Class of 2025

Q. I was placed into the Biology 400 course for freshman year.&nbsp;Do I have to sign up for the course? No, this is only a placement recommendation.&nbsp;If placed in Biology 400, you may choose to take either 300 or 400 based on your personal preference, interest or need to balance your schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp; Q. I was placed into the Biology 400 course and am not sure it's for me.&nbsp;How do I know? This is a great question.&nbsp;If you are passionate about science, are able to manage your time and work independently then you may be a great candidate for Biology 400.&nbsp;&nbsp; Q.&nbsp;I was placed into the Biology 300 course for freshman year but am interested in taking Biology 400.&nbsp;Is there anything I can do? It is important to note these are initial placements based on 1st semester grades in your Math and Science classes, as well as your DRP Score.&nbsp;The DHS Science department will make final placements after the close of your yearly grades.&nbsp;If interested in meeting the requirement for Biology 400, you may improve your grade(s) to meet these grade requirements.

Can I play a sport if I am in a music ensemble? Yes!&nbsp;Band, Orchestra and Chorus members participate in many varsity sports and activities outside the music department.&nbsp;We think it is important for students to have opportunities in both music and athletics, and we work with students and coaches to make sure students can participate in both without conflicts. Do Darien Music Ensembles travel? Yes!&nbsp;Students in music ensembles will have the opportunity to travel and perform outside of Darien.&nbsp;Our music ensembles have performed in places like Carnegie Hall, Disneyworld, New Orleans, Hawaii, Bermuda and Italy.&nbsp;These travel opportunities are ways to enhance the experience of performing in the ensemble and will create life-long memories!

English Department Vision Statement “We, the members of the DPS 6-12 English Department, are dedicated to promoting independent, curious, and critical thinkers who read, write, speak, and listen in a way that demonstrates an understanding of and appreciation for a variety of classic and contemporary literature and the power of language. We seek to develop--in all of our students--empathy, intellectual courage, and the ability to navigate the complexities of the world around us.”

Francis Janosco Chair, 6-12 English FJanosco@darienps.org x2203 Instagram: @dpsk12ela

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/dps-english-6-12/home?authuser=1">6-12 English Website</a>

<a href="https://www.nehs.us/">National English Honor Society</a>

Each family of an 8th grade student with an IEP will be invited to an articulation PPT in the early Spring. Both MMS and DHS staff will attend to develop the high school program and goals and objectives.

Cristina Bras Taylor Chair, Special Education CBrasTaylor@darienps.org x2285

Questions? For questions regarding placement or course content, please contact your MMS subject area teacher or the Department Chair. For any other questions about DHS, please contact Meghan Emanuelson, Director of Guidance for grades 6-12. Students are welcome to email us directly!

1. English 2. Biology 3. Math 4. Western Civilization 5. Bio lab/PE/Health 6. Elective or World Language 7. Elective 8. Study Hall

Colleen Thompson Director of Music, K-12 CThompson@darienps.org x2329

Welcome to Darien High School!&nbsp;We hope you will consider joining our award-winning music department.&nbsp;About 25% of the students at Darien High School take a class in the music department.&nbsp;There are lifelong musical, academic and social benefits for students who participate in music and the performing arts!&nbsp; The music classes available to 9th graders are: Full year: Concert Band Concert Choir Concert Orchestra Percussion Ensemble - *all 8th grade percussionists should register for percussion ensemble Half year: Music Technology&nbsp; Music Theory

Christina Mauricio Chair, 6-12 World Language CMauricio@darienps.org x2344

Our Vision for Language Learning K-12 We believe that proficiency in more than one language is essential to function in a global society. By integrating language and culture, the K-12 World Language Department of the Darien Public Schools seeks to broaden students’ communication skills, while fostering inquisitiveness and respect for other cultures. We believe in the dynamic development of communication and language skills, empowering students to take risks using the target language, with the ultimate goal of preparing them to collaborate, problem-solve, and engage as thoughtful citizens with people around the world.

Mr. Mark Mazzone, Asst Principal

Mr. Paul Ribeiro, Asst Principal

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/6-12-dps-science-site/home?authuser=0">6-12 Science Curriculum</a>

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/6-12-dps-science-site/placement-process?authuser=0">Placement Process</a>

Christian Dockum Chair, 6-12 Science CDockum@darienps.org x2349

Possible Course Sequence Options at Darien High School.pdf

What is a Learning Center? A Learning Center is similar to Resource Room at MMS. It is taught by a Special Education teacher, earns credit, and appears on a transcript. How many times will I have Learning Center or other related services? This is determined by the PPT team. Often, 9th graders have Learning Center every day. What kinds of supports are available in my classes? We offer a variety of supports in both Special Education (co-taught and comprehensive) and general education. Who will be my point person at the high school? Each student with an IEP is assigned a case manager who will provide support as you transition and in your classes as well as helping you make progress on your goals.

