2021-2022 High School Course Catalog - Mount Vernon City School District - Mount Vernon City School ...
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Elizabeth Bancroft, DWSA-PVAM Chanel Baxter, DWSA-PVAM
Mount Vernon City School District
2021-2022
High School Course Catalog
Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
“Mission
It is the mission of the Mount Vernon City School District to create a
sense of urgency in partnership with members of its community in a
journey to restore, rebuild, and rebrand the District so that stakeholders
are partners in providing all students with an exceptional educational
experience.
Vision
Mount Vernon City School District (MVCSD) will be recognized as a
high-quality educational system where all students receive a rigorous
education, which prepares them to be model citizens equipped with the
necessary skills to compete in a global society.
”
Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
Mount Vernon City School District
Board of Education
Darcy Miller
President
Board Trustees
Brenda Crump
Micah J. B. McOwen
Warren Mitchell
Melissa Munoz Patterson
Jeffrey Redd
Adriane Saunders
Cynthia Turnquest
Wanda White
Maame Forson
Student Representative to the Board
Richard McCormack
Clerk to the Board
Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
We are living in the most challenging, unpredictable period of our lifetime. Yet, our responsibility
is unchanged. We must prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. Skills and proficiencies that students
will need are multifaceted and complex. Skills that are limited to reading and computation are not nearly
enough to ensure students' ability to earn a decent living and gain access to the resources necessary to
survive, thrive, maintain, and soar. In addition to their basic academic needs, students must also be able
to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, researchers, technologists, and most importantly, good citizens.
They must understand the vital role of citizens who embrace the power of their democracy and the U.S.
Constitution's fundamental principles. They must understand the value of every voice in our country and
the immeasurable value of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This Course Catalog is uniquely designed to address those principles. Upon completion of your high
school education, you will have everything you need to leave an indelible footprint in the sand of time as
we advance the agenda to stabilize the economy, the citizenry of the country, and the sustainability of our
community. You should choose your courses wisely. Choosing the right courses will help to ensure your
acceptance into college or entry into the workplace. This offering is more robust than ever before because
your needs are more demanding than ever before.
High school will go by quickly. This four-year course of study will be your guide to your future. It
is your blueprint. Carefully navigate your pathway. Push your Guidance Counselors to assist you and
counsel you on where you are headed and the best way to get there. But by no means should you be
discouraged from selecting your path, no matter how often or infrequent that path may be traveled. It is
yours, and you are in the driver's seat. Your future is in your hands. We have provided you the tools. It's
up to you to navigate your course. Buckle up for an amazing journey.
Mount Vernon has produced some of the best scholars in all walks of life. You are no different.
Every journey begins with the first step. In your hands is your navigational tool. Chart your path and move
ever forward.
Yours for the sake of all children,
Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton
Superintendent of Schools
______________________ Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog __________________
MOUNT VERNON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT CENTRAL OFFICE
ADMINISTRATORS
Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton………………………………………………………………………Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Jeff C. Gorman……………………………………………………………………Deputy Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Waveline Bennett-Conroy……………………………………...Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement
Mr. Ken Silver………………………………………………………………..Assistant Superintendent for Business
Ms. Marci Tiggs………………………………………………………...Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Dr. K. Veronica Smith………………………………..Associate Superintendent for Student Services/Guidance
Dr. Felicia Gaon………………………………………………………………………...Director of Student Services
Mrs. Rachel De Paul………………………………………………………..Assistant Director of Special Education
Dr. Jeanette Baubles……………………………………………………………………………Director of Education K-12
Dr. Marguerita G.Circello……………………Standards Administrator for Bilingual/ENL and World Languages
Dr. Evelyn Collins…………………………...Director of Arts/Gifted and Talented Education and DWSA Principal
Dr. Satish Jagnandan………………………………………………Standards Administrator for Mathematics/Science
Mr. Joseph McGrath…………………………………………………………...Standards Administrator for Technology
Dr. Gayle White-Wallace………………………………………………………………Director of Pre-Kindergarten
Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mount Vernon City School District High Schools
The Mount Vernon High School………………………………………………………………………………………...7
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy………………………………………………………………………………………8
Denzel Washington School of the Arts………………………………………………………………………………….9
Student Support Programs
English Language Learner Programs………………………………………………………………………………….10
Special Education Programs…………………………………………………………………………………………10-11
National Honor Society………………………………………………………………………………………………………12
NCAA: National Collegiate Athletic Association…………………………………………………………………………...13
