TYPICAL FRESHMAN SELECTION OF COURSES Bold indicates fixed courses for grade 9. Students will register for 35 credits of courses in total. Course I 5.0 Credits English I Course II 5.0 Credits Foundations of American History Course III 5.0 Credits Physics ** Course IV 5.0 Credits Math ** (Geometry, Continuing Algebra I/Geometry, Algebra I, or Stem Applications) Course V 5.0 Credits Foreign Language (Spanish, French, or Latin) Course VI 2.5 Credits PE/Health Course VII 2.5 Credits First Minor Elective Course VIII 2.5 Credits Second Minor Elective* Course IX 2.5 Credits Third Minor Elective* *Note: Students may choose a sixth, 5.0 credit major course in place of two, 2.5 minor electives. Elective Requirements: Art, Music, and Occupational Education—Students must complete one course in each area during their four years at Bedford High School. The Registration Process: o Feb 22‐Mar 4 ‐ JGMS teachers input course recs o February 29 th – Guidance at Hanscom Middle to discuss schedules o March 1 st ‐ JGMS 8th grader students meet to go over scheduling process o March 5 ‐ Aspen is open for JGMS students/parents to review courses and select electives. o March 5 ‐18 ‐ JGMS students and parents input course requests at home o March 21‐April 3 ‐ JGMS counselor help students complete schedule o March 21 ‐ April 8 ‐ Identify BHS students whose course requests are incomplete and fix o April 8 ‐ Print list of course requests to be taken home for student/parent information o April 11 – Level Change/Course Change requests due to Program Administrator/Director
Transcript
TYPICAL FRESHMAN SELECTION OF COURSES Bold indicates fixed courses for grade 9.
Students will register for 35 credits of courses in total. Course I 5.0 Credits
English I
Course II 5.0 Credits
Foundations of American History
Course III 5.0 Credits
Physics **
Course IV 5.0 Credits
Math ** (Geometry, Continuing Algebra I/Geometry, Algebra I, or Stem Applications)
Course V 5.0 Credits
Foreign Language (Spanish, French, or Latin)
Course VI 2.5 Credits
PE/Health
Course VII 2.5 Credits
First Minor Elective
Course VIII 2.5 Credits
Second Minor Elective*
Course IX 2.5 Credits
Third Minor Elective*
*Note: Students may choose a sixth, 5.0 credit major course in place of two, 2.5 minor electives. Elective Requirements: Art, Music, and Occupational Education—Students must complete one course in each area during their four years at Bedford High School. The Registration Process:
o Feb 22‐Mar 4 ‐ JGMS teachers input course recs o February 29th – Guidance at Hanscom Middle to discuss schedules o March 1st ‐ JGMS 8th grader students meet to go over scheduling process o March 5 ‐ Aspen is open for JGMS students/parents to review courses and select electives. o March 5 ‐18 ‐ JGMS students and parents input course requests at home o March 21‐April 3 ‐ JGMS counselor help students complete schedule o March 21 ‐ April 8 ‐ Identify BHS students whose course requests are incomplete and fix o April 8 ‐ Print list of course requests to be taken home for student/parent information o April 11 – Level Change/Course Change requests due to Program Administrator/Director
THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU EACH YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL
Our Goal Support all students’ academic success and socio-emotional development throughout all four years of high school Students retain the same Counselor, who is their support and advocate, for four years. The Department also has a School Adjustment Counselor available to all students to offer social and emotional support to foster academic success Individual Meetings: Each counselor also meets individually with each grade 9 student in Q1 or Q2
A Glance at Freshman Year Small Group Meetings: Very soon after school begins, counselors meet with their counselees in small groups to get acquainted
In November, counselors again meet
with their counselees in small groups to sign students into Naviance and take the Learning Styles Questionnaire
The School Adjustment Counselor speaks to all Health I classes about anxiety, depression, and stress: how to recognize and handle these feelings in Q1 or 2
Guidance Department: 781 275 1700
Program Administrator:
Ms.Amie Capodanno, x 1135
Counselors: Mr. Brian DeChellis, x 1132
Ms. Karen Ford, x 1133 Ms. Janel Halupowski, x 1134 Ms. Alison Lohrum, x 1136
Ms. Kristen Milano, x 1139
School Adjustment Counselor: Mr. Charles Alperin, x 1137
Secretaries
Mrs. Margie Harris, x 1131 Mrs. Kristin Ferrari, x 1130
The School Adjustment Counselor is available every year to all students
Through small, large, and individual meetings, the Guidance
Department implements its themes for each grade
Grade 9: The adjustment to high school; how to learn to be a good student
Grade 10: Exploring personal interests and their possible relationship to future careers
Grade 11: Begin the process of college and career planning. Guide and inform students and parents about all
the necessary steps in this process.
