SHS 9th Grade Orientation

SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Thomas L. Rogers
Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Charlie Cardillo
Interim Deputy Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Patricia M. Rufo
Assistant Superintendent for Business
Dr. Joseph LaMelza
Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Dr. Theresa Curry
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction,
and Technology
Mr. Edward Escobar
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Mr. Raymond Gessner
Mr. Christopher Ruffini
Mr. Matthew Loew
Mr. David Steinberg

BOARD OF EDUCATION
Tracy Frankel - President
Rob Gershon - Vice President
Carol C. Cheng
Christopher DiFilippo
Susan Falkove
Andrew Feldman
Anna Levitan
Thomas Rotolo
Chris Ulrich

SYOSSET HIGH SCHOOL
Dr. Giovanni Durante
Principal

Assistant Principals
Shai Fisher
Administrative Assistant

CLICKABLE TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

SUBJECT AREAS
Art
Business Education
English/Communication Arts
Health
Human Ecology
Mathematics/Computer Science
Music
Physical Education
Science
Social Studies
Technology
Theatre Arts and Dance
World Languages

STUDENT SERVICES
Clubs/Groups
Guidance Department
Library Learning Commons
Special Education Department

Dear Students,

Welcome to what promises to be another outstanding year at Syosset High School. It is with great pleasure that I begin my twenty-seventh year of service and I look forward to meeting with all of you.

The start of a new school year brings many new and exciting opportunities. I encourage you to reflect upon your passions, and challenge yourself with our extensive academic course offerings. I would also like to invite you to become involved in some of the many extracurricular activities we have to offer, as I am sure that you will find them to be rewarding.

The administration, faculty, and staff at Syosset High School are true professionals who are dedicated to your success. They stand ready to assist you by providing a safe and caring learning environment for all.

This 9th grade orientation ebook will help you become familiar with general information that is essential as you embark on your journey at Syosset High School. I wish you much success and let’s make it a great year!

Sincerely, Giovanni Durante, Ed.D. Principal

ART DEPARTMENT

In the Syosset School District, we have found that participation in the arts offers our students an outlet for self-expression that can ignite a lifelong passion for creative endeavors.

The Art Department offers a full range of courses in every art medium to satisfy the needs and interests of every student. Facilities for specialized processes are available as well as for the conventional avenues of expression. Through the wide variety of courses, students have the opportunity to develop artistic skills, an understanding of art, sensitivity to design, and an appreciation for order and beauty.

Contact:
msalzman@syossetschools.org
(516) 364-5724

ART DEPARTMENT CURRICULUM GUIDE

TOUR OF THE HS ART DEPARTMENT

ART DEPARTMENT

WHICH COURSES MEET THE 1 CREDIT GRADUATION REQUIREMENT?
There is a graduation requirement of one credit in one of The Arts. To fulfill that requirement through the Art Department a student must take either Studio in Art for one credit, or any two of the following half credit courses: Foundations in Art I, Foundations in Art 2, Crafts, Computer Art, Digital Photography, Photo 1, or Art History. The half credit courses do not need to be taken in the same year. This same combination of courses is also one of the requirements for Graduation Honors in Art.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STUDIO IN ART AND FOUNDATIONS 1 AND 2?
The combination of Foundations in Art 1 and 2 (half credit each) are equal in content to Studio in Art (one full credit). Depending on their priorities, students may only be able to fit a half credit of art into their schedule at a given time. Studio in Art is an introductory course that will prepare students for many of our more advanced courses. In Foundations in Art 1, students will primarily create two-dimensional work and in Foundations in Art 2, students will focus on three-dimensional work. The Foundations courses can be taken in any order. The curricula of both Foundations courses are equal to the one Studio in Art course.

AM I ABLE TO TAKE BOTH MUSIC AND ART IN THE SAME YEAR?
Yes, and many students do. Creating a high school schedule is all about establishing priorities. Students often find that they cannot take everything they want to take, so they must prioritize. Taking a full-credit course in both music and art is difficult in 9th grade, but not impossible. It becomes easier as students move to higher grades. The Art Department offers many half-credit courses that are easier to combined with a full credit in music.

ARE THERE ANY COURSES WITH PREREQUISITES?
Yes, most of the more advanced art courses require skill sets that are established in previous courses. For example, Painting has a prerequisite of either Studio in Art or Foundations 1 and 2. The reason for this is that students will not only learn the basics of painting in the preliminary courses, but they will also develop a deep understanding for the elements of art and the principles of design which are necessary for success in the painting class.

ARE THERE ART CLUBS?
Yes, there are several art clubs. They include: Mural Club, Photo Club, Olympics of the Visual Arts, Yearbook Club, Stage Construction Club and National Art Honor Society.

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY?
National Art Honor Society is a recognized national honor society overseen by the National Art Education Association. Students in National Art Honor Society participate in school, local and global community service through the visual arts. Students must be enrolled in a visual arts art course each year of membership, and earn the yearly required points/credit towards annual induction and senior graduation cords.

BUSINESS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Contact:
shfisher@syossetschools.org
(516) 364-5680

The Syosset High School Business Department program of instruction is designed to offer students the opportunity to explore career options and develop computer skills. The Syosset High School business program is a “mini-university” where students may earn up to 33 college credits before graduating from high school. Business students are introduced to careers in law, management, marketing, real estate, finance and accounting. Successful real estate students will receive a certificate qualifying them to sit for the NYS Real Estate Sales Associate Licensing Examination. The social studies graduation economics requirement may be fulfilled by taking the College Business Economics course.

DECA, Investment Club and Young Entrepreneurs Club are our award-winning business clubs and students are encouraged to participate. Our Cooperative Work Experience and Internship programs offer students employment opportunities in school and within the local business community. Contact members of the business department, guidance counselors and/or the Career and Technical Education department administrator for additional information on this exciting group of electives.

All students interested in an Advanced Regents Diploma may choose to complete a five-unit sequence option in Business.

BUSINESS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CURRICULUM GUIDE