Mt. Everett Academics
The Arts
The arts are an integral part of every child's education. Southern Berkshire Regional School District's Art Department strives to ensure that all students will experience the joy of creating art and the self-confidence that comes from the development of these skills. We build our curriculum around the idea that tomorrow's leaders are, in part, today's students of critical thinking. Our classes are designed to balance art for art's sake with the academic integration of artistically creative thinking in math, science, language and history.
High school students can elect to take a variety of art and design classes to meet their graduation requirements. All of the art classes give students the opportunity to use their hands to learn age-appropriate techniques and processes, to practice observation, and to use their minds to solve visual and spatial problems.
SBRSD's middle and high school facilities include two fine art studios, a ceramics studio fully equipped with two kilns and 12 electric potter's wheels, a black and white photography darkroom, and ample computer labs with Internet access and cutting edge design software. The graphic design program utilizes up to date versions of industry standard - Adobe Creative Suite.
Visual and Performing Arts Department Blog
High school students can elect to take a variety of art and design classes to meet their graduation requirements. All of the art classes give students the opportunity to use their hands to learn age-appropriate techniques and processes, to practice observation, and to use their minds to solve visual and spatial problems.
SBRSD's middle and high school facilities include two fine art studios, a ceramics studio fully equipped with two kilns and 12 electric potter's wheels, a black and white photography darkroom, and ample computer labs with Internet access and cutting edge design software. The graphic design program utilizes up to date versions of industry standard - Adobe Creative Suite.
Visual and Performing Arts Department Blog
English
Believing that clear thinking and effective communication are central components of a good education,
the 6-12 English Language Arts department has built a curriculum around those two key intellectual processes. Using the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks as a guide, coupled with an emphasis on the power of language, we have designed the curriculum at Mt. Everett to develop a variety of reading, writing, and oral skills that will prepare our students for the challenges of college and the professional world.
Students will read, analyze, and write about books that range from the classics to contemporary
high-interest novels. Because the ability to write clearly and effectively is a foundational skill upon which academic success depends, students will master the essay in its various forms: expository, persuasive, and analytical. In addition, all students will learn to write a sound research paper and evaluate internet sources for their credibility. Creative writing assignments, including the writing of poetry, are also valuable components of Mt. Everett's writing program as they encourage imaginative thinking and foster creativity.
The English Department is staffed by highly qualified and dedicated individuals who share a common goal: to prepare our students for life. While high standards are a prerequisite, "teaching to the test" is a limited approach. Our professionals have discovered that with firm, knowledgeable and caring support students will perform to elevated expectations. With this in mind, Mt. Everett English staff creatively provides students with a skill set that enables them to confidently do well on the MCAS, the SAT's, college entrance exams, GRE's, and beyond. Attesting to this philosophy, many returning graduates share the same story of preparedness when they return to speak with students on Alumni Day.
Early literacy is key for student achievement. All students in the SBRSD elementary schools are expected to be readers and writers. The Language Arts curriculum is rigorous. Classroom teachers, Title I teachers, and Special Education teachers work together to modify curriculum to ensure that all children can be successful in reading and writing. All students in kindergarten through sixth grade receive instruction in reading, writing, handwriting, spelling and vocabulary. Standardized and formative assessments are given at each grade level. The data is used to inform instruction so that students can better access the curriculum.
In writing, students learn to draft, revise, edit, and publish in various genres such as: poetry, personal narrative, non-fiction, memoir, and persuasive essay. An annual poetry anthology is published each year, and every student submits an entry. Specific skills spiral through the grades from year to year, building mastery as they go forward.
Reading and writing skills are emphasized in the early grades. Those reading and writing skills are then utilized in all other curricular areas including math, science, and social studies. Our current emphasis is to encourage more writing across all curricular areas in all grades. Professional Learning Communities of teachers in vertical grade levels are released monthly to look at student work in order to share and improve instruction. The emphasis is the student work and the purpose is to increase student achievement in reading and writing.
the 6-12 English Language Arts department has built a curriculum around those two key intellectual processes. Using the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks as a guide, coupled with an emphasis on the power of language, we have designed the curriculum at Mt. Everett to develop a variety of reading, writing, and oral skills that will prepare our students for the challenges of college and the professional world.
Students will read, analyze, and write about books that range from the classics to contemporary
high-interest novels. Because the ability to write clearly and effectively is a foundational skill upon which academic success depends, students will master the essay in its various forms: expository, persuasive, and analytical. In addition, all students will learn to write a sound research paper and evaluate internet sources for their credibility. Creative writing assignments, including the writing of poetry, are also valuable components of Mt. Everett's writing program as they encourage imaginative thinking and foster creativity.
