1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grades 11 - 12 (grade 10 with teacher approval)

Prerequisites: Students should be able to read and comprehend college-level texts and apply the conventions of standard written English in their writing.

NOTE: Students enrolling in an AP® class will automatically be registered for that course's exam. An exam Opt-Out option is available.

NOTE: This course is College Board approved for AP®. AP® Seminar is a component of the Capstone Program. NHS is an authorized Capstone school beginning in 2017-18.

NOTE: This course is either an elective credit or qualifies for the grade 11 English requirement or grade 12 English.

In AP® Seminar, you will use your interests to pursue topics individually and in teams in which you will identify, analyze and argue for solutions to what you feel are some of the most sticky problems facing America today. We use research studies, news sources, artistic and literary works to conduct research that will lead to two individual essays, a group and an individual presentation that includes information from those essays and the AP® exam in which you analyze a given argument and create one of your own. This video gives a sense of what to expect.

Among the topics completed by past Neenah High School students are: music and its effect on happiness, genetic engineering, Native American health injustices in Wisconsin, transitioning from high school to college athletics, weight loss, money and happiness, cults, and climate change. 

Activities: Students to work in teams to identify a problem or issue. The team will conduct research, present their findings, and defend their argument.  During Seminar, students will work with a mentor from the faculty or the community to explore their topic from multiple perspectives. Students will also individually investigate an assigned theme, and present and defend the information they gather.

Cost: An AP® Exam Fee, unless the opt-out deadline is met.

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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1 credit (2 semesters)

Open to Grade 12

Prerequisites: *AP Seminar. Students should be able to read and comprehend college-level texts and apply the conventions of standard written English in their writing.

"When am I going to use this in the real world?" If you have ever uttered or thought those words, AP® Research is the class for you. This class allows you to take your education into the real world. While working with an expert advisor in your area of interest, you will explore an academic topic, problem, or issue that interests you as you design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address it.

Activities: Develop research methods, analyze and synthesize information. Write an academic paper and make a presentation and oral defense of your work.

Cost: An AP® Exam Fee, unless the opt-out deadline is met.

AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of College Board. Used with permission.

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Open to:                          Grades 11-12                                        

Length:                            1 Semester

Credits:                            1/2 credit at NHS / UW-Oshkosh CAPP credit eligible

Prerequisite:                  None

NOTE: This course is approved for UW Oshkosh CAPP credit. All college credit classes are pending annual approval. 

Course content: For more than three decades, public education policy in the United States has become a pervasive part of the public discussion. U.S. media is dominated by doom and gloom stories, pessimistic assessments of U.S. students in international education rankings, and other failings of the U.S. public education system. This course will help learners scrutinize media accounts and public policy proposals for accuracy, bias, and potential for effectiveness. By understanding how to critically examine a variety of claims and learn about ways citizens can influence public policy, learners will have a better capacity to engage in community life. 

Course Activities: Students will explore various topics related to education.  Through readings and discussions, they will examine various claims to develop their own philosophies of education, providing a foundation for their future career in education. 

Cost: A university fee if taken for CAPP credit.

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.5 credit (80 hours)

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Education Policy: Truth and Myths

NOTE: This course may be used to fulfill the Practical Arts graduation requirement.

NOTE: To enroll in this experience, students must meet with a counselor and the education practicum liaison outside of the regular registration process. Students will also need transportation if placed at an elementary or middle school.

This course is designed to complement the Introduction to Education as a Career course. Students who have successfully completed the Introduction to Education will have the opportunity to  further  explore  education  as a potential  career  at  an area elementary, middle, or high school  for a half credit per semester. Students will be asked to make initial contact with the host teacher at their desired work site and will meet with the education practicum liaison to complete the application process at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Activities: Students will report daily to their site to observe and to assist the host teacher in a variety of details to which the teacher must attend. They will be expected to work  with groups and individuals as requested by the host teacher and prepare a reflection paper on their experience three times during the semester. Students may decide on a letter or pass/fail grade for credit. A letter grade will typically require facilitating some lessons with the guidance of their host teacher.

Cost: None

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.5 credit (1 semester) ; St. Norbert College credits: 4

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: None

NOTE: This course may be used to satisfy the Practical Arts graduation requirement.

NOTE: Students may be able to earn credit through St. Norbert in addition to Neenah High School credit. In order to earn college credit, the student must meet the requirements set by St. Norbert.

The Educational Leadership course will explore the characteristics and practices of effective leaders within the field of Education. The students will explore their own ability to lead and begin to develop their skills as effective leaders both in the broader community and at Neenah High School. Students will understand the challenges and responsibilities of effective leaders. They will be challenged to use the knowledge they have gained to enhance student life at Neenah High School and beyond.

