This year's ninth grade students at Berkeley High School are in the first class of the new "Universal 9th Grade." Rather than beginning freshman year entering one of the high school's small learning communities, 9th grade students are now grouped into seven houses, which are being called HIVES. On average, there are 120 students in each hive who share four core teachers for math, English, social studies, and physics.
With the goal of
promoting relationship building and
instilling core values in the 9th grade community of students and faculty, each of the seven hives has been named after one of the seven core values that the U9 is rooted in. In the first weeks of school, students have been engaging in lessons related to the core values; all of the values are being integrated into the daily classroom practices of each hive.
Berkeley High School Universal 9th Grade Core Values 2018-2019
Hive 1: Growth
Commit to personal and academic growth through authentic learning.
Hive 2: Integrity
Tell the truth and keep your word; Demonstrate the courage to be your most ethical and most authentic self.
Hive 3: Voice
Present convictions with consideration of your impact; Listen with an open mind and resolve conflict peacefully.