Academics

Ms. Durfee

STUDENT SUCCESS I CP

BU 180 1 trimester / 2 credits

This one trimester course is designed to help freshmen transition from a middle school setting, prepare for the increased academic rigor of high school, and meet the social and emotional challenges they may encounter over the ensuing four years. Students will build intrapersonal awareness of their thought processes, emotions, strengths, and hopes for the future, and practice self-management strategies. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

· Become familiar with cooperative learning strategies that increase engagement in their learning.

· Recognize the value of an education and why it is important to do well in school.

· Develop the mental frameworks, organizational strategies, and study skills that lead to academic success.

· Understand the effects of thought on emotions and behavior.

· Reduce habits of negative thinking, develop coping strategies for stress reduction.

· Identify their strengths and interests and ability to set and achieve goals.

*Students will learn traditional touch typing using EduTyping internet-based software. Students will learn the alphabetic keys and symbols through a series of lessons designed to improve speed and accuracy.

STUDENT SUCCESS II CP

BU 380 1 trimester / 2 credits

Students will build upon the learned skill sets from Student Success I to explore how to build positive, healthy relationships, resolve conflicts, and make responsible decisions. This course is designed to apply social & emotional skills to employability skills, the college application process, and ultimately preparing for independent living. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

· Develop skills that build positive relationships, empathize with and show compassion for others.

· Apply a problem-solving approach to conflicts.

· Understand and utilize the power of apologizing and forgiving.

· Deal with gossip and negative peer pressure.

· Envision their long-term goals and map an attainable course for reaching them.

· Developing teamwork, collaboration, and other employability skills.

· Practice responsible decision making for independent living.

*Students will reinforce and continue their learned typing skills from Student Success I focusing on additional keys, the numeric keypad and completing timed writing prompts through a series of lessons designed to improve speed and accuracy.

Prerequisite: Student Success I freshman year.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CP

BU 574, 774 1 trimester / 2 credits

In this course, students will learn the elements of owning and operating their own business. Students will be able to evaluate entrepreneurship as a potential option to move their career and technical skills to another level of income. Topics include how to recognize business opportunities, write a business plan, create a mission and vision; and promote and market a business particular to their own interests or vocational career path. In addition to these business skills, students will use reading skills, basic business skills, and finance math skills to complete a virtual business simulation that incorporates various projects including a business plan project, a shark tank project, and a mega mogul project.

GRADING:

Assessment (Daily Work Rubric): 20%
Classwork (Binder/Learning Journal): 25%
Homework: 10%
Project: 20%
Quiz (Keyboarding Lab): 15%
Trimester Project/Test: 10%

Mr. Curran
Ms. DePasquale
Mr. Hefele
Ms. Ialuna
Mr. Keaney
Mr. LaPlante
Ms. LaPlante
Ms. Maneri
Ms. Mullen

Department Grading Policy

All students except trimester two and trimester three juniors

• Assessments 70% (Trimester One 60%): May include tests, quizzes, projects, compositions, research papers and class work.
• Homework 20%
• Summer Reading 10%: (Trimester One only)

Trimester Two – Grade 11 Only
Assessment 45
HW 20
Senior Project 25
Trimester Summative Assessment 10

Trimester Three – Grade 11 Only
Assessment 45
HW 20
Senior Project 25
Trimester Summative Assessment 10

Homework Policy

• Daily Homework Assignments: Students are expected to complete all homework assignments on time. Late work will be accepted only until the end of the week in which the assignment was due. Late work will receive 50% credit.
• Long Term Assignments (compositions, research papers, presentations, etc.): Students are to meet all assignment deadlines. If an assignment is submitted after the due date, the grade will be reduced by 10% for each school day the assignment is late.
• Homework Center: If a student is consistently missing homework and has low or failing grades, the teacher may assign the student to the Homework Center for additional help to improve his/her grades. In this situation, the student should plan on staying after school with the English teacher during his/ her after school day and attend the Homework Center on the assigned day(s).

Online textbook: www.pearsonrealize.com

Health & Physical Education Policies:

General PE and Health Ed Guidelines

Faculty Members:

Mr. Allen
Ms. Caffrey
Mr. Hippert

Contact a Faculty Member

Mr. Cadoret
Ms. Halloway
Ms. Hertel
Ms. Jones
Mr. Pedersen
Mr. Robitaille
Ms. Rose
Ms. Shultz
Ms. Thornton

Math Open Reference Calculator

Tri-County Mathematics Department Calculator Use Policy

The use of a scientific calculator is a tool used to facilitate computations in math. A scientific calculator is recommended for use in specific math courses. Tri-County is under no obligation to provide calculators in the same manner that shops need not provide personal tools for the completion of shop-related work.

