38 Bartholdi Avenue, Butler, New Jersey 07405(973) 492-2000

Butler High School

2017 – 2018

Program of Studies

38 Bartholdi Avenue, Butler, New Jersey 07405(973) 492-2000

It takes more to be a bulldog!

Butler High School

2016-2017 Program of Studies

Board of Education
President - Mrs. Tracy Luciani
Vice President - Mrs. Karen Smith
Ms. Alison Allison
Ms. Heather Grecco
Mrs. Cynthia Sokoloff
Mr. Albert Syracuse
Mrs. Jane Tadros
Mr. Mark Thomas
Mr. Sheldon Bross – Bloomingdale Representative
Interim Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Mario Cardinale
School Business Administrator
Ms. Barbara Murphy
District Technology Supervisor
Ms. Evelyn Horner
Acting Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Mr. Martin Wall / School Administration
Mr. Kevin Kelly–Acting Principal
Ms. Julia Placko – Acting AssistantPrincipal
Mr. David Doty – Athletic Supervisor
Departments
Business – Ms. Peg Lynch
English – Mr. Kevin Reagan
Fine, Practical, Performing – Mr. David Doty
Mathematics – Ms. Peg Lynch
Physical/Health Education – Mr. David Doty
Science – Ms. Peg Lynch
Social Studies – Mr. Kevin Reagan
World Languages – Mr. Kevin Reagan / School Counselors
Ms. Andrea Fugazot
Ms. Sue Maurer
TBA
Substance Awareness Coordinator
Ms. Robin Lavorato

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

We, the administrators, faculty, and staff of Butler High School, commit ourselves to educating our students so that they may best fulfill their potential in a society based on democratic ideals. We believe that this is a task shared by the school, home and community agencies in order to develop the intellectual, emotional, physical, social and ethical qualities needed by our youth in this constantly changing world.

We believe in the freedom of each individual student to plan his/her own life and to carry out plans with due consideration of the consequences. Through careful planning we strive to challenge each student’s academic, vocational and avocational interests, and to help him/her realize his/her potential for originality, leadership, and service to school and community.

We strive to make students aware of their responsibilities to society and the opportunities therein. We must bring them to the realization of the need to utilize their intelligence and talents in achieving a better understanding of themselves and their environment. We introduce them to the cultural contributions of humanity for the general enrichment of their lives. We offer pleasant, well-equipped facilities for learning in both practical and cultural phases of training and endeavor to teach proper respect for these facilities.

We recognize the importance of the individual and the group to which he/she belongs. In order that the individual may be equipped to meet responsibilities, we must encourage the choice of curriculum and activities suitable to his/her abilities, interests, and needs. We provide a comprehensive, yet flexible curriculum to meet these various needs within the economic ability of the community.

This booklet has been prepared as a reference to assist students with the design of their academic program. It also contains an overview of academic procedures, such as requirements for graduation, description of courses, and guidance services.

School counselors will assist students in selecting courses based on their individual plans and BHS graduation requirements. This booklet should be reviewed before any scheduling conference. Parents are welcome to meet with their child and counselor during the scheduling conference.

Table of Contents

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (140 Credits* **)

SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

SCHEDULING GUIDELINES

COURSE SELECTION PROCEDURES

ELIGIBILITY FOR COLLEGE ATHLETICS

NCAA ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

WEIGHTED COURSES

CURRICULUM

ADVANCED PLACEMENT© and COLLEGE LEVEL COURSES

ENGLISH

SOCIAL STUDIES

SCIENCE

MATHEMATICS

WORLD LANGUAGES

BUSINESS EDUCATION

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

HOME TECHNOLOGY

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (140 Credits* **)

