Welcome to Madison High School

January 23, 2014

Home of the Dodgers

Overview of Tonight’s Program

This Program is Designed To:• Provide Information

• Answer Questions & Alleviate Concerns

• Pave The Way For a Smooth Transition

Format/Order of Speakers:

• Principal

• MHS Educational Foundation

• PTSO

• Student Speaker

• Director of Guidance

• Department Supervisors

• Athletic Director

• Assistant Principal

MadisonEducation Foundation

Presentation By:

Sara Burnet

Secretary

PTSO

Presentation By:

Debra Dias

Co-President

Information about MHS

• Projected enrollment: 845 students (215 in grade 9)

• 97 faculty and staff members

• Length of school day: 7:45 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.

• Average class size: 22 students

• Full year and semester courses offered

• Online grading system that provides timely feedback on student progress

• Modified rotating block schedule – 2nd Year (see MHS homepage for full description)

• Longer instructional periods enhance the teaching/learning process

• Fewer classes per day result in greater student focus on academics and help to relieve stress.

• Rotation provides variation to the school day

• Rotating blocks more closely simulates the “college experience”

• Common lunch period facilitates a wide variety of school related activities.

• Increased opportunities for informal connections to occur between students and teachers

Advantages of Schedule

Guiding Philosophy at MHS

• Academics # 1 Priority

• Students need to be challenged every day

• Involvement beyond the academic school day is key

• Students’ ideas and opinions matter

• Students considered young adults and treated accordingly

• It is our mission to prepare students well for the next phase of their lives

Guiding & Supporting Freshman: Additional Steps

• Freshman orientation program redesigned annually

• Selective in determining who teaches 9th graders

• Freshman only study halls

• Peer Group Connections: Mentoring & support program for all Freshman

What Makes MHS a Top School?• MHS recognized as top performing school (New Jersey

Monthly, Inside New Jersey, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report magazine).

• Town of Madison recently ranked as one of the Best Places to Live in New Jersey (NJ Monthly Magazine).

• Robust curriculum and a talented teaching staff that prepares students well for the future.

• Exceptional College/Career Counseling Program.

• Excellent athletic and extra-curricular programs.

• Programs devoted to building leadership & character.

• Our students are highly motivated to succeed!

Presented by:

Brynn Taylor

Senior

Mission Statement

• The mission of the Madison School District Counseling Department is to encourage and prepare all students  to be of upstanding character, perform at their highest academic level, and become responsible members of society.

Madison High School Guidance Department

The role of the counselor

• To make sure students are emotionally well.

• To make sure students are on target academically.

• To make sure students have a plan after high school.

Scheduling

• Students are recommended for courses and course levels based on 8th grade teacher recommendations. (MARCH)

• Recommendations are fluid and parent has override privileges.

• Scheduling conflicts must be resolved in June.

Graduation Requirements

• Graduation requirements (outlined in the curriculum booklet) set forth by NJDOE and Madison BOE. Students are expected to exceed graduation requirements.

Transitioning to the HS

• There are many programs, tours and information sessions between now and October. Some for parents, and some for students.

Madison High School Humanities Department

Humanities Department: Mission

• The humanities program inspires students to think critically about the human condition—past,

present and future—through the study of language, literature, art, history, philosophy,

religion, the social sciences and the arts.

Language Arts Department

Course HighlightsGrade 9 (Variety of Genres - Theme: Coming of Age)

Grade 10 (American Literature - Theme: The American Dream)

Grade 11 (British Literature – Various Themes)

Grade 12 (Contemporary Humanities + Creative Writing, Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature and Public Speaking OR Senior Seminar OR AP Language, AP

Literature)

History Department

Course HighlightsGrade 9 World History (Europe from the Renaissance, Latin America and the Middle

East)

Grade 10 United States History (1750-1900)

Grade 11 United States History, AP United States History (20th Century)

Grade 12 Electives (Human Behavior, History and Hollywood, Current Events, Economics, AP Psychology, AP American Government, AP European History)

Scheduling

• Placement in English 9 – Student grades, performance diagnostic, 7th Grade NJ

ASK results, and teacher recommendation.

• Placement in World History 9 – Student grades and teacher recommendation.

• Teacher recommendation determined by academic and study skills criteria, writing samples and classroom performance.

• All English 9 students and Honors World History 9 students must complete a summer assignment.

Digging Deeper

• Opportunities to Extend Learning:– Glyphs– Field Trips– Journalism (Dodger Online)– Poetry Out Loud– Vietnam Memorial– Visiting Authors and Guest Speakers– Shakesperience

Mathematics Department

The Mathematics Department aims to reach high standards by creating learning experiences that foster problem-solving, higher-order thinking, and collaboration in order to enable all students to adapt to an ever-changing society and prepare them for college and careers.

