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Special Programs

LEARNING STRATEGIES PROGRAM


LEARNING LAB 0 Credit, Grades 9-12
Learning Lab meets on alternate days and is scheduled in lieu of a study hall. This course provides executive functioning skills to ensure student success. The recommendation of a learning facilitator is required for enrollment.


WPHS SEMINAR
At WPHS we value the social, emotional, and academic needs of our students. Through the WPHS seminar, students meet regularly with their school counselor, house administrator or house social worker to address their academic and social emotional needs while also exploring their goals, interests and needs. In addition, the seminar will support students in strengthening their leadership skills and establishing positive relationships with adults and peers.


SCIENCE RESEARCH PROGRAM


This course is a three-year commitment from sophomore to senior year and is designed to provide students with an understanding of research methods in the sciences. Students must undergo an application process to be enrolled. The program is directed to students that have a keen interest in science and would like to pursue excellence and progress in areas of original student research. Students must be highly motivated and able to work independently. Students’ commitment to long-term, focused research that demonstrates initiative, perseverance and creativity is developed and fostered. Students in this course are expected to: 1) participate in science fairs 2) develop or master scientific writing, verbal, and visual presentation skills (PowerPoint & scientific poster) and 3) commit to work on research during the summer (minimum of 14 hours, minimum of 90 hours for SUNY Albany credit). Students are taught the process of online bibliographic researching and can access various scientific databases. Group seminars and individual consultations with support personnel are provided. Students choose a topic of interest and construct original research using a mentor of their choice to assist with their research. These mentors can be working scientists from the private or public sector, or college professors from local colleges and universities. As each year of the program is successfully completed, the student will earn one credit. These credits are in addition to the required science credits for graduation and may NOT be used to replace them. This course receives Honors weighting. Up to 12 college credits may be earned from the State University at Albany.


CREDIT RECOVERY
Credit recovery classes are online high school courses offered for students in grades 9 through 12 who have failed courses required for graduation. Entrance will be determined on a case-by-case basis and administrative approval is required. Enrollment in science credit recovery classes requires documentation of prior completion of the appropriate lab requirements.


SENIOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
(Seniors Only)


The White Plains High School Senior Internship Program provides students with an opportunity to conclude their high school educational experience by participating in a semester long work experience. The purpose of this program is to allow students the chance to apply their high school knowledge and skills in an area of personal interest and to use community resources to further their education and develop post-secondary goals. Students in this program will also develop skills for success, such as communication, teamwork, networking, professionalism, problem solving, and critical thinking. The Internship Program also encourages students to build relationships with community stakeholders and explore possible career paths. All 12th graders participating in the program are required to find their own internships and participate in those internships during the 4th Quarter. Internship experiences are approved by the Internship Facilitator prior to the start of the experience.


COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM


Community Service is not a graduation requirement; however, WPHS encourages students to become actively involved with the community through volunteer experiences. These may take place at local non-profit agencies and organizations or within the school. Community service provides firsthand knowledge of society’s needs, as well as future career opportunities. Service credit may be earned over a four-year period and will be awarded as follows: ½ service credit for 60 hours or one service credit for 120 hours. This credit may not be applied toward graduation. It is only on the transcript to demonstrate the student’s commitment to Community Service. This program is open to all students. The coordinator of volunteers is available to assist with placement and evaluation.


SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER BOCES CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

The Center for Career Services, 65 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY, provides opportunities for career and technical education for White Plains High School students. The student spends one-half day at White Plains High school in a program that includes at least English, Social Studies, and Physical Education and the other half of the day at The Center for Career Services. The high school grants four credits per year for the Career & Technical courses. Low enrollment may affect the ability to offer certain courses.


The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program prepares students with the career skills they need to find employment and/or pursue post-secondary education. Certified teachers who have extensive professional experience in their respective fields provide instruction. Each student masters job skills in a career cluster area during his or her stay at the Career Center. Academic courses in English, Math, and Social Studies needed to fulfill New York State graduation requirements and support Regents standards are available on site. The New York State Education Department has approved the integration of English 12 into the Career Service Program over two years. Also approved by NYSED are Math 12 in Auto Technology, Electrical Construction, and Science 12 in Cosmetology and Emergency Medical Services. The student must pass the appropriate Regents Exam to earn the integrated credit. Student services include guidance counseling, sign language interpretation and Spanish translation. All programs carry up to four sequence credits per year toward graduation. The students may receive a technical endorsement on their Regents Diploma provided they: complete all graduation requirements and the Career/Technical sequence requirement; pass a technical assessment; pass the five required Regents in English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies or approved alternatives. Articulation agreements are in place with colleges throughout New York State and other states that enable students to gain from 3 to 14 college credits while enrolled in Career Center courses. All CTE classes meet in the afternoon.

