Grade Nine Information

Grade Nine Team & Core Curriculum

Studies show that if students have a positive experience during the first year of high school, their chances for success over the next three years increase dramatically. In an effort to ease the student transition from middle to high school, the Grade 9 Program heterogeneously groups students in core courses during their first year at KRHS.  The “team” approach is designed to increase communication among students, parents, teachers, special educators, counselors, advisors, and administrators. Moreover, the structure of the Program requires that teachers collaborate and coordinate curriculum across content areas. In addition to developing a greater understanding of the complex relationships between each subject, a rigorous curriculum that bridges content areas often frames student learning in a relevant context. This is particularly important as students begin to understand the significance of their education. Students will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate mastery of content / skills as identified in the course competencies. 

Most ninth grade students register for English 9, World Perspectives, Physical Science, Math and PE or Wellness. It is highly recommended that first year students enroll in a full course load. 

GRADE 9 PROGRAM STAFF

Sandy Nelson,  World Perspectives 

Tina Bartz, World Perspectives

Theo Selby, English 9

Lauren Skov,  English 9 (LT Substitute: Robert Childs)

Peter Hattan, Physical Science

Cody Anderson,  Physical Science

Olivia Kotusky,  Math*

Serena Biemer, Special Education 

Nicole Tenney,  Guidance Counselor

Rebecca Schrader, Guidance Counselor

Laura Newman,  Assistant Principal 

Note:  Most students will have teachers outside of the Grade 9 Program in their math courses, electives or if they are enrolled in honors courses.  Communication between those teachers and the Grade 9 Program is accomplished through planning sessions.

Grade Nine Team Charter

The Freshman Team at Kearsarge Regional High School is a collection of core academic subject teachers, support staff and administrators who collaborate to foster the most positive academic and social experience to the ninth grade class. 

Kearsarge Regional High School’s Freshman Team strives to provide transitions that allow students to grow socially and academically.  Our purpose is to promote a smooth progression from eighth to ninth grade, and provide necessary social and academic skills to be successful in tenth grade and beyond. We strive to create a positive experience to maximize potential as engaged members of the academic community. 

Utilizing data from a variety of sources, the Freshman Team organizes and implements interventions designed to increase student success both in and out of the classroom. The Freshman Team will collaborate with the faculty at large, parents/guardians, and the community to create a consistent support system while encouraging personal autonomy.