The English Department is staffed by highly qualified and dedicated individuals who share a common goal: to prepare our students for life. While high standards are a prerequisite, "teaching to the test" is a limited approach. Our professionals have discovered that with firm, knowledgeable and caring support students will perform to elevated expectations. With this in mind, Mt. Everett English staff creatively provides students with a skill set that enables them to confidently do well on the MCAS, the SAT's, college entrance exams, GRE's, and beyond. Attesting to this philosophy, many returning graduates share the same story of preparedness when they return to speak with students on Alumni Day.
Early literacy is key for student achievement. All students in the SBRSD elementary schools are expected to be readers and writers. The Language Arts curriculum is rigorous. Classroom teachers, Title I teachers, and Special Education teachers work together to modify curriculum to ensure that all children can be successful in reading and writing. All students in kindergarten through sixth grade receive instruction in reading, writing, handwriting, spelling and vocabulary. Standardized and formative assessments are given at each grade level. The data is used to inform instruction so that students can better access the curriculum.
In writing, students learn to draft, revise, edit, and publish in various genres such as: poetry, personal narrative, non-fiction, memoir, and persuasive essay. An annual poetry anthology is published each year, and every student submits an entry. Specific skills spiral through the grades from year to year, building mastery as they go forward.
Reading and writing skills are emphasized in the early grades. Those reading and writing skills are then utilized in all other curricular areas including math, science, and social studies. Our current emphasis is to encourage more writing across all curricular areas in all grades. Professional Learning Communities of teachers in vertical grade levels are released monthly to look at student work in order to share and improve instruction. The emphasis is the student work and the purpose is to increase student achievement in reading and writing.
Health & Wellness
The Mt. Everett Wellness curriculum uses both the classroom and physical education to enhance students' overall health. Students will use the health knowledge obtained from text, research, reliable Internet sources, and current events topics to establish healthy habits and reduce risky behaviors.
Middle school students are shown the importance of having a balance within all the areas of wellness which are physical, mental/emotional, and social health. Topics in the classroom include nutrition, fitness, disease prevention, and reproductive health. Students also explore conflict resolution techniques, communication styles, and stress management skills.
The high school program explores the areas of Wellness in greater depth with units covering the human life cycle, substance abuse awareness, and personal care and safety. Students in the ninth grade revisit the importance of diet and exercise. The body systems project identifies the consequences of healthy and unhealthy choices and how those choices affect the body as a whole. Sophomores analyze how alcohol and drugs affect the developing adolescent brain. They also research the driving laws and regulations in Massachusetts and discuss the increased responsibilities associated with young adulthood.
The students in Wellness alternate classroom activities with physical activity on a weekly rotation. They are exposed to a variety of group activities that promote team building and sportsmanship. Students also have the opportunity to engage in lifelong recreational activities.
Currently, all 7th and 8th grade students take Wellness for one quarter of the year. The 9th and 10th grade Wellness class is offered as a one-semester class. Wellness is taught in the middle school and high school by Susie Tomich, a graduate of Westfield State College, who has taught at Mt. Everett for five years.
The deparment K-12 is now using FitnessGram software to help track each students health and physical well being.
Middle school students are shown the importance of having a balance within all the areas of wellness which are physical, mental/emotional, and social health. Topics in the classroom include nutrition, fitness, disease prevention, and reproductive health. Students also explore conflict resolution techniques, communication styles, and stress management skills.
The high school program explores the areas of Wellness in greater depth with units covering the human life cycle, substance abuse awareness, and personal care and safety. Students in the ninth grade revisit the importance of diet and exercise. The body systems project identifies the consequences of healthy and unhealthy choices and how those choices affect the body as a whole. Sophomores analyze how alcohol and drugs affect the developing adolescent brain. They also research the driving laws and regulations in Massachusetts and discuss the increased responsibilities associated with young adulthood.
The students in Wellness alternate classroom activities with physical activity on a weekly rotation. They are exposed to a variety of group activities that promote team building and sportsmanship. Students also have the opportunity to engage in lifelong recreational activities.
Currently, all 7th and 8th grade students take Wellness for one quarter of the year. The 9th and 10th grade Wellness class is offered as a one-semester class. Wellness is taught in the middle school and high school by Susie Tomich, a graduate of Westfield State College, who has taught at Mt. Everett for five years.
The deparment K-12 is now using FitnessGram software to help track each students health and physical well being.
