above to allow for student electives.

• In World Languages five of those ten credits may be waived by the Principal under extraordinary circumstances. • Cross-content Workplace Readiness Skills are infused into the courses. • Attainment of minimum scores on Department of Education prescribed tests. • Demonstration of minimum proficiencies as written for all courses. • Attendance requirement as established by the Board. • Fulfillment of all financial obligations.


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State Assessments Beginning with the class of 2016, all students must pass the PARCC assessment in math and English during their junior year. The PARCC is a national assessment that is used to determine student achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics as specified by the national Common Core State Standards. Students in grade eleven during the 2014-15 school year must complete the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) in March. First-time eleventh grade students who fail the HSPA in March of their junior year will have an opportunity to retest in October and March of their senior year.

Grading System The academic year is divided into four marking periods of approximately 45 days each. Effort and conduct codes are also used to elaborate on student performance. Del Val uses the CollegeBoard grading scale, which is listed as follows: 97 – 100 = A+ I - Incomplete 93 – 96 = A M - Medical 90 – 92 = A- W - Withdraw 87 – 89 = B+ 83 – 86 = B 80 – 82 = B- 77 – 79 = C+ 73 – 76 = C 70 – 72 = C- 67 – 69 = D+ 65 – 66 = D Below 65 = F Incompletes will only be issued if the student, due to absence, cannot follow the make-up work policy. Except where extenuating circumstances exist, all such assignments must be completed within five school days after the completion of the marking period evaluation to avoid losing credit. After the due date, no grade will be changed without administrative approval. Student grades from Hunterdon Polytech transfer numerically. Grades under a 75 will receive no credit.

Report Cards and Student Progress Reports A student's work is carefully monitored and recorded by each teacher in PowerSchool. Student progress updates are available at all times on PowerSchool via the ParentPortal on www.dvrhs.org. At the end of each marking period, report cards will be available online. Parents should examine the grades, comments, and attendance records. The Principal will send a notice to parents when report cards are available. Contact your child’s guidance counselor if you do not have an internet connection.


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Final Grades Each marking period of a full-year course is equal to 1/5 or 20% of the grade. The content assessments will count together as 1/5 or 20% of the final grade. For semester courses, each marking period is equal to 2/5 or 40% of the grade. The content assessments will count together as 1/5 or 20% of the final grade.

Incomplete Grades Teachers must submit grades on the due dates (as prescribed by the school calendar). Students who have not completed their work, due to absences, shall receive an "I" (incomplete) until the work is finished. Students/teachers shall follow the policy for Make-Up Work to complete work for the semester. Teachers must submit the grade within 5 school days of the initial date of grades due. In the event the student does not make up the work and the make-up work policy has been followed, the grade will be calculated by factoring all incomplete work as "0's". After this time, no grade will be changed without administrative approval.

Grade Point Average (GPA) All courses taken by the student are used in calculating the GPA. GPA is cumulative, using grades beginning with freshman year. Delaware Valley Regional High School calculates and reports only a weighted GPA. There are two levels of weighting, with Advanced Placement courses carrying the highest weight, followed by Honors courses. All courses taken by the student will figure into the computation. GPA will be officially updated twice in an academic year – midyear, to reflect cumulative GPA at the end of the 2nd marking period, and then again at the end of the academic year.

Class Rank

The academic environment at Delaware Valley Regional High School is very challenging. The majority of our students meet this challenge by earning exemplary grades. However, we believe the comparisons among students inherent in rank-in-class calculation unnecessarily increase competition within the school; furthermore, we believe that our students’ levels of achievements are not fully communicated by this single transcript statistic. The Delaware Valley Regional Board of Education Policy, therefore, precludes the reporting of class rank for the college-application process unless specially requested in writing by the student.

Examinations and Obligations

Midterm and Final Exam

Students who miss their exam in any particular subject may only make up their assessment if they have a professional note (as per the school attendance policy), or have made prior arrangements (due to a school-related exception) with his/her guidance counselor and have obtained administrative approval at least two weeks prior to their content assessment. Students will not be allowed to make up their content assessment if the absence is unexcused. The grade recorded will be an “0”.


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Obligations and Final Assessments

Students are responsible for all materials, books, fees, etc., that are given to them during the course of the school year. Students must satisfy all outstanding obligations prior to being allowed to take final content assessments. The final obligation list will be published approximately 2 weeks prior to final content assessments. No credit will be issued for exams until all obligations are satisfied.

Unsatisfied Media Center Obligations

The Media Center sends out fine and overdue notices monthly. Students are asked to take care of fines and overdue issues promptly to avoid accruing fines throughout the year. If a student has an outstanding fine or overdue item, they are not permitted to check out any materials until the fine or overdue is rectified with Media Center staff. If a student has not rectified outstanding fines or overdue materials by the end of the year, that student will be placed on the obligations list and must clear all obligations with Media Center staff before taking final content assessments.

Scheduling

• Our students are free to choose courses from any level as long as the entrance criteria are met.

• College-preparatory students are reminded that some general courses are not accepted as college-entrance units. To be sure, check specific college catalogs or consult your counselor.

• Polytech programs are available to juniors and seniors who meet the appropriate guidelines. If you are interested,

please see your counselor.

• Students take a minimum of 36 credits each year. Their schedule consists of 8 periods. Students may have only 7 courses if one is a lab science or they are enrolled in a Polytech Program. Seniors may take a minimum of 25 credits if they are on schedule for graduation.

Course Selection Conferences Counselors will meet with returning students in January or February to select courses for next year. All attempts will be made to honor requests. However, be aware that course conflicts may occur, so it is important to have alternative selections for your schedule. You are encouraged to participate in this process. Please feel free to call your child's counselor with questions or concerns.

Student Schedule Changes Scheduling during the winter is very important. Our staffing for the next year and our utilization of facilities are based upon the courses that students select. As a result, it is important for students to complete the course selection process accurately. Once student schedules are completed, course changes are not guaranteed. Level changes or a class dropped without penalty can be made up to October 17, 2014. After that date, any class dropped will be given a “W” on the transcript and will require a student, parent and counselor meeting. This commitment is made when the scheduling contract is signed.


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Freshman Learning Academy The Freshman Learning Academy offers opportunities to help students transition from the elementary school to high school level. Ultimately, our goal is to provide students with the skills necessary to be successful not only throughout high school but also in their future. If your son or daughter is an incoming freshman student and you have any questions about the Freshman Learning Academy, please feel free to contact Carolyn Wolsiefer, Freshman Learning Academy Coordinator, at x2183. Mission Statement

The DVRHS Freshman Learning Academy fosters a successful transition into high school by utilizing interdisciplinary instruction to maximize student achievement, and develop intellectual and personal growth.

Academics in the Academy

The scheduling of core courses in the Freshman Learning Academy provides a variety of benefits and opportunities for both students and teachers. Students will be scheduled for the same level for their English and Social Studies classes. The Academy benefits our students by:

• Easing their transition from middle school to high school, both academically and socially • Increasing their ability to make connections across the various academic disciplines • Providing a more personalized learning environment

The Freshman Learning Academy will also increase the ability of our teachers to:

• Interact with a core group of students in order to better evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and interests • Create lessons that encompass multiple subject areas • Scaffold assignments and projects, creating a more reasonable workload for students

Skill-of-the-Month

Each month, teachers focus on incorporating a specific skill into the curriculum. The goal is to provide students with the necessary skills to be successful throughout their high school years and beyond. Some of the skills that are integrated into the curriculum are:

● Organizational skills ● Interpersonal skills and conflict resolution ● Study and test-taking skills ● Exam preparation ● Collaboration/teamwork ● Planning for the future and careers ● Research skills ● 21st Century skills ● Self-evaluation and learning styles

Freshman Learning Academy Activities

OASIS-Freshman Orientation Program – Tuesday, August 26, 2014 Freshmen students are invited to participate in a full day of activities designed to acquaint them with the programs and facilities of Delaware Valley. At OASIS students to learn about the co-curricular programs offered at Del Val in an Open House format. Students and their parents can meet club advisors, coaches and students from a variety of sports and activities. Because lunch and transportation are provided, students must register in order to attend. For your convenience, these registration forms will be posted on the school website in the spring.


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Field Trip to Medieval Times The freshmen spend a fun filled evening with their fellow classmates learning about life in the Middle Ages. Students will enjoy a medieval banquet while watching the “thrilling competition between knights,” as they compete in tournament games of skill. Freshman Field Day/May In this culminating event of the year, freshmen participate in volleyball, kickball, box ball, jeopardy and relay races. The afternoon ends in an exciting tug-of-war. The Freshman Field Day is the highlight of the year for both students and staff. It furthers camaraderie, competition, loyalty, and social interactions.

Freshman Electives

Art Credits Page Color & Design (#8200) (Visual & Performing Arts) 5 credits 16 Business

Business Law (#8835) (Practical Arts) 2.5 credits 20 Computer Systems I (#8811) (Practical Arts) 2.5 credits 18 Computer Systems II (#8812) (Practical Arts) 2.5 credits 18 Editorial Layout & Design I (#3921) (Practical Arts) 5 credits 18 Entrepreneurship (#8834) (Practical Arts) 2.5 credits 19 Introduction to Marketing (#8831) (Practical Arts) 2.5 credits 19 Sports Marketing (#8832) (Practical Arts) 2.5 credits 20 Web Design I (#8814) (Practical Arts) 2.5 credits 20 Web Design (#8815) (Practical Arts) 2.5 credits 20

English Art of Public Speaking (#3952) 2.5 credits 24 Journalism I (#3911) (Practical Arts) 5 credits 25 Performing Arts I (#3931) (Visual & Performing Arts) 2.5 credits 26 Performing Arts II (#3932) (Visual & Performing Arts) 2.5 credits 26 Play Production (#3937) (Visual & Performing Arts) 2.5 credits 26 Shakespeare Essentials (#3943) 2.5 credits 27

Industrial Technology Architectural Graphics I (#8953) (Practical Arts) 5 credits 28 Beginning Graphics (#8950) (Practical Arts) 5 credits 28 TV Media I (#8962) (Practical Arts) 5 credits 29 Wood I (#8910) (Practical Arts) 5 credits 29 Music

Chorus (#8360) (Visual & Performing Arts) 5 credits 39 Concert Band (#8305) (Visual & Performing Arts) 5 credits 39

Music Composition and Theory (#8350) (Visual & Performing Arts) 5 credits 39 Percussion Lab (#8354) (Visual & Performing Arts) 2.5 credits 36 Piano Lab (#8353) (Visual & Performing Arts) 2.5 credits 40 Advanced Piano Lab (#8355) (Visual & Performing Arts) 5 credits 39

*Beginning with the Class of 2017, students are required to complete Financial Literacy and 21st Century Skills. *2.5 credit courses are half-year courses and 5 credit courses are full year courses.


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Advanced Placement (AP) Classes

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available to students who qualify. Advanced Placement courses are college-level classes, which culminate in a standardized test in May. Through these tests, students have the opportunity to earn credits or advanced standing at many colleges and universities.

Course Placement Guidelines Course placement for students of Delaware Valley Regional High School is a comprehensive and collaborative process on the part of the faculty. DVRHS believes that learning is maximized when students are placed in appropriate academic courses. The placement process is designed to ensure that students are challenged academically, engaged intellectually, and successfully develop college and career-ready skills.

A student’s individual course placement is reviewed systematically each year and is based on their progress in current courses. Several different indicators are used as guidelines to determine placement for the following year. As a base, students will be placed at a College Prep level unless their most recent academic growth determines changes to their subject-specific placement are necessary.


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SECTION 2

COURSE CATALOG

Skills for the 21st Century Academic Support

Business English

Family and Consumer Science Industrial Technology

Mathematics Music

Physical Education & Health Science

Social Studies World Languages Special Education

Raritan Valley Community College Hunterdon County Polytech Program


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SKILL FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

“The term "21st-century skills" is generally used to refer to certain core competencies such as collaboration, digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving that advocates believe schools need to teach to help students thrive in today's world” (http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2010/10/12/01panel.h04.html). In order to properly prepare Del Val students for their future, our students need to be taught adaptable, critical thinking and learning skills. These classes will focus on what is called the 4Cs by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity and innovation. (http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/552994/Why-Are--21st-Century--Skills-Important-.html?nav=505). For the Class of 2017, each incoming freshman will be required to take Financial Literacy and 21st Century Skills. Grades 9-12 PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY (#2120) 2.5 Credits This course will help prepare students to responsibly participate in a global economy. Topics to be addressed include income and careers; money management; credit and debt management; planning, saving, and investing; becoming a critical consumer; civic financial responsibility, and risk management and insurance. This course will satisfy the 2.5 credits in Financial Literacy mandated by the State of New Jersey. Please note that this course cannot count towards the 5 credits 21st Century Life & Careers requirement or the 15 credits for the Math requirement. Grades 9-12 21ST CENTURY SKILLS (#3954) 2.5 Credits 21st Century Skills is a class designed to teach freshmen all of the skills necessary to be successful during their high school careers. This course will focus on improving keyboarding, researching skills, public speaking, and MLA formatting. Assignments will help prepare students for the PARCC assessment, SAT, and research projects across the curriculum. The skills learned in this course will not only benefit the students’ academic careers, but they will also extend into their collegiate and personal lives as well.


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ACADEMIC SUPPORT Grades 9-12 ACADEMIC SUPPORT LANGUAGE ARTS 3-5 Credits

I (#9965) II (#9963) Prerequisites: HSPA Test Scores (12)

District Screening Test Scores (09, 10, 11) English Report Card Grades (09, 10, 11)

This class has been instituted for the purpose of raising the basic skill proficiencies of New Jersey high school graduates. The curriculum consists of basic instruction in language arts (reading and writing skills), and mathematical skills. Student achievement levels on standardized assessments and district screening tests, as well as report card grades, determine placement in the academic support program. This program offers small group instruction intended to improve each student’s ability to pass the state exams in either language arts or mathematics. Instruction is given over four marking periods, with each marking period addressing a different cluster tested on the state exam. Assessments take place weekly. Seniors who failed the HSPA will automatically be placed in Academic Support II Language and will go through the AHSA (Alternative High School Assessment) process. Grades 9-12 ACADEMIC SUPPORT MATHEMATICS 3-5 Credits

I (#9966) II (#9964) Prerequisites: HSPA Test Scores (12)

District Screening Test Scores (09, 10, 11) Math Report Card Grades (09, 10, 11)

This class has been instituted for the purpose of raising the basic skill proficiencies of New Jersey high school graduates. The curriculum consists of basic instruction in language arts (reading and writing skills), and mathematical skills. Student achievement levels on state exams and district screening tests, as well as report card grades, determine placement in the academic support program. This program offers small group instruction intended to improve each student’s ability to pass the state exam in either language arts or mathematics. Instruction is given over four marking periods, with each marking period addressing a different cluster tested on the state exam. Assessments take place weekly. Seniors who failed the HSPA will automatically be placed in Academic Support II Mathematics and will go through the AHSA (Alternative High School Assessment) process.


