ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS

For a copy of our current Curriculum Guide, please click here

Business/Technology Department

The Business/Technology Department is committed to helping students develop the skills and ideas necessary to be successful in their personal, academic, and professional lives. Technology skills are incorporated in all courses to strengthen and prepare students to succeed in this electronic society.

All freshmen are required to take a semester of Computer Applications. In this course, students improve on keyboarding skills and receive training in the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. All students are required by state law to take a class in Consumer Education, which stresses financial responsibility and practical skills necessary to succeed in life. Accounting, Business Law, Honors Economics, Introduction to Business, Desktop Publishing and Spreadsheet Applications are offered as electives. Honors Economics and Introduction to Business also fulfill the Consumer Education requirement.

Courses offered by the Business/Technology Department

Business

• Accounting
• Business Law
• Consumer Education
• Economics (Honors)
• Introduction to Business

Computer Science

• Computer Applications and the Internet
• Desktop Publishing
• Spreadsheet Applications

Faculty

• Mrs. Victoria Collier (formerly Pratt)

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English Department

The English Department believes in preparing students, especially in literature and in writing. Strong emphasis is placed on literary analysis and appreciation. In conjunction, writing, both creative and rhetorical, complements the literature study. Therefore, in the four years at IC, a student will write in all genres from poetry to research papers. Grammar and spelling are cogently stressed in everyday writing and in formal, school related works.

Vocabulary is essential to the well-spoken English student, and therefore, vocabulary, both contextual and textual, is stressed in the student’s speaking and writing. The goal of the English Department is to graduate a student who can think and analyze, appreciate and enjoy good writing, and write clearly, creatively, and rhetorically.

Courses offered by the English Department

• English I
• English I (Honors)
• English II
• English II (Honors)
• English III
• English III (Honors)
• English IV
• AP English

Faculty

• Mr. Joseph Schram
• Mr. Timothy Butterly
• Mrs. Jennifer Mertz
• Mrs. Cindy Thomas

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Fine Arts Department

The Fine Arts Department offers a well-rounded background in the visual arts. Our goal is to develop a general artistic language, an appreciation for the arts, as well as the opportunity to use a multitude of mediums and techniques. Students are able to express themselves visually while discovering their own personal creativity and style. Our students work extensively in the areas of drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics.

Courses offered by the Fine Arts Department

• Art Survey
• Art I: Principles of Drawing
• Art II: Advanced Art & Design
• Ceramics I
• Ceramics II
• Ceramics III
• Sketching
• Interpretive Speech
• Introduction to Modern Theatre
• Band
• Chorus

Faculty

• Ms. Ann Pasteur

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Foreign Language Department

Spanish and Italian language courses offer students the opportunity to discover other world cultures by learning to actively communicate in the language by understanding the customs, history and literature of the people. While learning a foreign language, students gain a better understanding of their own language and culture, appreciate and value diversity, expand opportunities for employment, and gain skills to participate in the global society of the twenty-first century. Students who plan to continue their education, and who have an aptitude for languages, should strongly consider following a four year sequence of one language. By doing so, this may allow them to meet both the entrance and exit requirements at most colleges and universities.

Courses offered by the Foreign Language Department

• Spanish I
• Italian I
• Spanish II
• Italian II
• Spanish III – Honors
• Italian III – Honors
• Spanish IV – Honors
• Italian IV - Honors

Faculty

• Mrs. Jaqueline Gutierrez
• Mrs. Raffaella Lostumbo
• Mrs. Ellen Christensen

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Mathematics Department

The Math Department at Immaculate Conception High School offers Regular, Honors, and Advanced Placement classes. Every student is required to take three years of math, although the department highly recommends a fourth year. These courses cover the traditional areas of high school Algebra and Geometry as well as advanced topics. A student’s core curriculum depends upon his or her freshman math placement. Our curriculum incorporates both traditional and modern teaching techniques. Graphing calculators along with other types of technology are used in our classes. Individualized tutoring is offered to any student who needs it, and the Math Department strives to help students to thoroughly understand the concepts as well as procedures being taught.