Mathematics
Curriculum goals in mathematics at Mt. Everett High School offer our students the opportunity to engage in both a core and advanced program of studies. The core of studies is based on and is driven by the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks. Our program is designed to prepare all of our students for future
academic studies, technological, and vocational training in our rapidly changing society, and the ability to sustain adult life in the modern work force.
With our broad spectrum approach, we work to ensure that all our students will reach proficient levels in mathematics competency, as defined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the MCAS. We provide differentiated and challenging courses that allow students to reach their maximum potential. Our honors students may explore and fill each school year with challenging and vital math studies allowing for individual development and a personal sense of excitement as they advance through the program.
While three years of high school mathematics is the requirement for graduation, we encourage all our students to attain higher goals and further their math studies. Our flexible program permits students to build confidence through personal achievement, and our courses offer five tiered math programs. These opportunities to advance within the program to more challenging opportunities provide our students with not only the skills to succeed in math, but help to build self-assurance for all their future endeavors.
academic studies, technological, and vocational training in our rapidly changing society, and the ability to sustain adult life in the modern work force.
With our broad spectrum approach, we work to ensure that all our students will reach proficient levels in mathematics competency, as defined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the MCAS. We provide differentiated and challenging courses that allow students to reach their maximum potential. Our honors students may explore and fill each school year with challenging and vital math studies allowing for individual development and a personal sense of excitement as they advance through the program.
While three years of high school mathematics is the requirement for graduation, we encourage all our students to attain higher goals and further their math studies. Our flexible program permits students to build confidence through personal achievement, and our courses offer five tiered math programs. These opportunities to advance within the program to more challenging opportunities provide our students with not only the skills to succeed in math, but help to build self-assurance for all their future endeavors.
Music
The SBRSD Music Department offers many opportunities for students to use and display
their musical talent. Our objective can best be summarized in the phrase "Reaching for Excellence,” the goal of all we do together. At the middle and high school levels, instrumental offerings include Elementary Band, Middle School Band, High School Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Western Mass. Instrumental opportunities. Choral
offerings include Elementary Chorus, Middle School Chorus, High School Chorus, Madrigal Singers, Retro (girls), Dial Tones (boys), and Western Mass. Choral opportunities.
The chorus and band ensembles take part in two concerts each year. They also participate in the annual Latino Fest, the Senior Citizens Luncheon, the Sheffield Tree Lighting, the Memorial Day parades, and the High School Graduation. In 2009, the Mt. Everett Band and the Mt. Everett Chorus were honored with Gold Medal Awards for their performances at the Heritage Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. The ensembles traveled to Atlanta on a six-day trip, which featured both the chorus and the band performing music for national adjudication rank and rating. In this extraordinary
educational setting, both groups were given on-stage clinics by noted judges, and each received written and taped comments on their work from the judges.
their musical talent. Our objective can best be summarized in the phrase "Reaching for Excellence,” the goal of all we do together. At the middle and high school levels, instrumental offerings include Elementary Band, Middle School Band, High School Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Western Mass. Instrumental opportunities. Choral
offerings include Elementary Chorus, Middle School Chorus, High School Chorus, Madrigal Singers, Retro (girls), Dial Tones (boys), and Western Mass. Choral opportunities.
The chorus and band ensembles take part in two concerts each year. They also participate in the annual Latino Fest, the Senior Citizens Luncheon, the Sheffield Tree Lighting, the Memorial Day parades, and the High School Graduation. In 2009, the Mt. Everett Band and the Mt. Everett Chorus were honored with Gold Medal Awards for their performances at the Heritage Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. The ensembles traveled to Atlanta on a six-day trip, which featured both the chorus and the band performing music for national adjudication rank and rating. In this extraordinary
educational setting, both groups were given on-stage clinics by noted judges, and each received written and taped comments on their work from the judges.
The Sciences
At Mt. Everett, students in the middle school are taught a general introductory science consisting of units in the physical, earth and space, and life sciences. An appreciation of the environment and our ecosystem is taught with the expectations that our students will become good stewards of our planet. Hands-on experiments and labs help with the inquiry process. The local vernal pool helps students gain a better understanding and appreciation of our ecosystem.
Following middle school, students take physical science which introduces them to introductory concepts in chemistry, biology, and physics as well as global issues in science. This class is a lab science class and very much hands-on. Inquiry is again a primary focus and students are exposed to practical applications of science to math.
Following physical science, students take biology (also a requirement for graduation). This biology course is
unique in that it has an emphasis on agriculture. Students are encouraged to join our local FFA chapter and get involved in Mt.Everett’s agricultural program which has small animals in the classroom as well as goats, sheep, and alpacas in the FFA barn. Students are required to also take the 10th grade Biology MCAS test in order to graduate.
