Freshmen 101
This is a course designed as an introduction to high school and intended to help freshmen successfully transition to high school. The class will be to help acclimate students to the high school experience, develop study, test taking and organizational skills, explore levels of learning, and team building activities. The course provides students with an opportunity to adjust to the academic and social environment of high school under the guidance of a teacher.
Sophomore 202
This course is a career and college investigative class for students with sophomore standing as well as PSAT preparation.
Junior 303
This course offers PSAT and SAT math and writing preparation along with college application, financial aid and scholarship search training for students with a junior standing.
Senior 404
This course supports the completion of senior projects with senior presentation and post graduation preparation. Senior projects are based on subjects of student interest based on a comprehensive portfolio, hands on project or research paper.
Internship/Apprenticeship
This is a junior / senior elective opportunity. Students may apply for either an internship or an apprenticeship, if they have achieved 21 or more credits. Internships will be appointed through the Guidance office at the discretion of the Administration. They will be considered an elective credit. Students will be required to keep accurate documentation of their internship time submitted weekly to the Guidance office (forms will be available through the Guidance office). They will be asked to write a short paper (2 page) describing their experience at the end of the year.
Students who have completed or are in the process of completing a licensed program of training (i.e. EMT, C.N.A., electrical, etc.) and have a job opportunity in their field of study are eligible for an Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships will be approved at the discretion of Administration. Apprenticeships are a 1 credit elective credit. Students will be required to keep accurate documentation of their internship time submitted weekly to the Guidance office (forms will be available through the Guidance office). They will be asked to write a short paper (2 page) describing their experience at the end of the year.
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Speech
The speech class is a mixture of informal and formal presentations. Integration of curriculum and service learning will be major components in the course as the students complete their assignments and projects. Students will learn how to create a usable outline and create visual aids using several different types of mediums to enhance the quality of their presentations. Students will learn about the ethics involved in giving a presentation as well as the importance of knowing their target audience.
English 9: Grammar and Literature
This course is a survey course and provides the opportunity for students to develop English skills in conjunction with national standards and the Maine Learning Results. Students will improve their reading and writing ability to enable them to present class assignments, conduct research, utilize mass media, and build vocabulary. Students will, also, explore vocations of interest in order to help prepare for their future.
English 10: World Literature A and B
This course is a survey course of ancient (section B) and 19th/20th century contemporary (section A) world literature, which provides the opportunity for students to develop English skills in conjunction with national standards and the Maine Learning Results.
Students will improve their writing and reading ability to enable them to present class assignments, conduct research, utilize mass media, and build vocabulary.
English 11
This course is a survey course and provides the opportunity for students to develop English skills in conjunction with national standards and the Maine Learning Results. Students will improve their reading and writing ability to enable them to present class assignments, conduct research, utilize mass media, and build vocabulary. Students will, also, explore vocations of interest in order to help prepare for their future.
English 12
This course is a survey course of British literature: section A covers the periods from the early Anglo-Saxons to the Pre-Romantics in the late 18th century; section B follows with the Romantics in 1798 through contemporary writers. In addition to providing the opportunity for students to develop English skills in conjunction with national standards and the Maine Learning Results, this course designed for seniors will also include intensive writing work as a preparation for the college application process as well as the general academic experience at the college level.
Haiku
This course brings a better understanding of our world through the use of Haiku. Haiku poems are short expressions of nature, feelings, and our responses to each in lines of 5, 7, 5 syllables. This is an elective English credit.
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
This A.P. course is a three-trimester class that is, in essence, a college-level English class offered on a high-school campus. The reading and writing experiences are similar to those commonly found in entry-level English classes in colleges and universities. Students enrolled in this course are expected to make a commitment to a rigorous curriculum of literary analysis and composition. They are expected to take the A.P. English Literature and Composition Exam given by the College Board in May. In fact, our school subsidizes those exam fees. Scores on the exam are reported to colleges and may earn students units and/or course exemptions based on the policies of the individual institutions.
