GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

*World Language credit can be received by passing a proficiency examination upon completion of required middle school World Language or by passing a high school course in World Language.

** The Sewanhaka Central High School District Board of Education requires that all students take three years of study of Mathematics and Science or an approved STEM alternative during grades 9-12.

***The Sewanhaka Central High School District Board of Education requires every student, commencing with the graduating class of 2027, to earn a ½ credit in Financial Literacy.

A Local Diploma through an appeal process pursuant to Commissioner’s Regulation Section 100.5(d)(7) may be available for all students who fulfill the credits for a Regents Diploma as indicated in the chart below (including students with disabilities and English Language Learners). 

Note: Students acquiring five units in Occupational Studies (CTE) or Arts may be exempted from the three-credit requirement in World Language (LOTE) when earning an Advanced Regents Diploma. Those students must have one credit in World Language, which can be earned by passing a proficiency examination or by passing a high school course.

Students with a disability may be excused from the requirement for one unit of credit in World Language (LOTE) if so indicated on the IEP or 504 Plan but must still earn 22 units of credit to graduate. A LOTE-exempt student does not have to complete the five-unit sequence in Occupational Studies or Arts to meet the assessment requirements for the Advanced Diploma.

ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES (AIS)

AIS is designed to help students achieve the NYS Learning Standards in English, mathematics, social studies and science. The District uses New York State assessment, Regents results and assessment data, along with teacher and counselor recommendations, as the basis for placing students in the AIS program. Please refer to Board of Education Policy No. 5121.

AIS programs include two components:

•  Additional instruction that supplements regular classroom instruction.

•  Student support services needed to improve academic performance.

Academic Intervention Services are mandated by New York State. Students identified as qualifiers for AIS are required to attend services as scheduled by the school.

PLACEMENT IN ADVANCED AND AP COURSES

As per Board Policy No. 5121, to be placed in the advanced or Advanced Placement class, a student must meet two of the following criteria:

1.    Consistent classroom achievement at or above 85% in the subject area.

2. Recommendation of subject area teacher.

3.    Evidence that the student possesses a superior degree of interest, aptitude and motivation for the curriculum area.

WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASSES

The selection of courses by students is one of the most important processes in a student’s high school career. It is not only important because it affects career goals, but it also determines staffing and how financial resources are allocated. For these reasons the dropping or adding of courses in a student’s schedule will be considered only under extenuating circumstances. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that students and parents thoroughly review required course offerings and elective course offerings. Please note that students have until June 25 to adjust their schedule.

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER 

The library media centers in the Sewanhaka Central High School District are equipped with independent learning spaces and a teaching room to help each student reach his or her potential. In addition, each library houses a STEAM Makerspace Center which supports curriculum-driven, project-based assignments as well as independent endeavors. The library media specialists teach hundreds of classes per year in a diversity of subject areas and grade levels. The librarians and subject teachers collaborate on lesson planning to facilitate student understanding of the techniques and strategies needed to satisfy their informational needs as well as prepare them for postsecondary education. The library media specialists also teach digital and media literacy, guiding their students to think critically and use technology in a safe, responsible and mindful way. The program includes, but is not limited to, instruction in digital citizenship, cyberbullying, online safety and various methods of online evaluation. The library media specialists distribute and maintain the print and electronic resources that support the curriculum. The five schools of the District form a network of exchange, and in addition are part of several library networks (school, public, academic and special library groups), allowing for greater student access to information and resources.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS

When it comes to working hard in school and earning good grades, your child holds the responsibility. Parents can boost their children’s learning by getting involved in their education.

Studies show that parent participation often declines once students move on from middle school. Your child and school still need your support. Here is how you can help:

•  We leverage the Infinite Campus Parent and Student portals to provide real-time information about academic performance, attendance, schedule, contact information and more. You can install the Campus Parent app to your personal phone or device from both the Apple and Google Play stores, and the Campus Student app is available on all school-issued devices. Please visit the District’s website for additional information.

•  Contact your child’s teacher and school counselor by telephone or email. To email any district employee type: 

first initial last name@sewanhakaschools.org. Example: jdoe@sewanhakaschools.org

•  Attend evening grade-level parent meetings.

•  Attend your child’s athletic events and/or extracurricular activities.

•  Join the PTSA/SEPTA and attend their meetings.

•  Let your child know that you are interested in what they do daily. Post the school calendar on your refrigerator; it is your guide to all school events.

•  Check their homework and help them for projects and reports that are due. Quiz them before they take a test.