Activities: Students will be asked to create a leadership portfolio. Students will analyze and present the characteristics of effective leaders through essays, journals, and discussions. Students will participate in planning and implementing leadership opportunities within Neenah High School. All activities will tie to education in multiple ways.

Cost:  A university fee if taken for St Norbert credit.

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.5 credit (80 hours)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Work-Based Learning Coordinator approval. 

Neenah High School (NHS) believes that a well-rounded education is one that allows students to explore their academic interests while also experiencing the benefits of engaging in activities that support the community in which they live.  Because of this belief, NHS encourages all students to complete 35 hours of volunteer service by the conclusion of their senior year. The administration will develop guidelines and structures to provide ample opportunities for all students to experience volunteer service opportunities.

Volunteer service is an activity that is . . .  

• • completed at a non-profit agency or organization or for the benefit of a pre-approved civic engagement, community initiative, and/or community institution. Volunteer service opportunities at for-profit organizations can only be approved if the service is not performed for the purpose of creating or increasing profit for that organization.  All proposed volunteer service opportunities at for-profit organizations are subject to review and approval.  

  • beneficial to at least one other person and/or the larger community.  

  • separate from a service mandated by a court or school disciplinary action.

  • performed for no pay.

If students wish to further pursue community service opportunities beyond the recommended 35 hours, they may earn the following:

• • 80 hours = students will receive one-half elective credit towards graduation, grade earned will be pass rather than a letter grade

  • 250 hours = students will receive a youth service high honor cord and recognition at graduation

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.25 credit per semester

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Consent of staff member and administrator approval. See individual department requirements listed below for additional prerequisites.

NOTE: To enroll in this experience, students must pick up the required application in the Counseling Office outside of the regular registration process.

NOTE: A student’s behavior, attendance, and academic expectations must be in good standing to remain eligible to serve as a Department Assistant.

Qualified students assist other students and/or staff. Duties and responsibilities will vary. However, some basic duties may include assisting with homework and lunch activities, traveling throughout the building and other activities prescribed by the teacher. Grading is based on Pass/Fail.

Activities: Specific details determined by an appropriate staff member.

Cost: None

The following Department Assistants are available at NHS:

Alternative Education Department: Students must be trustworthy, able to work independently with minimal supervision, and able to walk throughout the building without problems. Duties may include copying and collating, word processing, packaging and mailing, errands throughout the building, and web searches.

Art Department: Student must be dependable, reliable, trustworthy and able to work independently. Duties may include assistance with art show preparation, help with art class preparation, Art Department clean up for various classes, and appropriate tasks assigned by individual art teachers.

Attendance Office: The Attendance Office utilizes 2-3 students each mod daily to assist in the collection of passes, miscellaneous materials, and substitute information pertaining to student attendance. Department assistants are also needed to deliver messages regarding last minute appointments and at times may be asked to assist other offices with special projects. Students may also escort visitors upon request from entrance supervisor. Students are asked to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding information overheard in the attendance office.

Business & Information Technology Department: Students will run errands, make copies, put up bulletin boards, check mailboxes and do entry-level computer work. Students must be reliable, trustworthy, have good communication skills and be able to work with various people. Students will exhibit an appropriate level of professionalism and be able to carry out other miscellaneous responsibilities. Students must be in good academic standing at all times.

Counseling Office: Students will deliver passes/communications to students and assist with counseling office projects. Qualifications would include regular attendance, appropriate behavior in school, and good grades/GPA. Students must be able to keep information confidential and work as a team member.

ELL Department: This is an opportunity offered to credit deficient students. Students assist the ELL teacher with translations, copying materials, creating classroom visuals, and helping with the general upkeep of the classroom.

Library/ARC: Students assist with a variety of clerical tasks including assisting with bulletin boards, stamping books, and preparing date due cards. Students may also assist with computer tasks including working on the library web page and collection inventory.

Music Department Assistant: Music department assistants work under the direct supervision of individual music staff and positions are available in each of the areas of band, choir, and orchestra. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting music staff with the administration and maintenance of the music, uniform, and instrument inventories housed throughout the music suite. Candidates for these positions must be responsible, respectful, reliable, and capable of functioning appropriately in an unsupervised work environment.

Auditorium/Theatre Department: Student assistants will help with the day-to-day operation of the auditorium and theatrical needs around the school. The tasks range greatly depending on the specific needs of programming. Work could range from setting up for shows to helping clean up the auditorium after a performance. Assistants will report directly to the Technical Director. Some technical theatrical knowledge is preferred but not required.