Grading Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14-15
Grade Level Classification…………………………………………………………………………………………………...15
Grade Point Average and Class Rank……………………………………………………………………………………………...16
Course Weighting……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16
Honor Roll Criteria…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...16
Graduation Requirements……………………………………………………………………………………………………17
Types of Diplomas and Credentials………………………………………………………………………………………………17-20
Scheduling……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..21
Sample Schedules by Grade……………………………………………………………………………………………………….22-23
Graduation Requirement Worksheet………………………………………………………………………………………………24
List of Course Offerings………………………………………………………………………………………………………….25-28
Course Descriptions by Department
English Language Arts…………………………………………………………………………………………………29-31
English as a New Language……………………………………………………………………………………………………..32
Social Studies…………………………………………………………………………………………………………....33-37
Humanities Electives……………………………………………………………………………………………………38-44
Science…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...45-50
Mathematics…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….51-54
World Languages……………………………………………………………………………………………………….55-58
The Arts…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………59-65
Career and Technical Education………………………………………………………………………………………66-73
Physical Education and Health………………………………………………………………………………………...74-76
Glossary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..77-81
______________________ Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog __________________
The Mount Vernon High School
Principal - Dr. Ronald Gonzalez
100 California Road
Mount Vernon, NY 10552
914-665-5300
CEEB: 333260
The Mount Vernon High School is a modern, comprehensive four-year school with distinct Small Learning Communities, or
“Academies”, that represent the latest trends in innovation, college, careers, and all post-secondary endeavors. Each “Academy”
student population represents a variety of backgrounds in culture, education, occupation, and income. Our Academies guide
students through focused articulation plans in the fields of: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); History;
Language Acquisition and The Arts (Humanities); and Career and Technical Education and Workforce Readiness (CTE). Students,
teachers, and support staff are teamed within Academies to create holistic learning. All Academies are rich with teaching and
learning approaches such as AVID and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (as of September 2020). These
approaches engage learners to become self-sufficient thinkers who care for others, themselves, and the world.
Our vision is to inspire students, staff, parents/guardians, and the community to achieve a high level of self-respect and academic
success through perseverance. Our students will see school, hard work, and determination as a means to advancement in college,
careers, and a global society.
The Mount Vernon High School students participate in a number of extracurricular activities. These activities include: National
Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Model United Nations, Science Club, Photography Club, and
many more. In addition, The Mount Vernon High School has a nationally recognized athletic program, which offers a number of
Junior Varsity and Varsity sports.
Small Learning Communities “Academies”
Incoming freshmen are placed in the Ninth Grade Academy.
All students in grades 10-12 participate in one of three Small Learning Communities:
CTE: Career and Technical Education and Workforce Readiness
Humanities: History, Language Acquisition, and The Arts
STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
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Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy
Principal - Mrs. Sharon Bradley
350 Gramatan Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10552
914-665-5120
CEEB: 330073
The Mount Vernon STEAM Academy (MVSA) provides an interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic
concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in
context. This approach fosters connections among school, community, work, and the global society, enabling the development
of STEAM literacy as well as the ability to compete in our economy. The Mount Vernon STEAM Academy utilizes engaging
problem-based learning to integrate a transdisciplinary approach that supports all content areas inclusive of the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals. This brings a realness and relevance to our community.
Students at the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy will be interacting and learning with innovative and current 21st century
digital curricula and tools that will focus on the 4 C’s of Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. This
will occur across content areas to develop collective and personalized learning situations for solutions to global STEAM issues.
Moreover, a strong foundation in engineering will be set forth for students at MVSA. Project Lead the Way, a leader and
partner in engineering education, has several elective tracks that will be afforded to our students. During the 2021-2022 school
year, Introduction to Engineering, Principles of Engineering, and Principles of Biomedical Science will be student course options.
Additionally, several options will be available to students through partnerships and student club offerings. These will include,
but not be limited to, robotics, computer programming, coding, and maker-space opportunities.
In an effort to support students enrolled in rigorous higher-level courses, all students at the MVSA will participate in AVID
(Advancement Via Individual Determination). This will foster and promote college and career readiness.