Graphic Novels: More than Superman!
This is a study of a fairly new literary genre. Graphic novels are like comic books because they combine pictures and text, but they are much, much more. They develop the art of storytelling by making the visual as important as the textual, and they deal with serious, important themes at some length.
As we are working in language arts this class as multiple goals in that area: reading to understand, learning to critically analyze what is read (whether in print or other media), and learning to use the English language correctly in order to write and speak clearly. To reach those goals, there are four (4) major components in the classroom: reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar/mechanics.
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Band
The Shead Band is a performing group that plays a variety of music (rock, pop, jazz, concert band, techno) on a variety of instruments (horns, keyboards, guitars, and drums). Some musical experience is required but if you are really into playing music, we can make it work. The Shead Band performs at basketball games, public concerts, ceremonies and music festivals. If you love music and like to learn new things, band is the place for you.
Rock ‘n’ Roll History
Rock history covers the development of rock music from the 1950's to today. The class includes listening, discussion, watching concert footage, and even some basic playing of guitars, keyboards, and drums. All you need to enjoy this class is a love of music and open mind.
Introduction to Music
Students will learn to read music and play an instrument. The goal of this class is to develop and promote each member’s musical abilities and talents.
Woodworking
Woodworking is the art of creating using wood as the medium. In this course students learn the proper use of hand and electric tools to build meaningful products. Emphasis is placed on technique and safety to ensure that students are able to work efficiently and without injury. This course may be taken multiple trimesters to allow students to enhance their skills. As students progress, the level of expectations and difficulty also increase.
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Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP)- year 1 A and B
The students will explore algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, and trigonometry in an integrated curriculum that makes connections with real world problems. Students will develop mathematical literacy while working collaboratively in groups to solve challenging yet accessible problems. Students will be exploring math together to come to their own understanding of how to use math in their lives.
Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP)- year 2 A and B
The second year of the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP) continues to re-define mathematics for students, illustrating how math can be used to understand our world. Students will explore ideas including algebra, geometry, probability, statistics, graphing and trigonometry in an integrated curriculum. Students will develop mathematical literacy while working collaboratively in groups to solve challenging yet accessible problems. Students will be exploring math together to come to their own understanding of how to use math in their complex and evolving lives.
Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP)- year 3 A and B
In the third year, students extend their understanding of material studied in preceding years of the curriculum, while learning about and applying new topics such as combinatorics, derivatives, and algebra of matrices. Population growth and decision-making on land use provide some of the contexts for the mathematical concepts.
Algebra I
Algebra 1 is a beginning level math course. Algebra deals with solving for unknown quantities in mathematical sentences. It introduces the concept of functions with a focus on linear functions. Each lesson builds upon the earlier lessons. Algebra 1 gives a foundation for all the upper level math.
Algebra II
After completion of Algebra 2 students will be able to relate and apply algebraic concepts of geometry, statistics, data analysis, probability and discrete mathematics. Students will be able to connect mathematics to other subjects such as biology, geography, art, and history that are rich in algebraic content. Students will be able to connect algebra to real life situations and understand how mathematics is connected to their day-to-day activities.
Geometry
In this class, students will define and work with Geometric terms, and use traditional Euclidean Geometry postulates to discover patterns or relationships prove theorems and disprove conjectures. Students will learn how to reason using logic, identify congruent triangles, and apply this knowledge to problems. They will also define and classify quadrilaterals and work with their properties. They will also apply right angle Trigonometry, continue their study of area, and volume, and investigate circles. Each section has a variety of “real world” problems and we will work through many of these.
A student with a firm grasp of Geometry has honed their reasoning skills; they are better prepared for future math study and any life activity requiring higher order thinking. The teacher will work with all students to help them become better problem solvers and achieve success in this class.
