Secondary Course Catalog

Ward Melville High School

Three Village Academy

P.J. Gelinas Middle School

R.C. Murphy Middle School

Guidance

The mission of the Three Village Central School District, in concert with its families and community, is to provide an educational environment that will enable each student to achieve a high level of academic proficiency and to become a well-rounded individual who is an involved, responsible citizen.

This Course Catalog includes information on graduation requirements, department services and course offerings, pupil personnel services and guidelines, and extra-curricular activities. Students are urged to review the Course Catalog and communicate with their parents and guidance counselors in order to select courses, join activities and plan for post secondary careers and study.

Program of Study

Grades and Course Requirements

GRADING

• Report Cards: Report cards are made available four times each year through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Copies will be mailed to those parents who specifically request, in writing, that report cards be mailed. Parents should note the teachers’ comments and the attendance report as well as the class grade.
  
• Grading Policy: Individual classroom teachers provide students with grading policies within the first few class sessions. Students learn the percentage breakdown of those activities that are used in determining class grades. Reducing a grade for disciplinary reasons is prohibited. Grades may consist of assessments, homework, projects, participation, etc. 
  
• Grade changes are made only during the G.A.P. (grade adjustment period, which is two weeks after the start of the next marking period). Incompletes not changed during the G.A.P. are automatically turned into failures. Incompletes earned as a result of not taking a Regents Exam will remain until the next administration of the exam. Any student who believes that a quarter or final grade is incorrect must first contact and discuss the issue with the classroom teacher.
  
• Summer school grades are computed into the grade point average (GPA) utilizing the weighting system determined in the program of studies. Please note: Summer school grades are computed into the GPA as separate courses. The higher Regents exam score replaces the lower one and the final course grade will be re-calculated and averaged into the GPA.

NCAA APPROVED COURSES

The NCAA courses are maintained as a guide for prospective student athletes seeking NCAA initial eligibility. They are subject to change at any time and without notice. Certification of a prospective student athlete is casespecific, and the NCAA Eligibility Center has the authority to determine in its sole discretion whether the prospective student athlete has met all criteria. The NCAA Eligibility Center reserves the right to review and remove courses that were previously approved from their Approved Courses list. Therefore, when choosing courses during the annual scheduling process, it is important for student athletes to refer to the most current list of approved Three Village courses which are available on the NCAA website at www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org. 

WEIGHTED COURSES

At P.J Gelinas and R.C Murphy Middle Schools, averages are calculated using an unweighted number system for all courses. Ward Melville High School utilizes a numeric grading system based on multiple levels of weighting (Regents, Honors, Theory, and Advanced Placement). Grade Point Averages are calculated using a weighted grading system for all courses.

A weighting system as indicated below will be utilized in the determination of a student’s grade point average.

Note: Students should be aware that many competitive colleges develop their own grade point averages based on high school grades in the following areas: English, World Languages, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Ward Melville High School’s grade point average is based on all subjects except any course graded “Pass” in a pass/fail course. All grades of “F” or “LC” are counted toward a student’s GPA. High school courses taken in 7th grade will appear on the transcript but will not earn credit value or GPA weighting. When students retake Regents exams, their final course grade may be re-calculated at the teacher’s discretion.

RANK IN CLASS

Three Village Central School District does not rank students. Post-secondary institutions and scholarship corporations that require specific information regarding rank in class will be provided with that information.

PASS/FAIL

Students may request pass/fail for graded courses. Such a request must be made by the advertised deadline. Teachers may approve or disapprove of a student request for pass/fail at the teacher’s discretion. Students may take graded courses on a P/F basis under the following conditions:

1. The course is in excess of the course requirements for graduation;
2. The student takes no more than two such courses per semester AND the student is carrying the required course load for the grade level;
3. All tests, coursework, and attendance requirements are the same as if graded. The “P” grade does NOT count toward the GPA, average, etc., but a grade of “F” DOES COUNT AS A “55”;
4. The decision to take P/F is irrevocable;
5. Teacher signature is required;
6. A COMPLETED Pass/Fail Request form with ALL appropriate signatures MUST be timely filed in the Guidance Office.