Grade 12: Continue the process of college and career planning.
The Guidance Department utilizes the Naviance system to explore each year’s theme
In addition, each year counselors guide students through the process of creating a schedule for the next
In our challenging and diverse curriculum, we strive to meet the needs of every student. We offer both enrichment and support to developing readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers.
We look forward to meeting and working with you over the next four years. In the meantime, feel free to contact Mrs. Marcotte to introduce yourself or ask questions about our program.
Minors
Creative Writing
Journalism
Mythology
Writing Lab
Film Analysis (11-12) Advanced Expository Writing (11-12)
Activities
Stylus (Literary Magazine)
The Lookout (School Newspaper)
Annual Poetry Slam
Shakespeare Festival
9th Grade English ___________________________________________ The English I course sets the foundation for reading, writing, and analysis at the high school level. Students investigate multiple genres, including epic poetry, memoir, drama, and novels. The hero’s journey archetype, central to the course, is the first critical lens introduced in the four-year curriculum and is revisited in subsequent courses. Students write for a variety of purposes, including literary analysis, creative expression, and argument. The BHS Guide to High School Writing and Analysis introduces students to formal writing structures and directs them in the writing process. The course culminates with the student driven I-Search Project which combines inquiry, research, and reflection.
Possible 9th grade texts include: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare Monster by Walter Dean Myers Night by Elie Wiesel The Odyssey by Homer Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Course Level Placement Course placement is based upon demonstrated proficiency and teacher recommendation. What is the difference between levels?
● reading level of some texts ● amount of reading completed outside of
class ● pace and structure of skill development,
especially with writing What is the same for all levels?
● close reading skills ● BHS Guide to Writing and Analysis ● themes and essential questions ● core texts
Freshman Courses: Students who have not yet taken a language, or wish to switch languages:
French I, Latin I, Spanish I Students continuing their language studies:
French II, French III, Spanish II, Spanish III, Spanish III-‐advanced
Clubs: AFS: Have fun learning about other cultures with the AFL club. Activities include films, music, slides, guest speakers, discussions of traditions, and food from that culture. Advisor: Sra. Taub
Latin Club: Meets during x-‐block to celebrate and learn about the culture and history of ancient Rome. Club highlights include: cooking Roman cuisine, reenacting the death of Julius Caesar, and an annual toga competition. Advisors: Mag. McKenna & Ms. Alexander
El Cercle Français: Meets various x-‐blocks and after school to organize events, cultural experiences and food pertaining to the francophone world. Advisor: Mme. Flannery
El Club de español: Meets during x-‐block to partake in various cultural activities. Also, students have the opportunity to use Spanish outside the classroom during “Cuentos para niños”; a monthly program at the Bedford Public Library. Advisor: Sra. Laurencio
Contact: Dana Curran, Foreign Language Program Director 781-‐275-‐1700 x5500 [email protected]
The BHS Foreign Language Department offers courses in French, Latin and Spanish. These courses are designed to enhance language acquisition, promote critical-‐thinking skills and foster an understanding of diverse peoples and cultures. In an increasingly globalized and multicultural society, there are clear practical benefits to speaking more than one language. Bilingualism has become essential in today’s interconnected world and opens doors to career opportunities in a variety of different fields. In French and Spanish, the goal is to develop conversational proficiency that would allow students to use the language in daily life situations. The focus is on communication and the key components of speaking, listening, reading and writing the target language. In Latin, the focus is on the written word. Students study grammar, vocabulary and history in order to translate the works of a variety of Roman authors. Emphasis is also placed on the connections between Latin and other languages, especially English. The study of Latin creates a strong foundation for continuing studies in history, literature, science and English.