Pre-Calculus
In this class, Students will master concepts relating to linear functions. They will discover patterns and relationships among variables, and use these relationships to investigate problems. They will be exposed to various other functions and their properties as well. These include quadratic, exponential, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions. Students will work in a rigorous math curriculum that will enrich their lives and prepare them for future scholarly endeavors. In order to be successful in this class, a student must be responsible enough to ask for extra help when they feel they can use it.
Calculus
This course is designed for any college-bound student. Requirements are good algebra, graphing skills, and a strong will to learn. In this course, you will learn more about trig. Functions and study logarithmic functions. You will be introduced to limits and continuity an differentiation of a variety of functions, and applications involving differentiation. If time permits, we will study Integration techniques, Parametric Equations and the Polar graphing processes.
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Biology - Introduction
This course is designed to give students an understanding of Biology and the principles set out in the Maine Learning Results. Students will examine cellular biology and genetics with an emphasis on how different organisms maintain stability in their environment, undergo division, and convert energy into usable forms. This course is designed to be the fourth in a series. Students who have completed sufficient prior science course work are able to enroll in this course without completing Science I – III first. However, students are expected to have a background in basic chemistry, scientific principles, and critical thinking skills.
Biology – General
This course is designed to give an understanding of the Biology principles set out in the Maine Learning Results. Together students will examine their role in the world by studying the biosphere and different factors impact on it. They look at organisms in their entirety and then down on the biochemical and cellular levels. The course utilizes technology and laboratory exploration in the classroom to strengthen understanding. The textbook will be used to develop a vernacular for communicating the information. The use of outlines, quizzes, tests, and projects will demonstrate competency in the subjects and readiness to advance. Prerequisites: satisfactory completion of Earth Science or comparable introductory science course.
AP Biology
AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college level two-semester introductory laboratory biology course. After demonstrating competency on the College Board AP Exam, some students are able to enter into higher-level courses that require a prerequisite of introductory biology upon entering college. Other students may have fulfilled a basic science requirement allowing them to pursue other courses to complete their major.
AP Biology will have similar content to material covered in an introductory college course. The course differs significantly from the general high school biology course with respect to the kind of textbook, depth and scope of material covered, the kind of laboratory work, and the time required by the student. The laboratory experience will be extensive to provide access to exciting, hands on investigations of the topics. The labs will be performed under the supervision of an instructor.
Botany
This course is an introduction to economic botany, a discipline that focuses on the importance of plants in human affairs. We will spend the first quarter studying basic botany, including vegetative and reproductive structures, sexual and asexual reproduction in plants, and plant nomenclature. This will provide background for a study of the influence of plants on the economy, diet, and culture of human populations around the world.
Human existence on Earth depends on plants. We use them for food, shelter, clothing, medicines, and ornament. Plants are also used symbolically in the celebration of holidays, in religious services, and as integral parts of human rituals from birth to death. The desire to obtain plant resources has influenced human history, language and culture. This course will add an interdisciplinary dimension to your science education.
Ecology - Introduction
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the ecology component of biology and the principles set out in the Maine Learning Results. Together we examine our role in the world by studying the biosphere and different factors impact on it. Ecology then examines the unique interrelationships among the various components within the global system. Limiting factors are studied to develop proposals for mechanisms to sustain a balance between human impact and environmental responsibility. Biochemical factors are also included to understand how the chemistry of life is suited to maintain diversity and stability. The course utilizes technology and laboratory exploration in the classroom to strengthen understanding. The textbook is used to develop a vernacular for communicating the information. The use of discussions, outlines, quizzes, tests, and projects will demonstrate competency in the subjects and readiness to advance.
Local Ecology
Ecology is the study of the distribution and abundance of life and the interactions between organisms and their environment. The environment of an organism includes physical properties, which can be described as the sum of local abiotic factors such as insolation (sunlight), climate, and geology, and biotic factors, which are other organisms that share its habitat.