COURSES FOR COLLEGE CREDIT

Three Village Central School District has several partnerships with local colleges and universities. Please note that each college or university sets its own fees and deadlines. 3VCSD has no ability to alter the college or university dates or fees. The college or university may also have a minimum number of students needed to participate in order for the course to be offered for college credit at all. Specific information will be shared in the classes that offer these programs.

AUDITING

Requests for auditing a class must be submitted in writing to the principal. Requests will be reviewed by the principal, department chairperson, guidance chairperson and the classroom teacher. Students who are approved to audit a course will not be eligible to earn credit. The guidelines for auditing are:

• There is room in the course;
• The student is accepted by the classroom teacher;
• The student is carrying the required course load for the grade level;
• The audited class does not appear on the student’s transcript;
• The student understands that no grade will be given for the course or any assignment;
• The student understands that the teacher will not give the student any feedback or comments;
• The student understands that auditing is a privilege that can be rescinded at the discretion of the teacher;
• The student understands attendance will be taken.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES & EXAMINATIONS

Three Village Central School District offers a robust Advanced Placement program with over two dozen AP courses across the disciplines. In addition to greater content understanding, students enrolled in AP courses learn essential time management and study skills needed for college and career readiness. AP students dig deeper into subjects that interest them and learn to tap their creativity and problem solving skills. While 3VCSD does not require students to sit for AP exams, we strongly encourage students to take the exams in May.

If you have any questions or concerns about taking an AP exam please discuss with your classroom teacher and guidance counselor. Information regarding registration will be posted to the District website.

TEACHER OVERRIDE

Teachers can override a passing grade and assign the student a failing grade in cases where the student fails two or more quarters of a year course or one or two quarters of a semester course. In cases where the teacher is considering the use of an override failing grade, she/he will warn the parent IN WRITING at least five weeks before the course ends. The teacher may also override a failing grade and assign a higher grade where it is warranted. A high school administrator will approve overrides.

NO PARTIAL CREDIT FOR A YEAR COURSE

No partial credit will be awarded for a full year course unless administratively approved prior to the start of the course.

ADDS, WITHDRAWALS, LEVEL CHANGES

Students, with their parent’s/guardian’s written permission, may drop courses prior to the published cut-off date (see school calendar). They must bring the parent’s/guardian’s note to their guidance counselor for processing. If the dropping of the course is approved, the course is removed from student records. Students may NOT drop a course after the cut-off date. Level changes will, in addition, require the signature of the student’s parent/guardian, the classroom teacher and possibly, the chairperson. Schedule and level changes must be made by the cut-off dates as published in the school calendar.

Students who stop attending classes without going through the standard drop procedures, i.e. parent and counselor and teacher permission and administrative approval and program change, will be considered cutting and may earn a grade of “LC” (Loss of Credit). A grade of “LC” will be calculated into a student’s GPA as a “55” and will appear on the student’s transcript.

EARLY GRADUATION

For a variety of reasons, juniors and seniors sometimes request to graduate either six months early (January of senior year) or one year early (June of junior year). If the student graduates in three years or less, the student is responsible for meeting the graduation requirements of the year in which they graduate. In order to be eligible for early graduation, students must consult with their counselor and complete a form that requires consultation not only with their counselor, but also parents and the principal.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to graduation requirements set forth by NYSED, all students are required to take AP Literature or Senior Writing Seminar (formerly known as Writing at the Threshold) or Senior Writing Seminar H.

Awards and Ceremonies

DEPARTMENT AWARDS AND HONOR SOCIETIES

Special awards are announced periodically for all departments, BOCES, etc., recognizing school, local, state, and national achievements.

ATHLETIC AND EXTRACURRICULAR AWARDS

Seasonal and end-of-the-year awards are announced for all teams, clubs, and organizations.

SENIOR AWARDS

Local scholarships and department honors are awarded to seniors at a spring ceremony. Many of the scholarships require that students submit applications at specified deadlines.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Juniors and seniors who have achieved a weighted cumulative grade point average of 90 or better are invited to apply for membership. Notification of the application process will begin at the beginning of the second semester. A comprehensive application detailing leadership, service, and character must be completed by eligible applicants and returned by a specified deadline. The National Honor Society advisor organizes a Faculty Council. All teachers, however, are invited to comment on any candidate’s suitability for acceptance. Candidates receiving a majority vote of the Faculty Council will be inducted into the local Chapter at a spring ceremony. 

VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN AND HONOR GRADUATES

A faculty honors committee will select a valedictorian, salutatorian and honor graduates. The criteria will include: 

• Academic average 
• Honors courses 
• Quality and strength of the program 
• 2nd quarter report card senior year 
• Discipline and attendance record will be considered. 

The faculty committee will generally choose three percent (3%) of the graduating class as the top honor graduates.

GRADUATION EXERCISES

Participation in the graduation exercise will be limited to those who have completed all of the requirements for a diploma or certificate. The cap and gown in the school’s colors will be worn in the ceremony. For those who wish to participate, the graduation rehearsal is mandatory. Graduation participation is voluntary. All students must adhere to prescribed behavior and dress code. Honors Graduates will wear special cords and medals.

Special Programs

BOCES OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION

Technical and trade education courses are also offered in a wide range of occupations by

the Board of Cooperative Educational Services at three centers on a half-day basis. These programs are either one or two-year courses of study and are usually entered in the junior or senior year. 

Students who are interested in this program should see their counselor for further information as soon as possible. Since registration is limited, the filing of the application does not guarantee inclusion in the program. The counselor has complete descriptions of the programs, will arrange for a visit to the centers and distribute the application forms. Students entering the second year of a two year program must re-apply.

Because of limited space requirements, not all applications will be accepted. Acceptance is based on school record, attendance, BOCES visitation, and recommendation by the placement team (Principal, Three Village BOCES coordinator, and Guidance Chairperson).

Students who are accepted into the program must comply with the Three Village School District’s Attendance Policy (in all classes). Failure to comply will result in removal from BOCES. Suspension from BOCES may result in suspension from 3VCSD and suspension from 3VCSD may result in suspension from BOCES.

THREE VILLAGE ACADEMY

The Three Village Academy, located at the North Country Administration Building, provides students in grades 9-12 with a nontraditional, alternative education environment. The Academy is committed to the academic, emotional, and social growth for all students. Utilizing a team approach in a small group environment, the Academy provides instruction using curriculum and instructional methods that are relevant to students, complement their life experiences, and build on their strengths. The Academy promotes the development of meaningful relationships and aims to understand and support those students who had difficulty succeeding in a traditional school environment.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Special Education Department provides diverse support services for students with learning disabilities, language dysfunction, and physical and emotional disabilities. Students receive remediation and reinforcement of academic skills taught in their mainstream classes. For students who benefit from a structured environment, the department offers a self-contained program. 

The Special Education program is designed to teach students through a diagnostic and prescriptive process for specific learning needs of students. An Individualized Educational Program (IEP) will be developed within a resource room environment or special education class. 

Alternate teaching strategies and testing techniques are used to promote academic success. Students usually attend the Resource Room one period a day. 

Placement in this program is determined by the Committee on Special Education. Grades of P (Pass) or F (Fail) may be used in this alternate system if it is in accordance with the student’s IEP. For details regarding the Special Education program, see a staff member in the Guidance or Special Education Departments.

School Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services

Making choices and selecting options are skills essential to success in any field or endeavor.In Three Village, we pride ourselves in assisting students in developing these skills. The guidance department plays an essential part in this process. Each student is assigned his/her own counselor to help in the decision making process. Counselors are available to deal with personal and academic problems, as well as to provide guidance in course selections and career and post high school planning. Students may make guidance appointments as necessary, scheduling them during free periods. Counselors will also initiate contact with students.