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Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
Denzel Washington School of the Arts
Principal - Dr. Evelyn Collins
121 South 6th Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
914-358-2740
CEEB: 333267
Denzel Washington School of the Arts, formerly known as the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program (PVAM), was founded
in 2015 for children with a passion and talent for the performing and visual arts. Its enrollment includes grades 6-12. The students
audition in fifth grade (and other grades if seats are available) in one of the arts disciplines: including dance, visual arts, theatre, and
instrumental/vocal music. The program will celebrate its first graduating class in 2021. This theme-based performing and visual arts
secondary school is open to students residing in Mount Vernon. The mission of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts is to create
a focused and high performing culture that prepares students for success in college and conservatories by nurturing their passion and
interest in the arts through a rigorous curriculum that integrates a sequence in the arts. The Denzel Washington School of the Arts will
assist each student with discovering and nurturing his or her unique talent while utilizing an arts framework to support success in
academic classes. Students will transfer their creative skills to the classroom and build their cognitive framework and affect mindset to
become strong readers, mathematicians, thinkers, and learners.
Denzel Washington School of the Arts is an award-winning school having won awards in theatre (Metro Awards), orchestra (Grand
Prize – Orlando Music Festival), and numerous first place medals in the New York State School Music Association Festival
(NYSSMA). Theatrical productions have consistently made the front page of newspapers; students have performed with the Dance
Theatre of Harlem and the Harlem School of the Arts; and the visual art student artwork has been featured in national and local galleries.
Students also participate in three theatrical productions each year and are assessed in the arts via winter and spring showcases and arts
juries held twice a year. The school presented The Lion King, Jr. and had an audience of over 4,000 patrons throughout the run. All
students are provided the opportunity to participate in a number of other extracurricular activities including: National Junior Honor
Society, National Honor Society, Language Honor Society, Explorer’s Club, Yearbook, Robotics Team, Ethics Team, and the newly
added Boxing Club. In addition, the students also participate in Junior Varsity and Varsity sports with the Mount Vernon High School
sports program and in basketball (boys) and volleyball (girls) in the middle school division. Students study at Julliard, Fordham,
Columbia, Concordia Conservatory, and Monroe College.
Over 50 courses in a variety of areas are offered. An Honors Program is offered in English language arts and social studies in grades 9
and 10. Advanced Placement courses are offered in English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, United
States History, United States Government and Politics, World History, Calculus AB, Biology, Music Theory, 2-D Art Design, and
Spanish Language. The students follow a prescribed sequence in the arts beginning in sixth grade and continuing through twelfth grade.
The sequence in the arts adheres to the National Arts Standards. All academic classes incorporate an arts integration approach.
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Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
English Language Learner Programs
The goal of the Mount Vernon City School District English as a New Language (ENL) program is to equip English Language
Learners (ELLs) with the skills needed to succeed in the regular school program. The Mount Vernon City School District ENL
program of instruction is composed of two components: English language arts and a content area. Courses are offered as
standalone ENL where an elective credit is awarded upon passing each corresponding unit of study and as an integrated ENL
course in the core content areas (ELA, mathematics, science, and/or social studies). In these courses, core content area credit is
awarded upon passing each corresponding ENL unit of study. At the end of every school year, the NYSESLAT is administered by
a certified ENL teacher. The NYSESLAT is an assessment to ascertain how a student is progressing in English. NYSESLAT results
determine a student’s ENL placement/services for the following school year. English Language Learner services are delivered by
appropriately certified teachers.
Special Education Programs
ACADEMIC CAREER EXPLORATION (ACE)
These classes are designed for students with developmental disabilities (including autism) and require intensive instruction and
supervision. These classes will foster the development of skills and support for the individual student in the specialized areas of
communication, socialization, sensory-motor processing, behavior management, daily living skills, and academics. The Life
Skills program is designed for students who require an alternative to the traditional academic program in order to learn. The
curricula focus on functional academic skills, improving language, communication, social skills, and occupational awareness.
ACE will highlight the importance of exposing the students to work opportunities within the school and community.
To this end, Basic Skills and Safety Culinary (7017) will be offered at MVHS. This class will prepare teens to cook for
themselves, learn about nutrition, eat healthy, and learn about self-care. This is an opportunity for students to get excited about
cooking.
8:1:2 AND 12:1:2 SPECIAL CLASS INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM (ISP)
These classes serve students whose management needs are severe and chronic, which requires intensive and constant student
supervision. A significant degree of individualized attention, intervention, and intensive behavior management, as well as
additional adult support, are provided.
These classes are designed for students with academic difficulties and management needs who require a more restrictive
environment. The students receive all their academic instruction in the small class setting. Students are included with general
education students during special area classes such as art, music, and physical education. The student’s program includes
instruction aligned to New York State learning standards.