This course is an introductory-level trimester course in ecology with a focus on local ecosystems.
Alien Species
This is a one trimester course in the biology of invasive species, also referred to as exotic species and alien species. We will study the invasive species phenomenon, examining the threats posed and the ecological damage that has already been done.
Sex in Plants
This is an introductory course in botany that focuses on plant reproduction. Topics covered include plant life cycles, flower structure, flower types, pollination, fertilization, embryo development, seed development, fruit development, fruit types, seed germination, and seed dispersal. Class time will be divided between hands-on learning activities and lectures.
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Chemistry - Introduction
Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and changes in matter. In this introductory one-trimester course we will relate our study of chemistry to practical, everyday observations and experiences.
Chemistry - General
Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and changes in matter. This introductory course builds on basic concepts presented in Introduction to Chemistry. Students who have not taken Introduction to Chemistry or covered the basic concepts on other courses may need to do additional work to succeed in this course.
Topics covered in this course include the physical and chemical properties of matter, phase changes of matter, heat transfer, specific heat, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and reaction rates, and the law of conservation of matter.
Oceanography and Weather
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the interconnectivity of marine systems and atmospheric conditions. Marine ecosystems and processes such as currents, tides, and nutrient cycling will be explored. These forces will then be analyzed to understand their connections to global weather and climate conditions. Students will be able to begin to understand the biological, chemical, and physical forces interacting in aquatic ecosystems to shape our Earth. The use of discussions, outlines, quizzes, tests, and projects will demonstrate competency in the subjects and readiness to advance.
Physics - Introduction
This is an introductory course in physics, the study of the physical world around us. Every effort will be made to find real-life applications for the concepts that we study.
Physics - General
This is a one trimester course in physics, the study of the physical world around us. Emphasis will be placed on Newtonian physics (the study of motion) and thermodynamics. Additional topics will be covered as time allows.
Weird Science
This course is designed to give students an appreciation for how science plays a role in the world around them with student led investigations. They will examine principles of biology, chemistry, and physics by looking at aspects of various interests. Through discussion and independent experimentation, students will discover and evaluate current thinking on different principles. The course will demand good cooperative skills and self-motivation for successful completion. This course qualifies for ½ credit and runs for one 12-week term.
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World Studies
In this course, we study an outline of world history from the beginning of time to the present. We focus on re-occurring historical themes, political and natural geography, famous people, significant events, chronology, historical periods, world religions, and important inventions. In so doing, we attempt to more fully appreciate how a working knowledge of our world, past and present, helps us to better understand our lives today.
Sociology
Sociology is the social science that studies social structure and human behavior in groups. We look at cultural factors that influence behavior. Areas of study include: social development from childhood through old age, political structure, race, religion, family, peer group, generation and gender. Social phenomena such as deviance, crime, poverty, demography, discrimination, and mass movements are also included.
U.S. History
U.S. History is an introductory survey course tracing the growth of the United States from colonial settlement to the present. Three themes will be emphasized by textbook and throughout classroom study: political/economic history, social/cultural history, and military/diplomatic history. The course will be chronological and will concentrate on the 19th and 20th Centuries.
U.S. Government
U.S. Government is a class designed to provide the student with an introduction to the underlying concepts, structure, and operation of the Federal Government. U.S. History is generally a prerequisite in that an understanding of U.S. History is a complement to this course’s curriculum. The discussion of current events provides the basis for applying curriculum and examining the contribution of individuals and policies to American politics.
Economics
Economics is a social science elective open to all students. The course will introduce students to the study of consumer economics, the economic systems of the United States, comparative economic systems and international trade.
Psychology
This course will provide an introduction to the discipline of psychology, including the science of psychology, its history and background, major theorists and practitioners, theoretical issues, psychological processes, and mechanisms of behavior.
