Welcome to
Niskayuna High School
8th Grade Parent Night
Program Overview
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Welcome
Course Selection
Mathematics
English
Science & Eng. Technology
Social Studies
World Language
Art & Design
Music
Physical Education
Family and Consumer Sciences
Business
John Rickert, Principal
Nancy Bushee, Counselor
William Wales, Director
Jean Winkler, Director
Jaqueline Carrese, Director
Marie Digirolamo, Director
Marie Digirolamo, Director
Kelly Jones, Director
Eric Hughes, Acting Director
Larry Gillooley, Director
Heather O’Keefe, Teacher
Christina DeLuca, Teacher
Course Selection Process
• Graduation Requirements: 22 units
• 6.5 Credit Minimum
• Timeline for Program Planning: communication with counselors
• Block Schedule
• 9th grade day
• Activities Fair
• Naviance
Minimum Course Requirements
for Graduation
• English 4 Units
• Social Studies 4 Units
• Mathematics 3 Units
• Science 3 Units
• Second Language 1 Unit
• Health 1/2 Unit
• The Arts 1 Unit
• Physical Education 2 Units
• Sequences/Electives 3 1/2 Units
Total 22 Units
Time
A DAY
Mod Splits
B DAY
7:40 to 8:58
Block 1
Mod 1
7:40 - 8:17
Block 6
Mod 2
8:17 - 8:58
9:03 to 9:13
Homeroom
Homeroom
Homeroom
9:18 to 10:36
Block 2
Mod 3
9:18 – 9:55
Block 7
Mod 4
9:55 - 10:36
10:41 to 11:59
Block 3
Mod 5
Block 8
Mod 6
12:04 to 1:22
Block 4
Mod 7
Block 9
Mod 8
1:27 to 2:45
Block 5
Mod 9
Mod 10
Block 10
Time
A DAY
B DAY
7:40 to 8:58
English 9R
Global 9R
9:03 to 9:13
Homeroom
Homeroom
9:18 to 10:36
DDP
Career & Financial Management
10:41 to 11:59
Spanish 2R
Team Sports
Lunch
12:04 to 1:22
Algebra
Algebra
Lunch
1:27 to 2:45
Earth Science
Study Hall
Earth Science
Mathematics
William Wales, Director
Current Math 8R students 9th grade sequence options
Course
Features
Algebra 1
• Lab Course
• Algebra 1 Regents taken in June and counted
as course final
Integrated Algebra A
• Lab Course
• Final local Exam taken in June
• Algebra 1 Regents taken in January of the
following year in the Integrated Algebra B/
Geometry A course
Current Accelerated Algebra students
- 9th grade sequence options
Course
Features
Geometry Accelerated
• In-depth study of geometric concepts utilizing
higher level algebraic skills
• Common Core Geometry Regents taken in June
and counted as course final
• No lab class
Geometry
• Common Core Geometry Regents taken in June
and counted as course final
• No lab class
Calculators
Graphing calculators are required on:
• New York State Regents examinations in Algebra I , Geometry and
Algebra 2
• Advanced Placement examinations
It is recommended that students purchase their own calculators.
Students wishing to own a graphing calculator are strongly encouraged
to purchase the TI-84 model, as this is the model teachers will be using
for demonstrations in classrooms.
Course Recommendations
• Student recommendations will be made by their 8th grade
math teacher. Please contact the teacher or school counselor
if you have any questions.
• If you have further questions or concerns:
Bill Wales
Director of Mathematics
wwales@niskyschools.org
(518) 377-4666, Ext. 50752
• Website: http://www.niskayunaschools.org/academics/math.cfm
English
Jean Winkler, Director
Grade 9 Required Courses
English
English 9 Regents
English 9 Honors
Regents v. Honors
Regents v. Honors
• Many students decide to wait and pursue Honors in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade.
