Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Program Of Studies topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
School Board approves LHS program of studies for 2627 with new electives and course reconfigurations
Summary
The board unanimously approved the Londonderry High School program of studies for school year 2627 after staff presented new electives in music and science, honors options for upper ensembles, changes to world language labeling, consolidation of PE/health into wellness, a second year for Algebra 1c, and literacy pathway adjustments.
LONDONDERRY, N.H. — The Londonderry School Board voted unanimously on Nov. 4 to adopt the Londonderry High School (LHS) program of studies for the 2627 school year, following a presentation by district curriculum leaders that proposed new electives, course consolidations and pathway changes.
The approved revisions add two new music electives — History of Rock and Music in Film — intended to provide non‑performing options for students seeking fine‑arts credit. Serge Willlado, the district music director, said the district will eliminate low‑enrollment piano fundamentals and guitar ensemble courses and offer honors credit for upper‑level ensembles (symphonic band, chamber choir and jazz ensemble).
"We decided that the upper level groups ... deserve honors credit," Willlado said, adding that standards such as informal auditions and All‑State preparation will underpin the honors option.
Dr. Lindley Susi, LHS director of curriculum, outlined additional changes: converting music theory to a half‑year course to increase scheduling flexibility, expanding geology to a full‑year elective and adding zoology; renaming and aligning German levels to a numeric sequence (German 1–4) and running an AP option alongside German 4; combining physical education and health into a PE, Health and Wellness department; introducing a second year of Algebra 1c for students who need a two‑year path to Algebra credit; and restructuring the literacy sequence to provide developing and advanced literacy courses rather than a straight 9–12 labeling.
Principal and district administrators described ELO expansion plans, including exploring an EMT course and continued support for the successful fire program, and noted that funding and staffing considerations will be part of the upcoming budget deliberations.
Board member Sarah Laughlin moved approval; Tim Porter seconded. The motion passed 5–0.
The program changes will be incorporated into course registration materials for families and are scheduled to take effect in the 2627 school year.