While MCAS is a focal point of 9th and 10th grade math curricula, it must be noted that there are specific non-calculator sections in the state-mandated test. Consequently, we require students to learn specific math skills in advance of learning the skills of using a scientific calculator. Calculator sections of MCAS will be dealt with in timely fashion during class instructions in advance of the state tests.

Tri-County will provide calculators for all students as needed on the state MCAS tests. Parents are strongly urged to purchase a scientific calculator for their child so that he/she will be familiar with his/her own type of calculator. It should also be noted that students on Individualized Education Plans who require a calculator during all sessions of MCAS would continue to be allowed the use of their own calculators during class instruction.

Mathematics Department Grading Policy

Term 1 = 34%
Term 2 = 33%
Term 3 = 33%

Each Term consists of:

*Homework
*Classwork
*Assessments
Cumulative Assessment = 10%
*Please see each class syllabus for the percent breakdown

Senior students may be exempted from Term 3 Cumulative Assessment if the following requirements are met:

Y1 is 90% or better in the class
4 or less unexcused absences
Proficient or better on the MCAS test

Homework Policy

– Daily Homework Assignments: Students are expected to complete all homework assignments on time.

– Homework Center: If a student is consistently missing homework and has low or failing grades, the teacher may assign the student to the Homework Center for additional help to improve his/her grades. In this situation, the student should plan on staying with the Mathematics teacher during his/her after school day and attend the Homework Center on the assigned day(s).

Mr. Curran

“Introduction to Music Appreciation and Theory” offers a fascinating, quick paced look at the history and development of music from Biblical times to the 21st century. Each musically historic period from the earliest cultures through the Dark Ages, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic eras and the 20th and 21st centuries are presented. Woven into the study of each period are numerous musical examples, videos, DVD’s and discussions of history, art, architecture and what life was like. A wide variety of musical styles and concepts are presented throughout the year and students will recognize the gradual evolution of music from the earliest times to the present. When appropriate, art activities are used as well to help students express feelings or visual images that the music may evoke. Masterworks from numerous prominent composers are presented and students will learn about their lives and the influences that historical developments had on their music.

In addition, this course presents the fundamentals of Music Theory. It is the goal of this part of the course to have each student learn to read music. Notes on the staff, note values, rhythm and dynamics are just a few of the numerous important music concepts to be presented.

Finally, using their acquired Music Theory skills and the electronic piano keyboards available as part of the course, students will learn the fundamentals of piano performance and if interest dictates, composition. Students are also encouraged, on a volunteer-sign up basis, to share their talents and musical knowledge with their classmates through performance on the piano or their own instruments. They are also welcome to present and discuss favorite musical works to the class.

Faculty Members:

Ms. Erwin
Ms. Kelly
Ms. Markham
Mr. Mulcahy
Dr. Poteete
Ms. Sabasowitz
Ms. Sibilia
Our Mission

The Science Department provides students with a comprehensive overview of selected branches of science, as well as scientific methodology, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving strategies. In addition to the basic tenets and skill sets of each discipline, we also strive to lay the foundation for a lifetime of appreciation and pursuit of scientific knowledge

We live in a world shaped by science and technology. A scientifically literate population is necessary to make decisions regarding the environment, natural resources, applications of technology, and a host of other issues that impact our planet and its citizens.

A graduate of Tri-County will possess the fundamental knowledge and awareness to be an informed participant in the global community. Beyond the pragmatic considerations, we also hope to instill in students an appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of our elegant universe.

Our Philosophy

To reach these objectives, we integrate the academic and practical aspects of science with a hands-on, investigative approach, aiding students’ application to a broader sense of scientific discovery outside of the classroom. We foster critical thinking skills by incorporating different learning strategies. Students are given the opportunity to grow academically and socially in collaborative as well as individual settings. In addition, we promote social awareness of global issues from a scientific perspective. Each day, we bring our enthusiasm for scientific discovery into the classroom so that our students may share our passion for the natural world.

Science Laboratory Safety Contract

Faculty Members:

Mr. Alden
Ms. Foley
Mr. Lang
Ms Remmes
Mr. Sienko
Mr. Young

Social Studies Grading Policy
Assessments/Projects 50%: This includes any formative or summative assessments.
Social Studies Skills 30%: In-class and outside project-based assignments
Homework 10%
Trimester Exam 10%