Physics is designed to present topics in mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, and heat. It will be taught using a concept-based lab approach while simultaneously
integrating the student’s mathematical background in order to develop a meaningful physics foundation. This course is
the first in the core science series. Students complete the MCAS Physics Exam in June to meet
their State Science HS requirement for graduation.
High Honors -This course will include a more intensive and in-depth study of the topics listed above as well as other topics that are not specifically listed in the Massachusetts State Standards. Students selecting this course should be able to solve problems by applying algebraic methods and analyze text for conceptual and computational understanding. Taken concurrently with Geometry.
Honors - This course will include a more in-depth study of the topics listed above. Students selecting this course should have reading and math skills at grade level.
College Prep - This course will concentrate on the State Physics Standards. The program assumes that students are developing basic algebraic skills. STEM Applications - STEM Applications will develop the science and math skills to prepare students for studying math and science topics in the future. This course is designed to help students build a stronger number sense and cultivate the science and engineering practices that are part of the Massachusetts Common Core and Science and Engineering Standards The course will include algebra and geometry concepts by applying them within the context of experimental design, data collection and analysis, math and science practices, science inquiry, and modeling.
Occupational Education: Technology Drafting and Technology This course introduces the student to the methods used by industry to communicate technical ideas. The student will develop skills in visualization, drawings, measurement and dimensioning, and the proper use of drafting tools and equipment. The acquisition of these skills will enable the student to interpret industrial drawings. This course provides an excellent background for any student interested in the fields of engineering, manufacturing, or construction.
Manufacturing and Production Technology I This course will emphasize the Engineering and Design strands and standards that fall under the Massachusetts Science and Technology Curriculum Frameworks. A major focus will be placed on the safe and proper use of many common machines and tools. The students will design, plan and manufacture products through a variety of manufacturing processes.
Robotics Robotics is a hands-on building and demonstration course. Students design, build and program robots to perform specific tasks. The tasks start simple and progressively get more complicated throughout the course. Please see the full description in the Program of Studies. Introduction to Computer Science This course is an introduction to computer science for students with no prior programming experience. Students develop programs using visual programming languages such as Scratch, to create animated simulations, design games, and build internet and mobile applications. In addition, students are exposed to an overview of computing and its influence on modern society.
Science Clubs and Competitions All Clubs and Competitions are open to all students throughout the year. If a student is involved in sports, drama, or
music, they may still be involved in the many clubs and activities. Each club coordinator understands the busy schedules students have and encourages students to participate in a science activity beyond the classroom when they can.
Grade Nine Science and Technology Options
Michael Griffin, Program Administrator Science ext. 5400
Science Team Liana Heldman and Scott Stief
The Science Team participates in the West Suburban Science League and the Science Olympiad. There is one meet per month and practice sessions occur during X-Block, After School, and at night.
Buc Robotics
Sarah Leshay and John O'Connor The Robotics team participates in the FIRST Robotics competition and Vex Challenge. Students in the club design, build, and compete with their robot in two regional events.
Environmental Club Michael Griffin and Lisa Wolf
The environmental club coordinates recycling efforts at BHS and looks at ways to reduce the impact of the school community on the environment. Other activities include gardening, hiking, camping and various other outdoor activities. Sample of Additional Clubs and
Competitions: Astronomy Club
New England Science Bowl Envirothon
Blue Lobster Ocean Bowl Women of Science Competition
Massachusetts Quiz Bowl
Throughout Bedford’s K‐12 Physical Education, Health and Family and Consumer Science curricula
students experience a comprehensive and sequential approach. This approach fosters cognitive,
social, emotional and physical development and the practice of lifelong wellness. Students will
acquire the knowledge necessary t make educated decisions concerning the achievement and
maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.