Subject / Years / Credits
Physical Education/Health
English (includes English I, II, III, IV)
Mathematics (includes Algebra I, Geometry)
Science (includes Biology, Life Science, and Physical Science)
Social Studies (includes World History, US I & II)
World Languages
Visual/Performing Arts
21st Century Life & Career/Career – Technical Education
Personal Finance
Freshmen Experience
Additional Credits in Electives/Majors
MINIMUM CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION / 4 years
4 years
3 years
3 years
3 years
1 year
1 year
1 year
½ year
½ year / 20
20
15
15
15
5
5
5
2.5
2.5
35
140 / Credits
Credits
Credits
Credits
Credits
Credits
Credits
Credits
Credits
Credits
Credits
Credits

Standardized Testing Requirements for High School Graduation

PARCC assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics will be administered in grades 9 through 11.Tests are aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for each grade level. PARCC exams will be administered in the spring of the school year.

Students graduating as members of the classes of 2017 through 2019 can meet graduation assessment requirements through a variety of ways, including: (1) Achieving passing scores on certain PARCC assessments; (2) Achieving certain scores on alternative assessments such as the SAT, ACT, or Accuplacer; or (3) The submission by the district of a student portfolio through the Department’s portfolio appeals process. (Special Education students whose Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) specify an alternative way to demonstrate proficiencies will continue to follow the graduation requirements set forth in their IEPs.) The Class of 2020 can demonstrate graduation assessment proficiency through the same alternative means as those in the Classes of 2016 through 2019, provided that students in the Class of 2020 take all PARCC assessments associated with the high-school level courses for which they were eligible*, as of the effective date of when the amendments were adopted by the State Board of Education. For the Class of 2021 and thereafter, students who have not demonstrated proficiency on the ELA 10 and Algebra 1 assessments, and have taken all PARCC assessments associated with the high-school level courses for which they were eligible*, can demonstrate graduation assessment proficiency by meeting the criteria of the portfolio appeals process.

* “Eligible” is defined as a student who is enrolled in a high-school level course for which there is a PARCC test. This includes all of these courses: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, ELA 9, ELA 10, and ELA 11.

English Language Arts Mathematics
PARCC ELA Grade 9 >= 750 (Level 4) or / PARCC Algebra I >= 750 (Level 4) or
PARCC ELA Grade 10 >=750 (Level 4) or / PARCC Geometry >= 725 (Level 3) or
PARCC ELA Grade 11 >= 725 (Level 3) or / PARCC Algebra II >= 725 (Level 3) or
SAT Reading* >= 400 or / SAT Math* >= 400 or
ACT Reading or ACT PLAN Reading >= 16 or / ACT or ACT PLAN Math>= 16 or
Accuplacer Write Placer >= 6 or / Accuplacer Elementary Algebra >= 76 or
PSAT10 Reading or PSAT/NMSQT Reading** >=40 or
PSAT10 Reading or PSAT/NMSQT Reading*** >=22 or / PSAT10 Math or PSAT/NMSQT Math**>= 40 or
PSAT10 Math or PSAT/NMSQT Math*** >=22 or
ACT Aspire Reading >= 422 or / ACT Aspire Math >= 422 or
ASVAB-AFQT Composite >=31 or / ASVAB-AFQT Composite >=31 or
Meet the Criteria of the NJDOE Portfolio Appeal / Meet the Criteria of the NJDOE Portfolio Appeal

ATTENDANCE

Regular and punctual attendance, as specified by Butler Board of Education Policy #5200, and described in the Butler High School Code of Conduct/Student Handbook, is a requirement for graduation. All students would be familiar and compliant with these policies and procedures.

CLASS ELIGIBILITY

Any student who fails to earn passing gradesin their core/required subjects will be retained at their current grade level. Students who fail any of their major subjects are required to independently register and attend summer school classes, in an approved summer school program, during the summer immediately following the regular school year of the failure. Students are expected to successfully complete their summer school classes and regain grade level status prior to the beginning of the new school year. Summer school grades will count toward BHS graduation requirements, but will not be calculated in a student’s grade point average (GPA).

