Weymouth High School Unveils Major Changes to Program of Studies
New courses, graduation requirements aim to enhance student skills and scheduling flexibility
WEYMOUTH - January 23 - Weymouth High School administrators presented significant updates to the Program of Studies for the 2025-2026 school year at a recent school committee meeting. The revisions include new course offerings and changes to graduation requirements, aiming to align with state standards and provide more flexibility in scheduling.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a personal finance graduation requirement. Karen Monahan, High School Principal, explained the rationale behind this addition.
"We're looking to put a .25 graduation requirement in for personal finance," Monahan said. "I do think that we have to educate all of our students leaving Weymouth High School about financial literacy."
The personal finance class will be offered as a semester-long course meeting every other day, allowing it to fit into existing schedules alongside physical education and other classes. Students will have from grades 10 through 12 to complete this requirement.
In response to changes in state MCAS requirements, the school is adjusting its science curriculum for ninth-graders. Dr. Ashley Gosselin, Science Department Head, introduced a new course called System Sciences to replace the current Matter and Energy curriculum.
"System Sciences is the idea that we're going to support students with the development of skills, such as critical thinking, analysis, and laboratory skills, while providing students with a holistic understanding of the core sciences," Gosselin explained.
The history department is also making changes to incorporate a state-mandated civics project into various electives. William Faria, the History Department Head, outlined the approach.
"We're embedding it in our electives. Where they actually receive the skills very similar to what we currently are teaching," Faria said. "They are identifying an issue. They are gaining research skills by researching that issue. They then develop an action plan for that issue that they want to study or promote."
To accommodate these new requirements and courses, the school is removing its Capstone program and reallocating those credits. The English department is updating its senior-level offerings to include more career-readiness skills.
Nicole Loporto, the English Department Head, described changes to the Perspectives in Literature class: "We are finding that we need to make sure that we are supporting our CTE students in their employability skills. The skills were interpersonal communication skills, presentation skills, application of writing and reading, not just to literary analysis, but also to resume writing and cover letter writing."
The music department is introducing a new course, Introduction to Musical Theater, to build on the success of similar programs at the middle school level. This semester-long class will be open to grades 9 through 12 and aligns with Mass Core requirements.
In the physical education department, two new electives are being added for juniors and seniors: Safety Readiness Training and Team Sports. The Safety Readiness Training course will include first aid, CPR, and AED training, as well as teen mental health training.
The school is also expanding its use of virtual reality technology across departments. Dr. Gosselin highlighted the potential of this technology, particularly in the planetarium.
"Our planetarium teacher is learning the Digistar equipment and adding new software that will enable us to potentially include our VR system in the planetarium," Gosselin said.
School committee members expressed support for the changes, particularly the addition of the personal finance requirement. Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw, a committee member, said, "I'm very excited that this is on the table this year. And just a little shout out. I hope Carrie Palazzo was watching because she's been advocating for this for a very long time."
The Program of Studies changes will undergo a second reading at the next school committee meeting, scheduled for Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. The public will have an opportunity to provide input at that time.