Mark Frengel emphasized the importance of not only academic proficiency but also the acquisition of essential life skills and the customization of classes based on students’ future interests.
During the recent meeting held on Tuesday, the Mohawk Area School Board sanctioned the high school curriculum for the upcoming academic year 2024-25.
As the principal of Mohawk Junior-Senior, Frengel expressed his belief in the school’s commitment to providing education that extends beyond mere test preparation.
He highlighted the inclusion of courses that impart practical skills such as resume writing, interview etiquette, tax preparation, basic car maintenance like changing washer fluid, and more.
Frengel underscored the significance of these skills in offering students a comprehensive education that prepares them for real-world challenges.
Moreover, Frengel mentioned plans for more targeted field trips, enabling students to explore potential career paths through visits to technical centers, businesses, and art museums.
The school is set to introduce two new courses in the upcoming academic year—argument and debate, offering three college credits in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, and an introduction to Python programming.
Additionally, adjustments have been made to the curriculum, with precalculus now being offered in collaboration with Seton Hill University and accounting II in partnership with Duquesne University.
Furthermore, the personal finance II course has been revamped to focus on building wealth through investments, catering to student interest in topics like the stock market and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
Frengel also announced the implementation of three distinct math tracks aligned with students’ career aspirations.
Noteworthy changes have been made to accommodate aspiring NCAA Division I and II athletes, outlining specific academic requirements and core course completion criteria.
For students pursuing languages like Spanish and French, a consolidated curriculum approach has been adopted to ensure uniformity in coursework. Independent study options are available for advanced language courses with specified grade prerequisites.
Students enrolled in the Career & Technical Education program will undergo the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute assessment during their senior year, with successful candidates eligible for college credits at various universities.
Moreover, vocational agriculture students will benefit from a comprehensive program that includes participation in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities until the age of 21, encompassing a range of educational and experiential opportunities in the agricultural domain.
The vocational agriculture curriculum offers additional courses, AG records I, II, and III, outside regular school hours, providing practical learning experiences that are not factored into GPA calculations or graduation requirements.