SchedulingCurrent Honors Algebra 1 students will be recommended for Honors Geometry or Enriched Geometry.

Current Enriched Algebra 1 students will be recommended for Enriched Geometry.

Current Pre-Algebra 2 students will be recommended for Algebra 1.

Placement Criteria

8th grade teachers determine the math course students should take. The following criteria are used in making these recommendations and placing students appropriately:

•NJASK 7 Score•Placement Test or Algebra Readiness Test•Test Average•Teacher Recommendation

CalculatorsA scientific calculator is used in all

Geometry levels.

•H

A graphing calculator is used in all

other courses (TI-84 Calculator

recommended, perhaps required)

Opportunities

•Math tutorial is offered every block of the day, including lunch, for extra support and help.

•Enrichment can be sought by participation in the AMTNJ High School Mathematics Contest and/or the American Mathematics Contest 10 (AMC10)

SCIENCESCIENCE

SCIENCESCIENCE

Our Goals:

•Promote a culture of inquiry and passion for learning

•Instill a sound understanding of the fundamental concepts which govern the behavior of the natural world.

•Develop an appreciation of the nature of scientific inquiry, and the methods that scientists use to explore, analyze, and predict natural phenomena.

•Develop knowledge to make informed decisions relating to their careers, to their health and to the environment.

All 9All 9thth Graders Take Physics Graders Take Physics

• All Physics courses:All Physics courses:

– Build directly upon 8Build directly upon 8thth Grade Physical Science concepts Grade Physical Science concepts

– Are 6 credits with a labAre 6 credits with a lab

• Lab meets as a double period one time per 4 day cycleLab meets as a double period one time per 4 day cycle

– Give students a conceptual understanding of forces, Give students a conceptual understanding of forces,

motion and energymotion and energy

– Support concepts using algebra-based mathSupport concepts using algebra-based math

– Are student centered, hands-on, inquiry basedAre student centered, hands-on, inquiry based

Physics Level Placement

• Placement in 9Placement in 9thth Grade Physics is based on: Grade Physics is based on:

– MJS Science Teacher RecommendationMJS Science Teacher Recommendation

– Student Performance in 8th Grade Science

– Student Performance in Algebra I

Focus is on “core” progression:

– Physics (9th)

– Chemistry (10th)

– Biology (11th)

Tutorials Available

Daily During

Common Lunch

SCIENCESCIENCE

Our Goals:

•Provide students with course opportunities that foster and develop creativity through project based learning

•Train students in industry-standard software, tools, materials, processes, and systems that develop and reinforce 21st century skills.

•Promote inquiry and learning through hands on activities that require reflection and critical thinking skills.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATIONTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Ms. BonnemaArchitecture

CAD I, IIMultimedia I, II

Mrs. BrattonYearbook

Digital Advertising I,II

Mr. FennellCAD I, II

WoodworkingHome

Technology

Mr. SantoreTV Production

Video Production

Woodworking

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATIONTECHNOLOGY EDUCATIONTechnology Courses are Semester-Long Electives* that are available to all students

*with the exception of the full-year TV Production and Yearbook courses

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATIONTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Small Theater / TV Studio PC Lab

Mac Lab Woodshop / Home Technology

Remember to tune into Madison’s student run TV on Remember to tune into Madison’s student run TV on Cablevision Channel 21 and FIOS Channel 34.Cablevision Channel 21 and FIOS Channel 34.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATIONTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Madison High School World Languages

Department

Course Highlights of the World Languages Department

• French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese are offered, ranging from Level 1 through AP.

• The objective in the World Language courses is to develop students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while increasing cultural knowledge of countries where the language is spoken.

• A variety of methods and techniques are used to enhance students’ comprehension, fluency and cultural awareness.

Scheduling8th grade teachers determine whether students should take:

– Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3– 8th grade teachers make these

recommendations using a variety of criteria, including a student’s grade in the current class and a placement exam.

– A student may begin a new language when they get to high school.

Opportunities

• World Language Clubs

• World Language Honor Societies

• Competitive, National Exams

Madison High School Visual and Performing Arts

Department

Mission of Visual and Performing Arts Department

• The ability to enjoy music, art, theatre and dance, and to participate on an individual or group level, is an integral part of daily life. The courses in the V&PA department are designed to appeal to varied interests and levels. There is something for everyone, from the casual photographer to the future music major.

• In addition to the wide variety of classes offered during the school day, we offer a multitude of extra-curricular opportunities for students. All are welcome and encouraged to get involved!