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ART The Art Department exposes students to creativity, problem-solving, aesthetics and kinesthetic learning. The 2009 New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Visual and Performing Arts state as their mission "the arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language." All courses in the Art Department are elective courses. It should be noted that Color & Design is the basic course and must be taken before any other art courses.

Grades 9-12 COLOR & DESIGN (#8200) 5 Credits (Visual & Performing Arts) In the first year, students will be exposed to the basic fundamentals of drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture. On a two-dimensional scale, students will become involved in value, light, form, texture, color theory, and utilizing the basic design elements and design principles to create a variety of compositions. On a three-dimensional scale, students will become involved in basic ceramic, sculpture and textile design methods and processes. Students will not only produce works of art, but will also develop an understanding of the history, aesthetics and criticism involved when looking at a variety of art works. Students will also explore career possibilities in the arts. Grades 10-12 DRAWING (#8210) 5 Credits Prerequisite: Color & Design (Visual & Performing Arts) Drawing is designed to enhance the skills previously acquired in Color & Design. The student will be introduced to a variety of assignments dealing with the basics of drawing techniques, such as line, texture, space, value, light, shades, composition, and creative expression. Learning to see objects and portray perspective will be approached through "right brain" exercises. Developing an awareness of the relationship between artistic perception and technique is one of the most important ingredients of this course. Utilization of color will be an important component in creating realistic and abstract compositions. Students will not only learn to draw, but also develop an understanding of the history, aesthetics, and criticism of various masters' works. Students will also explore career possibilities in the field. Grades 11-12 PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP (#8221) 5 Credits Prerequisites: Color & Design (Visual & Performing Arts) Photography Workshop is an art/technology course that applies the design, color theory and observational skills learned in Color & Design. Emphasis will be on understanding Digital Photography and Photoshop in developing creative use of digital photography as an art form in its many variations. This course will explore digital imaging through the use of the digital camera, Photoshop, and scanning. Basic technical information related to the use of digital photography and use of Photoshop in assisting with photography will be investigated and applied. Basic photographic and Photoshop concerts and terminology will be explored. Major emphasis will be placed upon the creation of original photographic works of art as it relates to photography in fine art, graphic art, commercial use, advertising, photo – journalism, and publication. This course is offered to students who desire to further their artistic and technological skills and for those desiring to enter a commercial art field, fine art field, Web design or general photography. Students will develop original works of photographic art such as landscape, portrait, advertisements, macro, depth of field and may other projects that will result in final photographic renditions. Students will be able to apply skills learned in this course to related art careers.


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Grades 11-12 ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP (#8222) 5 Credits Prerequisites: Color & Design, Photography Workshop (Visual & Performing Arts) Advanced Photography Workshop is an art/technology class that applies the design, color theory and observational skills learned in Color & Design along with the technical skills and techniques learned in Photography Workshop. Emphasis will be on further developing and exploration of the creative use of Digital Photography and Adobe Photoshop. The potential of Adobe Photoshop will be studied using various digital imaging techniques, selection tools, shape and text tool, blending modes, and color transformation. Advanced photography topics will be investigated. Use of a tripod and macro lens will be examined. Students will choose a subject to pursue through an independent\study. At the end of this course of study, students will have a portfolio of original photographs that will demonstrate professional photography skills used in related careers.

Grades 10-12 3-D MIXED MEDIA (#8251) 5 Credits Prerequisite: Color & Design (Visual & Performing Arts) 3-D Mixed Media is a course focusing on giving shape, form and life to essentially inert materials. The student will learn the concepts of sculptural entity and to work with and apply a variety of mediums and techniques to solve given visual problems. A variety of areas will be covered throughout the year including: the components of a sculpture, processes of additive, subtractive and assemblage, book arts, jewelry design, surface/fiber design, collage and throwing on the potter’s wheel along with hand built pieces. Major emphasis will be placed upon the creation of original works of art through exploration of tools/equipment, techniques and terminology related to all areas studied. The student will view the work of contemporary craftsmen and will present their artworks as functional or sculptural creations. The student will develop an understanding of the history of crafts that serve a functional as well as a fine art purpose. Students will learn to criticize and aesthetically evaluate a variety of artworks through various technological venues. An integral part of this course is to apply skills learned to related art/craft careers.

ILLUSTRATION (#8260) Grades 11-12 Prerequisites: Color & Design, Drawing and Photography Workshop 5 Credits (Visual & Performing Arts) This course introduces students to the foundational level of illustration problem-solving and conceptualization through drawing, painting, and source-gathering processes. Students will expand their drawing and painting abilities through a variety of mediums, including pencil, pen and ink, conte crayons, gouache, watercolor, and pastels. Emphasis will be placed on each student's individual growth, creative expression, and production of a variety of illustrations. This course is designed to foster sound aesthetic and critical values necessary to appreciate a variety of illustrations, as well as an historical background of illustration. Students will explore career opportunities.

SENIOR STUDIO (#8270) Grade 12 Prerequisites: Color & Design, Drawing, Photography Workshop, 5 Credits 3-D Mixed Media and/or Illustration (Visual & Performing Arts) Senior Studio is a course designed for the senior student who has taken all of the other art courses offered in his or her area of specialty. The student will work independently, and formulate a set of project/portfolio goals for each marking period. These goals will incorporate strengths in the area(s) he or she chooses to work. The student will be required to write a term paper and maintain a portfolio to be exhibited and presented as the final exam. Artist research, readings, and a journal are an integral part of the course. This course is designed to foster sound aesthetic and critical values necessary to appreciate a variety of artwork, as well as the history behind them. The student will be exposed to other artists and various career opportunities. In addition, students will be encouraged to visit art school(s) and museums of their choice.


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BUSINESS The Business Department offers a wide array of classes to hone a student’s computer and problem-solving skills. Business classes address two of the missions of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Technology and for 21st Century Life and Careers. "Technology enables students to solve real-world problems, enhance life, and extend human capability as they meet the challenges of a dynamic global society." In addition, these classes help to foster strong communication and presentation skills. These classes will prepare students for the 21st century. "21st-century life and career skills enable students to make informed decisions that prepare them to engage as active citizens in a dynamic global society and to successfully meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century global workplace."

Grades 9-12 COMPUTER SYSTEMS I (#8811) 2.5 Credits

(Practical Arts) Computer Systems I is a one-semester course designed to teach fundamental computer application skills. This course is recommended for all students entering Del Val and for those upperclassmen who wish to improve their computer application skills. The course will teach proper keyboarding skills, and students will be introduced to the Windows Operating System. Microsoft Word will be used to provide instruction in the fundamentals of word processing. Students will learn how to create, save, move, and copy files in Microsoft Word, as well as within Windows file/folder management procedures. In addition, effective file management techniques, user etiquette, and on-line safety will be stressed. Students will acquire lifelong computer skills for personal use and/or in preparation for employment or further education. Grades 9-12 COMPUTER SYSTEMS II (#8812) 2.5 Credits Prerequisite: Computer Systems I (Practical Arts) Computer Systems II is a one-semester course designed to build on basic computer application knowledge and skills to improve student’s research, assignments, projects and reports. Students will learn to use Microsoft PowerPoint software for effective creation of slide presentations and graphical elements. Students will also learn to design and use spreadsheets, using Microsoft Excel software, and receive an introduction to Microsoft Access database software and Microsoft Publisher for the creation of various template documents. Emphasis throughout the course will be placed on managing electronic resources and information, as well as a broadened perspective on the value of the Internet in education and future careers.

EDITORIAL LAYOUT & DESIGN I (#3921) Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: Writing sample (500 words). 5 Credits Topic: Why do you want to be on the Yearbook staff, and what will you offer? (Practical Arts)

Students taking this course will be responsible for producing the school yearbook. Designing yearbook layouts, writing and editing copy and obtaining pictures that tell the story are just a few of the areas covered by the course. Students will learn the technical know-how of the publishing business, desktop publishing, and general business methods. Students will spend the 4th marking period using the skills learned in producing the school's yearbook to produce a 20-page personalized yearbook project. Solid keyboarding, word processing, writing and editing skills are essential for the course. Photography and Photoshop skills are recommended but not required.


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Grades 10-12 EDITORIAL LAYOUT & DESIGN II (#3922) 5 Credits Prerequisites: Editing Layout & Design I and teacher’s approval (Practical Arts) This elective builds upon the principles learned in Editorial Layout & Design I. Students will take an active leadership role in producing, financing and marketing the school's yearbook. They will be responsible for ladder planning, editing, troubleshooting, and the management of digital files. They will also learn the financial aspects of production, including sales, cost analysis and goal-setting. In addition, there will be an emphasis on promotion, including marketing and advertising. Students will create a marketing campaign designed to promote product awareness and to generate sales. Grades 11-12 EDITORIAL LAYOUT & DESIGN III - EDITOR'S EDITION (#3923) 5 Credits Prerequisites: Editing Layout & Design I & II and teacher’s approval (Practical Arts)

This elective builds upon the principles learned in Editorial Layout & Design I & II. Students will take an active leadership role in producing, financing and marketing the school's yearbook. They will be responsible for ladder planning, editing, troubleshooting, and management of digital files. They will also learn the financial aspects of production, including sales, cost analysis and goal-setting. In addition, there will be an emphasis on promotion, including marketing and advertising. Students will create a marketing campaign designed to promote product awareness and to generate sales. Grades 9-12 ENTREPRENEURSHIP (#8834) 2.5 Credits (Practical Arts) Entrepreneurship is a half-year course designed for students who wish to learn about starting and running their own business. Students will examine successful entrepreneurs and strategies, learn the forms of business ownership, develop a business vision and mission statement, analyze the market, perform marketing research, create a new personal business brand, develop various media promotions, design store layout, and create a business website, while continually running their personal simulated business. The ethics and social responsibility of corporate America are emphasized, along with professional communication skills. Students will do a variety of written and oral communication exercises, conduct Internet research, analyze case studies, and use various software applications to complete their business design projects. Grades 9-12 INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING (#8831) 2.5 Credits (Practical Arts) Introduction to Marketing is a half-year course designed to introduce students to marketing foundations and concepts in real-world business situations. The course is designed to culminate in students’ creation of a marketable product, and then advancing this product through each stage of the marketing plan. Major topics of the course include introduction to marketing, marketing careers, the marketing environment, market research, product positioning, product branding and packaging, pricing, distribution channels, retailing, promotional strategies, and overall marketing planning. Students also complete various projects and analyze media, such as video or researching the Internet to visualize creative marketing firsthand. Proper principles of effective communication in English are taught throughout the course.


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Grades 9-12 SPORTS MARKETING (#8832) 2.5 Credits Prerequisite: Introduction to Marketing (Practical Arts) Students analyze the nature, structure, and impact of professional and amateur sport organizations in a business environment. Topics include the history of sport business and sport business leaders, evaluating the promotional strategies of international and amateur sports, in-depth analysis of Olympic marketing, and the marketing of professional teams, amateur events, global sports, and individual athlete endorsements. Other activities include developing a marketing plan for a professional team, such as designing the team brand, segmenting the fan market, researching the fan market, pricing tickets, designing a team stadium, scripting game-day operations, and implementing multiple-team promotional strategies. Students also complete sport-related case studies, and incorporate technology as they use the Internet for research, designing a professional team website, creating a sport-statistical spreadsheet, and constructing a consumer-fan database. Grades 9-12 BUSINESS LAW (#8835) 2.5 Credits Business Law is a half-year course designed for students who wish to gain understanding of the legal issues of the business world, as well as personal law and other legal topics of interest to students. Students will understand the origins, theories, and practices of law, along with the importance of ethics and social responsibility of corporate America. Topics include criminal law, civil law, tort litigation, employment law, consumer law and corporate ethics. Students are required to analyze and judge real-world cases and understand courtroom procedures and the trial process. The ethics and social responsibility of corporate America are emphasized, along with professional communication skills. Students will do a variety of written and oral communication exercises, conduct Internet research, analyze and evaluate case studies, and use various software applications to complete their law projects. Grades 9-12 WEB DESIGN I (#8814) 2.5 Credits

(Practical Arts) Web Design I is for students who wish to learn how to create an attractive and effective website. The course is recommended to students with computer background (knowledge of folders/directories, files, file types and basic software applications) and computer ethics. Programming skills are not a requirement. Web Design I topics include the planning, design, development and implementation of a successful website. The course has a dual focus that includes common-sense design fundamentals, as well as the technical aspects of website construction. Students will be led through the basic design process, including how to plan and develop site mission, purpose and objectives, identify user audience, create html website markup language, and effective use of an html editor. Additionally, throughout the process, emphasis will be placed on quality factors that impact a website's clarity of intent, attractiveness, effectiveness and usability. Over the duration of the course, students will create a portfolio of websites demonstrating their progress and projects. Grades 9-12 WEB DESIGN II (#8815) 2.5 Credits Prerequisite: Web Design I (Practical Arts) Web Design II builds on Web Design I by showing students how to create more advanced websites that require a greater degree of user interactivity, such as data collection on forms. Also, students are shown how to introduce various kinds of dynamic multimedia and content into their website. In addition to covering on how to code the html tags to create a web-based form, students are shown how to effectively implement higher-level web-design applications. Students will learn the basics of creating more advanced websites and are required to apply web-design skills independently. Students will explore other advanced Internet technologies. Over the duration of the course, students create a portfolio of websites demonstrating their progress and projects, with a culminating website project displaying mastery of all course objectives.


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ENGLISH English is required in each of the four years in high school. Each student is placed in the level that best matches his or her combined ability. The selection criteria include the student’s ability, past performance, test results, teacher recommendation and counselor concurrence. With demonstrated success, students are able to move between class levels. The English coursework is based on the Common Core State Standards, which intend to “provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.”

ENGLISH I – ACADEMIC (#3113)

Grade 9 Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS Placement Rubric 5 Credits Through the concept of the hero, students will experience the hero's rite of passage and learn about the necessary journey that all heroes must make. Students will be exposed to diverse literary forms. They will develop and practice skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening and viewing. The course will also emphasize practical aspects of English and communication, including vocabulary, grammar, and the research process. Students receive early preparation for both the PARCC and SAT tests. Major works covered include mythology, The Odyssey, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Romeo and Juliet and To Kill a Mockingbird.