Special Education Department: Two types of Special Education Department Assistant roles exist within this department. The first would be for a special education student. This student would be assigned to a teacher within the department and would complete various tasks for the special education teacher and other teachers in the department. Tasks could include photocopying, organizing, office running, completing appropriate tasks assigned by an individual teacher, etc. The second type of department assistant would be a student who is strong academically and could serve as a tutor during academic assistance. Again, this student would be assigned to one special education teacher and would work with various students on academic tasks.

Student Help Desk Assistant: Student Help Desk Assistants will work under the supervision of NJSD Computer Technicians and Instructional Technology Coaches. Students will perform a wide variety of technology-related and/or digital tasks that could include but are not limited to, basic hardware troubleshooting, software and application troubleshooting, copier/printer tasks and other digital or networking tasks as assigned. Candidates for this position must be trustworthy and be able to manage confidential information appropriately. A digital aptitude is helpful, but specific work experience is not required to apply for this position.

Student Services: Students will deliver messages and packages, help with large mailings, make copies, and escort visitors within the building. Two students will be needed each hour.

Technology & Engineering Education: Open to Grades 11-12 only. Prerequisite: Completion of at least one Technology & Engineering course. Students will work cooperatively with instructors to improve the learning environment in the Technology & Engineering Department. This provides students who possess a strong interest in a technical and/or engineering field with an opportunity to gain valuable experience while lending assistance to instructors and programs within the Technology & Engineering Department. This will also provide a medium for the implementation of individualized educational strategies and the promotion of personal skills such as cooperation, pride, self-reliance, self-discipline, and organizational skills. Students must obtain instructor permission prior to enrollment in the position.

World Languages: These students usually complete work for individual teachers within the department. Tasks may include but are not limited to, running off copies, laminating, organizing online resources, cutting out materials for class games and activities, and taping and binding books for classroom libraries. 

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.5 credit per semester (up to 4 semesters)

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Must be gainfully employed or have a volunteer opportunity that can provide the required hours.

The Work-Based Learning course is designed to provide students an opportunity to receive credit towards graduation for their experiences in the workplace paired with monthly class Seminars.

This course acknowledges that part-time employment is a valuable way to provide students with real-world learning through a partnership with local business and industry. Benefits include career exploration, development of problem-solving, communication, and life skills, an opportunity for paid employment, and providing job experience for a resume.

Structure:

• • Students that enroll in Work-Based Learning must have a place of employment within the first 10 days of the semester or they will be withdrawn from the course. In general, employment is to be defined as a recognized company or business that issues payroll checks. Lawn mowing jobs, babysitting, and casual work for cash jobs will not qualify for this program. The instructor has the authority to accept or reject work sites as needed.

  • Students will meet for a mandatory orientation on the second day of the semester during their scheduled Work-Based Learning class.

  • Students will then meet monthly with their instructor in what will be referred to as a Seminar. The instructor may ask students to report according to grade level or career pathway and occupational interests.

  • On days that the Seminar will not be in session, students will be allowed to go to work.

  • Students must have a minimum of 5.5 credits to enroll.

  • Special Education students may get credit through Work-Based Learning or the Special Education Department, but not both.

Content:

• • Students must work an average of 10-15 hours per week. A minimum of 180 work hours are required per semester. Supervisor approved work hours will be collected on a regular basis.

  • Students must meet the requirements of 80% Seminar attendance plus the required work hours component to pass the course.

  • Students with failing grades in other courses or poor school attendance may not be eligible to continue in the program.

Activities: Monthly Seminars may include lectures, video tapes, guest speakers, and small and large group discussion on work related topics. Some seminar subjects may include, but are not limited to, the following: the history and value of work, criteria for successful employment, interviewing skills, career exploration, resume writing, safety in the workplace.

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.5 credit per semester, up to 4 semesters (2 years). Students must work 450 hours for a 1-year program, or 900 hours for a 2-year program.

Open to Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Good attendance record, on track for graduation, good communication and time management skills.

NOTE: Students that do not meet program employment requirement will be transferred to the 9990/9991 Work-Based Learning course.

NOTE: Students should check with their prospective post-secondary schools as to receiving for "Credit for Prior Learning"

Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship program is a part of a statewide School-to-Work initiative. It is designed for high school students who want hands-on learning in an occupational area at a worksite along with classroom instruction.

This one or two-year elective program combines academic and career and technical instruction with mentored on-the-job learning. Students work 10 to 20 hours per week / 450 hours for 1 year or 900 hours for a 2 year program. Employers provide wages, worker's compensation, competency training, and mentoring.