Courses offered by the Mathematics Department

• Algebra I
• Algebra I – Enhanced
• Algebra I – Honors
• Geometry
• Geometry – Enhanced
• Geometry – Honors
• Algebra II
• Algebra II – Enhanced
• Algebra II/Trigonometry - Honors
• Senior Mathematics
• College Algebra/ Trigonometry
• Pre-Calculus – Honors
• Calculus – AP

Faculty

• Mrs. Linda Dolata
• Mrs. Maureen Idasek
• Ms. Michelle Brezinski
• Mrs. Dina Ruffolo

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Physical Education & Health Department

The Immaculate Conception Physical Education curriculum consists of one semester of PE for both boys and girls each year as well as one semester of Health course during the sophomore year. The physical education courses are designed to develop a number of components in relationship to sport and fitness. A wide variety of activities are offered from team sports such as basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, and softball to individual sports such as badminton, pickle-ball, and eclipse-ball. Rules, game strategy and techniques are stressed as well as the importance of teamwork, effort, and sportsmanship.
Students’ personal fitness is also a key aspect to the physical education curriculum. Students learn how to effectively evaluate their fitness levels. Physical fitness activities included in our curriculum are yoga, pilates, weight training, and aerobics. PE classes together with the Health course promote and encourage active and healthy lifestyle that will benefit students throughout their lives.

Courses offered by the Physical Education & Health Department

• Physical Education I
• Physical Education II
• Physical Education III
• Physical Education IV
• Health

Faculty

• Mr. Matthew Joslyn
• Ms. Keirstyn McEvoy

Science Department

ICHS students are exposed to a broad academic foundation of science concepts in order to gain the knowledge and skills to be successful in high school, college, and the work world. Students are encouraged to look for and apply science concepts in the world around them as they study in regular, honors, and AP level courses. Biology and chemistry students are taught to be aware of the environmental impact of everyday situations and major world events. When studying the physical sciences, students use technology, mathematics, and deductive reasoning to enhance their chemistry and physics learning experience. Field trips, guest speakers, and science fair opportunities expand on the concepts the students are learning in class.

Courses offered by the Science Department

• Physical Science
• Biology – Honors
• Biology
• Biology - AP
• Chemistry
• Chemistry - Honors
• Chemistry - AP
• Physics
• Physics - Honors
• Environmental Science
• Human Anatomy and Physiology

Faculty

• Mr. Michael Conroy
• Mrs. Karin Fenton
• Ms. Sarah Palandri
• Mrs. Darlyn Schram

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Social Studies Department

The Social Studies Department at Immaculate Conception High School's mission is to teach students skills to analyze and assess the historical, geographical, political, cultural, psychological and sociological impact on the past and present social world.

Courses offered by the Social Studies Department

• World History
• World History - Honors
• United States History
• United States History - AP
• United States Government
• Current Events
• Economics - Honors
• Psychology
• Sociology
• World Cultures

Faculty

• Mr. Michael Field
• Mr. John O'Hara
• Mr. Matthew Bettinazzi

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Theology Department

The Theology Department is committed to the development of an understanding of the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church, which will enable the student to live as a contributor to the establishment of peace and justice in our world, our nation, our neighborhoods, our families, and our friends.

The freshman and sophomore years take a look at Jesus as revelation of God. The Bible is studied as the basis of our creed, as a historical book, a prayer book, a book of faith. The courses explore the Church, its history, beliefs, sacraments, and spirituality.  Junior year students explore responsibility in relationship, in the living out of one’s faith in today’s complex and changing world. The focus is the process and the tools for decision-making, for Christian morality. Seniors explore changing relationships as they prepare for college and beyond. The focus is becoming involved in the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church. In addition, the completion of a required 10 service hours each year give students the experience of living the message of Jesus in their school, parishes, and communities. The retreat experience, a required element of the Theology Department, provides students opportunities to strengthen bonds and appreciate the presence of God in the gift of friendship.

Courses offered by the Theology Department

• Theology I - The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture
• Theology I - Who is Jesus Christ?
• Theology II - Sacred Scripture
• Theology III - Life in Jesus Christ
• Theology IV - Responding to the Call of Jesus Christ

Faculty

• Mrs. Jane Connors
• Mrs. Marilyn Lange
• Ms. Colleen Carter