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DEER ISLE-STONINGTON
HIGH SCHOOL

Program of Studies
Maine Learning Results, Graduation Requirements,
& Course Descriptions

2002-2003

Mission Statement

Letter from Principal Brennan

Table of Contents
 
 
 
 
 
       


MISSION STATEMENT…

The Mission Statement of Deer Isle-Stonington High School will serve as a guide for decision-making at all levels in educational planning and daily functioning of our school.

Deer Isle-Stonington is a working-class island community of people whose primary occupations are in fishing and related marine businesses, construction and tourism. However, due to declining resources and consequent increases in state and federal regulations, opportunities to enter the fishing industry are dwindling. There is a growing population of artists, professionals and summer residents who also influence the local economy. Although post-secondary education has not historically been a high community priority an increasing number of students see this as viable career preparation.

The overall purpose of our school is to enable each student to achieve in the development of academic, physical, and social skills, so they can become productive, responsible citizens of this or any other community. Our school, therefore, will assist each student in the development of his or her highest potential and in the assuming of responsibility for his or her own learning. Every child will have an opportunity to explore skills needed for career options. The student’s education will enrich and expand him or her intellectually to meet the challenge of a rapidly changing technological society.

Our school depends upon the commitment of faculty and students to the educational process, effective school and community communication, and parental involvement in their children’s education.
Goals will be established which stimulate the learning process and provide each student the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in a manner that is developmentally appropriate. Educational activities based upon sound developmental learning research are paramount in a school of our size and grade configuration. Co-curricular participation in activities outside the classrooms is seen as very necessary for cultural and social growth.

A safe, positive and supportive school environment is critical. In order to address the total needs of the child, our school will continue to provide programs, which address contemporary adolescent social issues and developmental needs.

Deer Isle-Stonington High School, in its pursuit of excellence in education for our students, will adhere to these ideals in its daily activities and long-term planning in order to address the needs of our community and meet all state and local guidelines.

Adopted by the School Committee 7/21/97


 

DEER ISLE-STONINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

H O M E of the M A R I N E R S
251 North Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627 207-348-2303 FAX:348-2304
       
Tom Brennan Martha Jordan Matt Larsen Mike Wood
Principal Guidance Counselor Athletic Administrator Adult Ed Director


October 8, 2001

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,

The CSD 13 School Board is revising graduation requirements following a careful review of past policy and apparent conflicts with past curriculum guides and handbooks. Once the graduation requirements are finalized, I will provide a complete copy of the new policy to all students and parents/guardians. If you would like to discuss the new policy and how it will affect your son/daughter’s credit standing, please feel free to come in. Our Guidance Counselor and I are interested in meeting you and helping you to understand the revised graduation requirements.

During summer vacation, there were significant improvements completed at the high school. Six classrooms, two smaller rooms and three corridors had new tile flooring placed. The walls in those areas have been painted and new floor molding has been placed in each area. In addition to these efforts, the guidance and main offices have received significant restructuring. The companies who did this work accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. I also want to recognize the custodians for their important role in addressing the ongoing cleaning and maintenance needs of our school. The overall effect is a greatly improved school environment.

You will observe upon reading the course offerings enclosed an impressive array of choices. Any Deer Isle-Stonington High School graduate seeking college admission should be able to build a portfolio of academic achievements equal to selections at other quality schools throughout the state. A consistent theme we hear from business and industrial leaders is they want better prepared employees. They continue to make large commitments to training and invest in their future employees. Colleges select inquisitive, motivated, and talented students. Our responsibility to prepare students with the skills necessary to be able to learn is imperative. We must improve our ability to teach students the core skills of reading, writing, arithmetic as well as teaching students to read and write in technical and other special ways to communicate their personal career goals.

We have revised this program of studies to offer each student the opportunity to prepare for their own individual life goals. We have expanded our offerings beyond the four walls of our school and encourage students to be creative in planning their high school career. Our Industrial Arts, Marine Resource Technology and School-to Work classes are making an active effort to bridge with the Island’s communities. We are committed to you, the students of Deer Isle-Stoning High School, who are the communities’ most important and valued gift, you are our future.