All students in grades 9 and 10 must be enrolled in a minimum of 8 class periods daily (40 credits minimum). Students in grades 11 and 12 must be enrolled in a minimum of 7 class periods daily (35 credits minimum). Students in grade 11 must have earned a minimum of 80 credits prior to September 1st of their junior year. Students who have not earned 80 credits by this date may not request a study hall.

In order for any student to attain graduation status, request Senior Programs or enjoy senior privileges, they must earn a minimum of 100 credits, as described in this Program of Study, prior September 1stof their senior year.

It is the responsibility of the student to enroll, and earn credit, in sufficient courses required for graduation, college acceptance/requirements, and NCAA eligibility for college athletics. If any deficiency is noted, students should make an appointment to see their school counselor immediately.

SCHOOLCOUNSELING DEPARTMENT

The School Counseling Department at Butler High School is designed to help students with academic, vocational and personal planning. School counselors discuss matters of importance with students that will help insure a successful four years at Butler High School in addition to helping the student plan for post-high school years. Students and parents are encouraged to request appointments as needed.

The School Counseling Department provides many resources that assist students in career exploration and development. Information is available about employment opportunities, scholarships, financial aid, and making college selections. The Guidance website is updated on a regular basis. Parents who are enrolled in the Naviance program will receive timely information on PSAT, SAT, college selection and the college process via e-mail. Parents are urged to enroll in Naviance by contacting their child’s counselor. The website announces college visitations, testing dates, new program information, scholarship and career opportunities. Information is also provided on the guidance bulletin board located in the hallway outside of the Guidance Office. The School Counseling Department goal is to help the student succeed in school, to assist the student in making personal adjustment, and to aid with future plans.

SCHEDULING GUIDELINES

Master Schedule Process and Schedule Changes

The Butler High School master schedule is custom designed by the accumulated course requests of every student during the spring scheduling process. While course requests may not be met, every attempt will be made to accommodate student requests. Considering the personalized nature of the scheduling process, parents and students must consider all graduation requirements and post-secondary plans when selecting courses for the subsequent school year. Schedule change policies and procedures will be strictly complied with after the course selection process is complete. Once the fall semester has begun, students will be expected to follow the schedule provided.

Course Requests

All students are scheduled for the subsequent year’s program during the spring semester. During scheduling conferences, counselors will review placement recommendations with the student and parents. Student placement into course levels is governed by:

• current grade level
• successful completion of prerequisite courses
• enrollment in co-requisite courses (where applicable)
• requisite course placement criteria
• teacher recommendation
• satisfactory/timely completion of summer assignments and/or requirements

Students are not permitted to schedule two subjects, one prerequisite to the other, during the same school year (i.e. Spanish I and Spanish II, or Algebra I and Algebra II). Under certain circumstances, permission may be granted by the principal for a student to double up in a particular area, according to the individual's needs.

COURSE SELECTION PROCEDURES

Group Meetings

Throughout the school year, school counselors will meet with large groups of students to distribute and explain scheduling materials. Following these meetings, students should discuss graduation requirements and post-secondary plans with their parents in preparation for an individual scheduling conference.

Individual Scheduling Conferences

During the spring semester each student will meet with their counselor to plan a schedule for the following school year. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend this conference.

During this conference:

• credits and graduation requirements shall be reviewed
• post-secondary plans are discussed
• course placement recommendations are discussed
• subsequent school year course requests are finalized.

Course Withdrawals

Any student who changes his/her schedule after Marking Period 1 will receive a grade of WP (Withdrawn Passing) or WF (Withdrawn Failing) for the course(s) from which he/she is exiting. This grade will reflect the student’s status in the exited course(s) at the time of the schedule change. This grade will appear on report cards and transcripts and will be for informational purposes, but will not be used in the computation of class rank. All course withdrawals must be discussed with the parent, and approved by the teacher, department supervisor, school counselor, and administration.

A student who withdraws from a course prior to its completion will not receive any partial credit and will not be eligible to make credit up in summer school. No student will be able to withdraw from a course from which they have been admitted into via the placement review (over-ride) procedure.