These students have academic and/or behavioral management needs that interfere with the instructional process - to the extent that
additional adult support is needed to engage these students in learning via specialized/specially designed instruction that can be
best accomplished in a self-contained setting.
15:1 SPECIAL CLASS
The maximum class size for those students whose special education needs consist primarily of the need for specialized instruction,
which can best be accomplished in a self-contained setting, shall not exceed 15 students. These self-contained classes provide
specialized instruction of the general curricula to students who require a small, highly structured learning environment.
Mainstreaming is available when educationally appropriate.
INTEGRATED CO-TEACHING CLASSROOM (ICT)
Students with disabilities who receive integrated co-teaching services (grades K, 7-12) are educated with age-appropriate peers
in the general education classroom. ICT provides students the opportunity to be educated alongside their non-disabled peers with
the support of a special education teacher to assist in adapting and modifying instruction.
Integrated co-teaching ensures that students master specific skills and concepts in the general education curricula and ensures that
their special education needs are being met, including meeting alternate curricula goals.
10Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
CONSULTANT TEACHER INDIRECT AND DIRECT SERVICES
Special education teachers work directly with students in the general education classroom (grades 1-6), within a small group,
to provide support in meeting the demands of the general education curricula. Special education teachers may also consult with
the mainstream staff to check on the carryover of skills learned in the small group setting. Additionally, the special education
teacher collaborates with general education teachers to provide strategies to adjust the learning environment and/or modify the
instructional methods and adapt instruction/materials to meet student needs.
RESOURCE ROOM
Resource room services provide direct academic instruction and compensatory strategies to support student progress within the
content areas. The purpose is to re-teach/reinforce concepts that are taught initially in the general education classrooms and
provide necessary remediation of skill deficits. This program provides the opportunity for students to receive instruction in general
education classes with non-disabled peers and learn in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Related services are available per IEP requirements.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPERVISORS
The Mount Vernon City School District has seven Special Education Supervisors. Special Education Supervisors are certified
administrators responsible for the organization and supervision of programs for students with disabilities, instructional support, and
the supervision of special education staff and service providers.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR SCHOOL(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR
Dr. Joyce Corpas Hamilton
Mandela
Rebecca Turner
Ms. Trinisa Learry The Mount Vernon High School
Sundown
Ms. Lorraine Monroe-Williams Benjamin Turner
Denzel Washington School of the Arts
Ms. Teresa Scott Columbus
Grimes
Holmes
Ms. Karalyne Sperling Edward Williams
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy
Pennington
Ms. Pamela Tumminello Graham
Lincoln
Parker
Traphagen
11Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization for high school students. The National Honor Society was
officially established in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). The purpose of this
organization is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop
character in the students of secondary schools.
Students who attend a Mount Vernon City School District high school who meet criteria and are inducted may become members
of National Honor Society.
Members of the sophomore and junior classes who have a cumulative Grade Point Average of 85 or higher and no failing quarter
grade in any course are invited to apply. Inducted students will have demonstrated good character, exemplary behavior, and well-
rounded documented service to school and community.
Qualifications for Inducted Members to Maintain Continued Membership in NHS
The student must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 85% or higher.
The student cannot have a failing final average in any subject.
The student must fulfill community service hours annually.
The student must attend regularly scheduled meetings.
The student must continue to show academic success, integrity, and character, and abstain from incidents of cheating,
plagiarism, misconduct, insubordination, fighting, suspensions, or intentional dishonesty.
If any of the above criteria are not met or maintained, a meeting will be held with the student and adviser(s), and probation and
possible exiting may ensue.
12Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
NCAA: NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION
Students who wish to compete and receive athletic scholarships during their first year at a Division I or II school must be
certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Initial eligibility standards help ensure that students are prepared to succeed
academically in their first year of college. The eligibility process also protects the fairness and integrity of college sports by
ensuring student-athletes are amateurs.
Academic Requirements
Core Courses Required for NCAA Certification
Content Area Division I Division II
English Language Arts 4 Years 3 Years
Mathematics (Algebra 1 or higher) 3 Years 2 Years
Natural/Physical Science (at least one year of lab science) 2 Years 2 Years
Social Science 2 Years 2 Years
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Natural/Physical 1 Year 3 Years
Science
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Natural/Physical 4 Years 4 Years
Science, Social Science, or World Language
Total Credits/Years: 16 16
Grade Point Average
The NCAA Eligibility Center calculates a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) based only on the grades earned in NCAA
approved core courses (See the above table.).