 

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES


AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Become certified as an Automotive Technician. You will be able to diagnose, repair and maintain automobile engines, brakes, electrical systems and suspensions as you complete this program and begin your career.


COLLISION TECHNOLOGY
A fulfilling career awaits you as a certified technician in auto body repair. Gain experience in restoring accident damaged vehicles. Learn the latest refinishing and custom painting techniques as well as welding, sheet metal fabrication, fiberglass repair, interior and glass service, and many other skills.


POWER SPORTS, MOTORCYCLE, & SMALL ENGINE REPAIR
Repair and rebuild machines and equipment that use smaller engines such as motorcycles, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, ATVs, outboard motors, chain saws and lawn equipment. Begin a lifelong career as you diagnose two and four-cylinder engine problems while you learn about their basic electrical, transmission and fuel systems.


CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES


CONSTRUCTION / PLUMBING
Learn the skills necessary to work in the construction and maintenance industries while earning nationally accredited qualifications and certifications. In cooperation with NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research) and their nationally accepted curriculum, you will be able to produce a transcript that is accepted by colleges, unions, and trade schools nationwide.


ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION
Emerge from the Electrical Construction program as a wiring technician with a working knowledge of cutting edge, 21st century green technologies. Through this combination of theory and hands-on activities you will be prepared for apprenticeship in the field, for advanced study, and to receive the NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research) certification in Electrical and Core.


MEDIA


COMMERCIAL ART/ MULTIMEDIA
Use your creativity and technology skills to create logos, advertisements, package design, illustrations, animation, and page layout with the Adobe Creative Suite. Compose your personal digital portfolio and become a traditional artist, and/or a graphic designer/artist with the promise of a career in the world of advertising art and design.


FASHION DESIGN / MERCHANDISING
Enter the dazzling world of high fashion as you draw, cut and sew exotic fashion designs and model them on the runway. At the same time, explore the history of fashion and textiles, gain experience in the technology now used in the fashion industry and design your personal fashion portfolio for admission into this exciting career.


GRAPHIC & INTERIOR DESIGN
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an Interior Designer? This program is for you. You will combine architecture, furniture design, digital photography, drawing and drafting with technology programs such as Computer Aided Design to aid you in completing your personal, comprehensive portfolio that will complement your skills as you enter the exciting career field of Interior Design.


TV / VIDEO PRODUCTION
Have you ever wondered how TV shows produce their special effects? Discover the inner workings of the wonderful digital world of TV and video as you participate in camera shoots and direct and edit scripts. Explore the variety of lighting and recording effects on news, advertising and documentaries, as you begin your preparation for this most exciting and creative career.


HOSPITALITY AND PERSONAL SERVICES


COSMETOLOGY
Let the world become your canvas as you learn extensive hands-on skills to express your creativity in hair design, hair color, make-up artistry, skin and nail care. Our two year Cosmetology program offers you 1,000 hours of training in beauty and wellness giving you the necessary foundation to pass the New York State Cosmetology Licensing Exam and begin your future career in the beauty industry.


CULINARY ARTS
Specialize in the techniques of cooking as you learn methods of butchering, baking, nutrition menu planning and catering. Prepare to enter the culinary world as a specialty cook, chef, pastry chef or caterer, or continue with advanced training. The field is growing and job opportunities are expanding every day.


BARBERING
The Barbering program is designed to provide competency-based knowledge, theory, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the barber industry. The program provides both simulated and authentic environments that enable students to develop technical skills. Course work includes instruction in all phases of professional barbering: history, sanitation and safety, hair design, related sciences, and business principles. The program prepares students to take the New York State Examination required for licensing.