Personal Finance
This personal finance class is about learning and implementing basic financial skills to make smart and educated financial decisions. Topics include various types of investing, learning to spend money wisely, planning for a financial future, college planning, and career goals, budgeting, starting a business, and walking through the important financial stepping stones of life successfully.
World Religions
This course will primarily focus on four major world religions – Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, their effects on world cultures, political structures and economies and their interactions with each other. We will trace from their founding’s through their place in the world today.
World Leaders
This course will look at world leaders that have emerged in position of great power and influence. This class will shed light on what traits made the individuals come forward to influence those around them. Political, social and military leaders will all be studied.
World Empires
Why have all the great empires met their demise? This course will explore the rise and fall of great (and not so great) empires, including the Persian, Roman, Byzantine, French, and British Empires. We will look at how these great empires came to be and how and why they fell.
20th Century European History
This course will explore European history from the Age of Imperialism through the Great War and World War II to the formation of the European Union and the new “War on Terror”. Throughout this course we will explore five major impacts – cultural, political, economic, religious and geographic - on Europe and the world.
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Life Skills
Course offerings in this program are designed to promote basic living skill education and training, social skills and employment opportunities. The Life Skills program is designed to provide a “hands-on”, practical way to help students increase reading comprehension, vocabulary, expressive language, problem solving, and written language, math, and science skills. The Life Skills program uses real life applications to improve money-handling skills and will include occasional field trips.
Special Education
The Special Education Program at Shead High School offers eligible students the opportunity to participate in an individualized planned program of study designed by the Individual Education Planning Team. Each special education student has an Individual Education Plan describing the special education program and/or services required by the student. It identifies learning expectations that are modified from or alternative to the regular curriculum, and/or any accommodations and special education services needed to assist the student in achieving his or her learning expectations. The content of each course offered in the special education setting varies according to the assessed need of each individual student. In addition, students may select from the courses offered in other departments to meet academic and career plans as described in the student’s IEP. The Pupil Evaluation Team determines student’s eligibility. Contact the Special Education Department at Shead High School for more program procedural information. The Director of Union 104 Special Services can be reached at 853-6251.
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Introduction to Web Development
The Introduction to Web Development course is designed to get students building web sites using hand coding. The course will build the basic skills that enable a student to become a self-directed learner using technology for planning and building web sites. The students will be able to use a simple text editor, ftp program and the Internet to present information for public access. The goal of the course is to prepare students to continue in Web development courses or pursue it on their own with an understanding of proper techniques and options available. Students will become familiar with the changes in Web development for XHTML compliance, W3C Validation, file management, and server interaction. The course is worth 0.5 elective credit and is open to anyone depending on space availability.
Graphics Design
The Graphic Design course is designed to offer students a chance to develop greater understanding of how to use technology to produce visual products. Students will use various graphics programs, imaging devices, and design strategies. Products produced will be used in various ways in and out of the school. One component of the course will be to produce a yearbook for Shead High School. Students with an interest in technology or creativity should consider this course. The course is worth 0.5 elective credit and is open to anyone depending on space availability.
Keyboarding
This course has been designed to prepare students for the keyboarding skills they will need to succeed in their academic and professional careers. Keyboarding is a skill that will, with practice, allow them to produce any paper effectively and efficiently.
They will learn appropriate posture and positioning and will work to increase accuracy and speed. Each student works with a screened full-size keyboard. Once mastery of that keyboard is secured, they'll continue their practice on a laptop keyboard.
Students will use a variety of sources to practice routine fingering exercises gradually moving on to actual letters and reports. They will learn appropriate formatting for a variety of documents.
Computer Applications
Computer Applications is a hand-on course designed to explore various computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and Internet searches. Students will complete assignments using appropriate keyboarding techniques; create a wide variety of documents including various letters, reports, graphs, charts, table, and bulletins. Students will complete a variety of Internet searches and site sources appropriately. Attendance is very important, as most assignments will be completed during class time. All assignments will be typed.