Freshmen Year Required Course
Health 1: This course will establish a foundation o skill‐based health. Factual information on nutrition,
mental health, stress and stress management techniques in addition to topics on communication,
refusal, assertiveness/self‐advocacy, decision making goal setting and internet safety and
responsibility.
Fitness Concepts 1: This course is an introduction to the principles of exercise and activities needed
to lead a healthy lifestyle. Principles include muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and
cardiovascular endurance. Students will complete a pre‐test and post‐test of the “Fitnessgram”, as
well as a final personal cross training program.
Additional PE and Health Offerings:
Health 2 and Fitness Concepts 2 (Grade 10 requirement)
Dance
Cross Training
Healthy Behaviors
Peer Leadership
Sports Activities
Lifetime Activities
Family and Consumer Science Offerings: (meet Occupational Education requirement)
Foods and Nutrition 1
Foods and Nutrition 2
Clothing
Early Childhood Education
ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENT
CENTER
Mrs. Lisa Morrison, Director of Student Achievement
The Academic Achieve-
ment Center consists of
five academic intervention
classes to support general
education students.
The following courses are
offered through the
Academic Achievement
Center:
Directed Study
MCAS Support
Small Directed Study
EXCEL Program
Academic Support
DIRECTED STUDY
Students who work independently on their organization and homework
can use directed study as time in their day to complete these tasks.
MCAS SUPPORT
Students who have struggled on one or more MCAS test(s) will be as-
signed this course. Materials used by the student during this course are
designed to strengthen areas shown to be weak on the MCAS.
SMALL DIRECTED STUDY
Students will receive small group interventions focused on organizational
skills, homework completion, and developing self-advocacy skills.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Students will receive individualized target interventions. Student progress
will be monitored and adjustments to the interventions will be made
based on the student's progress.
EXCEL PROGRAM
For students who are recommended to move up to an honors or high
honors class for the first time. This program will emphasize the develop-
ment of general student skills needed to support success within the aca-
demic rigor of higher course expectations.
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC AND THEATER ARTS Students must take one of these 2.5 credit electives to fulfill their requirement for graduation.
MUSIC CLASSES
Music Performance Major Students enrolled in either two sections of curricular ensembles OR one section of a curricular ensemble &
music theory can earn 5.0 credits for a Music Performance Major. Note: Band, Orchestra, and Concert Choir all have two sections. A Music Performance Major could take two section of Band, for example, and qualify for the major. Please refer to the Program of Studies for more information.
Band is open to all students who play band instruments. Skills necessary for ensemble performance will be stressed. These include the
development of technical ability, tone production, and sight-reading. Grades will be based upon rehearsal demeanor, concert evaluation, and skills based tests.
Orchestra is a general level ensemble, which works on medium to advanced literature from a wide range of styles. This course is open to any
students who play orchestral stringed instruments. Skills necessary for ensemble performance will be stressed. These include the development of technical ability, tone production, and sight-reading. Grades will be based upon rehearsal demeanor, concert evaluation, and skills based tests.
Concert Choir is a general level choral performance group, exploring literature from a wide range of styles and time periods. Vocal health
and skills are emphasized including appropriate breathing, posture, tone production, sight-reading, and part-singing skills. No previous vocal experience is expected. Grades will be based upon rehearsal demeanor, concert evaluation, and skills based tests.
Class Piano teaches basic piano skills to all students. Proper playing technique is covered as well as note reading in both clefs. Musical skills
such as rhythm, harmony, and melody are also covered. Students are not required to have any previous piano skills. This class is geared towards beginning piano students.
Multimedia Music Production In this course, students will learn techniques used in modern music production, multi-media
productions, live sound and event production, and create original projects with digital media. The class will also learn about careers in the music business and how to explore opportunities beyond the classroom. No music experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn.
Basic Music Theory teaches concepts including note reading and writing, rhythms, scales, triads, four-part harmony, transposition, and
basic composition. Emphasis is placed on ear training through listening and the dictation of rhythm and melodies. Notation and symbols as formalized by J. S. Bach as well as contemporary notation will be utilized. The course culminates with a composition project. No technical knowledge of music is needed.
