Academic Policies

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY

It is the policy of the Verona Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, affectation or sexual orientation, marital status, religious affiliation, liability for services in the Armed Forces of the United States, or atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait of any individual, in employment or in educational opportunities. Further, state and federal protection is extended on account of disabilities, actual or potential parenthood, or family status in compliance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, NJAC 6:4-1.1 et seq., and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Compliance inquiries may be directed to Mr. Charlie Miller, Affirmative Action Officer, 121 Fairview Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044 (973-571-2029, Ext. 7032). Grievance procedures for the handling of discrimination complaints are on file in each school. (Policy #2224)

EDUCATIONAL PLANNING

The selection of a program of studies represents one of the most important decisions a student will make during his/her high school career. A student's success and happiness are directly related to the choosing of courses which are appropriate to his/her goals, needs, and abilities.

In planning a program of studies, you should ask these questions:

* What courses are offered and at what level? E.g.: Advanced Placement, Honors, College Preparatory

* What did AP Potential say?

* In what subjects do I have the most success?

* In what subjects do I have the most difficulties?

* What are the course and credit requirements for graduation?

* Am I satisfying the requirements for college entrance?

* What are my post secondary aspirations?

* What subjects will help me accomplish my goals?

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS POLICIES

Most college standards require students to have a strong preparatory curriculum in high school. They must successfully complete a MINIMUM of 16 academic units of high school coursework in college preparatory subjects. An academic unit is a full year academic college preparatory, honors, or AP level course. A strong academic transcript should minimally include:

* 4 Years of Language Arts

* 4 Years of Mathematics

* 4 Years of Social Studies

* 4 Years of Laboratory Science

* 3 World Language (Consecutive)

Some colleges have unique requirements. It is advisable to consult each institution in order to determine exactly which courses are suitable.

STUDENT ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

* All students are expected to master the Common Core Standards, as well as NJ Core Content Standards.

* All students are expected to produce quality work both inside and outside the classroom.

* All students are expected to achieve their potential as active learners.

* All students are expected to participate in the PARCC/NJSLA assessments.

* Students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses are expected to successfully complete the national AP curriculum and will take the respective AP test.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Students who transfer into Verona High School before September 30^th of their 11^th grade will be included in the class decile. The counselor will use the student's final 9^th and 10^th grade transcripts to determine grades and credits. Only those courses that are designated "Honors or Advanced Placement" on their previous school's transcript will be weighted.

Students who enter after September 30^th of the 11^th grade will be given a parallel class decile encompassing all the previous coursework completed. Students who transfer into Verona High School in their senior year will be given the designation that was assigned by their previous school. For students who come to Verona High School from foreign countries, only work completed at Verona High school will be counted toward class decile.

GETTING INVOLVED

As a high school student, getting involved can mean joining a club, participating in student activities, or doing community service. Being involved in community service and extracurricular activities can help you get into college by giving you a well-rounded résumé and interesting experiences to write about in your admission essays. Extracurricular activities may help position you to win scholarship dollars, figure out your future career, or even help you network. We believe that students’ benefit when they focus on investing themselves in a few, well-chosen extra-curricular activities. Please fill your schedule with a reasonable number of extracurricular activities because we care about your learning, health, and well-being.