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Health A and B
This course involves a general understanding of good health and practices. An emphasis is placed on the teenage years and the problems and challenges young people face in today’s world. Students will develop an understanding of modern health concepts and important health terminology. The course will be developed heavily around the major areas of concern for today’s teenager, such as alcohol, drug abuse, smoking, family life and sexuality, circulatory disease, fitness, recreation, emotional stability, first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Health A
This is a basic program of health education, which includes instruction in personal health, mental and physical, consumer and community health, human growth and development, human sexuality, effective family relationships, safety and accident prevention, and substance abuse. Health is required for graduation.
Health B
This is a continuation of the basic health education program. Two sections of health are required for graduation.
Physical Education
Physical education is an integral part of an individual’s total educational experience, which exposes the student to a wide variety of physical activities. The desired product of this program is to develop a community of knowledgeable lifelong participants of enjoyable and healthful physical activity. Units will be of 3 to 6 weeks duration. Intramural games compliment the physical education program by providing all students with games and activities learned through physical education classes. These games also provide all students with opportunity to compete with classmates at a low-key level. Sports and activities available will coincide with the physical education offerings. Students and student faculty groups should have a large voice in the development of offered activities. Interscholastic competition is offered to the highly skilled and highly motivated individuals willing to make the many personal sacrifices necessary to compete against similar teams from other schools.
Sports Done Right
This is a course that gives students the skill to show and promote sportsmanship. It will create an environment in which to instill core values such as discipline, respect, responsibility, trustworthiness and good citizenship.
Walking and Running
This course is offered to those students who want to manage their fitness by walking, running, or jogging everyday. Students will learn to dress for outdoor exercise. All participants will keep a daily journal.
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Spanish 1
Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic language structures. This communication is evidenced in all four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - with emphasis on the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Students begin to explore and study the themes of Personal and Family Life, School Life, Social Life, and Community Life.
Spanish II
Students continue to develop proficiency in all four language skills - listening, speaking, reading, and writing - with emphasis on the ability to communicate orally and in writing. They learn to function in real-life situations using more complex sentences and language structures. They read material on familiar topics and produce short writing samples. Students continue to explore as they study the themes of Home Life, Student Life, Leisure Time, and Vacation and Travel.
Spanish III
Students continue to develop and refine their proficiency in all four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - with emphasis on the ability to interact orally and in writing. They communicate using more complex language structures on a variety of topics, moving from concrete to more abstract concepts. At this level, students comprehend the main ideas of the authentic materials that they read and hear and are able to identify significant details when the topics are familiar. Students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them while studying Rights and Responsibilities, Future Plans and Choices, Teen Culture, Environment, and Humanities. Additionally, students will explore juxtaposition of Life and Death as it relates to the Hispanic culture by reading the B. Traven novel Macario.
French 1
Learning French will help you to communicate with and understand the culture of the French people. You will be introduced to the language skill levels of listening, speaking, reading and writing in French and you’ll learn more about how your language works too!
The goal of this course is to introduce you to the sounds, structures, basic vocabularies, and cultural notions involved in communicating in the French language. You'll also be introduced to many francophone regions worldwide. The course aims, objectives, and assessment criteria are consistent with the National Standards or Foreign Language Learning.
Passamaquoddy History, Culture, and Language
This course is both a formal and informal look at Passamaquoddy history, culture and language and how they have interacted. Students will gain an understanding of the Passamaquoddy community by looking at past events and contemporary influences and changes. The will study the language as it is used today and as it gives insights into the ways people conduct themselves.
Passamaquoddy History, Culture, and Language, Level II
"intermediate" level of language - sentences and conversations, stories, intermediate grammar. This course is both a formal and an informal look at Passamaquoddy history, culture, and language, and how they have interacted. Students will gain an understanding of the Passamaquoddy community by looking at past events and contemporary influences and changes. They will study the language as it is used today and as it gives insights into the ways people conduct themselves.
