Leaders are made, not born. Grounded in this essential understanding, in this course, we will fuse leadership theory, leadership skills and leadership-in-action to offer a meaningful investigation and rigorous pursuit of leadership. You will analyze the actions of famous leaders, debate characteristics of effective leadership and strengthen habits of leadership in your own life. Applying critical thinking and creativity, you will engage in a series of authentic, collaborative projects, providing opportunities to practice leadership skills and shape your personal leadership philosophy. Through action and reflection, this course is intended to get you to think about the qualities of leadership in new ways, develop a fuller appreciation of your talents as a leader and harness your leadership capabilities to positively impact our school and community.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) courses encourage students to pursue college readiness (and eventual enrollment). Typically, the courses offer activities that enable students to learn organizational and study skills, enhance their critical thinking skills, receive academic assistance as necessary, and be motivated to aspire to college education. Student application and acceptance is required to enroll in AVID program.

MTSS Study Hall is a structured study hall with a low student to teacher ratio designed to increase student success. MTSS Study Hall aims to improve organization skills, study skills, self-advocacy skills, responsibility, and independence. Students are assisted in developing skills through monitoring organizational systems, weekly grade and assignment checks, assistance in advocating for needs and accessing accommodations, and meeting expectations to use work time appropriately.

Are you interested in how diverse students learn? This class is a study of the characteristics of the exceptional student which includes gifted and talented, culturally diverse, and those with learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities. Students will learn techniques to use to differentiate lessons for a variety of learners. Students will also learn skills needed to be a paraprofessional. (Optional dual credit – VCSU 240)

This class is designed for general education student interested in developing leadership skills and learning about students with disabilities. The students work together in an integrated, positive fashion, to promote socialization, independence, and strong friendship bonds that last throughout high school and beyond. It will give students the ability to expose students to new social opportunities and expand their support network. (Optional Dual Credit through VSCU – Educating the Exceptional Student and could also go on to complete training toward an Applied Behavior Analysis, which could lead to industry certification.)

The STEM Capstone Project is an experience in which senior students demonstrate mastery of STEM competencies and interdisciplinary content through an interdisciplinary project or internship. This culminating project reflects individual or group commitment to a shared purpose and outcome. Students are challenged by mentors and teachers serving as facilitators of learning to apply the Engineering Design Process in real world contexts. Students focus on solving real world problems utilizing prior knowledge and skills to advance their current state while generating enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Each student is expected to develop and publish artifacts and reflections that demonstrate educational and personal growth. This course is open to all students with priority given to STEM Pathway students, the cap for this class is 25.