In the 11th and 12th grades students have many science electives from which to choose. Students can take anatomy and physiology, astronomy, chemistry, physics, environmental science, animal sciences, or extreme topics in Earth science as well as our newest aquaculture course.
Following middle school, students take physical science which introduces them to introductory concepts in chemistry, biology, and physics as well as global issues in science. This class is a lab science class and very much hands-on. Inquiry is again a primary focus and students are exposed to practical applications of science to math.
Following physical science, students take biology (also a requirement for graduation). This biology course is
unique in that it has an emphasis on agriculture. Students are encouraged to join our local FFA chapter and get involved in Mt.Everett’s agricultural program which has small animals in the classroom as well as goats, sheep, and alpacas in the FFA barn. Students are required to also take the 10th grade Biology MCAS test in order to graduate.
In the 11th and 12th grades students have many science electives from which to choose. Students can take anatomy and physiology, astronomy, chemistry, physics, environmental science, animal sciences, or extreme topics in Earth science as well as our newest aquaculture course.
Social Studies
The goal of our Social Studies curriculum is to develop historically literate, globally aware, and socially responsible citizens who will use their education productively. The elementary curriculum focuses on providing students with historical knowledge of early United States history, awareness of the earth's physical, cultural, and political
geography, occasions to explore empathy, responsibility, and fairness, and skills in critical thinking, research,
writing, and presenting.
Students begin with their familiar environment and advance to families, homes, schools, neighborhoods, and
communities in other environments. This approach enhances students' abilities to examine other places and times. Students learn to work in groups, to share, to respect the rights of others, and to care for themselves and their possessions. They acquire knowledge of history to understand the present and plan for the future. Social studies at this level provides students with the skills needed for problem solving and decision making, as well as for making thoughtful value judgments.
Our rich cultural setting in Berkshire County provides us with the opportunities for fascinating field trips. Forays to Plymouth Plantation, the Colonel Ashley
House, the Institute for American Indian Studies, the Berkshire Museum are a few of the trips used to make the work in our classrooms come alive. At the high school level, the department works to help students comprehend the human story. This is achieved by provoking student curiosity through a
modern day exploration of the world around us and by insights to cultural diversity and investigations of our increasingly complex and interdependent
world. The foundation for this approach lies within the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and extends above and beyond them, offering both core subjects and a wide range of electives spanning such disciplines as history, geography, civics/government, economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, criminology, journalism, and more.
Our teaching and learning practices vary from group/project/inquiry-based learning methods to individual and classroom centered practices. Students can
expect to develop a range of skills in analyzing, synthesizing, judging and predicting, as well as writing, presenting, debating and working cooperatively.
The department's offerings are designed to help awaken in students a curiosity about the world in which they live.
geography, occasions to explore empathy, responsibility, and fairness, and skills in critical thinking, research,
writing, and presenting.
Students begin with their familiar environment and advance to families, homes, schools, neighborhoods, and
communities in other environments. This approach enhances students' abilities to examine other places and times. Students learn to work in groups, to share, to respect the rights of others, and to care for themselves and their possessions. They acquire knowledge of history to understand the present and plan for the future. Social studies at this level provides students with the skills needed for problem solving and decision making, as well as for making thoughtful value judgments.
Our rich cultural setting in Berkshire County provides us with the opportunities for fascinating field trips. Forays to Plymouth Plantation, the Colonel Ashley
House, the Institute for American Indian Studies, the Berkshire Museum are a few of the trips used to make the work in our classrooms come alive. At the high school level, the department works to help students comprehend the human story. This is achieved by provoking student curiosity through a
modern day exploration of the world around us and by insights to cultural diversity and investigations of our increasingly complex and interdependent
world. The foundation for this approach lies within the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and extends above and beyond them, offering both core subjects and a wide range of electives spanning such disciplines as history, geography, civics/government, economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, criminology, journalism, and more.
Our teaching and learning practices vary from group/project/inquiry-based learning methods to individual and classroom centered practices. Students can
expect to develop a range of skills in analyzing, synthesizing, judging and predicting, as well as writing, presenting, debating and working cooperatively.
The department's offerings are designed to help awaken in students a curiosity about the world in which they live.