Upon successful completion of the program, the Department of Workforce Development issues a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency. 

All post-secondary options are still open to students: four-year university, two-year technical college, apprenticeship, other industry training programs, military, and/or employment.

Student Qualifications for YA:

• Good attendance 

• On track for graduation, 2.0 GPA, no failing grades 

• 2 semesters of program related coursework

• Good Communication Skills and Time Management 

If a student is interested in a Youth Apprenticeship they should see their counselor.

CESA 6 Youth apprenticeship

Department of Workforce Development- Youth Apprenticeship

Program areas include:  

• Architecture & Construction

• Art 

• A/V Technology & Communications

• Finance

• Health Sciences

• Hospitality & Tourism

• Information Technology

• Manufacturing

• Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM)

• Transportation Distribution & Logistics

Costs:  Driver's license and/or transportation to the work site, personal costs - textbooks, uniforms, tools.

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.5 credit per project (80+ hours per project)

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Faculty sponsor, community sponsor, approval of application by counselor and administration

NOTE:  This course may be used to fulfill the  Practical Arts graduation requirement.

NOTE: To enroll in this experience, students must meet with a counselor outside of the regular registration process.

Content: This is a community-based program offering graduation credit to students outside the regular curriculum.  It is an individualized approach based on the student’s interest and desires to provide community services. Examples of such projects may include working on local government issues, community social service work, hospital volunteer work, tutoring younger children and work in community youth programs. Other options may also be considered. If a student would like to pursue a CEE program, he/ she should contact his/her counselor. A student may earn 1/2 credit for each CEE project while in grades 9-12.

Activities: Activities will vary according to student’s selected project.

Cost: Will vary according to student’s selected project.

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.5 credit (1 semester) ; St. Norbert College credits: 4

Open to Grades 10 - 12

Prerequisites: Demonstrated leadership at NHS or in the community, or a desire to gain such leadership.

NOTE: This course may be used to satisfy the Practical Arts graduation requirement.

NOTE: This course will be offered in conjunction with St. Norbert College. Students may be able to earn credit through St. Norbert in addition to Neenah High School credit. In order to earn college credit, the student must meet the requirements set by St. Norbert. 

The Leadership course will explore the characteristics and practices of effective leaders. The students will explore their own ability to lead and begin to develop their skills as effective leaders both in the broader community and at Neenah High School. Students will understand the challenges and responsibilities of effective leaders. They will be challenged to use the knowledge they have gained to enhance student life at Neenah High School and beyond.

Activities:  Students will be asked to create a leadership portfolio. Students will analyze and present the characteristics of effective leaders using essays and journals. Students will participate in planning and implementing leadership opportunities within Neenah High School. Students will be asked to lead a team in competition to understand the roles and responsibilities of effective leaders.

Cost:  A university fee if taken for St Norbert college credit. Additional costs possible for field trips, etc.

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.5 credit (elective) per semester

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Students will be placed into a required intervention course if criteria for intervention are met.

Enrollment criteria include: 

• • below grade level proficiencies on formal and informal mathematics assessments (STAR, benchmark assessments)  

  • unsatisfactory grades in mathematics interventions supports

• teacher recommendations

Exit Criteria: 

• • grade level proficiency in district mathematics assessments

• progress is shown in the targeted curriculum during the intervention

• success in a primary mathematics course

• and/or teacher recommendations

Grading: Pass/Fail

Math Lab is an intervention course offered for students needing additional, formal mathematics support. The course is taught by a certified math teacher and is taken concurrently with a primary math course throughout the semester.  The curriculum is aligned to strengthen foundational skills across all math domains. Instruction is provided in a variety of ways, including direct instruction, small-group work, independent exploration, and adaptive online software learning. This course requires one class period.

Activities: Large group, small group, individual instruction.

Cost: None

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.5 credit (elective) per semester

Open to Grades 9 - 12

Prerequisites: Must meet qualifying criteria.

There are three courses within the NHS Reading Support Program.

READING INTERVENTION

Open to: Regular Education Students who possess a good work ethic and positive behavior. Taught by a Reading Specialist.

Length: By semester until exit criteria has been met. 

Grading: Pass/Fail

Enrollment Criteria: Regular education students will be placed into the intervention course if the student is reading below the 25th national percentile on the STAR Reading Assessment and/or reading two or more grade levels below their grade level placement as depicted on the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment.

Exit Criteria: Regular education students receiving reading intervention will exit the course by reaching a national percentile of 25% or higher on the STAR Reading Assessment and/or reading at Level Z as depicted on the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment. (Early dismissal from course may occur per teacher discretion)

READING WORKSHOP

Open to: Special Education Students who possess a good work ethic and positive behavior. Taught by a Special Education Teacher.