DI requires a minimum 2.3 GPA.
DII requires a minimum 2.2 GPA.
Not all Mount Vernon City School District courses are NCAA approved. Courses are approved on an ongoing basis. To find a current
list of Mount Vernon City School District NCAA approved courses, please access NCAA.org/courselist and enter your school’s
CEEB#.
The Mount Vernon High School CEEB# is 333260.
The Mount Vernon STEAM Academy CEEB# is 330073.
The Denzel Washington School of the Arts CEEB# is 333267.
Students who wish to compete and receive athletic scholarships during their first year at a Division I or II school should register with
the Eligibility Center at the end of grade 11. To register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, please access eligibilitycenter.org.
It is a student’s responsibility to inform his or her school counselor that he or she has registered with the NCAA.
TEST SCORES
Students may take the ACT or SAT as many times as they want before enrolling full-time in college. Students must list the
NCAA Eligibility Center (code 9999) as a score recipient when registering to take the ACT or SAT. If the ACT or SAT is taken
more than once, students are advised to send all scores, and the Eligibility Center will use the best scores from each test section
to create the student sum score. The Eligibility Center only accepts official scores from the ACT or SAT (as provided by College
Board).
SLIDING SCALE
Divisions I and II use sliding scales to match test scores and GPAs to determine eligibility. The sliding scale balances a
student’s test score with his or her GPA. If a student has a low test score, the student will need a higher GPA to be eligible. More
information about sliding scales can be accessed at ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/test-scores.
13Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
GRADING POLICY
Exams and Quizzes Including Midterm and Final Exams 30-50%
Overall testing will account for no less than 30% and not more than 50% of the student’s grade.
Projects, Literacy Tasks, Presentations, Portfolios, andLab Reports 20-30%
Teachers shall assign challenging projects, literacy tasks, presentations, portfolios, and lab reports for their students based on
their ability levels and the scope and sequence of the course. These shall be designed by the teacher to enhance students’ reading,
writing, listening, speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Homework 10%
Homework will be assigned on a constant and regular basis throughout each semester and will be collected and monitored by
teachers to objectively evaluate the student’s performance in this area.
Class Participation 20-30%
This component of each student’s grade is determined by the quality and frequency of each student’s performance in class
activities, including written assignments, oral recitations, and presentations, as well as participation in group and individual
activities, exercises, discussions, exit tickets, and projects in class. In this area, students shall be graded objectively on the
basis of their achievement level rather than in terms of their personality type. Sensitivity to those students whose cultural or
psychological background, learning disabilities, and/or limited familiarity with English inhibit their verbal participation in
classroom activities shall be taken into consideration in the determination of students’ performance in this area. Students’
participation in class activities must be evaluated and recorded by the teacher on an ongoing basis.
Each of the above four factors must be a component of the student’s grade. Students who have been absent from class for
verified, legitimate reasons (such as illness, court appearances, family emergencies, attendance at funerals, etc.) shall be given
a reasonable opportunity to make up missed work, including exams. It is the responsibility of the teacher, in consultation with
the department supervisor, to develop an appropriate vehicle and procedure for make-up work.
All teachers must maintain accurate written and/or digital records (e.g., Schoology, Gradebook) containing the grades for
exams, quizzes, projects, presentations, homework, etc., that contribute to the determination of each student’s final grade for the
marking period. Teachers will be prepared to substantiate a grade to a parent/guardian and administrator, if needed.
The school year shall consist of four quarterly reporting or marking periods. All marking periods will be averaged together to
obtain a final grade for the student.
Grading will be pass/fail for Plato Credit Recovery; Swimming will not be calculated in a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA).
Non-core courses may use a grading policy range, which is at the teacher’s discretion.
Midterm and Final Exams
Midterm and final exams are to be administered during class to maximize instructional time. Midterms will account for 20%
of the second marking period grade for full-year courses, and finals will account for 20% of the fourth marking period grade
for full-year courses. Midterms can be project-based.
For half-year courses, the midterm exam will be 10% of the first marking period of the course, and the final exam will be
10% of the second marking period of the course.
Regents Courses
Students are required to sit for the Regents exam in any course culminating in a Regents exam. A final exam can be waived in
lieu of the Regents exam.
14Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
GRADING COMPONENT PERCENTAGE
Exams and Quizzes Including Midterm and Final Exams 30-50%
Projects, Literacy Tasks, Presentations, Portfolios, and Lab Reports 20-30%
Homework 10%
Class Participation 20-30%
GRADE LEVEL CLASSIFICATION
Minimum Minimum
Number of Number of
To Be Promoted Credits Minimum Course Requirement Regents
Earned Passed
From To
Grade Grade
One (1) credit must be in
English Language Arts or Social
9 10 4.5 Studies 1
A minimum of one (1) credit in each of the core
content areas (English Language Arts,
10 11 10 Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and LOTE) 2
Eligible to be fully scheduled to meet NYSED
graduation requirements June of the current
11 12 16 school year 3
With administrative approval, school counselors may use their professional judgment and discretion when determining grade
placement for students enrolled in a New York State public school for the first time. Regents requirements for grade
classification may be waived for students who transfer to a Mount Vernon City School District high school after completion
of tenth grade from a non-New York State public school. All students must meet NYSED course and Regents exam requirements
as set forth by NYSED to graduate.
15Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
GRADE POINT AVERAGE AND CLASS RANK
Numeric marks are used. The minimum passing mark is 65. The marks NM (No Mark) and NC (No Credit) receive no credit.
The mark MD (Medical Excuse) is used in physical education and receives full credit. Advanced Placement and Honors
courses are weighted; all other courses receive a weight of 1.0. Weight is determined according to the level of difficulty of
the course.
COURSE WEIGHTING
(IB) International Baccalaureate HL Courses 1.10
(IB) International Baccalaureate SL Courses 1.05
(AP) Advanced Placement and SUPA Courses 1.10
(H) Honors Courses 1.05
It is the policy of the Mount Vernon Board of Education that the Mount Vernon City School District does not rank students.
HONOR ROLL CRITERIA
Principal’s Honor Roll Maintain an average of 95 or higher with no grade less than 70 on the report card.
High Honor Roll Maintain an average between 90-94.999 and no grade less than 70 on the report card.
Honor Roll Maintain an average between 85-89.999 and no grade less than 70 on the report card.
16Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
Graduation Requirements
Each of Mount Vernon City School District’s high schools offers an extensive, academically rigorous curricula aligned to New
York State learning standards. Offerings include: English language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, world languages,
visual and performing arts, health, physical education, and electives. In order to earn a New York State high school diploma, a
student must have a minimum of 22 high school credits and meet New York State testing requirements. As such, Mount Vernon
City School District high school students will be scheduled in accordance with the District’s established course progressions.
TYPES OF DIPLOMAS AND CREDENTIALS
Local Diploma
Regents Diploma
Regents Diploma with an Advanced Designation
SACC: Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential
CDOS: Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Local Diploma Regents Diploma
Regents Diploma with an Advanced
Required Courses
Designationa
Minimum Credits Required Minimum Credits Required
English Language Arts 4 4
Social Studies
Global History (2)
U.S. History (1)
Participation in Government (.5)/Economics (.5) 4 4
Mathematics 3 3
Science
Life Science (Living Environment) (1)a
Physical Setting Science (Earth Science,
Chemistry, and/or Physics) (1)
Life or Physical Science (1) 3 3
World Languages 1b 3c
d
Visual Art, Music, Dance, and/or Theatre 1 1
Health .5 .5
Physical Educatione 2 2
Sequence/Electives 3.5 1.5
Total Credits 22 22
a
All students in the Mount Vernon City School District take Living Environment in the 7th and 8th grades. Upon successful completion of the Living Environment course and
passing the Regents, students will earn one (1) high school credit.
b
Students are required to have completed two units of study in a world language by the end of their 9th grade year. Students may satisfy this requirement by completing two units
of world language in middle school and passing the world language proficiency (Checkpoint A) test. All students in the Mount Vernon City School District take Spanish in the
7th and 8th grades. Students with a disability may be excused from the LOTE requirement if so indicated on the IEP but must still earn 22 units of credit to graduate.
c
Students acquiring a five-unit sequence of credits in one of the following areas may be exempt from the world language requirement beyond one (1) credit: art, music, or Career
and Technical Education. Students with a disability, who are excused from the LOTE requirement per their IEP, need not complete a five-unit sequence in the arts or CTE in
order to meet the requirements for the Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.
d
Students attending Denzel Washington School of the Arts (DWSA) are required to earn four (4) credits in Visual Art, Music, Dance, and/or Theatre.
e
Participation in physical education is required each semester of a student’s enrollment in a New York State public high school.
17Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
TRADITIONAL REGENTS ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
CONTENT LOCAL/REGENTS DIPLOMA REGENTS DIPLOMA W/ADVANCED DESIGNATION
AREA
English
Language Arts English Language Arts English Language Arts
Social Studies Global History and Geography and
U.S. History and Government Global History and Geography and U.S.
Regents History and Government Regents
Mathematics One Commencement Level Math:
Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra
2 Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2
Science One Life Science Regents (Living Environment)
One Commencement Level Science: and one Physical Science Regents
Living Environment, Earth Science, (Earth Science, Chemistry, or
Chemistry, or Physics Physics)
World Students may satisfy this requirement
Languages by completing two units of world
language in grades 7 and 8 and passing
the World Language Proficiency Checkpoint B Examination or Five-Unit Sequence
Checkpoint A Examination (1 credit). in the Arts or CTE
Total Exams 5 8 or 9
18Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
DIPLOMA AND CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Diploma/
Population Credential Option Criteria
Type
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
Regents Meet traditional Regents assessment requirements: ELA, Global
All Students Diploma Traditional History, U.S. History, Mathematics (1), and Science (1)
Regents
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
Diploma with
Advanced Meet traditional Regents assessment requirements: ELA, Global History,
All Students Designation Traditional U.S. History, Mathematics (3), Science (2), and LOTE Checkpoint B exam
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
All students
can choose an Regents assessment requirements: ELA, Social Studies (1), Mathematics
alternate (1), Science (1), and one of the following:
pathway to
English assessment in a different course from approved NYS
meet the fifth
department alternative
assessment
requirement +1 Mathematics Regents exam or approved NYS department alternative
for diploma
+1 Science Regents exam or approved NYS department alternative
choice by
meeting +1 Social Studies Regents exam or approved NYS department
requirements alternative
for CDOS
CDOS Commencement Credential
or passing
an alternate CTE pathway assessment following completion of an approved CTE
All Students assessment Multiple Pathways program
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
Regents/
Regents with Meet traditional or multiple pathways assessment requirement with a
Advanced computed average score of 90 or better on assessments (no more than two
Designation Traditional and department approved alternatives may be substituted and will not count in the
All Students with Honors Multiple Pathways computed average)
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
Regents Four Regents exams with a score of 65+ and one exam with a score of 60-64
All Students Diploma Appeal and an appeal granted by the district
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
Three Regents exams with a score of 65+, two exams with a score of 60-64
All Students Local Diploma Appeal and two appeals granted by the district
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
English
Language Four Regents exams with a score of 65+, ELA exam with a score of 55-59
Learners Local Diploma Appeal and one appeal granted by the district
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
English
Language 3 Regents exams with a score of 65+, one exam with a score of 60-64, ELA
Learners Local Diploma Appeal exam with a score of 55-59, and two district granted appeals
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
Students with a
Disability Local Diploma Safety Net 55+ on all required traditional/multiple pathways exams
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
45-54 on any required traditional/multiple pathways exams except ELA and
Students with a Compensatory Mathematics can be compensated by a score of 65+ on another required exam
Disability Local Diploma Safety Net including ELA and Mathematics
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
Students with a Must have three Regents exams with 55+, up to two exams 52-54 and two
Disability Local Diploma Appeal appeals granted by the district
19Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
DIPLOMA AND CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS (Continued)
Diploma/
Population Credential Option Criteria
Type
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
ELA and Mathematics Regents exams 55+ or successfully appealed score of
52-54
Participated in other required exams, but has not passed one or more as
required for graduation
Demonstrated proficiency in the content area where student was not able to
pass an exam
Earned and passed all courses for graduation as required by local district
policy
Students with a Superintendent’s
Disability Local Diploma Determination For consideration, parents/guardians must submit a written request
Earn 22 credits and meet traditional credit distribution
Student did not meet Regents requirement through low pass (55-64) safety
net or the compensatory option
Student who was unable to achieve a minimum score of 55 or did not initiate
an appeal of a score between 52 and 54 on the English and/or Mathematics
Regents exams
Student has completed the requirements for the New York State Career
Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential
There must be evidence that the student participated in all Regents exams
required for graduation but has not passed one or more of these exams
There must be evidence that the student has otherwise demonstrated
graduation level proficiency in content area(s)
Students with a Superintendent’s For consideration, a parent/guardian must submit a written request
Disability Local Diploma Determination
Completes a career plan; demonstrates attainment of the commencement
level Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) learning
standards in the area of career exploration and development, integrated
learning, and universal foundation skills; satisfactorily completes the
All Students equivalent of two units of study (216 hours) in Career and Technical
Other Than Education coursework and work-based learning (including at least 54 hours
Those Who Career of work-based learning); and has at least one completed employability
Are Assessed Development profile; or
Using the and
Student meets criteria for a national work readiness credential
NYS Alternate Occupational
Assessment Studies NOTE: Credential is intended to be a supplement to a Local or Regents
(NYSSA) (CDOS) Diploma
Students
with Severe All students with severe disabilities who attend school for not less than 12
Disabilities years, excluding kindergarten, exit with this credential, which must be
That Are accompanied by documentation of the student’s skills and strengths and
Assessed levels of independence in academic, career development, and foundation
Using the Skills and skills needed for post school living, learning, and working.
