2024-2025 Program of Studies for RHS

ROCKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Program of Studies Guide

2024-2025

Dr. Joseph P. Macary, Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Robert F. Testa, Assistant Superintendent

Mrs. Dominique Fox, Director of Teaching & Learning

 

Mr. Jason D. Magao, Principal

Mr. Daniel C. Pichette, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Katherine Howard-Bender, Assistant Principal

Mr. Peter J. Ettlinger, Director of School Counseling

 

 

ACCREDITATION

Rockville High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions offering postgraduate instruction.

Accreditation of an institution by the New England Association indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer group review process.  An accredited school or college is one that has the necessary resources to achieve its stated purpose through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the future.  Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the New England Association is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole.  As such, it is not a guarantee of the quality of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates.  Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.                                

Inquiries regarding the status of an institution’s accreditation by the New England Association should be directed to the administrative staff of the school or college. Individuals may also contact the Association by mail (New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., 209 Burlington Woods Road, Suite 100, Burlington MA 01803), by phone (781-425-7700), or via the Internet (web address www.neasc.org)

 

PLANNING THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES

 

Dear Rockville Students and Families:

Your planning and placement for the next school year should be a shared decision with your parents or guardians, teachers, and school counselor.  The schedule which you select should allow each and every day to be challenging, enriching, and sequential in regards to your planned graduation.

Our Program of Studies highlights countless opportunities to meet the needs of your planned career path.  Before finalizing your courses for the 2024-2025 school year, please research the optimal educational program that will best meet your individual needs.  The choices that you make will directly correlate to the value, worth, and “total” experience that you receive at Rockville High School.

In summary, when finalizing your selection, be conscious of graduation requirements, personal interests, and plans after Rockville High School.

Respectfully,

Peter Ettlinger

Director of School Counseling

 

SCHOOL COUNSELING

At the start of ninth grade, students are assigned to a counselor who will work individually with them throughout their high school experience.  Conferences between students and the counselor usually take place during study hall, lunch, before or after school and occur as frequently as may be necessary.  The following are items students may want to discuss with their counselor:  difficulties with school subjects or other school-related problems; self-evaluation of abilities, interests, personal and academic strengths; selection of courses and studies; vocational and/or career planning; planning for school or college after graduation; part-time employment; full-time employment after graduation; and/or personal problems.

Parents/guardians are welcome to visit the School Counseling Office to discuss their student.  Please call 860-870-6050 during the school day to schedule an appointment.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is a serious part of all professional relationships.  To avoid any misunderstanding between a student and their School Counselor, it is best that the student clarify any issue that is expected to be held in confidence.  Likewise, it is important for students to know that, by law or sound ethical practices, there are situations whereby the counselor is required to disclose information that pertains to a student’s safety or the safety of others.  This statement is offered in the spirit of protecting students’ rights.

CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

All students in grades 9, 10, and 11 are required to take a minimum of 7.00 credits.  Grade 12 students are required to take a minimum of 6.00 credits.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

All students are required to complete, pass, and earn credit for the following courses to be eligible to graduate from Rockville High School:

 

CLASS OF 2025 & beyond – 25 credits total

Humanities and the Arts - 9.0 credits including:

            Civics – 0.5 credit

            English – 2.0 credits

            United States History – 1.0 credit

Science, Engineering, Technology & Mathematics (STEM) - 9.0 credits including:

            Biology – 1.0 credit

            Mathematics – 2.0 credits

            Software Applications – 0.5 credit

Physical Education & Wellness – 1.0 credit

Health & Safety Education – 1.0 credit

            World Languages – 1.0 credit

Mastery-Based Diploma Assessment – Personal Finance – 0.5 credit

Additional Credits – 3.5 credits including:

            Freshman Exploratory – 1.0 credit (beginning with the Class of 2026)

Community Service - 50 hours

            As part of their civic expectation at Rockville High School, students are required to

              donate their time to the service of others.  This service must not be financially

              compensated in any way.  Students may work with a specific non-profit organization or

              they may volunteer individually. 

 

 

TRANSFER STUDENTS

The transcripts of students transferring into Rockville High School will be examined and credits awarded in terms of equivalent Carnegie units.  Any student who transfers into Rockville High School in Grade 9, 10, or 11 will have their transcript grades figured into the two-and-one-half year and/or three-year rank at face value or they may request that the sending school re-compute the transcript grades on their weighted system and forward a new official transcript to RHS.  This transcript should show the school’s interpretation of the student’s weighted average.