ENGLISH I – COLLEGE PREP (#3120) Grade 9 Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS Placement Rubric 5 Credits Through the concept of the hero, students will experience the hero’s rite of passage and learn about the necessary journey that all heroes must make. Beginning with the hero in Ancient Greek myth and culminating with the modern antihero, this course introduces this protagonist to students and develops their understanding of human struggle in literature, film and life. Students will be exposed to diverse literary forms. They will develop and practice skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening and viewing. The course will also emphasize practical aspects of English and communication, including vocabulary, grammar, and the research process. Major works covered include mythology, The Odyssey, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Romeo and Juliet and To Kill a Mockingbird. Students receive begin early preparation for both the PARCC and SAT tests. This course is designed as the first step in preparing college-bound students for their future, and involves more abstract thinking, intensive essay writing and independent work than the General level course.

HONORS ENGLISH I (#3130) Grade 9 Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS Placement Rubric 5 Credits This course is designed for the 9th grade student who has the interest and ability to accept a program with increased challenges beyond that of CP I. Its primary purpose is to stimulate the student to read more widely and think more critically. Through the concept of the hero, students will experience the hero’s rite of passage and learn about the necessary journey that all heroes must make. Students will be exposed to diverse literary forms and develop and practice skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening and viewing. Major works covered include mythology, The Odyssey, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Julius Caesar, To Kill a Mockingbird and A Separate Peace. The course will also emphasize practical aspects of English and communication, including vocabulary, grammar, and the research process. Students receive vigorous early preparation for both the PARCC and SAT. This course is designed as the first step in preparing college-bound students for their future.


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ENGLISH II – ACADEMIC (#3211)

Grade 10 Prerequisite: English I 5 Credits Through protagonists’ challenges and choices, students will be exposed to human transformation and the individual vs. society. Students will develop and practice skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening and viewing. Students will complete assignments that prepare them for SAT and PARCC examinations. Focus skills include vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, research, and essay writing. Major works covered include Lord of the Flies, Frankenstein, Rules of the Road and some graphic novels.

ENGLISH II – COLLEGE PREP (#3220) Grade 10 Prerequisite: English I 5 Credits Through protagonists’ challenges and choices, students will be exposed to human transformation and the individual vs. society. Throughout our lives, we are confronted with an unending number of difficult situations that require us to wrestle with important decisions. Students will explore the various permutations of that theme through a variety of life situations. Students will develop and practice skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening and viewing. Students will complete assignments that prepare them for SAT and PARCC examinations. Focus skills include vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, research, and essay writing. Major works covered include Macbeth, Frankenstein, Fahrenheit 451, Lord of the Flies and Anthem. This course involves more abstract thinking, intensive essay writing and independent work than the General level course.

HONORS ENGLISH II (#3230) Grade 10 Prerequisite: English I 5 Credits This course introduces students to twelve of world literature’s most celebrated canonical texts, which explore the perennial problem of good and evil from a variety of modern perspectives. Ranging from the Greeks, through Shakespeare, to representative works of 19th- and 20th-century British, European, and Latin American authors, students discover how modern thought, as embodied in these twelve novels and plays, have deepened, enriched, and, in some cases, even radically challenged the traditional Western understanding of what motivates humanity’s moral choices. This course also systematically prepares students for the academic rigors of college-level Advanced Placement III & IV. Students receive a thorough technical grounding in the art of literary analysis and in the employment of a wide array of rhetorical techniques, the mastery of which enhances an understanding of how a literary work is constructed. Critical-thinking and writing skills, SAT and PARCC prep, a comprehensive review of grammatical rules, vocabulary building, vigorous class discussion, and a critically-reasoned research paper are among the other major components of this program, designed for students who want more than a traditional college-prep sophomore English high-school course.

ENGLISH III – ACADEMIC (#3311) Grade 11 Prerequisites: English II 5 Credits In this course, juniors will explore the evolution of American identities and experiences from the formation of the United States through the Modern Age. Students will be exposed to a variety of literary works, including plays, short stories, poems, essays, and novels by American authors. Through this exposure, students will investigate what it means to be an American. Recurring themes include the American Dream, gender, ethnicity, race, freedom, common beliefs and values. The students will develop and practice skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking and viewing. Specific emphasis will be placed on the PARCC examinations, including vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, research skills, and essay writing skills. Major works covered include The Crucible, Of Mice and Men, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Nothing to Lose. Students will prepare essays that address HSPA writing prompts and take grammar tests.


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ENGLISH III – COLLEGE PREP (#3320)

Grade 11 Prerequisites: English II 5 Credits In this course, juniors will explore the evolution of American identities and experiences from the formation of the United States through the Modern Age. Students will be exposed to a variety of literary works, including plays, short stories, poems, essays, historical documents, and novels by American authors. Through this exposure, students will investigate what it means to be an American and how America has always been a work in progress, divided between itself as varying traditions struggled to lay claim to the soul of the nation, and how out of this perennial struggle to define itself, America’s richness and promise have been achieved on the anvil of the past three centuries. Recurring themes include the American Dream, gender, ethnicity, race, freedom, common beliefs and values. The students will develop and practice skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening and viewing. Throughout the course there is a strong emphasis on preparation for SAT and PARCC examinations, as well as vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, research, and essay writing. Major works include The Great Gatsby, The Crucible, Of Mice and Men and A Streetcar Named Desire. This course involves more abstract thinking, intensive essay writing and independent work than the General level course.

HONORS ENGLISH III (#3330) Grade 11 Prerequisites: English II 5 Credits This course will provide students with an intense, chronological study of American literature. This is a challenging course that requires students to read and write critically and analytically. Canonical works include The Crucible, The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and A Streetcar Named Desire. Students will also read poems, short stories, fiction, and various speeches and essays from an array of time periods. Recurring themes include The American Dream, gender, ethnicity, race, freedom, common beliefs and values. Additionally, in-depth preparation for the PARCC and SAT practice is incorporated into the curriculum throughout the school year. The study of vocabulary and grammar is ongoing and builds-upon previous years of study. A great deal of emphasis is placed on class discussions and the exchange of opinions and ideas.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH III (#3340) Grade 11 Prerequisites: Honors English II 5 Credits This college-level course is designed to help students become skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and to become sophisticated writers who compose for a variety of purposes. The College Board states "both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing." This course, providing an overview of American literature, places strong emphasis on the reading, analysis, and composition of non-fiction texts. Additionally, students will also be exposed to a variety of canonical works of American literature as a way to learning these skills, as well as to prepare students for Advanced Placement English Language and Composition exam, which students are required to take. Major works include The Great Gatsby, The Crucible, In Cold Blood, Of Mice and Men, Their Eyes Were Watching God and The Scarlet Letter. Included in the course is an emphasis on vocabulary expansion, grammatical skills, and SAT & HSPA preparation.

ENGLISH IV – ACADEMIC (#3411) Grade 12 Prerequisites: English III 5 Credits This course focuses on contemporary literature without losing touch with the classics. Various writing assignments are integrated into the curriculum, and students complete college essays and resumesˊ. Vocabulary study is also an integral component of the class, but presented in a way so students enjoy learning new words. The students develop and practice skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening and viewing. Works covered include Breathing Underwater, A Raisin in the Sun, and The Last Lecture.


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ENGLISH IV – COLLEGE PREP (#3420) Grade 12 Prerequisites: English III 5 Credits This course introduces students to the Greeks, the Bible, Shakespeare, and a general survey of British literature. Students will develop an understanding not only of British literature, but also of the two foundations of Western culture. The Bible and the Greco-Roman worldviews have nourished Western consciousness for centuries, and no educated person can afford to be uninformed about these two contributions to the Western mind. The students will develop and practice skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening and viewing. Major works covered include The Greek Way, The Portable World Bible, Hamlet, Candide, and 1984. This course involves more abstract thinking, intensive essay writing and independent work than the General level course. Special emphasis is placed on critical thinking, class discussion and the critical exchange of ideas.

HONORS ENGLISH IV (#3430) Grade 12 Prerequisites: English III 5 Credits In this course students will examine literature rich in language, complex ideas, and opportunities for critical thinking. Through the reading and writing process students will develop their own thoughts and responses to texts. The course requires active participation from students as they explore ideas and respond to the learning process. It will help students prepare for the rigorous academic expectations they will encounter as they continue their education in the postsecondary world. This includes frequent writing assignments, independently monitoring personal progress, and utilizing resources such as databases and other secondary sources. Major works may include The Greek Way, Hamlet, Candide, and 1984. This course involves more abstract thinking, intensive essay writing and independent work than the General level course. Special emphasis is placed on critical thinking, class discussion and the critical exchange of ideas.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH IV (#3440) Grade 12 Prerequisites: Honors or AP English III 5 Credits AP English is an introductory college humanities course, which introduces students to the Greeks, the Bible, Shakespeare, British literature, and representative novels and plays of the Western literary tradition. By familiarizing themselves with some of the philosophical conflicts that have characterized Western literature since the Greeks, students achieve a broader and deeper historical perspective on life’s perennial questions than would be possible in a college-prep English course. The students will develop and practice skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, listening and viewing. Major works covered include The Greek Way, The Bible, Medea, Heart of Darkness, Pride and Prejudice, Waiting for Godot, Saint Joan, The Misanthrope, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and Hamlet. Frequent writing assignments develop the ability to interpret and critically evaluate literary works in preparation for the May Advanced Placement English exam.

~ Electives ~

Grades 9-12 ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING (#3952) 2.5 Credits

This course will focus on a variety of speaking skills and styles. Students will practice speaking clearly and confidently to an audience in a variety of situations that include, but are not limited to, Keynote Presentations, Toasts, Debates, and Movie Pitches. This course will help develop students’ speaking, listening, and writing skills, as well as their research capabilities and reading comprehension. Each speech will be supplemented with the study of a famous historical speech to help model effective speech writing.


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Grades 10-12 EXPLORING GRAPHIC NOVELS (#3946) 2.5 Credits Exploring Graphic Novels delves into the illustrations and stories of graphic novels. This course involves the study and analysis of the cultural and historical influences of comics and novels. Art, music, film interpretations, economic aspects, and more will be discussed and studied. Mature themes will be evaluated. Written assignments, critical thinking and analysis, and regular participation are required. Sophomores need a teacher recommendation. Grades 10-12 FILM STUDIES (#3935) 2.5 Credits In this course, students will study film as literature – meaning that film is a visual narrative, and we will be "reading," discussing, analyzing, and writing about film as literature. The course will include basics on film theory, the vocabulary of film, and film genre studies in addition to the analysis of the more literary elements of the films. Course requirements will include participation in class discussions as well as written work (reflections, reviews, and analysis pieces). Among classic works of cinema, some suitable R-rated films will be viewed. Mature themes will be evaluated. Sophomores need a teacher recommendation. Grades 10-12 GOTHIC LITERATURE (#3945) 2.5 Credits The Gothic genre is one that has permeated centuries of Literature. This course will trace the evolution of the genre and its protagonists through the past few centuries while trying to determine how the human psyche copes with stressful, and sometimes supernatural, conflicts. Students will investigate the life and minds of gothic authors to discover what this genre reveals about human nature and our ability to survive even the most unimaginable circumstances. This course will help develop students’ reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking, and speaking skills. Potential texts for study include Dracula, The Invisible Man, and I Am Legend. Grades 9-12 JOURNALISM I (#3911) 5 Credits

(Practical Arts) This elective course will help the students develop an appreciation for writing publications through theory and application. Through the textbook lessons as well as through practice, students will develop skills for approaching and producing news, features and sports articles. This includes developing interesting interview questions, conducting interviews, doing background research, and structuring writing according the type of articles. Students will also learn the foundations of news photography and use the class cameras to acquire shots for their articles. Ultimately, their work will be published on-line, in-print, and, when opportunities arise, professionally published in local newspapers. The students will also be reading the on-line edition of The New York Times on a regular basis for exposure to excellence in journalism. On-line practice of AP Style is part of the weekly schedule.

JOURNALISM II (#3912) Grades 10-12 Prerequisites: Journalism I and teacher recommendation 5 Credits

(Practical Arts) In Journalism II, students will continue to interview, write articles, edit, and use desktop publishing. In addition, students will complete independent projects and be responsible for editing and proofreading articles. Students are expected to be proficient in the journalistic style of writing. This course will run concurrently with the Journalism I class.


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JOURNALISM III (#3913)

Grades 11-12 Prerequisites: Journalism I & II, and teacher recommendation 5 Credits (Practical Arts) This elective course will build on skills students have learned in Journalism I and II. Students will participate in a series of multi-week writers' workshops involving advanced study of researching, writing, and editing for journalistic publications, and they will publish their work in local newspapers. Students will experience what the Principal's Guide to Scholastic Journalism calls "authentic assessment at its best, a synthesis of analysis and critical thinking, planning and relating to an audience beyond the classroom, and performance-based outcomes." This elective is open to students who excelled in Journalism I and II, and who wish to continue to developing confidence in writing for 21st-century journalistic media. Grades 9-12 PLAY PRODUCTION (#3937) 2.5 Credits This course will immerse students in every aspect of the play production process, from development of an idea to final performance. Students will be actively involved in every aspect of play production, starting with analysis and moving into scriptwriting. Once a script has been completed students will assumes the roles of actors, directors, producers, and technicians as they prepare an original script for performance. Grades 9-12 PERFORMING ARTS I (#3931) 2.5 Credits (Visual & Performing Arts) Performing Arts is designed to offer training in effective stage techniques in preparation for a dramatic production. These techniques will include lighting, sound effects, set design, costumes, makeup and acting. The course will emphasize development of understanding of and appreciation for live theater. This course is designed for those interested in acting, as well as those who prefer to remain behind the scenes. This course also will acquaint students with possible career choices. Grades 9-12 PERFORMING ARTS II (#3932) 2.5 Credits Prerequisite: Performing Arts I (Visual & Performing Arts) Performing Arts II is a course designed to challenge those individuals who, through a successful experience in Performing Arts I, find that they would like to further expand their theatrical skills and talents. While the course is primarily one of stage history, pantomime, characterization, scenes and production of one-act plays for select public viewing, there also will be some exposure to dramatic theory and principles. Grades 10-12 PERFORMING ARTS III (#3933) 2.5 Credits

Prerequisite: Performing Arts II (Visual & Performing Arts)

Performing Arts III is designed for the serious actor who demonstrates an interest in pursuing intensive work in theatre. Students will expand upon their knowledge of basic theatre principles by studying advanced acting and design techniques. Through individual and collaborative projects, students will research movements in modern and contemporary theatre history and hone their skills in script analysis. This course will culminate in the preparation of a performance piece for a live audience.