Length: By semester until exit criteria is met

Grading: Pass/Fail

Enrollment Criteria: Special education students will be placed into the Reading Workshop course if the student is reading below the 25th national percentile on the STAR Reading Assessment and/or reading up to two grade levels below their grade level placement as depicted on the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment.

Exit Criteria: Special education students receiving reading support in the Reading Workshop will exit the course by reaching the national percentile of 25% or higher on the STAR Reading Assessment and/or reading at level Z as depicted on the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment. (Early dismissal from the course may occur per teacher discretion)

LEVELED LITERACY INSTRUCTION

Open to: Special Education Students who possess a good work ethic and positive behavior. Taught by a Special Education Teacher.

Length: By semester until exit criteria is met and then the student may be considered for the Reading Workshop course.

Grading: Pass/Fail

Enrollment Criteria: Special education students will be placed into the Leveled Literacy Instruction course if the student is reading at or below the 10th national percentile on the STAR Reading Assessment and/or reading more than two grade levels below their current grade level placement as depicted by the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment.

Exit Criteria: Special education students in the LLI course will exit the class by reaching a national percentile of 11-24% (or higher) on the STAR Reading Assessment and/or reading at a level that is two or less grade levels below their grade level placement as depicted on the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment. At this time, the student may qualify for the Reading Workshop Course for further support. (Early Dismissal from this course may occur per teacher discretion)

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SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

The Special Education Department provides a continuum of services to students who have been evaluated by a multidisciplinary team and meet eligibility criteria for a disability (impairment) and have a need for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). Modifications to the regular education curriculum and accommodations to the school environment are provided through a student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). A student's IEP is managed by a special education teacher (case manager) to ensure each student receives the Free Appropriate Education (FAPE) he/she is afforded under IDEA. The IEP team works together to devise measurable annual goals, determine instructional setting and placement, and consider transition services to best meet the needs of the individual student. If you have further questions or would like clarification, please contact the special education department chairpersons.

NEENAH’S EMPLOYMENT AND ACADEMIC TRAINING PROGRAM  (NEAT)

Open to: 10-11-12

Prerequisite: Criteria for selection is based on the District’s definition of “at-risk” students.

Content:  Neenah’s Employment and Academic Training Program (NEAT) provides an alternative for potential dropouts in grades 10-12, consisting of in and out-of-school experiences leading to high school graduation. As part of the educational plan, a combination of school and community efforts is directed to helping these students develop a sound academic base, grow personally and socially, and prepare for career employment.

Activities: Students in grade 10 will explore effective strategies designed for school success. Content areas will include personal development skills, study skills, and career awareness. Students in grades  11  and  12  are required to complete the program’s “Employment and Personal Skills” course. They are also required to participate in a school supervised community work experience for which they can earn 1/2 credit for each semester of experience, not to exceed 1 credit per year.

Cost: None

WIA - WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT CLASS EMPLOYMENT

Open to:  Ages 14 - 21

Prerequisite: To be considered, students must meet criteria established by federal and state agencies. Applications are accepted and processed by the Workforce Development Office.

Content: The Workforce Development Program is a federally funded work experience/job training program open to low-income and handicapped youth. This program is funded through the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and works in cooperation with Neenah High School. For those students who successfully complete both the classroom phase and work experience, 1/4 credit will be awarded. For more information see the Vocational Counselor. Activities: During the months of June, July and August, students are placed at public non-profit work sites for approximately 160 hours during the summer. To complement this work experience, students meet 5 hours each week for 6weeks at Neenah High School to learn and improve employability skills.

Cost: None

TRANSITION EDUCATION CENTER (TEC HOUSE)

Open to: Students who are between the ages of 18 and 21 years old

Prerequisite: Students who have completed their academic programming (usually 4 years) and still have a need to work on transitional goals.  Students have walked through graduation ceremonies but have not accepted their diploma.

Content: Each student follows their IEP as determined by the IEP team. The IEP is comprised of functional life & vocational skills.

    Functional Skills:

• Meals - Planning balanced meals, grocery shopping, budgeting, cooking, and kitchen clean-up.

• Housekeeping - dusting, vacuuming, sanitizing, cleaning the bathroom.

• Hygiene

• Organization, Time Management

    Vocational Skills:

• Students work on job development, online and paper applications, resumes, cover letters, and job shadows.

• Students participate in a spectrum of volunteer placements, school-to-work programs, and paid competitive jobs.

Activities: Small group and individualized instruction

Cost: None

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