In an effort to ensure program continuity, maximize counselor accessibility, and maintain the consistency of student services, caseload assignments have been carefully planned and balanced. Requests for counselor changes cannot be honored, except under extraordinary circumstances as determined by building and guidance administration. Questions regarding the guidance program and counselor assignments should be directed to the Guidance Chairperson. In addition to counselors, there are school psychologists, social workers, a drug and alcohol counselor, and transition coordinator who all work with and assist students. Students are encouraged to seek out these individuals. Frequently these staff members can provide referrals if additional or outside assistance is required.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL WORK SERVICES

The school psychologists, social workers, and the drug and alcohol counselor provide counseling to students, and provide support and consultation to parents. The social workers and psychologists also serve as liaisons with outside therapists and community agencies providing services to students. In crisis situations, the psychologists and social workers provide direct and consult services to students, staff, and families. The psychologists complete testing when needed for the Committee on Special Education. Social workers and psychologists provide a variety of group counseling programs. The social workers and psychologists also act as liaisons for students in out-of-district placements.

ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES (AIS)

In addition to group and individual counseling services provided by the various counselors, psychologists, and social workers, academic tutorial and remediation services are provided in academic areas for students who have scored below minimum standards on state assessments, and/or have failed courses. A.I.S. comes in different forms including tutorials, in-class modifications, literacy and writing labs, math tutorials, small group instruction, speech and language assistance, etc. Student records are regularly reviewed to determine A.I.S. placements.

TUTORING SERVICE

The National Honor Society has established a free tutoring service, whereby students in need of assistance may be matched with a capable student tutor. Tutoring services are limited and not guaranteed. Please see the National Honor Society Advisor.

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

Guidance counselors work with students in their junior year so that they can understand and prepare for college admissions. The more selective the college, the greater the requirements for admission. It is the responsibility of the student to request that SAT and ACT testing agencies send official test results directly to the colleges and universities to which they are applying. This may be done when registering for these tests or at a later date. Scores may also be sent to colleges and universities by contacting the testing agency online. 

SUMMER SCHOOL

Although the 3VCSD does not currently run a summer school, local districts may accommodate students who fail courses in their programs at a cost to the individual student. Students should coordinate this process with their guidance counselors before the last regular day of school. If the student successfully completes a summer school class or passes a required state exam in the summer, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the guidance counselor so that modifications can be made in the student’s schedule for the upcoming school year. There is a limited credit recovery option available through the Three Village Academy. Interested students should speak with their guidance counselor to see if they are eligible.

SUMMER INSTITUTES

Three Village Central School District has a longstanding policy in effect that does not grant credit for participation and/or completion of any summer institute other than the approved summer school for course failures. Some of the reasons are as follows: there are a great number of summer programs nationwide, which address many curriculum and interest areas such as foreign language, dance, music, etc. Those programs utilize very different proficiency standards, are certified by many different organizations, and in some cases are not certified at all. In order to be fair, the school district would have to professionally evaluate each of these programs. We simply do not have the personnel available to evaluate the quality of staff and programs at the various summer institutes. Therefore, credit will not be granted for any of these courses or programs.

STUDENT RECORDS

Parents, guardians, and students who are 18 years of age or older may have access to all student records. To clarify their rights, they are requested to contact the guidance department. Please see Board of Education Policy Student Records Regulation 5500-R for additional information.

Other Services and Guidelines

LIBRARY INFORMATION CENTER

The Ward Melville High School Information Center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Information Center is a fundamental part of the curriculum and acts as a hub of the school community. The facility includes a Makerspace, a designated area for DIY creativity and collaboration. Students and faculty have use of computer workstations, Chromebooks, printers, and a photocopier. We provide access to over 26,000 books, magazines, and newspapers. In addition, resources include a digital collection consisting of numerous educational databases, a video streaming subscription through Discovery Education, and a growing eBook collection. A Writing Center is also located within the Information Center for students, teachers, and staff seeking assistance with the writing process.

IDENTIFICATION

Students are issued photo identification cards. These cards are to be worn at all times and shown when requested by members of the high school staff.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

The Superintendent of Schools may close the schools or dismiss students/staff early when hazardous weather or other emergencies threaten health or safety. Parents are requested to avoid calling schools on days of poor weather; it is important to keep school phone lines open. School closing and delayed starting times will be announced through a phone and email notification system, on the district website, and over local radio stations as soon as possible.

Graduation Requirements

• New York State Diploma Requirements & Assessment Requirements
  
• Multiple Pathways to Graduation
  
• Seal of Biliteracy
  
• Seal of Civic Readiness