• Enrollment totals as of December 9, 2016
Honors
English
Regents
English
Percent
Honors
9
87
269
24%
10
153
197
44%
11
128*
216
37%*
12
138*
169
45%*
Grade
*Includes AP and college course work
Grade 9 English Electives
DRAMA
CREATIVE WRITING
• workshop
• public speaking and
performance
• communicate effectively
• impact audience
• power of voice and body
to convey message
• half year course
• workshop
• explore different kinds of
creative writing
• tell stories, write poems,
develop plays and read
other writers
• half year course
Course Recommendations
Your child’s eighth grade English teacher
or
Jean Winkler
Director of English
jwinkler@niskyschools.org
377-4666 x50751
Science
&
Engineering Technology
Jacqueline Carrese, Director
Grade 9 Science Courses
Grade 8
Science
Science
Topics
Honors
Earth Sci
Reg. Earth
Sci
Honors
Biology
Grade 9 science courses
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Science Topics
Life/Earth/Physical Sciences
Foundational skills in science
Prepares students for
Regents Science: Living
Environment or Earth Science
in Grade 10
Lab Requirement
Local Final Examination in
June
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Honors Biology
In depth exploration of
ecology, genetics,
evolution & human
systems based on SED
Living Environment Core
*Provides minimal direct
instruction of Regents
level concepts
Lab Requirement
Local final & Regents
Exam in June
Grade 9 science courses
Regents Earth Science
• Exploration of astronomy,
meteorology, geology based on
SED Earth Science Core
• Lab Requirement
• Regents Examination in June
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Honors Earth Science
In depth exploration of
topics based on SED Earth
Science Core
*Provides minimal direct
instruction of Regents level
concepts
Lab Requirement
Regents Examination in
June
Mandatory Lab Requirement for
Science Regents Exams
• In order to sit for a Regents Examination in Science, a student
must have completed a minimum of 1,200 minutes of
laboratory experience, with documentation of satisfactorily
completed write ups
• No Labs –No Regents Exam-No Regents Credit
Opportunities to advance in STEM
at Niskayuna
Fastest growing occupations through 2022
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
*Environmental Science
Medical Science
*Nanoscale Science & Engineering
*AP Biology, *AP Chemistry, *AP Physics
*University in the High School College Credit Option
Engineering Technology
Full Year
Half Year
Design & Drawing For Production (DDP)* Grades 9-12
Gateway to Engineering
TV Studio Production & Broadcasting (9-12)
Sustainable Architecture (9-12)
Nanoscale Science & Engineering* (10-12)
Electronics* (9-12)
Advanced Manufacturing (10-12)
Introduction to Engineering* (10-12)
Computer Integrated Manufacturing* (10-12)
Robotics (10-12)
Senior Research & Development (12)
* University in the High School College Credit Option
Questions?
• Jackie Carrese, Director of Science & Engineering Technology
• jcarrese@niskyschools.org
• 377-4666, extension 50703
Social Studies
Marie Digirolamo, Director
NYS Social Studies Requirements
Four Years of Social Studies Required in High School
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Two years of Global History and Geography (9th and 10th grade)
One year of United States History and Government (11th grade)
One semester of Economics (12th grade)
One semester of Participation in Government (12th grade)
Two Regents Exams
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Global History and Geography Regents Exam at end of grade 10
United States History and Government Regents Exam at end of grade
11
Grade 9 Required Courses
Social Studies
Social Studies 9 Regents
Global History & Geography I
OR
Social Studies 9 Honors
Global History & Geography I
Regents v. Honors
Course Recommendations
Questions can be answered by your child’s eighth grade
Social Studies teacher or:
Marie Digirolamo
Director of Social Studies
mdigirolamo@niskyschools.org
377-4666 x50755
World Language
Marie Digirolamo, Director
Moving from Grade 8 Spanish
and French to Grade 9
• Grades 6-8
•The foundation for future language studies
• This
June
•The Checkpoint A Proficiency Exam for HS graduation
requirement
• In 9th grade, options for language study broaden to
include German, Latin, and Chinese
9th Grade Language Choices
Continue to the Next Level
• Level II Spanish or French
for 9th graders
• Regents or Honors
Add Another Language!
• German, Latin, or
Chinese**
• Spanish (if currently in
French)
• French (if currently in
Spanish)
Continue with your first language because it demonstrates commitment to
developing cultural competence and linguistic proficiency. Many colleges and
universities want to see 2-3 years of the same high school world Language.
9th Grade Language Choices
Regents
• Continue to
develop
proficiency,
communication
skills, and cultural
understanding
Honors
• Move more quickly
• Focus on more detailed
grammar concepts
• Provide greater
expectations for
language usage,
performance in
speaking and writing
World Language Options Grades 9-12
Regents Level
•Chinese I, II**
Honors Level
• French II H, III H, IV H, V H*
• French I, II R, III R, IV R, V PR*
• German I, II R, III R, IV R, V PR*
• German Accel I/II, II H, III H, IV H,
V H*
• Latin Accel I/II, IV H*
• Latin I, II, III
• Spanish I, II R, III R, IV R, V PR*
• Spanish II H, III H, IV H, V H*
*Designates course offered for college credit
AP Exam option is offered after each VH course
Clubs and Travel
French, German, Latin, Spanish, and Chinese Language Clubs
Events, food tastings, parties, fundraisers, cultural festivals
Travel Opportunities
Exchange programs and travel trips for students to use their their language skills and
meet new people
Contact information:
Marie Digirolamo
World Language Department
mdigirolamo@niskyschools.org
Art & Design
Kelly Jones, Director
Studio In Art
● Full Year comprehensive foundation course
● Satisfies the 1 unit required from The Arts for graduation
● Pre-requisite for all other high school art courses
The Learning Focus
• Develop an understanding and working
vocabulary of the Elements of Art and Principles
of Design
• Discover the many ways one can be an artist,
while learning to communicate both verbally and
visually
• Explore the history of art and its connections to
other disciplines
Who should take this course?
• Students with an interest in fine art, graphic design,
illustration, sculpture, ceramics, photography, printmaking
and/or film.
• Students with artistic skill who enjoy creative problem
solving, or students who have not yet discovered or
developed their talent
• Students planning to pursue careers in graphic design,
industrial design, game design, architecture, art education,
animation, typography, film making, or photography.
• College Admissions Portfolio
Extracurricular Opportunities
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Nisk-Art Gallery Club
Nisk-Art Magazine
Olympics of the Visual Arts
Opportunities to work with visiting artists and through
community initiatives
Contact information:
Kelly Jones
Director of Art
kjones@niskyschools.org
Music
Eric Hughes, Acting Director
High School Music Program
• Band
• Choral
• Orchestra
• Music Theory
•Music Technology
High School Music Program
BAND
CHORAL
ORCHESTRA
Symphonic Band
Concert Band
Jazz Ensemble
Stage Band
Choir
Ladies First
Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Strings
Ensembles
Core Ensembles
Symphony Orchestra
Symphonic Band*
Concert Band
Choir
Ladies First
* = By Audition
Select Auditioned
Ensembles
Stage Band+
Jazz Ensemble+
Orchestra Winds+
Chamber Strings+
+Must also be a member of the
respective CORE ensemble
Lesson Program
Students in Band, Choir and Orchestra
receive a weekly lesson during the school day.
Lessons are carefully designed on a rotating basis to provide
a balance with other academics.
Music Theory and
Technology
MIDI
Music Theory
Establishes a foundation
in the materials and
structures of music
through drill and practice,
listening, analysis and
discussion. Aural skills
are also be learned
through sight-singing and
dictation.
Use computers, keyboards,
and sequencing software to
compose, perform, record,
mix, and master electronic
music. MIDI is utilized in a
wide variety of commercial
media, such as tv, movies,
jingles, video games, and
pop songs.
Applied Music
Students who seek private music instruction may qualify to
receive applied music credit.
While the (.5) credit does not count toward the graduation
requirement, it will appear on the high school transcript
for college review.
Music Department
Website: http://www.niskyschools.org
Eric Hughes
Acting Director of Music Education, K-12
ehughes@niskyschools.org
382-2511, ext. 21710
Health and Physical
Education
Larry Gillooley
Health and Physical
Education
Health:
• All students must pass .5 credits of health education to graduate
• Offered for grades 11-12
• New York State mandate of CPR / AED training prior to graduating effective
last year
• Topics include: Self-Management, Relationship Management, Stress
Management, Communication, Planning and Goal Setting, Decision Making,
& Advocacy
Health and Physical
Education
Physical Education:
HS PE program take a Life Long approach - ALL students are required to
take .5 credit of PE every semester, grades 9-12
Physical Education Strands include:
• Adventure Training (low and high elements - rope / wall climbing
• Aquatics / Lifeguard Training
• Lifetime Sports (Tennis, golf, badminton, softball, other recreational
games)
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Boys and Girls Team Sports (flag football, floor hockey, basketball etc.)
Health & Fitness (individual fitness & health focused on increasing
strength, flexibility and endurance)
Family and
Consumer Sciences
Heather O’Keefe, Teacher
Family and Consumer
Sciences
Grade 9
Grades 10-12
Beginning Culinary Arts
Advanced Culinary Arts
Child Psychology 1
Child Psychology 2*
Fashion Design, Textiles and
Merchandising
Intermediate/International
Foods
*denotes credit through Schenectady County Community College (SCCC)
Beginning Culinary Arts
This course is designed to deliver the skills
necessary to plan, purchase and prepare
basic meals, which make up well-balanced
breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Special activities include: hands on laboratory experiences,
field trips to Shop Rite and At Home Cooking Assignments!
Fashion Design, Textiles &
Merchandising
This course will focus on:
-Apparel Decisions and Personal Appearance
-Culture, History, and Fashion Cycles
-Elements and Principles of Design
-Fibers and Fabrics
-Clothing Construction
-Redesigning and Recycling Apparel
-Current Issues in Apparel and Textiles
-Career Pathways in Apparel and Textiles
Child Psychology I.
In Child Psychology I. we will be exploring the physical, intellectual,
emotional,and social growth and development of toddlers, preschoolers,
and young children.
The goal of this course is to allow students the opportunity to become an
advocate for children, an informed caregiver, and to gain an appreciation for
how their own childhood experiences have helped shape who they are today.
Special activities include: theme based parties for children ages 2-4 ½
• This is a prerequisite for the University in the HS Child Psychology II. course.
Business Education
Christina DeLuca, Teacher
Business Education
½ Year ½ credit courses:
● Career & Financial Management 1
● Career & Financial Management 2
● Computer Essentials
A Five Unit Business Sequence can be used in place
of the World Language requirement needed to
receive an Advanced Regents Diploma.
REQUIRED:
Career and Financial Management 1 and 2 (1 unit)
Plus any combination of 4 other business credits
Course Topics:
CFM1
Economics
Self Information & Careers
Taxes & Insurance
Credit & Debt
Budgeting
CFM 2
Investing
Stock Market
Cover Letter & Resume
Interview Technique
Job Shadowing
Computer Essentials
Proper Typing Technique
Microsoft Office:
Word
Power Point
Excel
Publisher
10th -12th grade courses
The following courses are eligible for
college credit through SCCC
• Business Law
• Business Organizational &
Management
• Marketing
As a senior…
• Accounting I
● Career Exploration
• Accounting II
Internship Program (CEIP)