| SHS ACADEMIC PROGRAM |
| The Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center is part (an integral part) of
Spaulding High School. All SHS students (at all grade levels) can enroll in Tech
Center courses including offerings from the Business Dept., Family &
Consumer Sciences Dept., Technology Dept., and Career and Technical
Education (C.T.E.) programs. |
| Course Offerings/Levels |
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| Students are expected to challenge themselves by enrolling in the course that best matches their ability.
The standard academic program and course work at Spaulding High School is designed to prepare students for a variety of post-secondary options (four-year
colleges, two-year colleges, technical schools, apprenticeships, work/career opportunities, and life after high school).
Students wishing to pursue a higher level of rigor and intending to apply to four-year colleges with more competitive admissions may choose to enroll in courses designated
as ENRICHED (ENR). Most departments offer some ENR courses. Grades in these courses are weighted more heavily in the calculation of a student’s GPA
(grade point average).
Students wishing to pursue course offerings at the highest level of rigor and who have a record of strong academic achievement may qualify for and enroll in
HONORS (H) and/or ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) courses. Most departments offer some H and/or AP courses. Grades in these courses are weighted most heavily
in the calculation of a student’s GPA.
Students with special needs or learning disabilities are often placed in SKILLS (SK) courses offered by our Special Education Department in accordance with each
student’s individualized education plan (IEP). Most special education students are also able with assistance and appropriate modifications to participate in the
high school's general academic program. Special education students with greater needs are generally enrolled in our Special Education LITE Program. |
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Additional types of offerings |
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| A range of on-line (or distance learning) opportunities are also available to SHS students via the VHS (Virtual High School) program and the NH Virtual Learning
Academy Charter School (VLACS). VHS and VLACS courses augment what we offer here at the high school. These courses can also be helpful when students
face scheduling conflicts. Students interested in enrolling in VHS or VLACS courses should see their guidance counselor. Running Start courses provide students the opportunity to earn dual credits at the same time for high school and for college. Most Running
Start classes are weighted as enriched (ENR) offerings.
SHS students can enroll via application in an array of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered here at the Creteau Tech Center, at Dover High
School, and at Somersworth High School.
Independent study is an option for juniors and seniors who have demonstrated an ability to do advanced work and desire to investigate academic topics beyond the
scope of the learning experiences offered at the high school. No more than one independent study may be taken per semester, and the deadlines for initiating and
completing regularly scheduled courses are applicable to independent studies. Students considering independent study should first consult with their guidance counselor
to receive initial permission.
High school credit for real work experience is available to students through our Career Internship and Work Experience offerings/programs - and to CTE students
through our Cooperative Education offering/program. See Program of Studies & College Career Planner pages 28, 29 & 40 for details.
Lastly, with advance permission from the principal, students may earn high school credit for other types of course work, academic programs, and/or nontraditional
learning experiences. Permission will be granted only for demonstrably high quality and rigorous experiences and will be based on the learning objectives, the
elements of the curriculum, and appropriate assessment. Generally, when credit is awarded, the student's grade is registered as "passing" and does not count toward
his or her SHS GPA. Rarely will permission be granted after the course or program has already been completed. An application is required. |
| Alternative offerings |
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| Students who fail any required course in math, science, English, social studies or health with a grade that falls below 50 must repeat the course.
Students who fail one of these required courses with a grade that falls between 50 and 69 may consider the options below (PLATO, E-block courses, and summer
school). Guidance counselors will assist students in making their choice - and with the enrollment process. Credits earned via PLATO, E-block courses, or summer
school will be registered as “passing” and will not count toward the student’s GPA. (Please note that students who fail Fundamental Physical Education must repeat
the course - regardless of the grade that was earned).
PLATO is a web-based program that allows students to work independently during the school day (at a computer with supervision) to learn critical material and demonstrate
the necessary learning to earn course credit.
E-block courses are taught by Spaulding faculty and are offered after school throughout the school year.
Summer school courses are offered here at the high school for students to perform the necessary additional work required to earn a passing grade in the course
they failed. Tuition is charged for summer school enrollment. Please note that students must have earned a 60 or more in the failed course to be eligible for summer
school.
NOTE: Students must have earned a 60 or more in the failed course to be eligible for summer school. |
| Other Programs |
| The Bud Carlson Academy, located in the Rochester Community Center, is a seperate school for students in grades 9-12. The school aims to help students become
more successful academically and socially and to build motivation to succeed in post-secondary options, work, and life after high school. The admission process
includes an application and interview. |
| Rochester Adult Education is a state-approved adult diploma program offering an array of high school credit courses, vocational exploration courses, and non-credit
arts & crafts courses. Policies regarding enrollment are dependent upon background and experience. Adult classes are generally offered in the evening, at the
Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, during the school year, and either via an 8-week term or a 15-week semester (fall and spring |
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