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School Committee approves 2025–26 Longmeadow High School Program of Studies, adds Communications II and tweaks chemistry honors prerequisite
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to approve the Longmeadow High School Program of Studies for 2025–26, adding a half‑year Communications II course and changing how chemistry‑honors recommendations factor student performance.
The Longmeadow School Committee voted unanimously Jan. 28 to approve the Longmeadow High School 2025–26 Program of Studies, adopting a new half‑year Communications II course and adjusting the information counselors and department chairs may consider for chemistry honors placement.
Principal Landers presented two changes: a new half‑year Communications II course to follow the fall 2024 Communications offering and an adjusted prerequisite policy for chemistry honors that would allow teachers to include a student’s ninth‑grade biology performance as part of the recommendation in addition to algebra I grades. Landers said the change gives counselors and department chairs additional academic context and would not close access for students; students not recommended for honors may still request waivers and obtain department approval.
Landers explained Communications II would expand hands‑on, experiential learning and provide more advanced student roles with LCTV and other projects. School staff described Communications as popular in its first year and said semester scheduling would allow students who enjoyed the fall class to continue to a second half‑year course.
Committee members asked about process and access. Landers and Mr. Rosemont, the school counseling department chair, described the existing signup and waiver process in PowerSchool: teacher recommendations populate enrollments; students and parents can request a waiver or meet with the department chair; about 100 waivers a year have historically been granted, Mr. Rosemont said. Committee members emphasized that final enrollment decisions rest with families in partnership with guidance when waivers are used.
Motion and vote — A committee member moved to approve the superintendent's recommendation to adopt the 2025–26 Program of Studies as presented. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all members recorded as “yes.”
Ending — The approved program will be used for student course signups for the 2025–26 year; administrators said Communications II will be advertised to students during semester‑2 selection and that experiential‑learning options such as the capstone and internship programs will continue to expand.
