Shelton High School

SHS Departments

  • Art - Department Chair: Ms. Ellen Cox

Athletics - Department Chair: Mr. John Niski

Athletic Department

The Shelton High School Athletic program is one that reflects the needs and purposes of our student body and community by maintaining a strong sense of pride, tradition, excellence, and overall student development.  This is done through a balance of healthy competition, physical training and educational scholarship.  In pursuit of this objective, we recognize the importance of academic responsibility, community service, and the ideals of good sportsmanship. In partnership with coaches, teachers, parents and administrators; student athletes strive for excellence in an environment which is safe, positive, and an integral part of the entire school culture.  Lifelong values such as leadership skills, empathy for others, and positive social interaction are the results of participation in our programs.  We are committed to providing our student athletes with a wide variety of well organized programs which meet their needs for physical and emotional well being while developing positive moral and social values in a highly competitive arena. Participation in athletics is a privilege which will enable students to develop skills and experiences that will lead to life-long positive achievement.

Career and Technical Education - Department Chair: Mrs. Nancy Duffy

Business and Finance

The Shelton High School Department of Business Education is devoted to the education of students who will lead and contribute to a business community that is ethical, diverse, inclusive, prosperous, and responsible.  Shelton High School Business Education students will be prepared to be knowledgeable and ethical decision makers and responsible citizens, capable of making the astute economic decisions that will benefit their personal and professional lives.  Shelton High School Business Education students will be provided learning opportunities for relevant, real-world learning experiences, providing authentic contexts in which the students can apply what they learn in both a college and/or work-related environment.

 

In addition to Business, Finance, and Marketing courses, the SHS Department of Business offers the Tech-Prep Program, which is a partnership between Shelton High School and Housatonic and Gateway Community Colleges.  The Tech-Prep Program is designed to provide high school students with an enhanced program of study that prepares them for careers in several fields.

 

SHS students may qualify for a Connecticut Career Certificate if they successfully complete or participate in a career-related course or career-related curricular or extra-curricular activity.  Students must also attain a combined SAT score of 1000 or higher, or pass all four sections of the CAPT, or pass all three major sections of the Grade 8 CMT.  Qualifying Business Education areas are Accounting, Cooperative Work Experience Internship, DECA, FBLA, and Marketing.

 

Family and Consumer Sciences

 

All students are strongly encouraged to enroll in the courses offered by the Family and Consumer Science Department. All courses offered in the department will fulfill the Career & Technical Education requirement for graduation. It is the belief that success in the future is tied to learning in the present and that the basic skills of everyday living must accompany the basic skills of general education in order for students to live well-rounded and personally responsible lives. It is the aim of the Family and Consumer Science Department to develop those skills, attitudes, and values that must be achieved in order to attain a useful and rewarding life. Students who are college bound, seeking vocational skills, or who wish to develop skills for personal growth will find a wide variety of courses to meet their needs and fulfill graduation requirements.

 

Technology Ed.

To provide all students in the Shelton school system an experiential learning atmosphere for technology education subject matter.  Technology education provides practical applications of Mathematics, Science, English, Leadership and Teamwork.  Students in this program can choose between experiences related to Construction, Engineering, Architecture, Manufacturing, and Video and Photo production.  An outcome of this program is development of students who are self-learners, problem solvers, and motivated about their careers.

In conjunction with The International Technology Education Association we in the Shelton Technology Education Department see Technology Education Classes to include but not be limited to the following:

 

·        Designing, developing, and utilizing technological systems

·        Open-ended, problem-based design activities

·        Cognitive, manipulative, and effective learning strategies

·        Applying technological knowledge and processes to real world experiences using up-to-date resources

·        Working individually as well as in a team to solve problems

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English - Department Chair: Mrs. Dana Jeanette-Kneen

English Department or view English Website

English is a four year requirement at Shelton High School.  Students must successfully complete English I, II, III, and IV in succession as a requisite for graduation.  Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to take these courses concurrently within a single academic year.  Pre-approved accelerated English courses taken during the summer may be acceptable.  Students are advised to consult with their school counselor prior to enrolling in such a course to ensure acceptance.  Students may enroll in multiple English elective courses in a given year.  Throughout their four years of high school English, students are expected to continuously develop their ability to think abstractly and to evaluate critically various types of literature (novels, plays, short stories, and poems).  Grammar and vocabulary units may accompany each literary unit.  Students are guided and encouraged to use their language correctly and effectively both in speaking and writing.  Literary analyses and other critical papers are requirements.   