 

TRANSCRIPTS

Each student’s academic record is contained on his or her transcript.  The transcript contains the student’s name; date of birth; parent or guardian’s name; address; date of graduation; a year-by-year listing of courses, levels, grades, and credits; and class rank.  Transcripts do not show SAT scores.  It is the responsibility of the student to forward official SAT scores to the colleges of their choice through the College Board.

Planning for College Starts Now!

Please use this guide to understand the differences between Rockville High School graduation course requirements, and the course requirements of 4-year colleges and universities. This guide should help you map out your 4-year academic plan. Each year, your RHS School Counselor will work with you in developing and implementing your course planning.

RHS Graduation Requirements  starting w/Class of 2023   25 credits in total	Selective College/University (Ex: ECSU, UHart, CCSU)   *Mix of College Prep (CP), Honors or AP/ECE courses*	Highly Selective College/University (EX: UConn, UMass, Trinity, Yale)   *Predominantly Honors or AP/ECE   courses in core areas*
Humanities and the Arts:   9 credits in total, including: Civics- .5 credit English- 2.0 credits US History- 1.0 credit	4.0 credits of English (CP level or  higher)	4.0 credits of English (Honors level or higher)
	3.0 credits or more of Social Sciences (CP level or higher)	4.0 credits or more of Social Sciences (Honors level or higher)
Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics:   9 credits in total, including: Biology- 1.0 credit Mathematics- 2.0 credits Software Apps- .5 credit	4.0 credits of Mathematics (CP level or higher including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2)	4.0 credits of Mathematics (Honors level or higher including Geometry,   Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus and Calculus)
	3.0 credits of Sciences (CP level or higher including Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics)	4.0 credits of Sciences (Honors level or higher including Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
World Language: 1 credit in total	2.0-3.0 credits of the SAME language	3.0-4.0 credits of the SAME language
Physical Education & Wellness: 1 credit in total	Not specified, but expected	Not specified, but expected
Health & Safety Education: 1 credit in total	Not specified, but expected	Not specified, but expected
Mastery-Based Diploma Assessment: .5 credit Personal Finance	Not specified, but expected	Not specified, but expected
Additional Credits: 3.5 credits in total, including: Freshman Exploratory- starting with the Class of ‘26	Not specified, but expected	Not specified, but expected
Community Service: 50 Hours	Not specified, but expected	Not specified, but expected

 

SAT®**

The SAT measures the verbal, mathematical, and writing abilities a student has developed over many years, both in and out of school.  Along with a student’s high school courses and grades, SAT scores help indicate how prepared the student is to do the kind of academic work most colleges require.  These tests are useful because courses and grading standards vary so widely from school to school that making comparisons are difficult. Scores on standardized tests help admissions officers compare the presentation and ability of students from different schools.

SAT® SUBJECT TESTS**

The SAT Subject Tests are required by some colleges for admissions or placement purposes.  The Subject Tests are one-hour multiple-choice tests in specific subject areas.  Unlike the SAT, the Subject Tests measure knowledge of a subject and the ability to apply that knowledge.  Students should try to take an Achievement Test as soon as possible after completing the last course in that subject.

                             ** As a service to its students, Rockville High School is an official site for the

                             SAT® and PSAT®.  The examinations and the process of administration are

                             the exclusive property of the College Board and any and all surveys such as

                             the Student Search Service are not subject to any Federal Education Rights

                             and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations.

TESTING DATES FOR SAT & SUBJECT TESTS

* Exact testing dates are available at www.CollegeBoard.org

August                          Senior Year      March                           Junior Year

October                        Senior Year      May                              Junior Year

November                   Senior Year       June                             Junior Year

December                     Senior Year

Students should be aware of the test dates and see their counselor well in advance for information about registering for the test.

THE ACT®

The ACT® is a national college admissions examination that contains multiple-choice subject area tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.  ACT’s writing test is optional and will not affect the composite score.  ACT results are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States.  For more information, exact testing dates, and testing locations, please visit www.act.org.