Schedule Change of Policy and Procedures

Once schedules are completed and distributed to students, they are considered final and cannot be changed. Under certain circumstances, some issues may need to be corrected. Counselors will be available to make these corrections during the first two weeks that school is in session. The circumstances include:

1. An error has been made in scheduling or not scheduling a student for a particular course.
2. A senior student failed a course and needs to be rescheduled for that course in order to have the opportunity to graduate with his / her class. Any underclassman failure must be made up in summer school or in the following school year.

An error has been made in the level of a scheduled course.

Request for Entry into Additional Courses/Minimum Course Load

Because of the difficulty of making up work which has been covered in a class, a student may not enter a course after the10th school day that the course is in session. In very unusual circumstances, where graduation requirements must be met or a definite hardship would be experienced by the student, the student may request to enter a class by preparing a written petition outlining all the arguments for a waiver of policy. The petition will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the teacher, department supervisor, counselor, and principal; and if a waiver is granted, it will be the student's responsibility to independently complete all back assignments within two weeks of entry or a date stipulated in a contract developed between the student and teacher. In the event of any late entry, the student enters with an incomplete for the work covered and is responsible for make up as stated.

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College Preparatory Programs

Students who plan to go to college should be ready to complete the academic subjects which are required for college entrance. Entrance requirements vary from college to college. These requirements are usually referred to in terms of College Units. One College Unit is granted for each year of a college accepted subject which has been successfully completed in high school. Four year colleges usually require a minimum of sixteen College Units for admission. These units are required by most colleges in the following subject areas:

Course / Years / Examples
English / 4 / Courses taken at CP level or higher
World Language / 2-4 / Concentration in one language
Mathematics / 3-4 / Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-calculus, Calculus, Geometry,
Science / 3-4 / Biology, Biology II, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology, AP Sciences
Social Studies / 3-4 / World History, US History I and II, Electives,
Fine, Practical, and Performing Arts / 2 / Art 1, Band

Courses noted on the table above note broadly based requirements. Specific colleges and majors may call for heavier admission requirements. It is essential that students refer to college catalogs to determine exact admission requirements. School counselors are available to guide students through this procedure.Students are encouraged to take a well-rounded academic program that includes electives in the Business, Fine, Practical and Performing Arts Departments.

ELIGIBILITY FOR COLLEGE ATHLETICS

NCAA ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

There are stringent eligibility requirements for any student who plans to compete on a college level in any Division I or Division II athletic program. The specifics of these guidelines may befound on the internet at ( All potential college athletes are urged to complete an NCAA Clearing House application at the beginning of their junior year.

Division III and NAIA schools do not require NCAA Clearing House eligibility.

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Grade 9

_____1.Study/Lunch

_____2.English I

_____3.Phys Ed/Health

_____4.World History

_____5.Biology I–or- Life Science

_____6.Mathematics

_____7.Practical Arts/

Fine Arts

_____8.World Language/

Practical/Fine Arts

_____9.Freshmen Experience/Personal Finance

Grade 11

_____1.Study/Lunch

_____2.English III

_____3.Phys Ed/Health

_____4.U. S. History II

_____5.Physics–or- Physical

_____6.Mathematics

_____7.Elective

_____8.Elective

_____9.Elective

Grade 10

_____1.Study/Lunch

_____2.English II

_____3.Phys Ed/Health

_____4.U. S. History I

_____5.Chem.–or-Earth–or-Bio II

_____6.Mathematics

_____7.Practical Arts/Fine

Arts/World Language

_____8.Elective

_____9.Elective

Grade 12

_____1.Study/Lunch

_____2.English IV

_____3.Physical Ed./Health

_____4.Elective

_____5.Elective

_____6.Elective

_____7.Elective

_____8.Elective

_____9.Elective

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WEIGHTED COURSES

All courses offered at Butler High School are classified according to one of three categories and a weighted value is assigned to that category for the purpose of determining grade point average (GPA) and class rank. The categories, their definitions and their respective weighted values are as follows: