RHAM High School
Educational Opportunities Handbook
INTRODUCTION
Use the navigation menu at the top of page or below this introduction to help guide you through the handbook. The Course Descriptions page offers an overview of icons to help designate different course credit categories. Use the RHAM Credit Check document, also located on the Graduation Requirements page, to help you visualize what credits you have completed and what credits you still need in order to graduate. You can make a copy of the document in order to fill in the categories as you complete your courses. Although we hope this document is helpful it does not replace the knowledge and/or experience of your school counselor. Please reach out to your school counselor with any questions or to verify your credits.
This handbook will help to guide you as you make decisions regarding your studies at RHAM High School. As you read through the handbook, you should be thinking of possible career choices as well as your education beyond high school. To help in your decisions, a wide variety of Career Pathway flow charts are embedded on the Career Planning page as you consider the many and diverse courses offered at RHAM High School.
LETTER TO STUDENTS
January 2024
Dear Students:
This handbook will help to guide you as you make decisions regarding your studies at RHAM High School. As you read through the handbook, you should be thinking of possible career choices as well as your education beyond high school. To help in your decisions, a wide variety of Career Pathway flow charts are linked as you consider the many and diverse courses offered at RHAM High School.
We are offering many new courses this year:
-Uconn ECE: Computer Science
-Introduction to Financial Literacy
-Zoology
-Guitar I
-Guitar II
Classes graduating in year 2027 and after are required to fulfill a personal finance requirement. Students may satisfy this requirement by taking Introduction to Financial Literacy, Personal Finance Online or Personal Finance.
All students must complete a Showcase Portfolio reflecting on the RHAM Skills and Dispositions during their senior year. Students will be awarded one credit upon successful completion of the Showcase Portfolio.
In addition to planning your course schedule, make sure to consider participating in one or more of our many co-curricular activities. Our athletic programs and clubs provide you with multiple opportunities to focus on areas of interest and explore new areas.
Your four years in high school will pass by very quickly. Careful planning will allow you to make the most of your high school years. Please make sure that you consult with your school counselor, your teachers and your parents/guardians if you have any questions about the planning process.
Sincerely,
Dr. Penny Bryzgel, Principal
Christopher Mader, Assistant Principal and Bethany Pomerantz, Assistant Principal
CORE VALUES, BELIEFS, AND LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
District Mission
Regional School District 8, in partnership with its families and community, provides a welcoming, safe, and equitable environment that empowers all learners to be active and reflective participants in their own learning to achieve their full potential as positive contributors in a global society.
District Vision
To engage students in rigorous and challenging education that provides multiple pathways to college and career readiness.
Core Values and Beliefs
In collaboration with students, staff, families, and community, RHAM provides a rigorous, comprehensive education in a safe and respectful environment to prepare students to be actively engaged in the world. To this end, RHAM offers diverse instruction promoting student-centered growth and individual development.
SKILLS AND DISPOSITIONS
Critical Thinking
A RHAM graduate will possess the ability to think critically in order to approach a variety of problems through creative inquiry, analysis and higher order thinking.
I ask thoughtful questions to explore ideas and make connections.
I use multiple strategies/approaches, including the application of technological tools when applicable.
I analyze options to find the best solution.
Communication
A RHAM graduate will communicate their thoughts, ideas and knowledge, while considering others’ viewpoints in an effective and purposeful way.
I use a variety of ways to express myself (verbally, non verbally, or written).
I consider multiple viewpoints and perspectives when gaining information.
I listen to others and share my thoughts and ideas in a respectful manner.
I look to gain information from others that have different backgrounds/perspectives.
Motivation
A RHAM graduate will be self-motivated to set goals and persevere through challenges to achieve these goals.
I set and self-monitor academic and personal goals.
I seek and overcome challenges for personal growth.
I am curious and independently explore new concepts/ideas.
Collaboration
A RHAM graduate will effectively contribute when working as a team by sharing their own thoughts, respecting other viewpoints and compromising in order to reach consensus.
I work productively with students to accomplish a common goal.
I listen to other members of a group and respect that there are viewpoints other than my own that may contribute to a group outcome.
I am willing to take on tasks that will best support the group in reaching a common goal.
Integrity
A RHAM graduate will demonstrate integrity by being honest, respectful, and empathetic.
I listen, care and try to understand the feelings and perspectives of others.
I am an effective team player who respects the differences and perspectives of others.
I demonstrate mutual respect towards classmates, teachers and myself.
I do not plagiarize or engage in academic dishonesty.