ASVAB

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is offered to high school and post-secondary students as part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. The program provides tools to help students learn more about career exploration and planning, in both the civilian and military worlds of work.​  There is no military obligation associated with this assessment.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

The Advanced Placement Program® is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities.  The Program provides motivated high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses in a high school setting.  Students who participate in the Program not only gain college-level skills, but in many cases they also earn college credit while they are still in high school.  AP courses are taught by dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who follow course guidelines developed and published by the College Board.  Every AP student will be expected to take the AP exam prepared by the College Board and administered in May.  Students who are eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch qualify for a fee waiver on all AP exams they take that year. The exams are scored by the College Board and graded on a five-point scale (5=Extremely Well Qualified, 4=Well Qualified, 3=Qualified, 2=Possibly Qualified, 1=No Recommendation).  Colleges use these grades as evidence of the students' abilities and achievements when they make their decisions regarding whether or not to grant credit and/or advanced placement.  An AP score report is available electronically in early July.  Students should check with their college’s admissions office for clarification of policies on Advanced Placement.  It is important to note that each college determines college credit and/or advanced placement. Students are responsible for a “return test fee” if an AP course is dropped after the tests have been ordered.

Rockville High School offers eight Advanced Placement courses.

            Calculus AB                                          Physics

            Chemistry                                             Precalculus

            Computer Science Principles            Statistics

            Music Theory                                       Studio Art

Additionally, the Advanced Placement exam is optional for students enrolled in Biology-ECE, French V-ECE, or Spanish V-ECE.  Please see the individual course descriptions for further information.  The AP Program offers additional courses in a variety of subject areas which students have the opportunity to independently prepare for and take the exam.

POLICY ON CREDITS EARNED AT TWO- OR FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES

Seniors enrolled full-time at Rockville High School who wish to complete a course at a two-year or a four-year college with the intent of transferring that credit back to Rockville High School must receive authorization from the student’s Administrator prior to enrolling in the course.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Independent studies are available within each subject area at Rockville High School.  Students must have successfully completed other department courses and desire to continue their study in a specific area where there is not an advanced offering.  All students wishing to enroll in an independent study course must obtain approval from the subject area teacher and department chairperson and complete the official application that may be obtained from a counselor.  As part of this application, the student will write his or her own plan of activities as outlined in each department’s guidelines.  The deadline to apply for an independent study program is the last Friday in May for full-year or fall semester courses and the second Friday in January for spring semester courses.

EARLY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

The Early College Experience (ECE) program provides academically motivated students the opportunity to take university courses while in high school (dual enrollment).  These challenging courses allow students to preview college work, build confidence in their readiness for college, and earn college credits that provide an academic and a financial head-start on a college degree.

ECE instructors are high school teachers certified as adjunct professors by the University.  ECE faculty foster independent learning, creativity and critical thinking - all important for success in college.  ECE students must successfully complete the course with a grade of C or above in order to receive University credit.  These college credits are transferable to many colleges and universities. Students are charged per credit plus a processing fee per course.  Billing is handled by the University.  For additional information about the ECE program, visit https://ece.uconn.edu/ or www.easternct.edu/academic-services/early-college-experience.html.

University of Connecticut ECE Courses

Eastern Connecticut State University ECE Courses

Southern Connecticut State University ECE Courses

 

ROCKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE CAREER PATHWAYS PROGRAM

The Manchester Community College Career Pathways Program (CCP) provides academically motivated students the opportunity to take college courses while in high school.  These challenging courses allow students to preview college work, build confidence in their readiness for college, and earn college credits that provide an academic and a financial head-start on a college degree.  CCP instructors are high school teachers certified as adjunct professors by MCC. 

Students must be in Grades 10, 11, or 12 and receive a C average or above in order to receive MCC credits.  A grade of B or better must be earned to receive credit for Financial Literacy (BFN 111) and Financial Accounting (ACC 115).

We also participate in the Middlesex Community College Career Pathways Program (CCP) through our Agricultural Science Program.

Manchester Community College CCP Courses

Middlesex Community College CCP Courses

STEM & HUMANITIES SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Our STEM and Humanities Scholars Program was developed to provide RHS students with a specialized four-year focus. Students study at the highest level and must complete specific course requirements. They also must demonstrate leadership in their selected field of study and complete and present a Capstone project during their senior year. Students meet quarterly to engage in career exploration.  The program includes authentic learning opportunities and guest speakers who are specialists in their fields. An application is required during the scheduling process for incoming ninth graders. Please see the school’s website for an application.

Please note that starting with the Class of 2026, these scholars programs will be shifting to Advanced Pathways Scholars.

For more information on the RHS Humanities Scholars Program, click here.

For more information on the RHS STEM Scholars Program, click here.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

A goal of the Vernon Public Schools is to ensure that all students have access to a rigorous and challenging curriculum (as defined by the Common Core State Standards) and graduate with the skills and knowledge they will need to be college or career ready in the twenty-first century.  While course descriptions vary from department to department, they are purposefully written to make clear for students the foundational skills and competencies needed to afford them a successful learning experience.  Students are encouraged to discuss their course selection interests with their school counselor, the department chair, and their teachers for a clearer understanding of the course expectations needed to make informed decisions in the course selection process.

