Learn More about Your Freshman Elective and World Language Opportunities!
We are already building your schedule for freshman year! Freshmen have an option of choosing an elective course as well as a World Language. Scroll down to learn more about the elective opportunities and World Language options available to you for your freshman year.

Our New Student Website will launch on March 22 and will include a form to record your elective and World Language selections. Each student will receive a tentative course listing at Orientation on May 12.

Freshman Electives
Freshmen can choose one of four elective options:
  1. IDEA (.5) and Health & Wellness (.5)
  2. Band (1.0)
  3. Percussion Ensemble (1.0)
  4. Concert Choir (1.0)
Please review the details for each option below! You will be able to make an elective selection beginning on March 22.
Option 1
IDEA (.5 Credits) and Health & Wellness (.5 Credits)
IDEA (Innovation, Design, Engineering, Application)

Academic Level: CP

Credits: 0.5, half-year

Notes to Consider: Students may elect to take this course during the summer. Once summer credit is earned, students will receive a study hall in place of the course during one semester of freshman year. Please note that the summer course is a two-week intensive program that requires a high level of motivation. (Summer course dates will be announced March 17).

Course Description:
This course introduces freshmen students to technology-centered, hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Through assorted projects, students will gain the software and technical skills necessary for success in high school, college and beyond. Students will have repeated opportunities to use design mindset, learn collaboratively, practice task-management, and cultivate teamwork, communication, and critical-thinking skills.
Introduction to Health and Wellness

Academic Level: CP

Credits: 0.5, half-year

*Notes to Consider: Students may select a Health & Wellness Course focus including: Team Sports, Introduction to Weightlifting, or Personal Health & Wellness. Students will have the option to rank their H&W focus on the elective selection form.

Course Description: The overall goal of the Health and Wellness curriculum is to introduce St Joseph’s incoming freshmen into the basics of health, fitness, nutrition and creating healthy lifestyles using the SJHS gymnasium, fields, and the Health and Wellness Center. At the conclusion of this course students will be able to navigate the Wellness Center, understand the basics of nutrition, weight management, proper hygiene essentials and how to develop a personalized plan to create “fitness for life.” This course will introduce students to the Plt4m digital application which will track student progress as they are introduced to weightlifting and basic athletic development.
*Health & Wellness Course Focus
Students may select a Health & Wellness Course focus including: Team Sports, Introduction to Weightlifting, or Personal Health & Wellness. Students will have the option to rank their H&W focus on the elective selection form.

Team Sports: This traditional physical education course will provide freshman with the opportunity to learn how to work together as a team in group activities. Students will participate in activities such as volleyball, basketball, kickball, tennis, racquetball and more for their physical education requirement. Note: this is NOT participation in a SJHS athletic team this is purely physical education based.

Personal Health and Fitness: Students will learn about the latest trends in health, nutrition, physical activity and wellness. All areas of wellness will be discussed and how to implement these practices into everyday life. This is a physical activity course where exercise practice in the Health and Wellness Center will be performed.

Introduction to Weightlifting: This course will be a full lab based class where students will learn the basics of Olympic Weightlifting. The course will cover the history of Olympic lifting, how to perform the snatch, clean and jerk and provide opportunities to compete at the end of the semester (schedule dependent).
Option 2
Concert Band (1.0 Credit)
Concert Band

Academic Level: CP

Credits: 1 Credit, full year

Notes to Consider: Students must have prior instrumental experience and an understanding of sheet music.

Course Description: Concert Band provides students the opportunity to develop their musical and spiritual potential with an emphasis on fulfilling musical objectives. Students engage in activities designed to give them a thorough grounding in instrumental playing and musical literacy, instrumental technique, performance practice and sight-reading. The band performs at St Joseph High School events. Concert Band requires attendance at two after school dress rehearsals for winter and spring performances. 
Option 3
Percussion Ensemble (1.0 Credit)
Percussion Ensemble

Academic Level: CP

Credits: 1 Credit, full year

Notes to Consider: This course's capacity is 10 students. A brief meeting with Mr Miller, SJHS Music Director is needed prior to the 2021-22 year to assess knowledge and skill is required. We will contact you to schedule this meeting.

Course Description: Percussion Ensemble is a course for students with prior knowledge of Snare Drum, Keyboard Fundamentals, and Drum Set. This course builds upon prior knowledge of the “family” of percussion instruments and treats it as its own ensemble. Students in this course will participate throughout the year, performing in Steel Pan Band, Contemporary Percussion Ensemble, and with school bands and choirs as appropriate. Additionally, students will work through a comprehensive series of textbooks specific to percussionists. Members of the class are highly encouraged to prepare an audition to participate in the Connecticut Western Regional Band, Orchestra, or Jazz Band.
Option 4
Concert Choir (1.0 Credit)
Concert Choir

Academic Level: CP

Credits: 1 Credit, full year

Notes to Consider: Concert Choir requires attendance at all after school rehearsals and two performances per year.

Course Description: The Concert Choir ensemble is for the student with a love of singing, no previous vocal training required. Students work on sacred and secular choral literature while studying music notation, sight singing, music vocabulary and vocal technique. In addition to ensemble rehearsal, students receive bi-weekly small group lessons for instruction designed to address individual student needs. Concert Choir requires attendance at all after school rehearsals and performances.
Freshman World Language Options
& Placement Exams
Review World Languages and (Optional) World Language Placement Exam

St Joseph High School offers four World Languages:
  • French
  • Italian
  • Mandarin
  • Spanish

Students may begin in level one of a new or continued language, or opt to take a World Language placement exam to test into Level 2 for freshman year. World Language placement exams are not mandatory. Students who have taken a full year or more of world language instruction are eligible to take this exam. Exams are available for French, Italian, Mandarin and Spanish.

If your student chooses not to take an exam, he or she will be placed in Level 1 World Language. These exams are administered on June 10 or June 12 to students who wish to opt-in. Taking an exam will allow a student to be considered for world language placement (higher than level 1). All students will be notified of their placement by the first week of July.
 
World Language Placement Schedule:
  • Thursday, June 10, 2020 at 3:30pm
  • Saturday, June 12, 2020 at 9:30am

When the New Student Website launches on March 22, you will have the option to choose a World Language and register for a placement exam if you choose to take one.
Academic Resources
Review the SJHS Curriculum Sequence, Program of Studies and Academic Departments online! We look forward to discussing freshman courses, electives and World Languages in more detail at our Class of 2025 Parent Meeting on March 24!
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