Sincere best wishes,

Thomas L. Brennan
Principal


Table of Contents…    

Program of Studies
cover 1  
Mission Statement 2  
Principal’s message 3  
Table of Contents 4  
Your Deer Isle-Stonington High School years 5  
Guiding Principles 6  
Maine Learning Results 7-11  
xxx English Language Arts 7  
  Modern & Classical Languages 7  
  Social Studies 8  
  Visual & Performing Arts 9  
  Science & Technology 9  
  Health Education 10  
  Physical Education 10  
  Mathematics 11  
  Career Preparation 11  
History of Island Communities Schools 12  
Graduation Requirements 13  
Program of Studies 13  
Student status 13  
Summer school 14  
Correspondence courses 14  
Certificate of attendance 14  
Early graduation 14  
Early admission to college/university 14  
Waivers 15    
Post-secondary enrollment options 15  
Core curriculum 15  
Elective curriculum 16  
Course descriptions 16-29  
  Visual & Performing Arts 17-18  
  Business/Computers 18-19  
  School-to-Work 19  
  English 20-21  
  Family & Consumer Sciences 21-22  
  Foreign Languages 22-23  
  Independent Study 23  
  Mathematics 23-25  
  Physical Education & Health 25  
  Science 25-26  
  Social Studies 28-28  
xxx Technology 28-29  
Aide positions 29  
Library 30  
Student support services 31  
Guidance & counseling 31  
Student assessment 31  
Special education services 32  
Adult education 32  
Adult education high school diploma 33  
Vocational education 33  
     




Your Deer Isle Stonington High School years…

The Island communities make a significant commitment to their youth through consistent support of educational programs including the new Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School that opened in 2001. This outstanding school offers updated facilities including an impressive auditorium, library and computer area. We welcome the elementary school, staff and students to our joint school campus location and look forward to many years ahead of working together for the best possible educational opportunities for all students. In the past, DIS High School has offered core courses and extended courses beyond the typical offerings of similar sized schools. French IV, Calculus, Advanced Marine Science, Advanced Placement American History, Navigation & Seamanship, Technical Drawing/ Architectural Design, and Drawing/Painting & Ceramics are examples of courses beyond the normal limits.

This Program of Studies includes special courses that appeal to local needs in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Navigation, Seamanship and Marine Resource Technology I & II. Please take advantage of the opportunity you and your parents have in planning your schedule with the Guidance Counselor for next year as well as for all four years. This planning will ensure you the opportunity to meet your future goals.

Freshman year should be both enjoyable and challenging. It is your opportunity to begin the process of accumulating credit toward graduation, and it is a great new opportunity to make new friendships. The program of studies provides the requirements for graduations as well as suggestions about courses recommended at grade level.

Sophomore year provides you with the opportunity to fine tune your plan and be sure that you have selected courses that provide you with appropriate academic challenges. Your Advisory Team, class activities, and extra-curricular opportunities will also help enhance this year of high school.

Junior year is the recommended time to focus your career planning. Courses related to vocational career options, advanced courses at DIS for students planning to attend college, and distance learning available through the Internet and cable TV, offer our students a variety of choices. A high point of this school year is our traditional Junior Prom in May.

Senior year is your final step to complete your educational plan and finalize preparation for your future. You still have time and opportunity to make changes and develop your skills to meet the requirements for your next step in your lifelong educational process. If you plan wisely, invest appropriate amounts of time and dedication to your subjects, and fulfill graduation requirements, you will be among those who earn their diploma and receive the school-community’s recognition and respect.


Guiding Principles...

EACH DEER ISLE-STONINGTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT

SHOULD LEAVE SCHOOL AS...


...A CLEAR AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR


1. Uses oral, written, visual, artistic and technological modes of expression;
2. Reads, listens to and interprets messages from multiple sources; and
3. Uses English and at least one other language.


...A SELF-DIRECTED AND LIFE-LONG LEARNER


1. Creates career and education plans that reflect personal goals, interests and skills, and available resources;
2.Demonstrates the capacity to undertake independent study; and
3. Finds and uses information from libraries, electronic databases and other resources.


...A CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL PROBLEM SOLVER


1. Observes situations objectively to clearly and accurately define problems;
2. Frames questions and designs data collection and analyses strategies from all disciplines to answer those questions;
3. Identifies patterns, trends and relationships that apply to solutions to problems; and
4. Generates a variety of solutions, builds a case for the best response and critically evaluates the effectiveness of this response.


...A RESPONSIBLE AND INVOLVED CITIZEN


1. Recognizes the power of personal participation to affect the community and demonstrates participation skills;
2. Understands the importance of accepting responsibility for personal decisions and actions;
3. Knows the means of achieving personal and community health and well being; and
4. Recognizes and understands the diverse nature of society.


...A COLLABORATIVE AND QUALITY WORKER


1. Knows the structure and functions of the labor market;
2. Assesses individual interests, aptitudes, skills, and values in relation to demands of the work place; and
3. Demonstrates reliability, flexibility and concern for quality.


...AN INTEGRATIVE AND INFORMED THINKER


1. Applies knowledge and skills in and across English language arts, visual and performing arts, foreign languages, health and physical education, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and career preparation; and
2. Comprehends relationships among different modes of thought and methods associated with the traditional disciplines.