COURSE LEVELS

Rockville High School offers rigorous coursework for all students. Courses are offered at the Post-Secondary Prep, Honors, and/or Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment level. Each level has a corresponding weight which is used to calculate grade point average (GPA). The weight is indicated in each course description within the program of Studies.

Advanced Placement (AP)/Dual Enrollment (UCONN, ECSU, Manchester Community College, etc.)
Advanced Placement and/or Dual Enrollment courses require students to follow a standardized curriculum that is equivalent to an introductory college course. AP/dual enrollment courses may allow students to receive college credit and/or be exempt from introductory college courses by passing an externally prepared exam, by earning a specific grade for the course at the discretion of a college or university, or receiving a specific score on the Advanced Placement Exam. Students enrolled into these courses possess the skills necessary to perform college-level work during high school and demand a large time commitment by students both in and out of school.

Honors
Honors courses offer an in-depth exploration of the course content at an increased pace. These courses offer a curriculum designed to challenge students who have demonstrated a high degree of proficiency in within the subject area. Students enrolled in Honors courses should be independent, self-directed learners with highly developed communication skills, and the ability to analyze, synthesize and draw conclusions. Honors courses require a significant time commitment by students both in and out of the classroom.

Post-Secondary Prep
Post-Secondary Prep courses focus on the application of skills and concepts and are designed to challenge students. Reading, writing, listening, decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are an integral part of all course work, requiring students to commit time beyond the classroom to complete assignments. Appropriate resources, levels of challenge, and support prepare students for colleges, universities, and other post-secondary education and career opportunities.

COURSE OFFERINGS

A course may be withdrawn or enrollment may be restricted for reasons such as low enrollment, limited facilities, and/or availability of staff.

CLASS RANK

Class rank is an important consideration in the admission policies of most colleges and is determined by the weighted numerical average of grades earned in all subjects.  The class rank is computed for the two-and-one-half-year (five-semester) average and is also computed at the start of the senior year (three-year rank or six-semester).  The rank is used for colleges, scholarships and post-secondary counseling.  A three year, three marking period rank is used for selection of awards, and the selection of valedictorian, salutatorian, and Rockville High School Scholars.

All students will be ranked in class by a weighted system.  This system includes three levels of courses with each assigned a quality point multiplier based upon academic difficulty.  A student’s final grade is multiplied by the assigned point multiplier and then averaged to determine class rank.

            Post-Secondary Prep                                          1.00

            Honors                                                                  1.05

            Advanced Placement & Dual Enrollment        1.10

Any student taking a pre-approved supplemental course at an accredited institution will have their grades transferred at face value and incorporated into the class rank.  Examples of accredited institutions include Manchester Community College, the University of Hartford, and others.

ROCKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HONORS*

* based on the three-year, three-marking period ranking

Valedictorian:  The student ranked first in the senior class with the highest weighted numerical average.  The recipients of this award must have attended Rockville High School for at least two years.

 Salutatorian:    The student ranked second in the senior class with the second highest numerical weighted average.  The recipients of this award must have attended Rockville High School for at least two years.

 RHS Scholars: Students who have obtained a 90+ weighted average for three years and three marking periods.  The recipients of this award must have attended Rockville High School for at least two years.

Early graduates are eligible to be recognized as RHS Scholars after two years and three marking periods.

ROCKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIES

Beginning with the Class of 2026, all Rockville High School students will select an Academy of their choice.  Each of our three Academies will have multiple Career Pathways aligned with rigorous Programs of Studies that details each sequenced course students will engage in.  The focus of each Academy is to prepare all students for college, career, and life readiness.  To accomplish this, students will be provided with a comprehensive experience that focuses on content knowledge, employability skills, Habits of Mind and Career Ready Practices.  This focus will increase future opportunities for our students.

The Rockville High School Academies are:

Advanced Science and Technology Academy

Arts, Business, and Communications Academy

Health, Human and Public Service Academy

The RHS Academy for Advanced Science and Technology is grounded in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).  Here your STEM credits will be strongly aligned with course experiences that correspond with STEM careers and college readiness.  Corresponding Humanities credits will not only prepare you for post-secondary opportunities, but  also focus on areas and content that directly impact or support scientific and technological developments.  The Agricultural Science and Technology Education (ASTE) program also falls under the AST Academy.  Placement into the ASTE program is determined through an application process.  Whether you dream of being a scientist or having a career in manufacturing, the Academy for Advanced Science and Technology is your answer. 