NYSAA Achievement
20Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
SCHEDULING
High School Bell Schedule
The bell schedule at all three high schools consists of nine periods. All ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students are required to be
enrolled in seven instructional periods each semester, which must include English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science,
Mathematics, and Physical Education. Twelfth grade students are also expected to be enrolled in seven instructional periods, and
no less than five instructional periods plus Physical Education.
PERIOD START TIME END TIME
1 7:50 AM 8:33 AM
2 8:36 AM 9:19 AM
3 9:22 AM 10:05 AM
HOMEROOM 10:05 AM 10:13 AM
4 10:16 AM 10:59 AM
5 (Lunch) 11:02 AM 11:45 AM
6 (Lunch) 11:48 AM 12:31 PM
7 12:34 PM 1:17 PM
8 1:20 PM 2:03 PM
9 2:06 PM 2:49 PM
Selecting Courses
Graduation requirements represent the minimum number of courses needed to graduate.
Colleges expect students to take a rigorous program of study, expanding beyond the minimum requirements.
Mount Vernon City School District high school offerings include a number of electives in the humanities, STEM, Career and
Technical Education, and the performing and visual arts. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and challenge
themselves. Annually, students in grades 9-12 and their parents/guardians are invited to discuss their interests, course selections,
and post-secondary planning with their school counselor.
Adding/Dropping a Course
Once the school term has begun, it is imperative that students are in class and engaged in the learning process. Therefore,
students are encouraged to give careful consideration before they register for a class.
Effective September 2009, students have the first seven (7) school days of any course in which to attempt to drop or add courses
to their schedule. Schedule changes after the seven-day deadline will only be made with approval from the guidance department
administrator. Student-initiated schedule changes will be restricted to those related to improper academic placement or previous
course failures that result in the student not meeting the prerequisite for graduation.
After the add/drop deadline has passed, it may be necessary for the guidance office to make a schedule change including, but
not limited to, the following reasons: academic misplacement, change in IEP, teacher recommendation, a technical error in the
scheduling process, a change in the master schedule, or adjustment for balancing classes.
21Mount Vernon City School District 2021-2022 High School Course Catalog
DUAL CREDIT FOR COLLEGE COURSES
Students who wish to enroll in college level coursework shall meet all academic, grade level, and coursework requirements as set
forth by administrative guidelines. Students who have demonstrated intellectual and social maturity may choose to matriculate at
any one (1) of the colleges that have a cooperative agreement with our school District. Such opportunities may include early
admission to college, collegiate level work offered in the high school, or other means of providing advanced work. Review and
approval by the administration are necessary before any college courses may be taken during the school day. The Board of Education
shall not be required to pay tuition and other related costs for those high school students enrolled in college courses.
Sample Schedules by Grade
9th GRADE
PERIOD COURSE
1 English 1
2 Global History and Geography 1
3 Living Environment®
4 Science Lab/Physical Education (alternating days)
5 Algebra 1®
6 Transitional Math
7 Lunch
8 Spanish 2, French 2, Mandarin Chinese 1, or Italian 1
9 Career Reading and Writing, AVID, or Fine Arts
10th GRADE
PERIOD COURSE
1 English 2
2 Global History and Geography 2®
3 Chemistry®
4 Science Lab/Physical Education (alternating days)
5 Geometry
6 Lunch
7 Spanish 3 or French 3
8 Career Reading and Writing, AVID, Fine Arts, CTE, or
Elective
9 Health/Elective (alternating days)
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