The Freshmen Experience
Daniel Hand High School
http://www.danielhand.org
Mission Statement
Our primary purpose is to graduate successful life-long learners who are responsible citizens in the global community. Daniel Hand High School students, in collaboration with educators, parents, and the Madison community, will develop as motivated, self-reliant, creative, and ethical individuals who respect differences in others.
The Daniel Hand High School graduate:
- Demonstrates proficiency and fluency in communication to meet the literacy demands of the global community.
- Uses technology effectively and responsibly.
- Applies effective and efficient strategies for gathering information and materials, thinking critically and solving problems.
- Demonstrates respect for oneself, and strives to contribute to the success of others.
21st Century Skills
Our Mission Statement and Student Expectations are aligned with 21st Century Skills and the Board of Education’s Strategic Plan, Goals, and Objectives. Students should be provided with opportunities for learning that are contextual/authentic. The ultimate goal is that every student in the Madison Public Schools will graduate as:
- A critical thinker
- A problem solver
- An innovator & creative thinker
- An effective communicator
- A self-directed learner
- An effective collaborator
- Information and media literate
- Globally aware
- Civically engaged
- Financially and economically literate
Other Initiatives
NEASC
PAWS
Extra Curricular Activities
Sample Freshmen Schedule
School Counseling Guidance Program
- Students have same counselor for four years (assigned alphabetically)
- Follows a developmental curriculum
- Freshmen focus on transition/orientation to high school
- Introduction to a variety of drawing techniques and media
- Compare and interpret images
- Explore various printing techniques
- Interpret and design images
- Develop observation skills
- Experiment with drawing techniques and media
- View and respond to 3-D images
- Experiment with the design and construction of 3-D forms
- Develop skills in creating characters and developing stories
- Explore the technical and design aspects of digital photography
- Create persuasive images through image manipulation using PhotoShop
- Note: The Exploring Literacy course does not fulfill graduation requirements for credit in English.
- Exploring Literacy focuses upon reinforcing skills and strategies to improve decoding, spelling, reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and written expression.
(Placement is made via teacher and reading teacher consultation) - Integrated Math and Geometry Level 3*
- Algebra 1 Level 3
- Algebra 1 Level 2
- Geometry Level 2
- Geometry Honors
- Curriculum changes for freshman science reflect changes in the new state science frameworks. The courses will be aligned with the new state science standards.
- Integrated Science I (1 trimester).
- Integrated Science II (1 trimester).
- Honors Biology will remain the same.
- Part of a two-course sequence
- Emphasis is placed on the development of research skills, critical thinking skills, reading and writing skills, and geographic concepts.
- French 1
- French 2
- Spanish 1
- Latin 1
- Mandarin Chinese 1
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 3
- Recommendation through Planning and Placement Team process
- Credits earned dependent upon participation hours
Career and Technical Education
| Grade | Business | Family and Consumer Science | Technology Education |
| 9 | Keyboarding/Word Processing Word XP/Publisher Computer Applications Computer Graphics Web Page Design | Intro to Retail Fashion Discovering Children Foods & Nutrition Bake Shop International Foods | Foundations of Technology Materials Processing Construction Systems Transportation Systems Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Intro to TV Studio TV Production |
VISUAL ARTS
Drawing & Design
Creative Prints
Drawing Studio
Clay and Innovative Forms
Digital Animation
Digital Photography
All art courses are one trimester in length.
English
Exploring Literacy
Physical Education and Health
| Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 | Trimester 3 |
| Personal Fitness / Fitness Testing Adventure Education Ultimate Frisbee Flag Football Partner Dance Health | Personal Fitness / Fitness Testing Adventure Education Basketball Indoor Soccer / Volleyball Partner Dance Health | Personal Fitness / Fitness Testing Adventure Education Ultimate Frisbee Flag Football Partner Dance Health |
* Health topics include Nutrition, Drugs and Alcohol, Reproduction- Anatomy and Physiology / Contraception
Mathematics Courses
* Please note this course prepares students to take Algebra 1
Music
Grade General Instrumental String Vocal 9 Music Theory 1 Music Theory 2 Piano Concert Band Stage Band* String Orchestra Chamber Orchestra* Intermediate Chorus
Show Choir* Waes Haeil Madrigals** Class meets after school. Athletic coaches and activity advisors will be informed about the participants and their need to miss 15 minutes of practice.
Science
Freshmen entering the course must have earned at least a B+ Algebra and an A- in 8th grade science.
Social Studies
Global History I (2 trimesters)
World Language
Please note that most students in Polson Spanish 2 will sign up for Spanish 3 at DHHS.
Special Services
Learning Strategies
Daniel Hand web page