World Drumming is the exploration of percussion instruments and traditions from a variety of cultures from around the world. This is a
course where students use hands-on participation to communicate through percussion instruments, perform in “drum circles,” and provide accompaniment for other performance arts. No drumming experience is necessary to take this course, only a willingness to experience new things.
Class Guitar teaches basic guitar skills to all students. Students in this course do not need to have prior guitar experience. Those who do will
be required to learn more advanced concepts in conjunction with the basic skills learned by all. Proper playing technique is covered including note reading and chords. Music skills such as rhythm, harmony, and melody are also covered. A guitar will be provided during class time.
THEATER ARTS CLASSES
Theater Production This hands-on course is designed as a complement to Drama. Throughout the year students will learn the ins and outs
of what goes into producing a show from the perspective of the performers, the technical crew, and the director. To achieve this, students will work on productions of several short non-musical plays. All students will act in, design technical elements for (lights, sounds, sets, and costumes), and direct the plays. The class will culminate with a final project in which groups create and perform their own short productions using all of their experiences gained throughout the course.
Drama This course is designed as a complement to Theater Production. Drama serves as an introduction to stage and theater terminology,
character development, blocking, direction, and playwriting. Students will learn acting and directing techniques through hands-on activities such as improvisation and group and individual performances.
AFJROTC is an incredible program and the mission is “To develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.” It’s important to know all JROTC programs are citizenship programs. They are not military recruiting programs and the citizenship charter is stated in Title 10 United States Code law. AFJROTC works to teach important skills and reinforce personal traits to help make your student successful in life, no matter what type of career they choose following high school. These life skills are based on the Air Force core values of “integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.”
Your student will learn important aspects of leadership, followership, adherence to personal appearance and grooming standards, proper uniform wear and will also have the opportunity to participate in some very exciting co-curricular activities to include community service. These activities reinforce the lessons they will learn in the classroom and provide them an opportunity to lead and learn among their peers. These activities are our “hands on” teaching tools and are a very fun and exciting way to reinforce the importance of team-work, service, positive attitude, hard-work, and positive image.
The AFJROTC curriculum, IAW AFOATSI 36-2001, is divided between Aerospace Science (AS) and Leadership Education (LE). The course will be listed as Aerospace Science on your student schedule.
Aerospace Science A (AS I)/Leadership A (LE I) Aerospace Science A covers the History, Principles, and Purpose of Flight. Students will develop an understanding of aviation evolution, the basic physics and principles of flight, and the purpose and use of the various types of aircraft employed by the military and civil aviation. The students will also become familiar with basic theories of meteorology and the technology of rocketry and spaceflight. Leadership training emphasizes Life Skills: preparing budgets, performing basic banking transactions, understanding credit, and helping students identify their near term career goals as well as life-long professional development.
Aerospace Science B (AS II)/Leadership B (LE II)
The “Aerospace Science” portion of the second year course is an introduction to world culture and religion. The “Leadership Education” portion of AS II focuses on communication skills, human relations, teamwork and problem solving. Aerospace Science C (AS III)/Leadership C (LE III) Aerospace Science C covers in-depth the Space Environment, Space Programs, and Manned Space flight. Leadership training covers Effective Communication, Understanding Individual and Group Behavior, and Leadership Skills. Students will exercise these skills by leading basic daily flight operations, such as teaching younger students how to lead flights in squadron drill. Leadership C cadets will also study Geography or Survival. Aerospace Science D (AS IV)/Leadership D (LE IV) Aerospace Science D to split into different one of two groups: Corps of the Cadets and the Future of Space. The Corps of the Cadets focuses upon the Management of the AFJROTC group. Students will be placed in senior positions and be responsible for the daily operation of the cadet group. For student not in significant leadership positions, The Future of Space focuses upon topics involving missions to Mars, Venus, and beyond, propulsion of space vehicles, maneuvering in space, robots in space, and private industry in space. Leadership courses cover Introduction to Management, Managing Things and Ideas, Citizenship, and Ethics. Leadership skills are developed and refined by teaching younger cadets how to instruct squadron drill.