HEALTH & SAFETY


EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Become an Emergency Medical Technician and learn the many lifesaving skills and techniques such as CPR and treatment of traumatic injuries. These are but a few of the medical skills necessary for certification as a Certified First Responder in medical emergency situations. You will also have the opportunity to become a certified Emergency Medical Technician, able to work on 911 and/or private ambulances and in hospital emergency rooms. This EMT training is an excellent foundation on which to build a career in medicine.


SECURITY, LAW & POLICING
Welcome to a career in law enforcement as you discover the many aspects of crime scene investigation, including fingerprinting and fingerprint identification and processing. Become certified from Homeland Security in Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness, Terrorist / Suicide Bombing & Domestic Anti-Terrorism. Begin your law enforcement service in the course as you gain New York State certification as a Security Guard.


NURSING ASSISTANT
Prepare for a medical career by participating in supervised clinical rotations in an extended care facility with classroom theory and lab practice. This course allows you to work directly with patients while preparing you for the New York State Department of Health Certified Nurse Assistant examination, providing you with the entry level knowledge and skills for a fulfilling lifetime career.


COMPUTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES


COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS & MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Become an integral, certified member of the medical team while qualifying for a variety of Microsoft Office Suite certifications. As a Medical Administrative Assistant, you will use your new computer skills to help patients make appointments, fill out insurance claims, track procedures and medications, verify tests and design/revise billing procedures in a simulated office setting. An exciting career in the medical field awaits you upon completion of this program.


SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATH


PRE-ENGINEERING/ CAD
Experience the world of technology and engineering. This course will provide you the opportunity to apply science, technology, mathe-matics and communication skills through project based instruction. Several different aspects of engineering will be explored, such as Mechanical, Civil, and Robotics and you will learn and apply the design process, problem solving, creative and analytical-thinking skills as you work in a team-based approach.


VETERINARY SCIENCE
Work with live animals as you learn their proper handling and care. You will perform different veterinary procedures as a part of this program, including how to measure heart rate and temperature, how to collect and analyze samples, and how to effectively use a microscope and other veterinary tools. This course will provide you with a foundation in veterinary terminology and procedures which will help you succeed in a future career in animal science as a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or veterinary assistant.


INTRODUCTION TO CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Introduction to Career Trades (iCTE) is a career program designed to meet the specific educational goals of students classified by their Committees on Special Education. Offered on the Career Services Campus in Valhalla, this program offers practical, hands-on career training in a self-contained environment. All programs of study are individualized so that each student can reach his/her potential. Handling day-to-day problems associated with work situations, in addition to developing appropriate employable skills and social interactions necessary for success in the workplace, are also stressed. Live work experiences and internships are also available. The following programs are offered.


AUTOMOTIVE TRADES & MAINTENANCE
Entry level repair and safety skills are learned and practiced to help students become employable in the automotive industry. Training areas include: wheels and tires, lubrication, brakes, steering and suspension, engine tune-ups, electrical systems, and small engine repair.


AUTO BODY & DETAILING
Students learn an introduction to all aspects of the auto body industry such as base coat/clear coat, dent repair, sheet metal layout and basic welding (gas/mig) and gain some experience in detailing vehicles.


BAKING, FOOD & RETAIL SERVICE
Students learn entry-level skills required in the baking, food preparation, and retail service industries.


GENERAL MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT
Students will learn basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, sheet rocking, taping, tiling, cleaning, and maintenance.


OFFICE SKILLS & OCCUPATIONS
Coursework includes instruction in the Microsoft Office Suite, Business Simulations, filing, shredding, office machine operations, and Google Applications.


INTRODUCTION TO FASHION & RETAIL
Students in this program learn entry level skills linked to the exciting world of Fashion/Retailing. Students will be exposed to retail math, sales, stock and inventory control, merchandising, color theory, customer service and elements of design.


All Introduction to Career Trades Programs are half day in the morning. Students usually spend from one to three years in the program. When they complete the program, students can enter the work force in jobs for which they are trained, or advance to post-secondary education. Students entering the Introduction to Career Trades Program must be at least 15 years old by September 1st and classified as a special education student.


ACADEMIC COURSES AT BOCES

 ● Integrated English 12 (all Secondary programs)

● Integrated Math 12 (Electrical Construction, Automotive Technology)


● Integrated Science 12 (Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Services)


Integrated academics are earned over two years and credit is awarded in the second year of the program after the Regents or RCT Exam.