Guidance - Department Chair: Mrs. Cynthia Brouillette

Guidance 

Professional School Counselors provide and carry out a comprehensive developmental counseling program which focuses on the uniqueness of all students in three areas of development: academic, career and personal/social.  These areas or domains are in alignment with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national standards as well as the Connecticut Comprehensive School Counseling Program.  Secondary School Counselors

  • Provide direct counseling services to students individually and in support groups
  • Implement classroom lessons in the domains of personal, academic and career development
  • Serve as liaisons between parents, school staff, students and the community
  • Consult with teachers and staff members
  • Coordinate meetings between students, parents and staff
  • Facilitate referrals to school and community services and agencies
  • Disseminate information to parents/guardians about graduation requirements, academic programming, and post secondary planning
  • Provide individual and group career counseling to students
  • Assist students with the college selection and application processes
  • Review confidential and other school record
  • Serve on school and community committees

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Library/Media Center - Department Chair: Mrs. Joan Tichy

Library/Media Center

Our mission at the Shelton High School Library Media center is to enable all students to become information and technology literate, lifelong learners, to appreciate and enjoy literature, and other creative expressions of information.  The LMC is open and staffed from 7:20 A.M. to 4 P.M. Monday through Thursday and 7:20 A.M. to 3 P.M. on Friday. 

Our students will: 

  • Develop an awareness of the library media center as a learning center in the school and community
  • Develop lifetime habits of reading for information and for recreation
  • Develop knowledge of literature and literary forms
  • Develop independent, information literacy strategies based on the Big Six, supporting the State of Connecticut Information and Technology Literacy Frameworks
  • Develop technology skills and use them in an independent and appropriate manner

This mission is accomplished by providing intellectual and physical access to materials in all formats (paper and electronic).  The Media Specialist will work in collaboration with the Classroom Teacher to provide instruction and foster competence as well as stimulate interest in reading, viewing, and using information and ideas to meet the needs of each and every student. 

Mathematics - Department Chair: Mrs. Patricia Block

 

Math Department

 

A strong foundation in mathematics is necessary for individuals to be able to function in today’s world of rapid change.  As citizens, one must be able to compete in a high-tech work force, participate as an informed member of a community, and make decisions based on the large magnitude of data that abounds.  It is our charge to provide students with the mathematical power and basic skills necessary to perform productively in today’s society.

 

Every student in Shelton will be provided with access to important mathematical concepts.  We recognize that students have individual differences in learning styles, experiences, and readiness.  These differences will be addressed through appropriate mathematics programs that ensure academic and personal success.  Students will be encouraged to propose and use various approaches and strategies to solve problems and will have access to tools, manipulatives, and technology, to support and enhance their mathematical understanding.

 

The Shelton schools will have competent and knowledgeable teachers who can integrate instruction and assessment.  The teachers of mathematics will guide students toward utilizing higher order thinking skills, communicating mathematically, and applying the procedural skills necessary to solve problems in a real world context.  Teachers will promote meaningful collaboration among students as well as provide opportunities for independent thought.  The classroom teacher should be actively involved in the selection and creation of course materials that reflect both state and national standards of teaching.

 

Through the use of the curriculum, together with appropriate resources and texts, teachers are able to provide students with the mathematical power and basic skills necessary to compete in today’s society.  Students are actively engaged in the learning process, making connections within mathematics and to other disciplines.  Shelton’s vision of mathematics education allows for all students to have the opportunity and support necessary to learn significant mathematics with depth and understanding.

 

Music - Department Chair: Ms. Deborah Keller

 

Music Department

 

 

Physical Health/Education - Department Chair: Mr. John Niski

 

Phys Ed/Health Department

 

Science - Department Chair: Mrs. Mary Clark

Science Department

The Shelton High School Science Department offers a wide variety of science courses from required classes to over 10 different electives.  Students are required to complete 3 years of science to graduate from SHS.  The three years consist of General Science, Biology/lab and Chemistry/lab or Physics/lab.  Honors level students taking Biology/lab as freshmen MUST take Chemistry/lab and Physics/lab to meet their science requirements. College Prep and Academic level students should take General Science, Biology/lab, and Chemistry/lab or Physics/lab.  .  It is strongly recommended that a student planning to enter any science related field takes both Chemistry/lab and Physics/lab.  Electives DO NOT fulfill the science requirement for graduation.  Students taking one of these laboratory classes will meet eight periods one week, and seven periods the following week.  Students enrolled in Biology, Chemistry and Physics without lab will meet the regular schedule of five periods a week.