English Curriculum

Drama 1 & 2 

Intro to Media Studies 

NEHS Writing Center

Each student takes Guidance Seminar for one quarter each year. Seminar is taught by the School Counselors and students are scheduled into these small groups with their own counselors, whenever possible. Ninth grade Seminar meets once/cycle during Quarter 2 during a student's study hall for a total of 5 sessions. Attendance is mandatory but it is not graded, nor does it appear on a transcript. During Seminar classes, 9th graders will explore a variety of topics designed to aid in their transition to high school including the following: Advice from Seniors, Exploring Naviance, Accessing resources at DHS, What is a credit and transcript?, 4 year planning and course selection, and more.

DHS is proud to offer more than 60 clubs and activities. MOST of these clubs were founded by students with an interest, hobby, or passion. We invite you to consider starting a club if you have an interest that is not already represented by one of our clubs. More information on how to start a club can be found <a href="https://hs.darienps.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=419735&amp;type=d">here</a>. In a typical year, we have a Clubs and Activities Fair in September where students can learn more about what each club does. This year, due to Covid, we created a virtual club fair which you can access <a href="https://hs.darienps.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=419735&amp;type=d">here</a> with your DPS email. While in-person club meetings, for the most part, have not been possible this year, our club leaders and faculty advisors have done a wonderful job of arranging virtual club meetings to keep the fun going! We strongly encourage you to review the wide array of offerings and think about what you may like to become involved with. The more involved you are in high school, the more rewarding your time here will be. If you need any help connecting to these clubs and organizations in the Fall, please reach out to your DHS School Counselor.

The History Department strives to: * develop citizens who are: active, capable, informed, knowledgeable of history, knowledgeable about the institutions and processes that impact their lives, good decision makers *go beyond rote memorization to understand the why and how of a topic *explore the significance of past events *see connections to our world today

Required History Courses: 3 .5 credits are required (Humanities credit) 9th Grade - Western Civilization 10th Grade - World Studies (Honors World Studies Option) 11th Grade - American History (AP US History Option) 12 Grade - Law and Government (AP Law and Gov Option)

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/6-12socialstudiesdepartment/home/curriculum-at-a-glance">Core Curriculum At a Glance</a>

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/6-12socialstudiesdepartment/home/honors-ap-placement-process">Honors/AP information</a>

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/6-12socialstudiesdepartment/home">6-12 History/SS Homepage</a>

Art English History Math Music PE/Health Science Special Education Tech Ed, Business, Computers, Engineering World Language Athletics Clubs &amp; Activities Contact Information

Dear DHS Class of 2025, Welcome to our DHS family! Bring your creativity, your enthusiasm, your wonder, your intellect and your heart and make DHS an even better place. We can’t wait to see what you will contribute and who you will become!

If I take Band, Orchestra or Chorus, can I take other electives? Yes, the students currently enrolled in music ensembles are taking electives in all other areas including art, drama, video, business courses, and other AP academic courses. Can I participate in both an instrumental and choral ensemble? Yes! Concert Band, Chorus and Orchestra meet at the same time. With permission of the directors, motivated students can alternate between an instrumental and choral ensemble to participate in both during the school day. There are also opportunities to participate in additional ensembles outside of school. Are there any outside of school commitments for Band, Orchestra or Chorus? There are 2-3 required evening concerts for each ensemble.&nbsp;Band members have the option of performing with the Blue Wave Band for Saturday afternoon home football games and performing in the Memorial Day Parade.

DHS Club & Activity Directory 20-21.pdf

Welcome to the History Dept from Mr. Keeler

Essential Skills Developed in Western Civ:&nbsp; Read analytically and critically Write effectively Research effectively Study effectively Raise questions and challenge ideas Synthesize ideas and make connections Communicate effectively Work collaboratively Think creatively and originally

Keith Keeler Chair, 6-12 History/Social Studies KKeeler@darienps.org x2262

Semester 1: Greece, Rome, Middle Ages, Renaissance Semester 2: Reformation, Absolutism, Revolutions, Industrialization, WWI, WWII Study through multiple historical lenses like: political, economic, social, intellectual, religious, military See relevance and connection to the United States and our world today

The Visual Arts Program of the Darien Public Schools provides students with the opportunity to express their unique individual ideas, feelings, and perceptions through instruction in the visual language of art. The Visual Arts Curriculum is based on both the State of Connecticut Visual Arts Standards and the National Visual Arts Standards, yet stresses the creative, “hands-on” personal experience inherent in self-expression. This is essential to our students’ experience, and is combined with aesthetics, art history, and assessment which serve to enhance, but not replace the creative production of art.