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Grades 10-12 PERFORMING ARTS IV (#3934) 2.5 Credits

Prerequisite: Performing Arts III (Visual & Performing Arts) Performing Arts IV offers the experienced actor dramatic theory, serious scene study, and opportunities for intense character development. A workshop in various acting styles will lead to individual and partner work in performance assignments and exercises. This course will also explore the roles and responsibilities of the production staff, including the director, stage manager, and producer. Students will pursue a final project in one of the following areas: acting, directing, scenic design, technical theatre, or stage management. Grades 9-12 SHAKESPEARE ESSENTIALS (#3943) 2.5 Credits This course introduces students to the works of Shakespeare and the Elizabethan period in which he lived. Students will investigate his continuing appeal as a playwright by exploring his ability to use characterization, dramatic language, and universal themes. Students will analyze representative examples of comedies, tragedies, and/or histories. Student performance of selected Shakespearean scenes enhances understanding of all aspects of Shakespeare’s work. Grades 10-12 WRITING WORKSHOP COLLEGE PREP (#3951) 5 Credits This workshop develops skills in writing poetry, short stories, memoirs, and screenwriting. Daily writing builds fluency, while reading and modeling from literature and books on writing, build a critical ear. Self-assessment and peer review are used extensively. Each marking period, students construct a portfolio of work for assessment in which the process and development as a writer are evaluated. Since each student begins at a different skill level, meeting each student's needs and interests stressed.


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INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

Industrial Technology classes are elective courses designed to teach students practical skills. The classes address two of the missions of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Technology and for 21st Century Life and Careers. "Technology enables students to solve real-world problems, enhance life, and extend human capability as they meet the challenges of a dynamic global society." In addition, many of the students who have completed these courses have gained skills which have enabled them to go straight into the workforce. "21st-century life and career skills enable students to make informed decisions that prepare them to engage as active citizens in a dynamic global society and to successfully meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century global workplace."

Grades 9-12 ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHICS I (#8953) 5 Credits (Practical Arts) This course is designed for students interested in basic architecture or in basic construction. Students will design a house and draw plans for it. Plans for the project will include floor plans, furniture plans, electrical plans, and typical wall sections. All instruction is on computers using drafting software. Grades 10-12 ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHICS II (#8954) 5 Credits Prerequisite: Architectural Graphics I (Practical Arts) Instruction in Architectural Drawing II is a continuation of material presented in Architectural Drawing I. Student- designed house plans completed in Architectural Drawing I are expanded upon. Elevation drawings, foundation drawings, plot plans, and door and window schedules are completed. All instruction is on computers using drafting software. Grades 9-12 BEGINNING GRAPHICS (#8950) 5 Credits (Practical Arts) This course is designed for students interested in the design field. Possible careers could be becoming an Engineer or designer. This course will teacher students how to use Solid Works, a 3-D drawing program, and 3-D printing technologies to design and print 3-D products. Assigned design project will allow the students to learn how to use the program and become comfortable in designing their own projects. Projects include simple part drawings, multiple part assemblies, and student choice design projects. This is a hands-on course with project work being the only graded work in the course.

TECHNICAL GRAPHICS I (#8956) Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Beginning Graphics 5 Credits and teacher recommendation (Practical Arts) Topics introduced in this class are Individual Design Concepts. Ideas are built with the knowledge learned in Architectural Graphics. Students will brainstorm ideas, draw plans, and construct a model. All instruction is on computers using drafting software.


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Grades 9-12 TV MEDIA I (#8962) 5 Credits (Practical Arts) Students will be taught television production techniques with an emphasis on learning and performing basic filming and editing skills for multiple media projects. The complete process covering the importance of planning for a shoot, capturing images and video using a digital video camera, audio editing, and then combining all of these elements by editing on a Mac in Final Cut Pro X will be taught throughout the class. Students will then utilize these skills with increasing expertise through hands-on demonstrations and practical experience as the difficulty and complexity increases with each new project. Grades 10-12 TV MEDIA II (#8963) 5 Credits Prerequisites: TV Media I and teacher recommendation (Practical Arts) This course expands on techniques and skills taught in TV-1 by utilizing production teams to create and distribute student-produced projects and shows covering school news, sports, performing arts and student life. The shows are broadcast on DVRHS’s closed circuit TV, the internet, and Service Electric Cable Channel 263. Shows inform and entertain the students and staff of Del Val as well as the immediate community surrounding Del Val. Students are involved in all phases of producing the shows including story development, research, script writing, filming, editing, directing, reporting, marketing, and distribution. The classroom setting is a working TV studio where students will be expected to meet regular production deadlines. Filming events outside of normal school hours will be required each marking period. Grades 10-12 TV MEDIA III (#8964) 5 Credits Prerequisites: TV Media II and teacher recommendation (Practical Arts) This course will broaden and enhance students’ abilities to use Final Cut Pro X and focus on in-depth, student-produced interviews. Interviews will be broadcast on DVRHS’s closed circuit TV, the internet, and Service Electric Cable Channel 263. Shows will inform and entertain the students and staff of Del Val focusing on details and events concerning students’ life and experiences in school and throughout the immediate community. Students will produce multi-camera video projects comprised of interviews of staff and students. The classroom will emulate a “television newsmagazine” setting where topics can be discussed and debated in greater length. Like TV-2, students will be responsible for producing all aspects of their show, including: story development, research, script writing, filming, editing, directing, reporting, marketing, and distribution. Filming events outside of normal school hours will be required. Grades 9-12 WOOD I (#8910) 5 Credits (Practical Arts) Wood I is a hands-on application of the basic woodworking tools and machines used to build three basic projects. Periodic safety tests will be given after the use of each machine is demonstrated. Basic joinery and wood finishing will be covered. Students who want to take home their projects must reimburse the school for their materials. The materials cost for the year is approximately $40.00.

WOOD II (#8920) Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: 88 average or higher in Wood I and 5 Credits Wood Shop teacher recommendation (Practical Arts) Material processing and cabinet joinery are the highlights of this course. Periodic safety tests will be given after the use of each machine is demonstrated. Students will be required to construct a raised panel door and machine-cut dovetail joints on a solid hardwood cabinet. A second small project of free choice, such as a wall clock, lamp, or decorative box, will also be required. Students will learn how to hand-cut dovetails and turn on the lathe. The materials cost for the year is approximately $40.00.


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WOOD III (#8930) Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: 88 average or higher in Wood II and 5 Credits Wood Shop teacher recommendation (Practical Arts) This course is designed for serious students with a strong interest in furniture and cabinet construction. Students will be required to build three (3) projects of their own design. The degree of difficulty will not exceed the students’ wood working ability. Projects will include: a Shaker-style candlestick table, a box using complex joinery, and an architectural birdhouse or mailbox. All projects must be approved by the instructor.

WOOD IV (#8940) Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: Wood I, II & III and 5 Credits Wood Shop teacher recommendation (Practical Arts) The student must work independently on a free-choice project, such as a dining table, wall unit, china cabinet, gun cabinet, grandfather clock, or chair, following the instructor's approval of the project drawings. Materials must be purchased by the student, before construction begins.


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MATHEMATICS Each student is required to pass three years of mathematics in order to graduate from high school. Each student is placed in the level that best matches his or her combined ability and career goals. The selection criteria include the student’s ability, past performance, test results, teacher recommendation and counselor concurrence. With demonstrated success, students are able to move between class levels. The Mathematics coursework is based on the Common Core State Standards, which intend to “provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.”

ALGEBRA I ELEMENTS (#5110) Grade 9 Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS Placement Rubric 5 Credits

This is the first-year course of a general level mathematics program designed to reinforce basic computational skills with whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percents. Students will explore many Algebra topics, such as solving equations, linear equations, and simplifying algebraic expressions involving exponents. Students will perform data analysis and graphing. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving and concepts related to the state testing program.

GEOMETRY ELEMENTS (#5210) Grade 10 Prerequisite: Algebra I Elements 5 Credits This course is the second-year continuation of the general level program. It continues the Algebra I topics started in the first year and presents algebraic concepts with two variables. The course introduces topics in plane geometry, including measuring angles, exploring relationships in triangles and polygons, calculating area, perimeter and volume. The course introduces concepts in logic, proofs, and trigonometry. Interactive computer software will be used in selected lessons. Emphasis will be placed on word problems and concepts related to the state testing program.

ALGEBRA II ELEMENTS (#5310) Grade 11 Prerequisite: Geometry Elements or teacher recommendation 5 Credits This course is the third-year continuation of the general level program. Students will review many topics covered in Algebra I and explore Algebra II topics, such as systems of equations, complex numbers, quadratic functions, equations of circles, and continue the study of trigonometry topics. Emphasis will be placed on word problems and concepts related to the state testing program.

ADVANCED ALGEBRA ELEMENTS (#5410) Grade 12 Prerequisite: Algebra II Elements 5 Credits This course is the fourth-year continuation of the general level program. Students will review topics covered in Algebra II Elements and explore other Algebra II topics such as conic sections, trigonometry, polynomial functions, probability and statistics. Emphasis will be placed on word problems and concepts related to the state testing program.


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ALGEBRA I – COLLEGE PREP (#5120) Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: Qualifying Score on the DVRHS Placement Rubric 5 Credits This course is a prerequisite for most college preparatory mathematics and science courses. Students must have a strong background in basic math skills. Topics include functions, polynomials, solving and graphing equations, inequalities, factoring binomials and trinomials, fractional equations, linear equations, radical expressions, exponents, and employing the quadratic formula in solving problems. These topics are frequently applied to word problems encountered in both math and sciences. It will also begin early preparation for state mandated tests and SAT exams.

GEOMETRY – COLLEGE PREP (#5220) Prerequisite: Algebra I College Prep 5 Credits Grades 9-12 or Qualifying Score on DVRHS Placement Rubric This is the standard second-year course in our college preparatory mathematics program. Geometric figures are examined in a plane and in space. Parallel lines, parallel planes, congruent and similar triangles, polygons and circles, and areas of geometric figures, and transformations are some of the topics included in this course. Geometric constructions are created utilizing a protractor, compass and straightedge and computer graphics. Surface areas and volumes of geometric solids are examined. Logical thinking is emphasized through the development of proofs. Properties and applications of right triangle trigonometry are introduced. Preparation for state mandated tests and SAT exams are also included in the course.

ALGEBRA II – COLLEGE PREP (#5320) Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Geometry College Prep or Honors Geometry; 93 in Elements of Algebra II; teacher recommendation 5 Credits This course is an intermediate course for college-bound students. New concepts are introduced as extensions of the principles covered earlier in the Algebra I and Geometry programs. Topics include rational expressions, linear equations and inequalities, radicals and rational number exponents, problem solving with the quadratic formula, complex numbers, functions, trigonometric laws and formulas, trigonometric functions, and exponential, logarithmic, and polynomial functions. Word problems, which utilize these topics, are presented throughout the year. The course also includes preparation for SAT and state mandated exams.

PRECALCULUS/TRIGONOMETRY – COLLEGE PREP (#5421) Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: Algebra II College Prep and teacher recommendation 5 Credits This course is designed for upper-class math students who wish to prepare for a more demanding college program in mathematics or the sciences. Topics included in this challenging course are numbers, relations, functions, trigonometry and its applications, algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions, matrices, graphs in three-D space, probability and pre-calculus. This course is recommended as an introduction to our Honors Calculus program. Although the course calls for extensive use of a graphing calculator, students will also be required to do analysis without one. This course includes SAT and HSPA preparation.

HONORS GEOMETRY (#5230) Grades 9-12 Prerequisites: 93 or higher in Algebra I - College Prep; qualifying score on 5 Credits

the DVRHS Placement Rubric; teacher recommendation The topics examined in this course are similar to the topics listed in Geometry College Prep, but the instruction is focused on a more rigorous program. Each of these topics is considered in greater depth with the high-ability mathematics student in mind. In addition to these topics, excursions in trigonometric functions, transformations and fractals are undertaken. Greater emphasis is placed on geometric proofs. Early preparation is also included for state tests and SAT exams.


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HONORS ALGEBRA II (#5330) Grades 10-12 Prerequisites: 85 or higher in Honors Geometry or 5 Credits

93 or higher in Geometry College Prep; teacher recommendation Honors Algebra II is an advanced high-school mathematics course designed for high-ability math students. Topics include all topics listed in the Algebra II College Prep, however, those topics are examined with more rigor and at a faster pace. Emphasis is placed on transformations of functions and application problems. Also included in the course is an exploration of probability and introductory statistics.

HONORS PRECALCULUS/TRIGONOMETRY (#5431) Grades 11-12 Prerequisites: 85 or higher in Honors Algebra II 5 Credits

or 93 or higher in Algebra II College Prep; teacher recommendation Honors Precalculus/Trigonometry is designed to explore basic concepts related to abstract algebra. Topics include algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions, series and limits, trigonometry, matrices, vectors, conic sections, linear transformations and introductory calculus. In the continuum of our honors mathematics curriculum, Honors Precalculus/Trigonometry can be described as a pre-calculus offering, which permits the student to initiate a serious study of calculus at the Advanced Placement or college level. Although the course calls for extensive use of a graphing calculator, students will also be required to do analysis without one.

HONORS CALCULUS (#5530) Grade 12 Prerequisite: Honors or College Prep Precalculus/Trigonometry (Analysis) 5 Credits This is an advanced high school mathematics course. After reviewing concepts in pre-calculus, including sets, intervals, plane graphs, the distance formula, slope, parabolas and functions, the course examines the definite integral using the standard approach to upper and lower approximating sums. Basic properties of logarithms and exponents are deduced. In addition, derivatives and differentiation formulae are explored, and their applications are considered. Although the course calls for the extensive use of a graphing calculator, students will also be required to do calculus without one.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS (#5540) Grade 12 Prerequisites: 85 or higher in Honors Precalculus/Trigonometry (Analysis) 5 Credits

or 93 or higher in College Prep Precalculus/Trigonometry (Analysis); teacher recommendation This course includes all the topics listed in Honors Calculus, but the course is tailored for those high-ability mathematics students who will take the Calculus AB Advanced Placement Examination given in the spring. The course consists of a rigorous exploration of analytic geometry, limits, differentiation and integration, with emphasis on their applications. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and the ability to solve problems using the TI-83 or T1-84 calculator. Students will also be required to do calculus without the use of a calculator.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS (#5740) Grades 11-12 Prerequisites: 85 or higher in Honors Algebra II or 5 Credits 93 or higher in Algebra II College Prep; teacher recommendation The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: exploring data with patterns, sampling and experimentation, exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, and statistical inference. This course provides an excellent option to students who possess sufficient mathematical maturity and quantitative reasoning ability. This course will prepare students for the Statistics Advanced Placement Exam.


