Art
The Somers art program celebrates the unique artistic ability inherent in all students. Making art, learning to talk about works of art, and cultivating an appreciation of works from various periods and cultures provides students with an opportunity to become expressive and responsive, to exercise their imagination, and to become interested in the visions and inventions of others. The joy of experiencing the creative process is the heart of art education in Somers.
Business
Because of changes in the workplace and society, the importance of business education increases for all students. Students need to develop the necessary skills, attitudes, habits and knowledge in business in order to succeed in tomorrow's work force. The courses offered in this curriculum are designed to improve students' skills in the areas of critical thinking, decision-making, interpersonal relations, problem -solving and communicating by way of technology. These courses help prepare students who enter the work force immediately following high school graduation as well as those continuing on to higher education.
English
A dynamic language arts curriculum is one that challenges students to excel as communicators of their language in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. We value creative thinking and support the integration of technology as students prepare for life long learning and success in a global environment.
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Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum is designed to give students the opportunity to study specific topics in the mathematics field. Students are encouraged to take four years of mathematics including a course during their senior year. The prerequisite stated in each course description is a minimum requirement for admittance to that course. A passing grade in three courses in mathematics is required for graduation.
Music
The music program is designed to provide interested students with opportunities to develop their talents through active participation in both vocal and instrumental performing groups. Each performing group offers students an opportunity to study the compositional elements and structure of music.
Physical Education / Health
Physical Activity and Healthy choices are critical to the development and maintenance of good health. The goal is to develop physically, emotionally, and socially educated individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. The vision of the Somers High Schools Physical Education/Health program is to provide students with the skills and knowledge that will prepare them to develop and maintain lifelong physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Science
Through a broad range of course offerings, the Science Department seeks to address the needs and interests of all students. Laboratory experiments, challenging classroom activities, web-research and computer applications challenge students to problem solve, analyze, discover and understand the fundamental principles of nature. This understanding empowers them to live in and contribute to a society in which scientific literacy is increasingly important.
Social Studies
The Somers Social Studies program will provide in-depth learning opportunities in the social sciences and history. All students will be empowered to participate as responsible citizens in our representative democracy. The program will guide students to achieve proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking and research skills in an effort to expose them to perspectives that will enhance the quality of their lives, now and in the future.
Special Education
To receive special education services, students must meet the criteria defined by Federal Law PL 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and PL108-446, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). Students are identified under the following categories: intellectual disability, hearing impairment, speech or language impairment, visual impairment, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, deaf-blindness, multiple disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, or developmental delay (ages 3-5). Those students receiving special education services at the high school are determined eligible for services until receipt of a high school diploma or until the age of 21, as determined by the Planning and Placement Team (PPT). Through the Planning and Placement Team process an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed for eligible students. Parents and students needing further information on special education opportunities may speak to their school counselor or to the special education district office/staff.
Technology Education
The Somers Technology Innovation Design and Engineering (TIDE) Program is divided into three areas of concentration, Visual and Multimedia Design, Production/Applied Engineering and Engineering Design, that provides opportunities that develop critical and creative thinking skills with an emphasis on decision making. Focused on human innovation and its effect on society and the environment, students become active learners, working in collaboration to produce solutions to real life technological problems. Through experienced-based activities students develop understanding of mathematics and science concepts, technological systems, engineering design processes, production techniques, visual design processes, entrepreneurship and career opportunities.
Vocational Foods
The occupational food service programs are designed for students who are interested in the preparation of food and the exploration of the hospitality industry. Students are exposed to basic food preparation with emphasis on hot food preparation and baking techniques. Students also engage in hands on activities, and employable skills such as preparing and serving food in a restaurant and banquet setting, and management practices. Students that complete the two-year program with a grade average of a C or better earn seven credits from Manchester Community College through the College Career Pathways Program.
World Languages
The primary goal of the world language program is to provide students with the skills to communicate in at least one language other than English, to increase their knowledge and understanding of other cultures, as well as their understanding of the nature of language. Students will expand their knowledge of other disciplines through their study of language and culture, and participate in multilingual communities and contexts. A multimedia approach is used in the acquisition, demonstration and assessment of World Language skills.