Social Studies - Department Chair: Mr. James Hill

 

Social Studies Department

 

At Shelton High School the Social Studies Department offers students seventeen full-year and half-year courses.  All students are required to take and pass three years of social studies including U.S. History and one half-year of Civics being mandatory for graduation. 

 

Freshmen take World History which begins with a survey of prehistory and the origins of civilization and proceeds on through historical eras to the Renaissance and Reformation.  Emphasis is placed on the contributions of prior civilizations to contemporary societies.  The objectives of the course are for the student to develop: 1) a better understanding of the present through a study of the past, 2) intellectual curiosity and logical thinking, 3) a world-wide sense of social responsibility, 4) awareness of the common traditions and values we share with other peoples of the world, and 5) strategies and practice for the Connecticut Academic Performance Test.  Freshmen are also encouraged to begin to take any social studies electives available to ninth graders to broaden and deepen their education in social studies. 

 

Sophomores take Modern World History (some sophomore students may substitute Advanced Placement European History in its place) which continues to reinforce the learning objectives of the World History Course.  The period studied begins with the Age of Absolutism and continues to modern times.  The focus of the course includes both Western and non-western world events and their impact on the preparation for the Connecticut Academic Performance Test.  Assignments and assessments will focus on the content areas and the development of persuasive writing skills and strategies.  Sophomores are also encouraged to take any social studies electives available to tenth graders to broaden and deepen their education in the social studies. 

 

Juniors are required to take U.S. History (or may substitute Advanced Placement U.S. History in its place).  This course focuses on the development of the American way of life from its beginnings on the North American continent to present day.  It emphasizes that the material comforts we enjoy, our governmental institutions that serve us so well, and the freedoms we cherish are products of many hands and many minds.  This course is designed to guide students in understanding our heritage and preparing them for the responsibilities of citizenship. 

 

Juniors and seniors are encouraged to broaden their scope of understanding and interest in the social sciences through the many electives offered to them.  The scope of these elective courses focus on and emphasize in greater depth the fifteen social studies content standards defined by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Education.  Electives allow students the opportunities of exploring their interests and the content of different subjects more deeply in preparation for further post-graduate study during college, their own enjoyment, and preparation for the decisions and responsibilities of adulthood. 

 

All students are required to take Civics.  Civics is a State mandated half-year course taken in preparation for graduation.  The goal of this course is to prepare young Americans to understand and carry on the fundamentals of our American Republic.  This half-year course focuses on the study of what it means to be a responsible, knowledgeable, participating citizen and blends the study of our nation’s constitutional history with the structure of our government and its laws.  Students will study how ideas about government change over time, and how these ideas apply to current issues impacting our society. 

 

Special Services - Department Chair: Mrs. Allegra Fitzgerald

Special Services Department

Shelton High School provides a special education program to serve students with disabilities.  Students with disabilities are those students evaluated by qualified professionals as having a specific learning disability, emotional disturbance, deaf/hard of hearing, speech impaired, visually impaired, intellectually  disabled or orthopedic impairment.  The special education program is designed as an individualized program  and is tailored to meet the specific needs of the student.  These programs are under the guidelines set forth by the State of Connecticut and as required by law, parents must be involved in the planning of the individual student’s educational program. A school psychologist and two social workers are available to meet the specific needs of the student body on both an individual and group basis.

World Languages - Department Chair: Mrs. Karen Giordano

World Languages

The World Languages Department offers a number of language learning opportunities from beginning levels to native speaker programs through Advanced Placement and UCONN courses. For both the college bound student and the student entering the work force after graduation, knowledge of another language is a highly desirable skill.  Although a student is not required to take a world language in order to graduate, we urge students to pursue language studies.  Students receive a diverse linguistic and cultural approach to languages and cultures of the world.  Students also have opportunities to travel abroad and use the skills acquired.