Programs
|
McCluer High School offers a variety of programs to address the specific needs of students. Some of the programs are as follows: Academic Incentive Program-McCluer's Comet Card Program recognizes and rewards students for academic achievement. Each type of card offers a variety of benefits to students who earn them, including discounts for dances, plays, athletic contests and more. Cards are awarded after each semester has been completed and grade point averages have been calculated. Advanced Credit-Students can earn college credit from the University of Missouri-St. Louis while enrolled in honors classes for English, Spanish and social studies. They can earn credit for chemistry from Missouri Baptist College. Advanced Placement (AP) Courses-College Board Advanced
Placement (AP) is a nationally recognized program. Highly motivated
students are given an opportunity to take college-level courses
and exams while still in high school. Students can earn advanced
placement/college credit from most colleges and universities
in Missouri and across the United States. Students' credit will
be based on the results of a College Board Advanced Placement
summative examination. Advanced Placement courses are seen as
enhancements of students' confidence in their ability and readiness
for academic challenges in college. All AP courses earn high
school honors credit. The Ferguson-Florissant high schools have
joined 14,000 other high schools worldwide by offering Advanced
Placement courses. AP courses at McCluer High School are the
following: AP Modern European History, AP Art History, AP Calculus,
AP Environmental Science, AP Art Studio and AP English. Alternative Education-The District operates a Re-Entry Center for students who have been suspended for violent or aggressive behavior. The Center utilizes Aggression Replacement Training to help students learn more appropriate non-violent responses to stressful situations. Character Plus -The Character Plus Program, developed by a coalition of St. Louis area school districts and businesses, promotes the traits of respect, responsibility, cooperation, humanity, self-esteem, honesty, perseverance, goal setting and service. Each month, the faculty stresses a different trait. Child Development Center-The Child Development Center provides day care for children of McCluer students during the hours school is in session. This program allows students with young children, age 2 and under, to continue their education. In addition to providing day care, the Center offers a parenting class during the school day for high school credit to help young mothers develop good parenting skills. Correspondence Courses-The University of Missouri Center for Independent Study offers an extensive high school curriculum. Independent Study credit can be applied toward the high school diploma. Extracurricular Activities-More than 50 clubs and organizations operate at McCluer, and most are open to any student who chooses to join. Florissant Valley Community College Dual Enrollment-Any student with 13 credits can enroll at the community college and earn college credit while attending high school. JROTC-Through JROTC, students have the opportunity to acquire basic military knowledge and leadership skills with special emphasis on citizenship and patriotism. Limited English Proficient (LEP)-LEP students receive special services from bilingual tutors, peer tutoring and native English-speaking teachers. In addition to allowing these students extra time on tests and providing individualized instruction, the curriculum is project-oriented and uses strategies such as cooperative learning, computer-assisted instruction and integrated curriculum. A bilingual teacher works with the LEP students in advisement as well as one hour per day. Students can earn English credit from the English as a Second Language (ESL) class. Most earn credit in a regular English class, as well. Ninth-Grade Teams-Since the fall of 1993, freshmen have been randomly assigned to one of four teams for the four core subjects of mathematics, English, science and social studies. Teachers have worked collaboratively to create experiences that foster the integration of subject matter for students. McCluer provides support for students experiencing academic difficulty through an "at-risk" freshman team. PROBE-Gifted and talented students have the opportunity to enhance their creative, academic and performance interests. Members are chosen by the sponsor, based upon their talent, achievement and interest. Schoolwide Seminars-McCluer offers schoolwide seminars where all teachers and all students engage in reading and discussion of preselected readings during a common block of time. Schoolwide Writing Assessment-For 10 years, McCluer has had a schoolwide writing program focused on the use of writing as a vehicle for learning. Students learn to transfer critical thinking and problem-solving skills from one content area to another through the common vehicle of writing. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are assessed yearly. Special Education-Special needs students receive services through the St. Louis County Special School District. The Teachers Assistance Team (TAT) screens students identified as possible candidates for Special School District programs. Students who meet the criteria of the Special School District are tested and, if approved for services, placed in the appropriate program with an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Tutoring-An active tutoring program staffed by two faculty members and National Honor Society volunteers operates after school two days per week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Vocational-Technical Schools-Advanced Career Training, a high school-plus experience, offers nearly 50 vocational programs in technical high schools in the St. Louis metropolitan area. |