The RHS Academy for Arts, Business, and Communications is a balanced experience.  Here your credits will be strongly aligned with disciplines that join STEM and Humanities for a unique and personal experience.  Twenty-first century careers in the Arts, Business, and Communications have forever blurred the lines between STEM and Humanities.  Blending the use of technology with the foundation of humanities and the human experience, students will tend to gravitate towards one with a more in-depth understanding of the other.  Whether you want to be an animator, journalist, or own your own business, the Academy for Arts, Business, and Communications is your answer.

The RHS Academy for Health, Human and Public Service is a Humanities experience with a strong emphasis on service-based careers.  STEM credits in this program will be closely aligned with service industries while also focusing on post-secondary readiness for civil service.  Whether you dream of being a lawyer, educator, hospitality worker, work in human resources, or would like to pursue a career in nursing, the Academy for Health, Human and Public Service is your answer.

 

ROCKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL EXPLORATORY EXPERIENCE

Beginning with the Class of 2026, all ninth-grade students will participate in the RHS Exploratory Experience. This year-long sequence of courses provides an overview of the opportunities that are available to all students in each of the three RHS Academies, as well as exposure to skills and strategies that will provide a foundation for future success at RHS.

Starting with the Class of 2026, in addition to completing coursework in their selected pathway, all RHS students will complete the following sequence of core courses.

 

Core Courses- 9th Grade   o   Algebra 1 or Geometry o   English 9 o   Biology o   World Language o   Physical Education o   Health and Safety o   Freshman Exploratory or ASTE	Core Courses- 10th Grade   o   Geometry or Algebra 2 o   Effective Communication or American Studies o   Software Applications o   Physical Education o   Health and Safety o   US History or American Studies
Core Courses- 11th  and 12th Grade   o   Personal Finance (11) o   Civics (12) o   Academy Capstone (12)

 

ROCKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL PATHWAYS

Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, as part of their membership in their Academy, each student (in the graduating Class of 2026 and beyond) will select a pathway, or concentration, specific to their interests.  The following are some possible RHS pathways:

 

Academy for Advanced Technology and Science

• Manufacturing Pathway
• Engineering Pathway
• Architecture and Construction
• Environmental Science
• Research and Design
• Transportation Pathway

 

Academy for Advanced Technology and Science (ASTE Only Track)

• Animal Science Pathway
• Plant Science Pathway
• Power, Structural and Technical Systems
• Ag Natural Resources Pathway

 

Academy for Arts, Business, and Communications

• Photography and Imaging
• Digital Illustration
• Careers in Fine Arts
• Digital Media Design - Communications and Video
• Digital Media Design - Graphic and Game Design
• Business and Finance Pathway
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Business Finance
• Creative Writing
• Performing Arts

 

Academy for Health, Human, and Public Services

• Public Relations
• Education
• Food Preparations
• Baking
• Sports Management and Statistics
• Health Care
• Criminal Justice/Law
• International Relations
• Public Service/Governance

 

Goodwin University - Early College Advanced Manufacturing Pathway

Goodwin University's Early College Advanced Manufacturing Pathway (ECAMP) is a full year, half-day, magnet school program serving 12th-grade students. Students receive free tuition, instruction materials, and transportation to and from the Goodwin University Campus in East Hartford. The program provides seven college-level manufacturing courses, 21 Goodwin University credits, an Advanced Manufacturing/CNC Machining Certificate, and a Department of Labor Certificate. These credentials will allow them to secure a high-paying, rewarding career in advanced manufacturing upon graduation. In addition, students will receive a paid, work-based, pre-apprenticeship during the second semester at a participating Goodwin industry partner. Goodwin provides the transportation to and from the pre-apprenticeship as well. The Goodwin University pre-apprenticeship (minimum 200 hours) can be credited toward the student's first CT Department of Labor Apprenticeship.

Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts

At the CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Full Day, students direct their own artistic path. Under the guidance of artist professionals, high school students choose from a variety of courses in Music, Dance, Media Production, Creative Writing, Graphic Design, and Theater. Our classes are designed to bring out the full creative and expressive voice in the student.  Young artists who attend our program also receive their state accredited academic courses throughout the day. Our curriculum demands the highest standards of performance from our faculty and students. The majority of our graduates are accepted to college. In addition to the full day program, RHS can attend a half day program. An application must be submitted directly to GHAA to participate in this program.