Jaclyn Sammis K-12 Art Coordinator JSammis@darienps.org x2310 Instagram:@dhs_art_dept

Art Sequence 2021.pdf

Welcome to the DHS Math Dept from Dr. Bellows

Dr. Felicia Bellows Chair, 6-12 Math FBellows@darienps.org x2207

Course Selection Timeline for the Class of 2025

Week of February 8th - Students input electives in Aspen (during class time) with assistance from 8th grade counselors and Director of Guidance February 12 - Aspen portal opens for parents to view placements and elective selections February 26 - Deadline to complete Google form requesting LEVEL DOWN changes or world language changes

Band 

Choir

Orchestra - Ms. Minnis

At DHS, students can continue the study of French or Spanish or begin to study Mandarin or Latin

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/dpswl612parents/courses-placement/placement-prerequisites">Placement and Pre-reqs</a>

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/dpswl612parents/courses-placement/course-sequence?authuser=0">Course Sequence</a>

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/dpswl612parents/courses-placement/curricula-at-a-glance?authuser=0">Curricula At A Glance</a>

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/dpswl612parents/honor-societies?authuser=0">Honor Societies</a>

<a href="https://sites.google.com/darienps.org/dpswl612parents/the-seal-of-biliteracy?authuser=0">Seal of Biliteracy</a>

Welcome to the Art Department from Mrs. Sammis

Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2025

9 credits in Humanities 9 credits in STEM 1 credit in World Language 1 credit in PE &amp; Wellness 1 credit in Health &amp; Safety 1 credit Performance Based Mastery Assessment 3 credits in Electives _____ 25 Credits total Please click <a href="https://hs.darienps.org/ourpages/auto/2019/4/2/53141096/Graduation%20Requirements%20Beginning%20with%20Class%20of%202023.pdf">here</a> to review the graduation requirements for the Class of 2025

Science border

Our Health classes are organized by grade level and every student takes Health each year. The Class of 2025 is required to take 1 full credit of Health to graduate (earning .25 each year).

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Technology Education, Business, Computers, and Engineering

Business Education Investing &amp; Personal Finance Pre-Law Business and Entrepreneurship Marketing Essentials

Technology Education Applications of Physics and Chem Architecture 1 and 2 Woodworking 1 and 2 DIY (Do It Yourself) Electronics Drafting (CADD) Fundamentals of Engineering&nbsp; Principles of Engineering (POE) Independent Projects in Engineering (IPIE)

Greg Darin 6-12 Coordinator GDarin@darienps.org x2292

Computer Science Computer Science AP Computer Science&nbsp; AP Computer Science Principles Computer Animation, Computer Applications Advanced Programming Web Design 1 and 2

Mrs. Hyatt Admin Asst

Ms. Emanuelson Director of Guidance

Each student at DHS is assigned to an Advisory and paired with a Faculty Advisor at the start of high school. This group is unique because it is one of the things that does not change in 4 years. Advisory takes place once/cycle. Advisory activities are developmentally relevant and may include an episode of Blue Wave News, a Community Council update, and other school wide initiatives. In 9th grade, in addition to a Faculty Advisor, each Advisory is co-led by 2-3 Senior Blue Wave Anchors. These are Senior leaders who have been trained to assist Freshmen with acclimating to DHS and serve as an excellent resource on how to have a wonderful transition.

Q.&nbsp;I was placed in Biology 400 and then my science and/or math grades slipped during the second semester of 8th and now I do not meet the requirements for Biology 400.&nbsp;What happens to this placement?&nbsp;As mentioned above, these are initial placements based on 1st semester grades.&nbsp;If you no longer meet the grade requirements for Biology 400 at the end of the year you will be placed in Biology 300 for next year. Q.&nbsp;If I take Biology 300 as a freshman does that mean I won’t be able to take any AP or Honors Science classes while at DHS? Absolutely not.&nbsp;It is important to note that students not recommended for Biology Honors (400) in 9th grade will have many opportunities for advanced work (both Honors and AP)&nbsp;in science classes in the future. Future consideration for advanced classes are earned primarily through student achievement and teacher recommendations as well as other measures of readiness and growth. Q.&nbsp;Can I just try Biology 400 and then switch to Biology 300 if it is too hard?&nbsp;Or&nbsp;vise versa? No,&nbsp;the goal of our placement process is to match students to the course in which they will experience the most appropriate degree of challenge.&nbsp;While switching from one to another is not unheard of, it often creates impacts on other classes in your schedule including both core classes and electives.

