Additional Graduation Requirements

Life Skills

Grade 9 - 10

This quarter-long course is open to all 9^th and 10^th graders pass/fail basis.  This course serves to establish a foundation for understanding the relationships between personal behavior and health.  The course examines and discusses the myriad health and social issues that challenge adolescents such as episodic and chronic illnesses, sexuality and relationships, AIDS education, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, nutrition and eating disorders, community health, and stress and time management.  This information is presented through lecture-discussion, review of current and credible health publications, computer programs, and movies.  These topics will be addressed in an environment where students will be afforded the opportunity to strengthen their communication and decision-making skills as well as their sense of self-esteem and self-advocacy.  Successful completion of this course will depend upon class participation, written assessments, and individual and group projects.

LIFE SKILLS

Grade 11

Life skills is a required course is a quarter-long course.  The course examines and discusses contemporary health and social issues facing adolescents including, substance abuse, relationships/sexuality, AIS awareness, stress management, health, eating disorders, self-esteem and choices.  This information is offered through lectures, open dialogue, articles, movies and guest speakers.  Life skills is designed to give the student an opportunity to explore and discuss these issues in a group setting, peer to peer.  Student evaluations are based largely on class participation, writing assignments, tests and group/individual projects.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Grade 10 and 11

Students in this one-quarter-long class study the theory of public speaking and then apply that theory as they engage in its practice. The class includes training in the thought processes necessary to organize the content of a speech; in the analysis of ways to enhance the effectiveness of the language of a speech; and in techniques for the effective delivery of a speech.