Introduction to the Program of Studies

A message from the principal

Dear Students,

It is time to start planning for next year at Waterford High School. Our Program of Studies has been carefully developed by the WHS faculty to provide an overview of the options available to you and to assist students and parents in making informed decisions about their education. The information in our Program of Studies will be helpful to you in selecting your courses for next year and in charting a course for the rest of your high school career.

The Program has several useful features for you, including descriptions of all of the courses we offer, information on the Waterford Public Schools graduation requirements, and a worksheet to help you record the courses you have taken and hope to take. Use this worksheet to develop a four-year plan, and remember to sign up for all of your required courses, then plan to take the elective courses that you find most interesting or that you think will best prepare you for your future plans.

Your teachers and school counselor will be happy to assist you in the course selection process. They will explain the options that are open to you, offer suggestions on elective courses you may want to take, and make recommendations for appropriate course placements. Course selection is central to your success in high school, so please be sure to seek the advice of your teachers, counselors, parents, and other students who have already taken courses that might interest you.

This year we have enhanced the Program of Studies with the introduction of Career Pathways. These pathways on page 11 highlight the connection between specific academic classes, co-curricular involvement and careers. In addition to the input of your school counselors, teachers and parents/guardians, these pathways are an excellent way to determine what courses and activities will benefit your long-term aspirations.

In keeping with Waterford High School’s philosophy of providing all students with the most varied and challenging course options possible, all of our programs, both academic and vocational, are offered to all students who meet the prerequisites. I encourage you to branch out, challenge yourself, and really explore your potential with the courses you select for next year.

Good luck in your coursework. The entire faculty wishes you well and is looking forward to working with you for your success!

André Hauser Principal

Andre Hauser

Principal

Alison Mullane

Assistant Principal

Kirk Samuelson

Assistant Principal

Chris Landry

Athletic Director

Department Leaders

Art - April Brown

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Business and Hospitality - Cornelia Montanaro

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English - Toni Tessier

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Mathematics - Michael Ellis

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Music - Timothy Fioravanti

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Physical Education - Andrew Walker

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School Counseling - Leah O’Connor

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Science - Amanda Batty

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Social Studies - Christopher Gamble

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Special Education - Art Peluso

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Technology Education - Christopher Cassidy

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World Languages - Amanda Marchese

School Counseling

Jason Adler, Leah O’Connor, Kenzie Lloyd, Kelly White

In compliance with State regulations, the Waterford School District provides coordinators for Title VI, IX and Section 504, which deal with discrimination regarding race, sex equity, and handicap.

The coordinators are Craig Powers (Section 504 and Title IX) and Kathy Vallone (Title VI); both persons may be reached at the Superintendent’s Office at

15 Rope Ferry Road,

Waterford, CT.

Telephone: 860 444-5854.

Expectations for Student Learning

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

Students will:

  • Communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences. (A1)

  • Acquire, understand, evaluate, synthesize and apply information. (A2)

  • Use critical and creative thinking to find and solve authentic problems. (A3)

  • Construct and defend arguments based on evidence. (A4)

  • Demonstrate digital fluency and purposeful application of tools for learning. (A5)

EXPECTATIONS

Students will:

  • Demonstrate behavior that adheres to established standards of conduct and reflects integrity and fairness. (S1)

  • Recognize, respect, and value individual, cultural, and racial diversity. (S2)

  • Engage productively in self-directed independent and collaborative endeavors. (S3)

EXPECTATIONS

Students will:

  • Participate in activities that foster citizenship, the democratic process, and community awareness. (C1)

  • Share in the responsibility for the mental and physical safety of themselves and others. (C2)

Introduction PDF

Program of Studies Introduction.pdf