We look forward to meeting and working with you over the next four years. In the meantime, feel free to contact Major Gary Maki or MSgt Charlie Humphrey to introduce yourself or ask questions about our program.
The Bedford Public Schools provides a comprehensive visual arts program, aligned with the Massachusetts state frameworks for students in grades K -12. We believe that visual art experiences teach students how to look inward and outward. Students are taught techniques that include drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, technology and photography and they are exposed to a variety of media such as graphite, paint, clay, film, and "found objects “. When students are creating artwork they are involved with observing, envisioning, innovating, reflecting and revising. Students are encouraged to develop ideas both from their observation of the world and their own imaginations. Formally and informally students become culturally aware as they learn about art history and from the art of their classmates. Bedford students have opportunities to collaborate and to work independently. Students learn that art is a language that allows them to "visually” express ideas and emotions. From kindergarten through grade 12, Bedford Public School art students are represented in the annual K-12 art show.
Courses open to Freshmen:
(all Minor courses 9-12 and Minor courses 9-11 are designated as college prep)
ART I (Minor) Course # 7112, ART I (Major) Course # 7123
These introductory courses in visual problem-solving are recommended for freshmen and/or students who wish to follow a sequential development of art courses, as well as participate in department electives. These courses are organized around a variety of concepts and media selected to help students express ideas and feelings through the use of design elements (line, shape, texture, color, space, mass, and form), and design principles (contrast, balance, variation, unity, movement, and harmony). Students will be exposed to a variety of media techniques in the areas of drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and mixed media. The emphasis of these courses is on skill building and problem solving, while also developing an appreciation for art history and group critique.
Ceramics I (Minor) Course # 7012
This course introduces students to basic hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques through a variety of concepts and experiences. Students will be expected to apply design elements and principles as they create functional and sculptural forms in clay. In addition, students should be willing to take creative risks in striving to develop personal ideas and interests in an original style. Individual expression is encouraged along with the appreciation for disciplined work habits in art.
Digital Art I (Minor) Course #7072
Through your active participation in this course, you'll gain a good introductory understanding of many fundamental aspects of digital art-making. Using a variety of tools, including computers, iPads, digital cameras, scanners, apps, and key programs from Adobe's "Creative Suite" (including Photoshop), you'll work on a wide variety of projects. These will include photo manipulation, collage, varieties of digital mark-making and drawing, video and animation work. The aim throughout the course will be to help you gain skill and confidence with both the technical and the artistic skills involved in making digital art.
Photography I (Minor) Course # 7043
This course is designed to help you to become a more thoughtful, creative, and visually aware photographer, no matter what kind of camera you use at any given moment. The photographic processes of 35mm camera operation, black and white film development and printing, and compositional design are applied to creative projects in areas including: the development of semiabstract images, descriptive and interpretive visual essays, environmental studies, and portraiture. Creative expression and exploration of personal interests through the medium of photography is stressed, but success in this course also requires the ability to develop disciplined work habits to master technical material. Students will engage in a variety of visual problem solving.
Special Education at Bedford High School
Special Education services at Bedford High School are determined on an
individual basis through the IEP process. Services at BHS are aligned and coordinated with those at JGMS.
Transition to BHS:
Students’ liaisons at the middle school work closely with the liaisons at
BHS to understand specific student needs and facilitate a smooth transition between JGMS and the high school.
For students in specific programs at JGMS, there are often several group
transition activities to visit the corresponding programs at BHS.
Services:
Support and Strategies- Services occur 2x69, 4x69 or 6x69 minutes per
six day cycle. These classes are graded on a Pass/Fail basis and count toward the 120 credit requirements.
Co-taught Classes- Co-taught classes are classes taught by both a
special education teacher and a general education teacher. Such classes are currently offered in math, English and science. Individual course
descriptions are available through the Program of Studies.
Services are provided by Special Education Teachers, Speech Language
Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Teaching Assistants and Counseling Staff as needed.
Bedford High School is committed to meeting the needs of a diverse
population of learners.
For additional questions, please contact:
Michelle DellaValle, Special Education Program Administrator (781)275-1700x1140