Technology & Distance Learning
Courses in Technology run a wide spectrum from 3D design to video production to robotics. Students in the middle school take two technology courses during their special rotations. One is focused on typing and office productivity
while the second revolves around multimedia production. During their freshman year, students will take a required course that will build foundational knowledge in engineering and some of the technology tools used in this industry. Electives in this area include animation, multimedia production, advanced 3D design, robotics, and Student As Technology Leaders (SaTL).
Additionally, students may participate in our distance learning programs. Students traditionally report the E1 Technology Lab to take their online courses, but are free to bring in their own laptops as well. Mt. Everett Regional High School partners with several vendors to provide a wide range of online offerings to supplement our in-house offerings. Our primary partner is Virtual High School. While listed as a technology course, a wide range of electives from every discipline are available through our VHS program. To learn more about VHS, visit their website at http://thevhscollaborative.org. In addition, students can take courses through Edgenuity.
while the second revolves around multimedia production. During their freshman year, students will take a required course that will build foundational knowledge in engineering and some of the technology tools used in this industry. Electives in this area include animation, multimedia production, advanced 3D design, robotics, and Student As Technology Leaders (SaTL).
Additionally, students may participate in our distance learning programs. Students traditionally report the E1 Technology Lab to take their online courses, but are free to bring in their own laptops as well. Mt. Everett Regional High School partners with several vendors to provide a wide range of online offerings to supplement our in-house offerings. Our primary partner is Virtual High School. While listed as a technology course, a wide range of electives from every discipline are available through our VHS program. To learn more about VHS, visit their website at http://thevhscollaborative.org. In addition, students can take courses through Edgenuity.
Vocational Education
Mount Everett Regional School has four primary vocational programs: Building Construction/Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Robotics & IT Services.
The students in the Building Construction/Carpentry program have built several structures in the Sheffield area. Their most notable building is the storage building at the Sheffield Town Park, which is used by the Sheffield Police Department and the Sheffield Kiwanis Club. Recently, the students have constructed below-grade dugouts for the Mt. Everett baseball team, storage sheds for Habitat for Humanity, and a 32' square two-story goat barn on the Mount Everett campus.
The students in the Culinary Arts program are involved in several exciting events throughout the year. The students cater parties for our local town and civic groups, as well as in-house activities on the Mt. Everett/Undermountain School Campus. Twice a month, students prepare a "soup, salad, and sandwich" luncheon for staff. Each year, during the holiday season, the Culinary Arts students plan, prepare, and serve a luncheon for our five town senior citizens group. This luncheon is attended by over 100 guests.
The robotics program competes in the annual VEX Robotics Challenge. IT services studies computer repair and cyber security and can possibly earn industry certification.
The students in the Building Construction/Carpentry program have built several structures in the Sheffield area. Their most notable building is the storage building at the Sheffield Town Park, which is used by the Sheffield Police Department and the Sheffield Kiwanis Club. Recently, the students have constructed below-grade dugouts for the Mt. Everett baseball team, storage sheds for Habitat for Humanity, and a 32' square two-story goat barn on the Mount Everett campus.
The students in the Culinary Arts program are involved in several exciting events throughout the year. The students cater parties for our local town and civic groups, as well as in-house activities on the Mt. Everett/Undermountain School Campus. Twice a month, students prepare a "soup, salad, and sandwich" luncheon for staff. Each year, during the holiday season, the Culinary Arts students plan, prepare, and serve a luncheon for our five town senior citizens group. This luncheon is attended by over 100 guests.
The robotics program competes in the annual VEX Robotics Challenge. IT services studies computer repair and cyber security and can possibly earn industry certification.
World Languages
We have developed our World Languages curriculum using TPRS method (Teaching Proficiency through
Reading and Storytelling). We have used this technique for several years with enormous success. Instead of having to study and memorize large lists of vocabulary and grammar, the students are able to learn the vocabulary and the
structures through stories, a much more natural way to learn and precisely the way every native speaker learns to speak in his/her language.
Movies, short stories, poems, games, and songs are included at each level. Each provides the students with a moral
lesson, and/or cultural, geographical, or historical background.
Students are engaged through gestures, acting, and visual content, causing them to "own" and use the
language, and providing a deeper, more meaningful learning experience.
Reading and Storytelling). We have used this technique for several years with enormous success. Instead of having to study and memorize large lists of vocabulary and grammar, the students are able to learn the vocabulary and the
structures through stories, a much more natural way to learn and precisely the way every native speaker learns to speak in his/her language.
Movies, short stories, poems, games, and songs are included at each level. Each provides the students with a moral
lesson, and/or cultural, geographical, or historical background.
Students are engaged through gestures, acting, and visual content, causing them to "own" and use the
language, and providing a deeper, more meaningful learning experience.