Welcome to Madison High School

1. Welcome to Madison High School January 23, 2014 Home of the Dodgers

2. 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

3. MadisonEducation Foundation Presentation By: Sara Burnet Secretary

4. PTSO Presentation By: Debra Dias Co-President

5. 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)

6. Advantages of Schedule • 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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!

10. Presented by: Brynn Taylor Senior

11. 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.

12. Madison High School Guidance Department

13. 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.

14. 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.

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

16. Transitioning to the HS • There are many programs, tours and information sessions between now and October. Some for parents, and some for students.

17. Madison High School Humanities Department

18. 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.

19. Language Arts Department Course Highlights Grade 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)

20. History Department Course Highlights Grade 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)

21. 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.

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

23. 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.

24. Scheduling Current 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.

25. 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

26. Calculators A scientific calculator is used in all Geometry levels. • H A graphing calculator is used in all other courses (TI-84 Calculator recommended, perhaps required)

27. 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)

28. SCIENCE

30. SCIENCE 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.

31. All 9th Graders Take Physics • All Physics courses: • Build directly upon 8th Grade Physical Science concepts • Are 6 credits with a lab • Lab meets as a double period one time per 4 day cycle • Give students a conceptual understanding of forces, motion and energy • Support concepts using algebra-based math • Are student centered, hands-on, inquiry based

32. Physics Level Placement • Placement in 9th Grade Physics is based on: • MJS Science Teacher Recommendation • Student Performance in 8th Grade Science • Student Performance in Algebra I

33. SCIENCE Focus is on “core” progression: • Physics (9th) • Chemistry (10th) • Biology (11th) Tutorials Available Daily During Common Lunch

34. TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 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.

35. TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Technology Courses are Semester-Long Electives* that are available to all students Ms. Bonnema Architecture CAD I, II Multimedia I, II Mrs. Bratton Yearbook Digital Advertising I,II Mr. Fennell CAD I, II Woodworking Home Technology Mr. Santore TV Production Video Production Woodworking *with the exception of the full-year TV Production and Yearbook courses

36. TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Small Theater / TV Studio PC Lab Mac Lab Woodshop / Home Technology

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

38. Madison High School World Languages Department

39. 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.

40. Scheduling 8th 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.

41. Opportunities World Language Clubs World Language Honor Societies Competitive, National Exams

42. Madison High School Visual and Performing Arts Department

43. 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!

44. 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

45. ECA Opportunities Marching Band Jazz Band Jazz Chorus Fall Play Spring Musical

46. Madison High School Special Services Department

47. 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.

48. 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

49. 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 (

50. Health, Driver Education, & Physical Education