Freshman Course Offerings

• Art Studio, Drawing• 3D Design, • Fine Art Digital Imaging• Band• Orchestra• Chorus• Guitar (Beg) (Int/Adv)(Must own guitar)• Intro to Theatre• Intro to Dance

ECA Opportunities

• Marching Band

• Jazz Band

• Jazz Chorus

• Fall Play

• Spring Musical

Madison High School Special Services

Department

Mission Statement• The Special Education Department of Madison High School recognizes that each child is

unique and has the ability to achieve his or her highest potential.

• Create a positive difference in students’ lives by acting as a resource.

• Collaborate with regular education teachers to modify instruction and to provide and implement accommodations as stipulated in the IEP

• Encourage students to become aware of their strengths and weaknesses so that they will know how they learn best

• Provide a diversity of programs based on student needs

• Act as a resource for classroom teachers of students with special needs

• Monitor each student’s academic progress and social development.

• Teach students how to be advocates for themselves.

Scheduling

– Learning Strategies (9th grade)– In-Class Support – Resource Classes – Pathways Program (Pre-Vocational)– Internship's – Consumer Math (11th & 12th grade) – Language Arts Literacy & Math Lab

Opportunities

Morris County Partnership  for Transition and Employment

  The MHS Teen Friday Social

        Monthly Activities                   (Movies, YMCA, Video Games, Bowling, Roller Skating)

Morris County Partnership  for Transition and Employment

  The MHS Teen Friday Social

        Monthly Activities                   (

Health, Driver Education, & Physical Education

Health, Driver Education, & Physical Education

LIFELifeLong Individualized Fitness

Education

Project Adventure

Fitnessgram

Fitness Training

Sport Education

Health, Driver Education, & Physical Education

1st Aid & CPR Training

Wellness

DODGER ATHLETICS

DODGER ATHLETICS

DODGER ATHLETICS

DODGER ATHLETIC WEBSITE

Madison High School

Extra Curricular Activities

Extra Curricular ActivitiesMission Statement

To provide students with an extracurricular program that supports the mission statement, core values and beliefs of the Madison Public Schools.

To inspire and challenge all students to be life-long learners, empowered with the knowledge, skill and character to shape their futures, realize their dreams, and contribute positively to the world.

Extra Curricular Clubs & Activities

Leadership: Student Council, Class Council, Student/Principal Committee, Peer Group Connections

Interests: Habitat for Humanity, Key Club, Interact, Project Aware, Gay-Straight Alliance, World Languages’ Club

Productions: Fall Drama, Spring Musical

Music: Marching Band, Jazz Chorus, Jazz Band

Science: Robotics, Science League, Physics’ Olympics

Academic: National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society

Publications: Glyphs, The Dodger, The Alembic

Athletic Teams: Fall, Winter & Spring

How Do I Find Out More Information

Extra curricular clubs and activities are open to all interested students.

All clubs & activities will be represented at the Activity Fair in September. The Activity Fair will take place during the common lunch and will provide interested students with more detailed information and how to get involved.

Additional information is provided in the MHS Student Handbook and on the MHS Website.

Resources at MHS

Academic: Tutorials, Media Center

Counseling Services: Student Assistance Counselor (SAC), Guidance Department, Project Community Pride, School Psychologist

Informational Resources: MHS Website, Student Handbook, Parent Programs, Parent Portal, Honeywell Instant Alerts, Naviance, School-Wires’ E-Blasts, E-mail

MHS Policies & Procedures

All MHS policies and procedures are posted on the MHS Website and BOE Policies can be found on the district home-page.

At the onset of each school year, students receive a Student Handbook that doubles as a daily planner.

Class Meetings are held to review policies and procedures and occur, on average, 2-3 times per school year.

Providing a Smooth Transition

• 9th graders adjust amazingly well

• Help them get involved and connected right away

• Prepare them for increased responsibility

• Time management is the key to success

• Help them with decisions

• Emphasize the importance of strong study skills

• Remember that their Success + Failures = Growth

Academic Enrichment Programs

• Harvard Model Congress

• NJ Challenge (Quiz Bowl)

• Science League

• Merck State Science Competition

• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car Competition

• Robotics

• AMTNJ Math Competition

• AMC Math Competition

• National Spanish, French, Italian, German Exams

• William Paterson Poetry Competition (World Languages)

• Poetry Out Loud

• Playwrights Theatre

Leadership and Character Development

• Peer Group Connections Program

• Emerging Leaders Program (Chief Executive Council of Madison

• National & World Language Honor Societies

• Student Council

• Service Learning Program and Day of Service Projects

• Student/Principal Advisory Committee (S & P Committee)

Thank You!