Thornton Academy Program of Studies 2-24- 25 | Page 46

SCHOOL TO WORK OPPORTUNITIES

School-to-work courses give students the opportunity to investigate particular areas of interest in support of their post-graduation plans . These opportunities serve as a foundation for those who will begin their careers immediately following high school , for certification programs , and for college-bound students to identify potential majors .

Career Exploration

0.5 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 & 12

This course will help students identify strengths and areas of interest , and match those to appropriate careers . Through Junior Achievement ( JA ) Personal Finance , students experience the interrelationship between today ' s financial decisions and future financial freedom . Topics will include : money-management strategies , including earning , employment and income , budgeting , savings , credit and debt , consumer protection , smart shopping , risk management , investing , credit card usage , debt management , and net worth . Additionally , a range of careers will be explored through readings , guest speakers , visual media , and online research . Students will prepare a résumé , access on-line career and interest inventories , and develop a budget that addresses income and how it impacts lifestyle .

Jobs for Maine Graduates ( JMG )

1 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisites : Teacher recommendation

JMG partners with educational providers and private businesses to offer results-driven solutions to ensure all Maine students graduate , attain post-secondary credentials , and pursue meaningful careers . JMG ensures students are empowered with transferable skills , financial knowledge , and best practices to use throughout their lives in order to pursue their aspirations and attain success . JMG features student-centered , personalized education plans delivered through a competency-based curriculum focusing on academic knowledge , career development skills , leadership , and teamwork . JMG ’ s programming includes career preparation that reflects the job market , college transition skills , leadership opportunities , critical thinking , financial literacy , and community service learning . JMG students also become part of a larger statewide / national organization and will benefit from a personal graduation coach . Further information can be found at the JMG website .

Biddeford Regional Center of Technology ( BRCOT )

The Center of Technology provides career and technical education that supports and guides students on their career paths , whether they are entering the workforce or continuing their education following graduation . Students learn occupational skills under industry recognized standards ; in some programs they may even gain industry certifications that lead to employment opportunities . They may also earn college credits — many of the BRCOT programs have agreements with Maine colleges whereby students earn free college credits by successfully completing these programs . An up-to-date list of courses and programs with detailed course descriptions may be found on the BRCOT website , in the BRCOT brochure , or by meeting with your school counselor .

UNIFIED COURSES OPPORTUNITIES

Unified courses provide unique opportunities for students with and without disabilities through ongoing educational programming . All classes are currently seeking partners . Students interested in being a partner in any of the following courses should talk to their school counselor to fill out an application . Spaces are limited .

Unified Physical Education

0.5 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12

The Unified Physical Education course is structured around the national physical education standards and grade-level outcomes , which include gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a health-enhancing level of fitness . Additionally , the class supports the development of leadership skills for all students , and the empowerment of all students to foster an inclusive class and school-wide environment . Unified Physical Education courses can be a gateway for further participation in Special Olympics programs and events .

Unified Art

0.5 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12

Unified Art is structured around standards addressed in our visual arts curriculum . The content is designed to create an environment that supports the development of leadership skills for all students and the empowerment of all students to foster an inclusive class and school-wide environment . Pursuing various methods of artistic study and expression , all students will enhance their understanding of the world and increase their ability to communicate .

Unified Robotics

1 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , & 12

Using the Unified model of “ with , not for ” students and partners will work to build and code different robots to creatively solve problems . Students will use the LEGO Spike Prime and building bricks to design robots that will navigate various challenges . Coding languages used may include Python and Scratch . As a part of this course , students will participate in the state level Unified Robotics competition , modeled after First LEGO league competitions .

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