In 2020/2021, Darien will field 66 athletic teams in twenty-five different sports. The program features 34 Varsity, 21 Junior Varsity and 11 Freshman teams. Blue Wave athletes come in all shapes, sizes and abilities.&nbsp; Fall sports include football, soccer and cross country for boys; cheerleading, field hockey, soccer, cross country, volleyball, and swimming for girls. The winter sports are basketball, indoor track, swimming, wrestling, ice hockey, skiing and squash for boys; basketball, cheerleading, indoor track, skiing, ice hockey, gymnastics and squash for girls. Spring sports include baseball, track, tennis, golf, sailing, lacrosse, rugby and volleyball for boys; softball, track, tennis, sailing, golf and lacrosse for girls. Fees –please note there are currently sports fees associated with ice hockey, squash, skiing and sailing.

Welcome to Technology Education, Business, Computers, &amp; Engineering!

Technology Education, Business, and Engineering

Welcome to the DHS Science Dept - Mr. Dockum

        Welcome to 300 Bio from Mr. Evans

Welcome to 400 Bio from Mrs. Keeler, Ms. Golden, and Mr. Alfano

All students at DHS take PE and Health every semester for all 4 years.  Currently, PE and Health meet roughly every other day in a student's schedule.  In PE, you will rotate through a variety of different sports and activities.  In a typical year, students are expected to change for PE.  This policy may be adapted depending on any COVID restrictions in the Fall. 

Contact Information for Department Chairs &amp; Coordinators Art - Jaclyn Sammis - JSammis@darienps.org ; x 2310 English - Francis Janosco - FJanosco@darienps.org ; x 2203 History - Keith Keeler - KKeeler@darienps.org ; x2262 Math - Dr. Felicia Bellows - FBellows@darienps.org ; x 2207 Music - Colleen Thompson - CThompson@darienps.org ; x 2329 Science - Christian Dockum - CDockum@darienps.org ; x 2349 Special Education - Cristina Bras Taylor - CBrasTaylor@darienps.org; x2285 Tech Ed - Greg Darin - GDarin@darienps.org ; x 2292 World Language - Christina Mauricio - CMauricio@darienps.org ; x 2344 Director of Guidance - Meghan Emanuelson -MEmanuelson@darienps.org ; x2306

<a href="https://hs.darienps.org/apps/cross.jsp?wREC_ID=5502&amp;crossPath=/apps/pages/index.jsp%3FuREC_ID%3D398943%26type%3Dd">DHS Athletics Homepage</a>

BWP! (Blue Wave Pride)

<a href="https://www.darienps.org/pdfs/athletics/2020-21_DHS_Head_Coach_Contact_List.pdf">Coach Contact List</a>

<a href="https://hs.darienps.org/apps/cross.jsp?wREC_ID=5502&amp;crossPath=/apps/pages/index.jsp%3FuREC_ID%3D398943%26type%3Dd%26termREC_ID%3D%26pREC_ID%3D740962">Team Websites</a>

Chris Manfredonia DHS Athletic Director CManfredonia@darienps.org x2263

WELCOME to Darien High School, Class of '25! We can't wait to meet you!

Who should I contact if I have concerns about my child's placement? You can reach out to the MMS Subject area teacher and the Department Chair. My child has been recommended for an Accelerated or Honors class and I would prefer they take the 300 level OR my child would like to change world languages. What should I do? Please complete the Google form linked <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSez9OXAYD_yFwjYMrz_9L7dB6JnlKRBHMEqw5QSOT6-OscdBQ/viewform?usp=sf_link">HERE</a>. The form will open on February 12th and the deadline to complete it is February 26th. If my child was not recommended for Honors or Accelerated and I would like them to be, can the placement be reconsidered? Potentially. Please reach out to the Dept Chair to express your child's interest. Their S2 performance will be reviewed at the end of the year. Is it possible that my child's placement in Accelerated or Honors could change based on S2? Yes. We will review all placements at the end of the year. If the S2 performance causes concern about a student's ability to be successful in a higher level course, the Dept Chair will reach out to you.

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