More About the MKSD High School Programs ....

College Preparatory Program  Vocational Training Program Work Study Program Developmental Education Program

College Preparatory Program

The MKSD high school program is unique inasmuch as each student is provided a double period for Reading and Language Arts each year. During the freshman year, the students take reading and language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, art, and physical education in addition to a Vocational Exploratory Program. The Vocational Exploratory Program includes exposure to the various vocational areas and career education classes. For college bound students, participation in the vocational exploratory program satisfies the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in the areas of practical and fine arts. The IEP process ensures that each student is provided a challenging program that is both academically and grade level appropriate. At the end of the freshman year students and their families decide on their program for the next three years. 

College Prep sophomores continue a full traditional academic program with a science lab/study hall combination and a computer applications course.  Additional work to prepare for the ACT begins in the sophomore year. Also during the sophomore year, all students take the theory portion of driver education.  Those who pass can get their driving permits.  Behind the wheel practice is available to seniors, juniors and second semester sophomores. 

Juniors and seniors continue their academic program, computer applications, and science lab/study hall combination  The MKSD Guidance Counselors are involved with the students and their families to ensure the successful completion of the required high school courses of study, admission testing, and application procedures for college bound students.

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Vocational Training Program

During the freshman year the schedule for the students who express an interest in MKSD's Vocational Training Program is the same as the college bound students. Courses include classes in the areas of: mathematics, science, social studies, health, art, and physical education, a double period of reading and language arts, and the Vocational Exploratory Program. The Vocational Exploratory Program includes exposure to the various vocational areas and career education classes. 

For students who express an interest in the Vocational Training Program, participation in the Vocational Exploratory Program serves a dual purpose, it satisfies the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in the areas of practical and fine arts, and exposes students to a sampling of experiences in different career options. At the end of the freshman year students and their families then decide on their vocational major.

Vocational sophomores continue a full academic program and attend their chosen Vocational Major two periods per day. The students take the theory portion of driver education.  Those who pass can get their driving permits.   Students who do not pass the written test in the sophomore year can retake the course. Behind the wheel practice is available to seniors, juniors, and second semester sophomores.   

Juniors and seniors spend three periods a day in their chosen vocational major, while at the same time meeting the requirements of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, and physical education. It is important to note, that participation in the Vocational Training Program does not prevent a student from pursuing a post-secondary education program. Many students choose to attend two or four year colleges or further vocational training.

Exploratory Vocational Courses:

Vocational Major Choices:

Business Training	Office Practice -Office Machines-Computers- Calculators - Copy Machine - Filing Skills Computer Applications - Keyboarding - Word Processing - Graphics, Data Base and Spreadsheet Applications - Desktop Publishing
Mechanical Trades	Bicycle and small engine repair - Automotive oil changes and brake installation - Automotive engine repair
Food Service	Food Preparation - Equipment Operation - Safety - Sanitation - Hands-on operation of the student run Cafe
Goundskeeping and Building Maintenance	Lawn and Recreational Area Maintenance -  Landscaping - Selection, care, and operation of equipment - Safety Procedures General Building Repairs - Painting - Special function setups in buildings
Production Services	Processing Mailings- folding, collating, labeling, stamping, counting, and packaging - General Work Skills

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Work Study Program  

As part of our commitment to the New Jersey Department of Education's Core Curriculum Content Standards for  Workplace Readiness Skills,  MKSD offers an opportunity for all students  to participate in our Work Study Program.  The Work Study Program is a required component of the  Vocational Training Program.   Students who demonstrate the appropriate work behaviors, a cooperative attitude, and a mature sense of responsibility are considered first for any job opportunities.  

The variety of jobs on campus provides training in the development of skills and appropriate work habits.  Students are offered positions based upon the recommendation of their instructors. Employment is available before and after school hours, and during vocational class time, if the job is related to their chosen Vocational Major.

The purpose of the MKSD Work Study Program is to develop the characteristics necessary to maintain employment and to practice the skills learned in the classroom.  Eligible seniors have the opportunity to be placed at off-campus job sites when positions are available. Seniors placed off-campus will receive job coaching support.

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Developmental Education Program

The Developmental Education Program is offered to students based on recommendations from parents, sending school district's Child Study Teams, and the Katzenbach staff.  The ultimate goal of the MKSD Developmental Education Program is to create in every student the desire and opportunity to be a worthy citizen of the working community. 

The curriculum that was developed for the program provides Multiply Disabled students, ages14 to 21, with the information and experiences necessary to succeed in supervised employment. Emphasis is placed on developing thinking and communication skills, good work attitudes, responsibility on the job, and work skills in a nurturing environment where students feel safe to experiment and learn.

In addition to reading/thinking skills, mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, and art, the students in this program may participate in a daily work setting called "Production Services". This program provides a real-life work experience in the high school highly structured supervised setting.  Students learn a variety of job skills, self-management skills, and safety principals while completing jobs that are provided by other agencies.  Developmental Education students may also participate in other Vocation Training Program majors as appropriate.

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