PASSION FOR LEARNING International Baccalaureate (IB) The IB diploma program is a rigorous pre-university four year course of study with a focus on independent thinking and learning and allows graduates to fulfill requirements of the various national systems of education. Some of the most selective universities will allow up to a full year's advanced placement credit to students with IB diplomas. The WMRHSD has the highest number of IB graduates in NJ. Advanced Placement (AP)Currently, 16 AP classes are offered. Students who take advanced placement tests may be awarded credit or advanced placement in college. In cases where IB and AP courses are taught concurrently, every effort will be made to offer a core program. 12th Grade Option Seniors in good academic standing and meeting other eligibility requirements may pursue an interest that is not part of the regular school curriculum, such as an internship, volunteer community service and college coursework. |
Gilder Lehrman History Certificate The WMRHSD partners with the Gilder Lehrman Institute in New York City to offer a certificate in American History. The certificate is aimed at students with an interest in history or who may want to pursue history as a major in college. Students must complete a four-year sequence of courses and a historical research paper in their senior year. Freshman Learning Experience A new 9th grade curriculum that creates connections across core disciplines, defines common expectations and enumerates required skills for success in the freshman year. Supported by research, WMC and WMM facilities will be renovated and expanded to include dedicated freshman wings where freshman core curriculum classes will be offered. Extracurricular Activities In keeping with its goal to educate the whole student, WMRHSD offers a range of extra and co-curricular activities and clubs. Approximately 90% of students participate. Students can also participate in WMC and WMM sports programs. Both high schools are members of highly competitive divisions. |
Volunteer Programs The Volunteer Service Program offers credit for approved volunteer work in the school. Grading does not count toward class rank, GPA and honor roll. The Volunteer Community Service program enables students in grades 9-12 to select and become an active participant in a community-based project. Upon approval, academic credit may be earned. Eligibility requirements must be met for all volunteer programs, including the 12th Grade Option described above. Project Adventure An co-operative learning Physical Education course that combines indoor and outdoor elements and provides challenging personal and team-building activities. The goal of the required 9th and 10th grade program is to teach trust and teaming. The election 11th and 12th grade program focuses on challenging elements such as the climbing wall. |
Technology The district was among the first to partner with PC and software companies to provide students with technology-based instruction and to equip classrooms and teachers with laptops. WMC and WMM are heading toward a wireless environment where physically feasible.The technology curriculum, supported by computer labs, includes coursework for students considering a career in engineering, architecture, graphic design or information processing. |
Overview
The Director of Curriculum is Alyce Hunter, Ed.D.
The goal of the WMRHSD instructional program is to prepare students for life beyond high school. A major emphasis is directed towards transitioning students to the demands of college-level academic work or further study. Students can select core-curriculum courses and other subjects in varying levels of difficulty based on their personal abilities and goals. An indication of the competitiveness of the WMRHSD academic environment is the high number of students enrolled in the most advanced courses. See Assessments for information on some of the metrics used by the district to evaluate the effectiveness of its curriculum and standardized testing schedules.
The course levels at the WMRHSD are:
Studies. Meets minimum high school standards.
Academic. Standard college prepatory courses.
Advanced. Provides the college-bound student with extensive preparation and background in a given field of study.
Honors. Challenges highly motivated and academically skilled students.
Advanced Placement (AP). Follows the curriculum recommended by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB).
International Baccalaureate (IB). Prepares students for the International Baccalaureate examination.
The WMRSHD curriculum is rooted in the philosophy of providing academic opportunities that meet the needs of ALL students. The Special Services department provides an individualized, comprehensive academic program for each student with a disability. Students interested in vocational classes can participate through a shared-time program at the Morris County vocational high school, the Morris County School of Technology in Denville (MCVTS) .
Project Find (No Child Left Behind)
The WMRHSD provides provides specialized programs and services for students who may be experiencing a disability and need assistance to be successful in school. Please contact the Child Study Team office at your high school for information or to make a referral:
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- District Office: 908-879-6404, ext. 1476/1477
Program of Studies
Each year WMRHSD administrators, teachers and guidance counselors evaluate all academic offerings to determine if they are meeting the needs of students and state requirements. They also consult with recent graduates and local colleges and universities. If necessary, changes are recommended to the WMRHSD BOE for Board action. The district recently introduced the 12th Grade Option and the Gilder Lehrman Certificate Program in American History. The Freshman Learning Experience will debut when new freshmen wings at WMC and WMM are constructed.
The complete WMRHSD curriculum is published as the Program of Studies and distributed to all students during course selection. The Program of Studies details graduation requirements, selection criteria for Honors and IB courses, academic and curricular offerings and suggested course sequences. Scroll below for brief descriptions of major programs. A link to the complete Program of Studies is provided. Reductions in state funding may also impact the availability of specific offerings.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a WMRHSD diploma, a student is required to * :
1. Complete 130 credits
2. Satisfactorily complete full-year required courses:
| Course | No. of Years |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| History | 3 |
| Math | 3 |
| Mod. Lang | 2 |
| Science | 3 |
| Phys .Ed./Health | 4 |
| Fine, Practical or Performing Arts | 2 |
3. Meet or succeed minimum proficiency standards in communication, writing and computation skills.
* As state graduation requirements change regularly, refer to WMRHSD Guidance for the most current and detailed information. District requirements may not fulfill all college entrance requirements and all students are encouraged to check specific college requirements.
Special Services
The WMRHSD special education program meets the individual needs of students with varying disabilities. In most cases the plan developed for each student (Individualized Educational Plan) provides an academic structure that parallels the regular high school program but is flexible enough to accommodate the student's specific instructional needs. All special education curricula address the New Jersey Core Curriculum Contents Standard, and for purposes of GPA and rank are considered Studies Level.
The Special Services Department, under the direction of Director of Special Services Jeffry Nelson, provides for district-wide ancillary services through the Child Study Team personnel, speech/language specialists, special education teachers, nurses and other professionals.
The WMRHSD supports inclusion of a disabled student in regular classrooms when supported by the student's Individualized Educational Plan. To support this goal the district offers alternative instructional approaches, has one of the most extensive assistive technology programs in New Jersey and executes research-based learning strategies that reach across multiple learning styles.
For students who require and benefit from an alternative educational/classroom environment, the WMRHSD offers the Behavioral Support Program and Home Instruction.
Contact the Guidance Office at each high school for more information or to make a student referral.