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~ Electives ~

Grade 12 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS (#5620) 5 Credits Prerequisite: Algebra II College Prep

Discrete Mathematics is a course that may be defined as the study of mathematical properties of sets and systems that have a finite number of elements. This branch of mathematics is concerned with a mathematical analysis of countless economic and social problems. Topics in this course include the development and analysis of problem-solving procedures, probability, graph theory, matrices, election theory, recursions, circuits and paths. Discrete mathematics is applicable in business, education, mathematics, engineering, computer science, and information technology. Students will be involved in collecting and interpreting data and identifying trends. This leads to the building of mathematical models that can be used to study problems and constructing procedures for solving. Grades 10-12 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER PROGRAMMING (#5824) 5 Credits Prerequisite: Algebra I College Prep (Practical Arts) This course is introduces procedural and object-oriented/event-driven programming fundamentals using modern programming language: C++, Objective C, and Xcode. Students will learn to write programs involving variables, operators, data types, control structures, iterations, functions, arrays, access files, and classes. The course culminates in the development of mobile applications using Xcode.


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MUSIC

The Music Department exposes students to creativity, kinesthetic learning and the elements of music and performance. The 2009 New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Visual and Performing Arts state as their mission "the arts enable personal, intellectual, social, economic, and human growth by fostering creativity and providing opportunities for expression beyond the limits of language."

Grades 9-12 CONCERT BAND (#8305) 5 Credits

(Visual & Performing Arts) The Band course at Del Val is an all-encompassing program comprised of beginners as well as advanced players. Band can be taken during a student’s all four years. The band performs at many events throughout the year, ranging from holiday concerts and football games to band festivals and parades. Also included in our performance program are appearances at public events, school assemblies, spring recitals and graduation. The class is performance-oriented, and it will provide students with an opportunity to develop basic as well as advanced musicianship. If you play a musical instrument, this is the class to join! Grades 10-12 WIND ENSEMBLE (#8341) 5 Credits

(Visual & Performing Arts) This select ensemble is open to 10th – 12th grade students with at least one year of high school band experience. The members of this Wind Ensemble perform a varied repertoire of advanced music. Students eligible to enroll must audition for the band director. The number of students selected is limited based on required instrumentation. Students registered in this class are required to participate in all after school concerts, and will have additional evening performances throughout the school year. This class gives students at Del Val an opportunity to participate in an honors level ensemble, performing rigorous music at its highest levels. Grades 9-12 CHORUS (#8360) 5 Credits

(Visual & Performing Arts) This course is open to all students who have a sincere desire to sing together. Basic concepts of good singing are stressed, including voice projection, choral singing, diction, part-singing, and blending of voices. This is a performance-based class, which may include appearances at public events, school assemblies, spring recitals and graduation. Four performances, Back-to-School Night, the District Choral Festival, Winter and Spring Concert are required during the year. Grades 10-12 HONORS CHAMBER CHOIR (#8369) 5 Credits This select ensemble is open to 10th – 12th grade students with at least one year of high school choral experience. The members of this honors choir perform a varied repertoire of advanced music. Students eligible to enroll must audition for the choir director. The number of students selected is limited based on vocal balance. Students registered in this class are required to participate in all after school concerts, and will have additional evening performances throughout the school year. Additionally, there will be one evening rehearsal per month that students will be required to participate in. This class gives students at Del Val an opportunity to participate in an honors level ensemble, performing rigorous music at its highest levels.


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Grades 9-12 INTRO TO MUSIC COMPOSITION & THEORY (#8350) 5 Credits

(Visual & Performing Arts)

This full-year course introduces students to the fundamentals of music theory. This course, designed for the beginner to intermediate musician, will examine the basic elements of music including melody, harmony, form, and texture. The class will be project based, focused on introducing students to concepts that will allow them to compose many types of songs. Students will be expected to put their knowledge of music theory into action through creating music of multiple genres. This class acts as a prerequisite to Advanced Placement Music Theory. Grades 10-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY (#8351) 5 Credits Prerequisite: Intro to Music Comp/Theory; teacher recommendation

Music Theory Advanced Placement is a rigorous course intended for students who wish to expand upon the curriculum of Elements of Music. Emphasis is placed on aural skills and training, as well as analysis and further study of techniques of composition. This class is also designed for the serious music student who is interested in pursuing the study of music at the college level, and prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Exam in Music Theory. Grades 9-12 DRUM CIRCLE (#8357) 2.5 Credits


Drum Circle is designed for students with rudimentary skills in the basics of rhythm and percussion. Students will be actively engaged in percussive music through body movement, Orff instruments, hand drums, and Dalcroze eurhythmics. Students interested in taking this class should have limited exposure to music instruction, and be at an introductory level to music as a whole, and should expect to perform music every day. Grades 9-12 PERCUSSION LAB (#8354) 2.5 Credits


This class is designed for the student who is interested in all aspects of the art of percussion. Basic rudiments will be learned, and a variety of percussion instruments will be used ranging from the snare and bass drums to all of the trap equipment, plus melodic keyboards. World percussion instruments will also be incorporated as available. The objective of this class is to provide an alternative to concert band for percussion students who would like to become more experienced in the percussive arts. There will also be opportunities to perform both in and outside of the classroom. Grades 9-12 PIANO LAB (#8353) 2.5 Credits


Piano Lab (Beginner) is a semester long, introductory course designed to basic instruction for the beginning pianist. Students will have the opportunity to work at their own pace, learning how to play piano music of many styles and genres. There is no prerequisite for this class. Class size is limited Grades 9-12 ADVANCED PIANO LAB (#8355) 2.5 Credits


Piano Lab (Advanced) is a semester long course, designed for pianists with experience playing the piano. Students will have the opportunity to examine more advanced musical selections while improving technique, music reading skills, and musicality while playing the piano. The prerequisite for this class is completion of Piano Lab (Beginner) OR teacher recommendation.


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PHYSICAL EDUCATION Grades 9-12 3.75 Credits All students must pass Physical Education for every year they are in high school, as a graduation requirement. These courses are offered for three marking periods. Some of the topics covered are Project Adventure, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, softball, and track and field. Two days will be taken for career education, wrestling appreciation, and dance appreciation. There is also a fitness unit that will be implemented throughout the year. The entire program is "wellness-oriented.” Some of the topics covered will be health benefits of fitness and exercise, cardiovascular fitness, aerobic exercises, body composition, controlling body fatness, body mechanics, exercise cautions, planning for physically active living, nutrition, becoming an informed consumer, and developing a quality lifestyle. Students are required to bring proper physical education attire, which will be explained at the beginning of the school year.

HEALTH All students must pass four years of Health as a graduation requirement. These courses last for one marking period during the year in conjunction with their Physical Education class. Grade 9 HEALTH I (#8111) 1.25 Credits The freshman health course is designed to give students an understanding of human reproduction. The topics covered in this course include bullying, the male and female reproductive systems, conception, pregnancy, birth, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases and infections. The students will be evaluated through quizzes, projects, essays, oral presentations, and tests. In addition, the students will receive a unit in drug education. Grade 10 HEALTH II (#8121) 1.25 Credits Driver's Education is a course designed to introduce potential young drivers to safety tips, laws and driving techniques. The students will be evaluated through quizzes, projects, oral presentations, and tests. The New Jersey State Driver's written exam will be given at the end of the marking period to all students who fulfill the requirements of the course. Grade 11 HEALTH III (#8131) 1.25 Credits This course curriculum provides the student with the background to make sound decisions about health-related issues. Topics of focus will include dating, relationships, marriage, pregnancy, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, sexual assault, rape, abuse, eating disorders, self-awareness, drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. The student will learn how to deal with everyday situations, and promote a healthy lifestyle. Grade 12 HEALTH IV (#8141) 1.25 Credits Senior health consists of community first aid, CPR, and wellness. Wellness entails teaching students how to balance their health from many different aspects, such as physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Passing the entire course requirements, including skills performed on a mannequin and passing several written tests, can lead to certification for community first aid and CPR. Because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., this course is designed to teach students how to prevent heart disease through proper diet and exercise. Furthermore, through methods outlined by the American Heart Association, students are taught how to aid someone suffering from cardiac arrest.


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SCIENCE Each student is required to pass three years of Science in order to graduate from high school. Each student is placed in the level that best matches his/her combined ability and career goals. The selection criteria include the student’s ability, past performance, test results, teacher recommendation and counselor concurrence. With demonstrated success, students are able to move between class levels. The mission of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science state that, “scientifically literate students possess the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision-making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity.”

Grade 9 GENERAL SCIENCE I - ACADEMIC (#6113) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS Placement Rubric This course is an inquiry-based, integrated program. Subject matter topics include elements of physical and earth science such as Newton's Laws, energy, planetary motion, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, and astronomy. More importantly, this program stresses the processes of science. There is an emphasis on hands-on activity and discovery. The role of mathematics and technology is a key component. Calculators and computers are utilized throughout the course. To further supplement the program, current events related to science and technology are discussed. There is a lab element associated with this course. Grades 10-12 BIOLOGY LIFE SCIENCE (#6210) 5 Credits Prerequisite: General Science I - Academic or Teacher Recommendation This course covers a variety of topics such as the organization and development of living things, matter and energy transformations, interdependence among living things, heredity and reproduction, and evolution and biodiversity. Science literacy and understanding of current issues in the field of biology is promoted as an integral part of the curriculum. Students will engage in laboratory and authentic learning experiences that encourage the application of biological knowledge to make decisions and solve problems. Grades 11-12 GENERAL SCIENCE II (#6310) 5 Credits

(Physics, Chemistry, & Earth Systems Science) Prerequisite: General Science I - Academic or General Science I - College Prep

This is a five-period-per week full-year science course. General Science II is an activity-based program designed to lead the student through inquiry to discover basic science concepts. These concepts deal with problems relevant to today’s world. The course focuses on Physics, Chemistry and Earth Systems Science concepts. Students will engage in the investigation of properties of elements, compounds, and mixtures, making polymers, chemical behavior of substances, and chemical changes, and use chemistry to produce special effects. In addition, students will investigate the components needed to design a universal dwelling, methods of heat transfer and passive solar radiation, the generation and distribution of electrical energy and its relationship with magnetism, and the construction of a simple DC motor. Students will also investigate weather and climate systems, and astronomy. There is a lab element associated with this course.


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Grade 9 GENERAL SCIENCE I - COLLEGE PREP (#6120) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS Placement Rubric General Science College Prep is an inquiry-based, integrated program. Subject matter topics include elements of physical and earth science such as Newton's Laws, energy, planetary motion, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, and astronomy. More importantly, this program stresses the processes of science. There is an emphasis on hands-on activity and discovery. The role of mathematics and technology is a key component. Calculators and computers are utilized throughout the course. Current events related to science and technology are discussed to supplement the program. This course advances at a faster pace than the General Science I - Academic course and involves more abstract thinking and independent work. There is a lab element associated with this course. Grades 10-12 BIOLOGY - COLLEGE PREP (#6221) 7 Credits

Prerequisite: General Science I - Academic and General Science I - College Prep This course aims to familiarize the student with the living world in a cyclical and ecological approach. This course covers basic and organic chemistry, cells, mitosis, meiosis, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, evolution, classification, disease and ecology. This course focuses on the individual organism as the primary unit of study. Relevant labs are included. This biology course advances at a faster pace than the Biology Life Science General course and involves more labs, abstract thinking and independent work. There will be one pilot section of for freshman during 2014-15. Grades 10-12 CHEMISTRY - COLLEGE PREP (#6320) 6 Credits

Prerequisites: Algebra I - College Prep and Biology BSCS - College Prep

This course covers a variety of topics, such as chemical changes, atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodic properties, redox reactions, organic chemistry, metallurgical chemistry, gas laws, equations mass relationships and stoichiometry, solutions, and kinetics. Solid mathematics skills, particularly algebra are essential. Classroom instruction is supplemented with laboratory exercises and cooperative activities, as well as some library and computer exercises. This course is appropriate for students following either a science or non-science course of study in college. Grades 11-12 PHYSICS - COLLEGE PREP (#6420) 6 Credits

Prerequisites: 85 or higher in Algebra I - College Prep, and Algebra II - College Prep previously and concurrently

Physics College Prep creates models to promote understanding of our world. Students will learn that these models can be physical objects or mathematical concepts. Structured as a college-preparatory physics course, students investigate topics such as motion, force, and energy. The curriculum introduces the student to the conceptual problem-solving process through laboratory exercises. Class work and homework assignments will provide opportunities for exploring mathematical relationships.


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Grades 9-10 HONORS BIOLOGY (#6231) 7 Credits

Prerequisites: 85 or higher in Algebra I - College Prep, qualifying score on on the DVRHS Placement Rubric and teacher recommendation

or previous College Prep level science course, 93 or higher and teacher recommendation

and

85 or higher in Algebra I College Prep

Principles of biological science can be learned through various ways. One approach to the BSCS program is through molecular biology. The BSCS Blue Version incorporates the same essential biological principles as other college preparatory BSCS programs. The topics explored focus on a biochemical approach. These topics include DNA structure and its role in protein synthesis, sources of genetic variation, relationship between alleles, genes and chromosomes, photosynthesis, bioenergetics, and chemical reactions in living cells. The BSCS Blue Version program is designed for honors science students who have a high interest in science and mathematics. Grades 10-12 HONORS CHEMISTRY (#6330) 6 Credits

(For Science & Engineering) Prerequisites: Previous Honors science course,

85 or higher and teacher recommendation or

previous College Prep level science course, 93 or higher and teacher recommendation

and

85 or higher in Algebra I - College Prep and Geometry - College Prep

This chemistry course is for the student who intends to pursue a science-related field in college. Topics covered include those traditionally found in chemistry: atomic theory and structure, periodic law, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, equilibrium, gas laws, thermochemistry, solutions, acids and bases, and nuclear reactions. Students develop the ability to relate their observations to the submicroscopic world of atoms and molecules, by modeling the unseen world and often by using mathematical skills. The understanding of chemistry theory through the use of mathematical laws is essential in this course. Laboratory skills are learned and practiced, and many other hands-on activities are used throughout the course. Computer simulations and modeling help develop students' comprehension of chemical concepts. Students taking this course will be well-prepared for Advanced Placement Chemistry, as well as other honors and AP-level science courses. Grades 11-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (#6240) 9 Credits

Prerequisites: 85 or higher in Honors Biology BSCS or 85 or higher in Honors Chemistry or 93 or higher in Chemistry - College Prep

and teacher recommendation This course is an elective encompassing four laboratory modules each week. It is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology offering usually taken by biology majors during their first year of college. This class goes extensively beyond our Honors Biology BSCS course with respect to the kind of text used, the range and depth of topics covered, the nature of the laboratory exercises, and the time and effort required of students. The topics of study focus on molecules and cells, genetics, evolution, organisms, and populations.


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Grades 11-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY (#6340) 9 Credits Prerequisites: Precalculus/Trigonometry (Analysis) previously or concurrently,

85 or higher in Honors Chemistry or 93 or higher in Chemistry - College Prep and teacher recommendation

This course is a second-year course in high school and is the equivalent of a typical full-year general chemistry course in college. The course builds on chemical topics from first-year chemistry and allows students to attain a deeper understanding of chemistry fundamentals. Advanced Placement Chemistry focuses on the development of the students' abilities to think clearly about abstract concepts, to problem-solve, and to express their ideas in writing with clarity and logic. Chemical calculations and labs are an important component of the course, and reinforce the principles taught in the classroom. The lab experiments performed are numerous and are recommended by the College Board. Students who prove successful in this course and on the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam will be equipped to succeed in a college chemistry course. Grades 11-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 1 (#6440) 8 Credits

Prerequisites: 85 or higher in Honors Algebra II, and Precalculus/Trigonometry (Analysis) previously or concurrently

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. This course requires that 2 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices. Grades 11-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 2 (#6441) 8 Credits

Prerequisites: AP Physics 1

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. This course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices.

~ Electives ~ Grades 11-12 ASTRONOMY - COLLEGE PREP (#6620) 2.5 Credits

Prerequisites: 85 or higher in General Science I - College Prep or General Science - College Prep or teacher recommendation

The student will engage in a qualitative study of the following topics: changing concepts of the cosmos, motions of stars, moons, planets, and constellations. In addition, students will study telescopes and how to observe the night sky, our solar system’s origin, planetary characteristics, planetary probe data, classification and life cycle of stars, and the structure and physical characteristics of galaxies. Two night classes of star observations will be included. This course advances at a faster pace and includes more abstract thinking and independent work than the Astronomy General course.


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ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY - COLLEGE PREP (#6720) Grades 11-12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of BSCS - College Prep 6 Credits

with an 85 or higher and teacher recommendation This course is an introductory study of the human anatomy and physiology, which uses a lecture and laboratory format. The course covers the study of human cells and tissues as they relate to organs and systems. Structural and functional features of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems are examined. A study of the structure and function of the body is continued by examining the endocrine, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, and excretory systems. In addition, related health and diseases issues will be discussed, as well as human biological issues from both historical and current perspectives. This course is recommended for students who wish to pursue the health sciences in the future. Grades 11-12 GEOLOGY - COLLEGE PREP (#6520) 2.5 Credits

Prerequisites: 85 or higher in General Science I - Academic or General Science - College Prep or teacher recommendation

This course provides students with an understanding of the geologic processes and mechanisms that have created the earth. Topics covered in this course include minerals and mineral identification, the rock cycle, rock formation, and resources of energy and minerals and the geology of New Jersey and Hunterdon County. This course advances at a faster pace and includes more abstract thinking and independent work than the Geology course. Grades 11-12 MARINE BIOLOGY - COLLEGE PREP (#6821) 2.5 Credits

Prerequisites: 85 or higher in Biology BSCS - College Prep, General Science - College Prep or teacher recommendation

This course gives students an opportunity to explore some of the unique features of marine life. The course is essentially a survey of various marine plants and animals (both invertebrates and vertebrates) and their life-sustaining strategies in the marine biome. Students will be able to investigate how marine animals gather and assimilate food, respire, eliminate wastes, respond to stimuli, move, and reproduce themselves. Although no specific laboratory periods are designated, laboratory activities will form an integral part of this course. The laboratory activities include invertebrate dissections. Also included in this marine science survey are topics related to ecology, evolution and marine habitats. Grades 11-12 OCEANOGRAPHY - COLLEGE PREP (#6820) 2.5 Credits

Prerequisites: 85 or higher in Biology BSCS - College Prep, General Science - College Prep or teacher recommendation

This course provides students with background on some of the basic topics that would be covered in an introductory level college oceanography course. The curriculum is based on the geological, physical, and chemical characteristics of the oceans and their margins. Topics encountered in this program include ocean exploration, shorelines and marine sediments, sea floor topography, ocean currents, and physical properties of the oceans.


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SOCIAL STUDIES Each student is required to pass three years of Social Studies in order to graduate from high school. This includes World History and two years of US History. Each student is placed in the level that best matches his/her combined ability and career goals. The selection criteria include the student’s ability, past performance, test results, teacher recommendation and counselor concurrence. With demonstrated success, students are able to move between class levels. During a student’s freshman year, English and Social Studies classes are tracked on the same level for the Freshman Learning Academy. The mission of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Social Studies states, “Social studies education provides learners with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to become active, informed citizens and contributing members of local, state, national, and global communities in the digital age.”

Grade 9 WORLD HISTORY - ACADEMIC (#4113) 5 Credits Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS Placement Rubric

This course is designed to present World History in a practical, hands-on approach. The course seeks to present a balanced approach to history, treating Western and non-Western history with equal weight, while focusing on the period from 1500 to the present. The purpose of the course is to provide students with the basic understanding of world history necessary to function in everyday life. The class focuses on developing student skills in reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking. It is designed for students who have struggled to attain proficiency on district and state assessments. Projects and peer-group learning are hallmarks of this course, encouraging students not only to work together, but also to learn from each other. Grade 9 WORLD HISTORY - COLLEGE PREP (#4120) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS Placement Rubric This interdisciplinary course begins by establishing various political, social, economic, and cultural themes. It includes topics such as the Bronze and Iron Age civilizations, the Classical West, Inner-Eurasian Middle Ages, Indian Ocean trade systems, the Age of Imperialism, World Wars, and the Cold War. The course seeks to present a balanced approach to history, treating Western and non-Western history with equal weight, while focusing on the period from 1500 to the present. This Modern focus of the course will include the impact of slavery and industrial capitalism on society, European imperialism and those who resisted it, changing forms of class, gender, and races relations and globalization. This course advances at a faster pace and includes more abstract thinking, essay writing and independent work. Grade 9 HONORS WORLD HISTORY (#4130) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS Placement Rubric Designed for students who excel in rigorous academic settings, this course requires a significant amount of independent reading, research, and written analysis. It includes topics such as the Bronze and Iron Age civilizations, the Classical West, Inner-Eurasian Middle Ages, Indian Ocean trade systems, the Age of Imperialism, World Wars, and the Cold War. The course seeks to present a balanced approach to history, treating Western and non-Western history with equal weight, while focusing on the period from 1500 to the present. This Modern focus of the course will include the impact of slavery and industrial capitalism on society, European imperialism and those who resisted it, changing forms of class, gender, and races relations and globalization. This is also the introductory course to the Honors/Advanced Placement sequence.


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Grade 10 U.S. HISTORY - ACADEMIC (#4212) 5 Credits Prerequisite: World History

This course emphasizes a basic understanding of our nation's history and the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. U.S. History - Academic is designed as a survey of American History from the Spanish-American War to the beginning of the 21st century. It is designed for students who have struggled to attain proficiency on district and state assessments. Emphasis will be placed on foreign and domestic policies of the various presidential administrations and the effect that each had on the citizens of the United States and world affairs. Much attention is given to the evolution of the United States as a world power. Some major units are the World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War and Vietnam. Grade 10 U.S. HISTORY - COLLEGE PREP (#4221) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: World History U.S. History College Prep is a survey approach to American History from the Spanish-American War to the beginning of the 21st century. Emphasis will be placed on foreign and domestic policies of the various presidential administrations and the effect that each had on the citizens of the United States and world affairs. Much attention is also given to the evolution of the United States as a world power. Some major units of interest are the World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War and Vietnam. Great emphasis is given to independent reading and writing, as well as critical analysis of issues in American History. This course advances at a faster pace and includes more abstract thinking, essay writing and independent work. Grade 10 HONORS U.S. HISTORY (#4231) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: World History This course is for sophomores who have excellent reading and writing skills. It is a year-long survey of American history from the end of Reconstruction to immigration, industrialism, Populism, Progressivism, World War I, Jazz Age, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, post-Cold War, and the US at the beginning of the 21st century. There is also review covering the periods of American history from the age of Exploration through Manifest Destiny. Students will be required to become a historian and develop the ability to analyze historical evidence to determine its validity and relevance, point of view and bias, while refining the skills of objectivity and substantiation. Grades 10-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY (#4340) 5 Credits

Prerequisites: Honors World History; teacher recommendation; placement exam This course will surpass the U.S. History requirement for sophomores who have advanced reading and writing skills. It is an intense, year-long survey of American history from the end of Reconstruction to immigration, industrialism, Populism, Progressivism, World War I, Jazz Age, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, post- Cold War, and the US at the beginning of the 21st century. There is also review covering the periods of American history from the age of Exploration through Manifest Destiny. Students will be required to become a historian and develop the ability to analyze historical evidence to determine its validity and relevance, point of view and bias, while refining the skills of objectivity and substantiation. This course can also be taken as an elective for students who have completed American Civilization.


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Grade 11 AMERICAN CIVILIZATION - ACADEMIC (#4311) 5 Credits Prerequisites: US History

American Civilization satisfies the second year of required United States history. By the end of the sophomore year, students have completed a chronological study of US history. As a result, this course is designed to address key themes from the entire history of the United States. We will evaluate the development of politics from Constitutional era down to modern political parties and the current challenges faced by our nation’s lawmakers. We will assess challenges to US diplomacy particularly in the last one hundred years – since our emergence from isolation to a position of global dominance after the fall of Communism. In the second semester students will look at the economic and social development of the United States, from its economic rise and dominance of the global finance system to the complex racial, ethnic, religious, and gender issues that we confront at the dawn of the 21st century. This course is designed to help student become engaged and informed citizens. Grade 11 AMERICAN CIVILIZATION - COLLEGE PREP (#4321) 5 Credits

Prerequisites: US History American Civilization satisfies the second year of required United States history. By the end of the sophomore year, students have completed a chronological study of US history. As a result, this course is designed to address key themes from the entire history of the United States. We will evaluate the development of politics from Constitutional era down to modern political parties and the current challenges faced by our nation’s lawmakers. We will assess challenges to US diplomacy particularly in the last one hundred years – since our emergence from isolation to a position of global dominance after the fall of Communism. In the second semester students will look at the economic and social development of the United States, from its economic rise and dominance of the global finance system to the complex racial, ethnic, religious, and gender issues that we confront at the dawn of the 21st century. Grade 11 AMERICAN CIVILIZATION - HONORS (#4331) 5 Credits

Prerequisites: US History - College Prep American Civilization satisfies the second year of required United States history. By the end of the sophomore year, students have completed a chronological study of US history. Students will evaluate the development of politics from Constitutional era down to modern political parties and the current challenges faced by our nation’s lawmakers. They will assess challenges to US diplomacy particularly in the last one hundred years – since our emergence from isolation to a position of global dominance after the fall of Communism. In the second semester students will look at the economic and social development of the United States, from its economic rise and dominance of the global finance system to the complex racial, ethnic, religious, and gender issues that we confront at the dawn of the 21st century. Grades 11 ADVANCED PLACEMENT US GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (#4341) 5 Credits

Prerequisites: Honors US History; teacher recommendation

AP US Government and Politics satisfies the second year of required United States history. By the end of the sophomore year, students have completed a chronological study of US history. Students will evaluate the development of politics from Constitutional era down to modern political parties and the current challenges faced by our nation’s lawmakers. They will assess challenges to US diplomacy particularly in the last one hundred years – since our emergence from isolation to a position of global dominance after the fall of Communism. Current political events and other provocative topics are explored through research, analytical writing, and discussions. This is a rigorous course that strives to demystify the American political institutions, examine civil liberties, civil rights, campaigns and elections, and to explore the evolution of public policies.


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Grades 10-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART HISTORY (#4440) 5 Credits

Prerequisites: Previous Honors coursework; advanced College Prep coursework; teacher recommendation

AP Art History is facilitated as a visual exhibition of history. Beginning with ancient civilizations and ending with contemporary modern art, this course seeks to enrich and broaden students’ worldviews while preparing them for the AP exam. Through PowerPoint presentations, readings, and discussions, students will study hundreds of works of art and architecture, delving into the lives of the artists and the cultural context in which they worked, including many major religious and philosophical movements throughout the centuries. Students will be required to utilize critical thinking and analytical writing skills throughout the year on essays and class discussion, as well as on past AP exams. Grades 11-12 SOCIOLOGY (#4420) 2.5 Credits This course strives to produce a better understanding of man himself and man's relationship within his community, country and the world. Areas of study include cultural anthropology, sociology, personality and social psychology, a contrast of social institutions in urban and primitive societies, cultural changes, and the major social problems of an era. Influence of the family and exposure to mass media will be examined as integral forces in personality development. Grades 11-12 PSYCHOLOGY (#4520) 2.5 Credits This survey course examines the basic principles underlying human behavior. Emphasis is placed on major areas of study in the field of psychology, such as learning, memory, life-span development, sensation and perception, personality, stress and adjustment, motivation, and abnormal behavior. Also examined are the approaches taken in gathering and evaluating scientific findings, and the individuals who have shaped the field. By learning to think psychologically, students gain insight into themselves and the dynamics of human thinking, behavior, and emotions. Grades 11-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY (#4540) 5 Credits


The purpose of this full-year course is to introduce the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and animals. Both psychological theory and practice will be examined. Included is a consideration of the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students are expected to prepare extensively for this advanced course. Grades 10-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY (#4740) 5 Credits

Prerequisites: Previous Honors coursework; teacher recommendation

This course is designed as an introduction to the European political, economic, social, and cultural experience from 1500 to the present. Attention is given to major forces that have propelled social and economic change in the early modern and modern periods. The course will take a humanities approach to the study of European civilization, including analysis of art, music, literature, and theater as they develop over the five centuries of our study. The course will be roughly divided into the following areas: the Medieval Origins of European States, Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Absolutism, Enlightenment, Age of Revolution, the Napoleonic Era, Arts and Sciences in the 19th Century, Nationalism and Imperialism, the World Wars, the Cold War, the European Union and beyond. The course is designed for individuals who are looking to study the history of the social sciences on the collegiate level. The course requires intensive reading and analysis of both primary and secondary source material. Some summer reading will be assigned.


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Grades 11-12 CURRENT ISSUES IN AMERICAN DEMOCRACY (#4930) 2.5 Credits This course will explore democratic processes and confront modern-day problems of American society. The course will focus on issues that affect students today, such as discrimination, pollution, drug abuse, terrorism, crime, war, peace, the economy, health issues, etc. Students will debate pro/con viewpoints on vital issues, analyze the relevant information, and come to their own conclusions. Those taking this course will engage in thoughtful, information-based solutions to public policy issues, and will be encouraged to form their own opinions on those issues. Grades 11-12 CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN AMERICA (#4940) 2.5 Credits

This course takes the students on a journey through the America legal system by providing background in our culture and its relationship to law and order, identification of the major crimes, types of law prevalent in the United States, and the role of law enforcement. In addition, emphasis is placed on our amendment rights, which affect the criminal justice system and the major Supreme Court decisions. Included in the course is the utilization of community resources, such as lawyers, municipal and state police, and speakers from the county prosecutor's office. Depending on availability and resources, there is the potential for field trips to a prison and/or courtroom setting. Grades 11-12 MODERN ETHICS (#4970) 2.5 Credits The study of ethics provides students with a way to examine many of society's underlying larger ethical questions. Is there a standard of "right" conduct that applies to all members of the human race? Students will read writings of great ethical thinkers and discuss different approaches to moral dilemmas. Class discussion forums will analyze everyday problems people face, such as lying, cheating and racism, as well as current social issues, such as capital punishment, bioethics, and other relevant issues. Students will be evaluated on the completion of reading assignments, writing assignments, and participation in frequent class discussions. Students will also study the Holocaust and the nature of prejudice. Guest speakers will be utilized as time and resources permit. Grades 11-12 ECONOMICS (#4620) 2.5 Credits This course introduces students to the study of economics and principles of financial investment. Key topics of study include the principles of supply and demand, personal finance, saving, borrowing and spending, the Federal Reserve System, monetary and fiscal policy, and inflation and unemployment as economic challenges. In addition, the following topics will be addressed: income and careers; money management; credit and debt management; planning, saving, and investing; becoming a critical consumer; civic financial responsibility, and risk management and insurance. Grades 11-12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ECONOMICS (#4640) 5 Credits


This is a course intended to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Tests in Macroeconomics. The concepts covered in the first semester include understanding the function of markets, the role of consumers and producers, the role of scarcity and competition and the role of government in the marketplace. Additional concepts covered include the influences of opportunity cost, economies of scale and other factors that influence business decisions. Macroeconomic principles covered in the second semester include monetary policy, including the role of the Federal Reserve System and its impact on the individual and institutions; fiscal policy, or the role of government taxes and spending, and its impact on the individual and the economy.


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Grades 10-12 MEDIEVAL STUDIES (#4910) 2.5 Credits Prerequisite: World History

This course will explore the significant developments in Western Civilization from the collapse of the Roman Empire to the dawning of the Renaissance. The course will examine the political, economic, and social institutions that emerged in Europe from the time of Charlemagne in the 9th century to the era of the Bubonic Plague in the 14th century. Major topics include the Carolingian Empire, Crusades, Hundred Years’ War, Church/State relations, Feudalism, and the Guild System. The fist part of the course will conclude with a study of the Plague and its role in unraveling the fabric of European society. The latter portion of the class will be devoted to medievalism, studying the ways in which medieval images, ideas, and themes have been used in later periods. We will examine everything from pre-Raphaelite paintings to the medieval influences on British fantasy literature (The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter). Depending on scheduling and student interest, the class will take a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the Cloisters (a combination Medieval castle and monastery rebuilt in Upper Manhattan). Grades 10-12 MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES (#4920) 2.5 Credits

Prerequisite: World History This course is a one-semester exploration of the history, cultures, faiths and conflicts of the Middle East. The course shall begin with an introduction of three of humanity's greatest faiths, which were born in the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students shall analyze the root causes of violence between these faiths. The history of the modem Middle Eastern states beginning with World War I will be analyzed in the context of how Western political necessity created a formula for instability. Finally, the impact of oil upon the region and the subsequent relationship to the United States will be studied in depth.


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WORLD LANGUAGES The World Languages Department strives to develop a global perspective and language fluency. The mission of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for World Languages states, “The study of another language and culture enables individuals, whether functioning as citizens or workers, to communicate face-to-face and by virtual means in appropriate ways with people from diverse cultures.” Del Val offers courses in German, and Spanish. Two years of a World Language are required for graduation. It is highly recommended that both years be in the same World Language. A fourth year of language is available in all modern World Languages, and students in these classes receive additional recognition as these are all Honors designated. For especially advanced students Advanced Placement is available in Spanish. All World Languages classes have as a goal to prepare students to be able to use this second language in communicating with native speakers, especially in conversations, which are so frequently encountered in the global world in which we live. Basic classes are available in both German and Spanish. They are meant to afford opportunities to students who normally struggle with grammar and written work. An effort is made to keep each of these classes to a minimum number of students. These classes may not carry college-prep accreditation.

Grades 9-11 GERMAN I - COLLEGE PREP (#7123) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS placement rubric

Fundamentals of the German language, its structure, sounds and vocabulary are studied. Reading of simple material and drill in the spoken language are also stressed. Speaking, reading, listening, writing in the target language will be introduced. Grades 10-12 GERMAN II - COLLEGE PREP (#7223) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: German I - College Prep This course is a continuation of the first year program with greater emphasis on vocabulary building. Introduction to the cultures of Germany, Switzerland and Austria is done through the use of videos, music, dancing, and foods. Emphasis will be placed on speaking, reading, writing, listening and viewing in the target language. Grades 11-12 GERMAN III - COLLEGE PREP (#7323) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: German II - College Prep This is a continuing development of facility in reading, writing, speaking and understanding the language. German language structure will continue to be studied. Readings will be part of the program, both in class and independently. The cultures of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria are studied through the use of videos, music, dancing, and foods. Continued emphasis will be placed on speaking, writing, listening and viewing in the target language. Grade 12 HONORS GERMAN IV (#7433) 5 Credits

Prerequisites: 85 or higher in German III; teacher recommendation Advanced grammar is used in this German class exclusively. Audio-visual materials, dancing and foods are used for experiencing German civilization and culture. Advanced readings and magazines are utilized. Students are encouraged to take the German SAT II test in November. Continued emphasis will be placed on speaking, writing, listening and viewing in the target language.


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Grade 9-11 GERMAN I - BASIC (#7114) 5 Credits Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS placement rubric

Greetings, introductions, one's residence, family, describing one's family members, talking about favorite activities, and other basic elements of conversation will be the components of this course. Listening comprehension will be a major element of the course as well. Writing and grammar points will be minimal although proficiency will be necessary and will be tested by recognition and identification. Reading comprehension will largely concern situations described above (conversations) with assessment stressing recognition and identification. Efforts will be made to minimize class size. This course is on par with typical middle school content and does not meet most college entrance requirements for World Language. Grades 10-12 GERMAN II - BASIC (#7214) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: German I Basic Students will continue to develop listening and speaking skills so that conversation in German can be enhanced. Some grammar will be needed, but the emphasis will continue to be placed on the ability to communicate ideas in everyday situations. Projects and activities are utilized to help develop fluency. Efforts will be made to minimize class size. Grades 9-11 SPANISH I - COLLEGE PREP (#7121) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS placement rubric This is an introductory course designed to develop basic Spanish language skills in four areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Presentation of everyday vocabulary and colloquial expressions coupled with simple grammatical structures, help students to communicate in the target language. Classroom use of interactive activities such as skit presentations, script writing, interviews, cooperative and individual projects are intended to help students more authentically use the language through context. Videos, tapes, SMART Board activities and computer applications enhance the experience and encourage students to put the target language into practice. The program also includes an introduction to elements of Hispanic history, geography, and culture. Students explore these areas in an effort to gain understanding and appreciation of countries where Spanish is spoken. Grades 9-12 SPANISH II - COLLEGE PREP (#7221) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Spanish I College Prep This course helps students build upon the four language proficiency skills studied in level one: listening, speaking, reading and writing. More complex vocabulary and grammatical structures are presented. Continued use of interactive activities such as skit presentations, role plays, and interviews encourages students to use the language in more authentic ways. Use of authentic reading and listening comprehension materials taken from books, periodicals, and internet resources also serve to enrich the overall experience. Multimedia such as SMART Board activities, videos, internet videos and audio resources stimulate student interest and enhance language development. Students continue to explore cultural, historical, and geographical topics in an effort to broaden their knowledge and deepen their interest in the unique heritage of Spanish speaking countries.


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Grades 10-12 SPANISH III - COLLEGE PREP (#7321) 5 Credits Prerequisite: Spanish II College Prep

Spanish III offers students the opportunity to continue to develop communicative competence in the language by review of basic vocabulary and grammatical structures already learned in levels one and two, and by incorporating new vocabulary with more advanced grammar concepts. Continued focus on the four proficiency skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing is emphasized. Using a variety of topics, students learn to communicate commensurate with their level of study, employing more complex grammatical structures and expressing themselves in more concrete terms. The use of podcasts, videos, SMART Board presentations and activities, and computer applications are intended to stimulate discussion, build vocabulary, and demonstrate grammatical structures/concepts in action. Interactive activities, role plays, interviews, skit presentations, PowerPoint presentations provide the setting for learning. The usage of current events provides authentic material for students to discuss. The cultural component highlights notable people, places and events that are a hallmark of the Spanish speaking culture. Students discuss, give opinions on information gleaned from research of cultural material. A brief introduction to some Hispanic authors and their works is included. Grades 11-12 HONORS SPANISH IV (#7431) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Spanish III College Prep; teacher recommendation This course provides a deeper development of the four communication skills in the target language. Emphasis is placed on students speaking Spanish at all times. Students put to use vocabulary, grammatical structures/concepts accumulated in the previous years of study. Fundamental grammar is reviewed in conjunction with learning more advanced structures. Multimedia is incorporated to show the use of vocabulary and grammar in context. Classroom activities such as role plays, interviews, cooperative and individual projects provide a forum to showcase the use of vocabulary and grammatical structures. The use of Hispanic literature written by notable authors from Spain and Latin America is the vehicle used to broaden students’ knowledge and help them gain insights into the history, geography, and culture of Spanish speaking countries. Grade 12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH (Language) (#7541) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: 85 or higher in Honors Spanish IV; teacher recommendation Spanish V is an intense course of study that focuses on advanced listening, speaking, reading, and writing language skills development. Emphasis is placed on thinking in Spanish. Students engage in activities that sharpen each of the four proficiency skills. Interactive activities such as interviews, role plays, oral dialogues, cooperative and individual projects are used. Multimedia including podcasts, pertinent internet websites, and videos stimulate student discussion and interaction. Advanced grammar and writing skills are another main focus. Works of Spanish literature will be read and examined as recommended by the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Exam of the College Board. Students, who perform successfully, become eligible to earn college credit. Grades 12 ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH (Literature) (#7641) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Advanced Placement Spanish Language; teacher recommendation Spanish VI is an intensive advanced literature course of study. The course introduces students to the greatest authors in the Spanish language. Students are taught how to analyze poetry, compare themes, interpret cultural details and identify literary trends. Students will be expected to demonstrate skill in reading analysis, poetry analysis, thematic analysis, and text analysis. The course includes literary selections identified by the College Board that reflect Peninsular and Latin American literature similar to those which would be part of an introductory literature course taught at the college level. The works include plays, essays, novels, and short stories. This course of intense study is presented through conversation, listening comprehension, reading, writing and grammar analysis.


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Grades 9-11 SPANISH I - BASIC (#7115) 5 Credits Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the DVRHS placement rubric

Spanish I Basic offers selected basic elements of Spanish language study. Greetings, introductions, expressing likes and dislikes, descriptions, locating objects and similar basic elements used to begin a sustained conversation will be the major focus of the course. Listening comprehension is stressed in conjunction with identifying everyday places, family relationships, weather conditions, seasons, occupations and careers, all of which will be major parts of the course. Writing and grammar points will be minimal, although some will be necessary to master the language by recognition and identification. Reading comprehension will concern itself largely with Basic situations with assessment stressing recognition and identification. Efforts will be made to minimize class size. This course is on par with typical middle school content and does not meet most college entrance requirements for World Language. Grades 10-12 SPANISH II - BASIC (#7215) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: Spanish I Basic Spanish II Basic helps students continue to develop listening and speaking skills learned in level I. Some additional basic grammar structures will be presented, however the emphasis will continue to be placed on the ability to communicate ideas set in everyday situations. Multimedia will be incorporated throughout the course. Videos, computer applications, power point presentation, interviews are used to facilitate recognition of selected thematic vocabulary. Projects and interactive activities are used to develop fluency. Efforts will be made to minimize class size.


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SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Special Education program is designed for students with special needs as per each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students with special needs depending on the specifics of their IEP have access to a range of options which may include:

• Programming that is diagnostic and prescriptive. • Programming which follows the appropriate grade level core curriculum proficiencies with accommodations

and modifications as necessary. • Programming that is multi-sensory in its approach to instruction and assessment. • Programming which addresses organizational tasks and study skills in preparation for postsecondary education. • Programming that is life-skills based.

IN-CLASS SUPPORT/COLLABORATIVE INSTRUCTION In-class support/collaborative programs are offered in language arts, math, social studies and science. Two instructors, a general education teacher and a special education teacher, are co-teachers in some required courses. The presence of two teachers in the classroom provides for individualized support/instruction, as well as multiple hands-on activities, greater student success, and a lower teacher-student ratio. Collaborative programs are offered at General and College- Prep levels.

PULL-OUT SUPPORT The Foundations resource program is designed for special education students with specific learning disabilities. These programs provide replacement instruction in the areas of language arts, math, science, social studies, and reading. Instruction is designed to accommodate individual student needs and to provide the student with opportunities for success. Limited enrollment allows for closer student-teacher interaction and individual instruction.

FOUNDATION CLASSES

Foundation classes parallel the general education curriculum with appropriate individualized modifications as necessary. Grade 9 ENGLISH I - FOUNDATIONS (#3100) 5 Credits This course is designed to remediate students with specific learning disabilities through a systematic curricular approach to literature, language usage, spelling skills, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension skills. Students will study basic literary genres such as legend, short story, novel, drama, and poetry. HSPA-preparation and review are also part of the curriculum. Placement in the English Foundations program is determined by the Child Study Team and the student's IEP team. Grade 10 ENGLISH II - FOUNDATIONS (#3200) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: English I Foundations

This course is designed to remediate students with specific learning disabilities through a systematic curricular approach to literature, language usage, spelling skills, vocabulary development and reading comprehension. Students will study a variety of literary genres with the focus on the development of the concept of the individual and society in literature. The course includes emphasis on language usage skills, grammar and writing skills and HSPA preparation. Placement in the English Foundations program is determined by the Child Study Team and the student's IEP team.


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Grade 11 ENGLISH III - FOUNDATIONS (#3300) 5 Credits

Prerequisites: English II Foundations

This course is designed to remediate students with specific learning disabilities through a systematic curricular approach to literature, language usage, spelling skills, vocabulary development and reading comprehension skills. Students will study basic literary genres with an emphasis on American forms of the short story, novel and drama. The course includes emphasis on language usage skills, grammar and writing skills, and interpretive, critical thinking skills. Placement in the English Foundations program is determined by the Child Study Team and the student's IEP team. Grade 12 ENGLISH IV - FOUNDATIONS (#3400) 5 Credits

Prerequisites: English III Foundations

This course is designed to remediate students with specific learning disabilities through a systematic curricular approach to literature, language usage, spelling skills, vocabulary development and reading comprehension skills. Students will study basic literary genres with an emphasis on contemporary forms of the short story, novel and drama. The course includes emphasis on language usage skills, grammar and writing skills, and interpretive, critical thinking skills. Placement in the English Foundations program is determined by the Child Study Team and the student's IEP team. Grades 9-12 MATH I - FOUNDATIONS (#5100) 5 Credits This course curriculum provides the student with instruction in the basic math operations of whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Emphasis is placed upon application of the fundamental math skills in solving problems encountered in the home, business or banking. Measurement, probability, and pre-algebra topics are explored. Skills and concepts presented in this course relate to preparation for the state exams in mathematics. Limited enrollment in the course allows for closer student-teacher interaction and individualized student instruction and remediation. Placement in Math I Foundations is determined by the Child Study Team and student’s IEP team.

MATH II - FOUNDATIONS (#5200) Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Math I Foundations 5 Credits

(Practical Applications)

This course is designed to provide the student with instruction in the practical application of general and specialized math skills. Emphasis is placed on systematic review of all the skills necessary for pre-algebra and geometry with the introduction of variables, expressions, equations and mathematical properties. Many of the teaching techniques and topics for study are influenced by the Common Core Standards in Mathematics and state exams. Limited enrollment in the course allows for close student-teacher interaction and individualized student instruction and remediation. Placement in Math II Foundations is determined by the Child Study Team and the student's IEP remediation.


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MATH III - FOUNDATIONS (#5300) Grades 11-12 Prerequisites: Math II Foundations 5 Credits

(Business)

Math III Foundations investigates concepts of applied business math. Students will become familiar with banking procedures, unit and comparative pricing, personal finances, credit, wage and insurance computations. Limited enrollment in the course allows for closer student-teacher interaction and individualized student instruction and remediation. Placement in the Math III Foundations course is determined by the Child Study Team classification process and the student's IEP team.

MATH IV - FOUNDATIONS (#5300) Grades 11-12 Prerequisites: Math III Foundations 5 Credits

(Business)

Math IV Foundations further investigates concepts of applied business math. Students will become familiar with banking procedures, unit and comparative pricing, personal finances, credit, wage and insurance computations. Limited enrollment in the course allows for closer student-teacher interaction and individualized student instruction and remediation. Placement in the Math IV Foundations course is determined by the Child Study Team classification process and the student's IEP team. Grade 9 GENERAL SCIENCE I - FOUNDATIONS (#6100) 5 Credits This course curriculum provides the student with general scientific principles of investigation, observation and experimentation in the study of the earth. Students will learn about the formation of the earth and its relationship and effect on the atmosphere, weather, planets, and natural resources. Subject matter will include elements of physics and general science topics addressed in the state standards. The limited class size of this course provides for the individual remediation and instruction required by the student's IEP. Placement in this course is determined by the Child Study Team and the student's IEP team. Grade 10 BIOLOGY - FOUNDATIONS (#6200) 5 Credits

(Foundations II) This course provides the student with knowledge of the basic characteristics and behavior of plant and animal life. Included in the course are methods of experimentation, observation, measurement and the evaluation of living things. The limited enrollment of this course provides for individualized remediation and instruction required by the student's IEP. Placement in this course is determined by the Child Study Team and the student's IEP team.

GENERAL SCIENCE II - FOUNDATIONS (#6300) Grade 11 (Foundations III) 5 Credits

(Physics, Chemistry, & Earth Systems Science) Prerequisite: General Science I

This is a five period per week full year science course. This course is a small group instruction level with guided instructional support from a special education teacher. General Science II is an activity-based program designed to lead the student through inquiry to discover basic science concepts. These concepts deal with problems relevant to today’s world. The course focuses on Physics, Chemistry and Earth Systems Science concepts. Students will engage in the investigation of properties of elements, compounds, and mixtures, making polymers, chemical behavior of substances, and


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chemical changes, and use chemistry to produce special effects. In addition, students will investigate the components needed to design a universal dwelling, methods of heat transfer and passive solar radiation. Students will investigate weather and climate systems, and astronomy. Students will complete assessment projects at the conclusion of each unit and will keep a comprehensive notebook which will aide in the assessment process. Grade 9 WORLD HISTORY - FOUNDATIONS (#4100) 5 Credits This course presents a broad historical chronology of the world. Students will understand the development of man from his first primitive beginnings through his existence in the 21st century. All major cultures will be a part of the course curriculum. The instructional focus of the course will be the development of the historical perspective, while remediating each student's individual deficiencies. Placement in World History Foundations is determined by the Child Study Team and the student's IEP team. Grade 10 U.S. HISTORY - FOUNDATIONS (#4201) 5 Credits

Prerequisite: World History - Foundations

This course curriculum traces the beginnings of United States from its exploratory and colonial roots through the Civil War. Emphasis is placed on the development of basic reading and interpretive skills within the framework of history. While the course is remedial in nature, it provides a concrete historical perspective for each student. Placement in United States History Foundations I is determined by the Child Study Team and the student's IEP team. Limited enrollment in the course allows for closer student-teacher interaction and provides remediation to accommodate individual student needs and disabilities. Grades 11-12 AMERICAN CIVILIZATION - FOUNDATIONS (#4301) 5 Credits

Prerequisites: U.S. History - Foundations This course curriculum presents the history of the United States from the Civil War to the present. The student will understand the cause and effects of major historical influences in the modern world. The focus of the curriculum is to develop historical perspective while remediating each student's individual deficiencies. Placement in Developmental United States History II is determined by the Child Study Team and the student's IEP team. Limited enrollment in the course allows for closer student-teacher interaction and individualized remediation.

MULTIPLE DISABILITIES PROGRAM (MD)

The Multiply Disabled class involves a Life Skills Curriculum as well as a Community Based Instruction. This program offers Math, Social Studies, English and Science classes that are differentiated according to students’ needs. Students may remain in the program for all of these core classes or choose only those that are applicable. This program also offers a Communications for Life Class, which focuses on teaching students’ conversation skills and appropriate behavior within the home, school and community settings. On average, the students will go out once a week in various setting and practice social skills, reading, and math skills, as well as gain a better understanding for their community.


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Grades 9-12 SUPERVISED STUDY (#9941)

Students are assigned to the supervised study program by the Child Study Team through the IEP process. The supervised study program is designed to support students in their core content area classes. It also provides support for improving basic skills and assisting students with strategies for meeting both the academic and social demands of the classroom and school environment. Grades 9-12 READING AND LANGUAGE SKILLS - FOUNDATIONS (#9980) 5 Credits

Reading and Study Skills is a developmental reading program designed to remediate reading and organizational skills in content areas. Specific instruction, utilizing a combination of approaches, which includes the Wilson Reading Program, will help to improve the student's basic comprehension skills, vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling. Controlled materials are utilized to help the student organize his or her assignments in other subject disciplines. The Child Study Team and the student's IEP team determine placement in Reading and Study Skills Foundations. Grades 11-12 EMPLOYMENT TRANSITIONS I (#9978) 15 Credits (Job Sampling)

Employment Transitions is a job sampling program designed to allow individuals to try different types of work in actual work settings. This work experience provides the opportunity to assess areas such as speed, stamina, efficiency, and interest of each student involved in each job placement. Students will also develop skills in the area of communication with employers, coworkers, and customers. The students will experience 2-4 jobs during the course of the program. Students also participate in a classroom program designed to teach skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment. In addition, students volunteer at our school store and practice job readiness skills. Students will develop a portfolio of their job experiences. Grades 11-12 EMPLOYMENT TRANSITIONS II (#9979) 15 Credits

(Job Sampling)

Students who have successfully completed Employment Transitions I or recommended students will have the opportunity to further explore careers and job opportunities during this second year of job exploration. Students will continue to go out on job rotations. However, the time they spend on each location may be lengthened to develop job stamina and to provide the opportunity to practice or try a variety of tasks and to develop advanced skills in each work area. Students will continue to develop skills in the area of communication with employers, coworkers, and customers. Students will refine their skills in interviewing, application processing, and creating job resumes. All students will develop a portfolio of their job experiences.


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ACCELERATED CREDIT PROGRAM This program will provide an opportunity for qualified students to receive course credit, personalized coursework, or college credit prior to high school graduation. The basic premise of the Accelerated Credit Program is for students to increase their educational options, to enhance their opportunities for challenging and beneficial work, and to begin preparing for their future college education or career.

EARLY CREDITS PROGRAM

The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Early Credits Program is a partnership program linking Delaware Valley Regional and the RVCC to provide qualified high school seniors the opportunity to enroll in challenging courses at the RVCC campus, which are normally taken by college freshmen. Seniors will have an abbreviated Del Val schedule and the RVCC classes must start before 2:30 pm. Students who successfully complete this coursework will have their earned college credits documented on a regular RVCC transcript. These credits can either be applied to RVCC degree programs or transferred to other colleges and universities across the nation.

MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are currently a burgeoning avenue among educational institutions to deliver diverse, subject-specific content to an unlimited group of students. These courses are accessible to a wide audience and often quite affordable. There are a number of local universities that offer these courses, and several organizations that coordinates programming. Speak to your counselor if you are interested in specific coursework and feel free to investigate possibilities for yourself – Del Val may grant course credit for a course you discover!

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT PROGRAM

Delaware Valley Regional is currently assembling a Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP), which is a dual credit program with Raritan Valley Community College for students interested in earning college credit for courses they are completing with Del Val teachers. These courses would be very similar to conventional courses, but they would also fulfill RVCC’s standards. Students would earn high school credit and college credit simultaneously. These credits can either be applied to RVCC degree programs or transferred to other colleges and universities across the nation. Courses are under construction, so speak to your counselor if you’d be interested in this program.

EARLY GRADUATION OPTIONS

Are you interested in graduating early? Delaware Valley Regional is exploring options for upperclassmen who’d like to graduate early by either shortening their senior year or eliminating it all together. Student schedules are varied, so please speak to your counselor if you’d like to purse this option. The possibilities are endless for hard-working students. Early planning is essential!

DVRHS Course Guide – 2013-2014

Hunterdon County

Career and Technical Education for all Hunterdon County High School Students

Click on the link below to view Polytech’s Programs of Study

http://www.hcpolytech.org/hcpoly/Programs of Study/


E L E C T I V E S PRACTICAL ARTS

Business Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Business Law 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Computer Systems I & II 2.5 each ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Editorial Layout & Design I-‐III 5 each ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Entrepreneurship 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Intro to Marketing 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Sports Marketing 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Web Design I & II 2.5 each ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

English Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Journalism I-‐III 5 each ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Industrial Arts Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Architectural Graphics I & II 5 each ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Beginning Graphics 5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Technical Graphics 5 ✓ ✓ ✓

TV Media I-‐III 5 each ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Wood I-‐IV 5 each ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Math Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Intro to Computer Programming 5 ✓ ✓ ✓

FINE ARTS ART Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Color & Design 5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Photography Workshop 5 ✓ ✓ ✓

Advanced Photography Workshop 5 ✓ ✓ 3D Mixed Media 5 ✓ ✓ ✓

Drawing 5 ✓ ✓ ✓ Illustration 5 ✓ ✓ ✓

Senior Studio 5 ✓ English Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Performing Arts I-‐IV 2.5 each ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Play Production 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Music Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Concert Band 5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Wind Ensemble 5 ✓ ✓ ✓

Chorus 5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Honors Chamber Choir 5 ✓ ✓ ✓

Drum Circle 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Intro to Music Composition & Theory 5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

AP Music Theory 5 ✓ ✓ ✓ Piano Lab 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Advanced Piano Lab 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Percussion Lab 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓


GENERAL ELECTIVES

English Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Art of Public Speaking 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Exploring Graphic Novels 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ Film Studies 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓

Gothic Literature 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ Shakespeare Essentials 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Writing Workshop 5 ✓ ✓ ✓

Math Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Discrete Mathematics 5 ✓

Science Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Astronomy 2.5 ✓ ✓ Geology 2.5 ✓ ✓

Anatomy & Physiology 6 ✓ ✓ Marine Biology 2.5 ✓ ✓ Oceanography 2.5 ✓ ✓ Social Studies Credits Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 AP Art History 5 ✓ ✓ ✓

Current Issues in American Democracy 2.5 ✓ ✓ Criminal Justice in America 2.5 ✓ ✓

Economics 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ AP Economics 5 ✓ ✓

AP European History 5 ✓ ✓ ✓ Modern Ethics 2.5 ✓ ✓

Medieval Studies 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ Middle Eastern Studies 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓

Psychology 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ AP Psychology 5 ✓ ✓ Sociology 2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓

AP US History 5 ✓ ✓


Academic Planning Guide

Freshman Year Junior Year English English

World History American Civilization

Math Math

Science Science*

Physical Education Physical Education

Health Health

World Language World Language**

Financial Literacy

21st Century Skills Elective

Elective Elective

Sophomore Year Senior Year English English

US History Social Studies**

Math Math**

Science* Science**

Physical Education Physical Education

Health Health

World Language World Language**

Elective Elective

Elective Elective

*College Prep Science classes include an extra **Not required for graduation, but recommended lab period. This effects the number of electives for college entrance. choices for that year.

delaware valley regional high school

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