Cheshire High School
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| Cheshire High School | |
| School type | Public High school |
|---|---|
| Staff | Judith A. Gallagher (Principal) |
| Students | 1,671 |
| Location | Cheshire, CT, USA |
Cheshire High School is located on Route 10 (South Main Street) across from Bartlem Park in Cheshire, Connecticut. It is fifteen miles north of New Haven and twenty-five miles south of Hartford. It is the town's sole public high school.
Contents |
[edit] Summary and Mission Statement
This mission statement appears on Cheshire High School's web site:
Cheshire High School is a comprehensive high school serving approximately 1,600 students and their families. As a comprehensive high school, CHS offers a range of programs to meet the academic and personal needs of the students. CHS and the community are committed to working together to prepare students to become productive adults. The mission of the Cheshire High School learning community is the enhancement of student understanding. For understanding to be achieved, teachers will guide students to shape information into knowledge and knowledge into understanding.[1]
However, an alternate mission statement appears in the Student Handbook:
The mission of the Cheshire High School learning community is the enhancement of student understanding. For understanding to be achieved, teachers will guide students to shape information into knowledge and knowledge into understanding. Though rewarding in itself, we believe that understanding is pursued to enable all students to become complex adult thinkers, learners, workers, and community contributors. In a rapidly changing democratic society and global community, teachers must prepare students to be active, self-directed, inquisitive learners and researchers. Instruction should provide students with the opportunity to tackle authentic problems; to use their skills appropriately within and across disciplines; to learn to work alone, cooperatively, and collaboratively in realistic settings; to communicate effectively; and to participate in varied assessments. Through these experiences all students will become willing and productive thinkers with a passion for learning. The Cheshire High community of students, faculty, and parents will strive to provide a safe and nurturing academic and social environment where individual students may reach their potential. We believe that each member of the CHS community should strive for high ethical conduct and respect the worth, talents, and unique abilities of other individuals. Through the fulfillment of this mission statement, all Cheshire High School students will secure a better understanding of the mathematical, technological, physical, and biological worlds; the worlds of the arts and literature; the social world; and the world of self.[2]
[edit] Program of Study
[edit] School year
The school year is divided into two semesters (although many classes, particularly in the core subjects, are full-year courses). Each semester is 180 days long. Each school day is scheduled by blocks, with six out of the eight total periods meeting each day; in a four-day-long cycle, each period meets thrice. Each school day runs from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM.[3]
[edit] Graduation Requirements
Currently, Cheshire High School requires students to complete twenty-two credits to graduate The twenty-two credits are further broken down by subject: four must be in English; three each in mathematics, science, and social studies (Civics and United States History are required courses); two credits each in fine or vocational arts, and physical education and health; and five other "free" credits.[3] Students must also pass all sections of the Connecticut Academic Performance Test.
[edit] Advanced Placement courses
Cheshire High School offers advanced placement courses in several subjects, including: statistics, calculus, physics, biology, chemistry, environmental science, computer science, studio art, music theory, United States history, European history, Latin, German, French, Spanish, and English. 170 students took 254 AP exams, and 87 percent scored three points or more (out of a possible five).[3] A score of three or higher on AP exams are often transferable for college credit.
[edit] Current Statistics
As of 2006, Cheshire High School has 1,671 students, 106 faculty members (most with at least a Master's Degree), seven guidance counselors, three assistant principals, and one principal. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges.[3]
[edit] Class of 2006
406 students were graduated in June 2006. The students were surveyed, and 83% planned to go to a four-year college, 10% to a two-year college, and 3% straight into the workforce. 1% each went into the military, a vocational or proprietary school, were undecided, or had other plans. There were nine National Merit Commended Scholars, and one National Merit Scholar.[3]
389 students of the Class of 2006 took the SAT's. The average scores were 529 verbal and 544 math, well above the state and national averages.[3]
[edit] Renovations
The last renovations to Cheshire High School were completed during the summer of 2000. Designed by DeCarlo & Doll, Inc. and built by Trataros Construction, Inc., the renovations added 73,400 square feet of space at a cost of over eight million dollars [4].
The renovation brought to the school a new two-story wing of about 51,000 square feet[4], containing:
- Thirteen classrooms, which now primarily house math and foreign language classes.
- Two computer labs.
- A common area (which primarily serves as a cafeteria).
- Administrative and guidance offices.
A new band room was also made in the rear of the building. In addition, three science classrooms were renovated, faculty parking lots were created, and landscaping work was done in the front of school, around the new wing. As this new addition faced the main road, it became the new facade and main entrance to the school. Previously, the main entrance was tucked away at the side of the building.
Prior to this, the school was last renovated in 1971.
[edit] Famous alummni
- Brad Ausmus, major league baseball player.
[edit] References
- ^ CHS Mission Statement
- ^ Student Handbook
- ^ a b c d e f Class of 200 Profile
- ^ a b http://www.decarloanddoll.com/awards1.htm
