Considering the Senior Year Options Program?

There is a CREDIT and a NO CREDIT path. 

Choose one of the following: 

Community Service:

-work individually or with a peer group to develop and implement a project in the community.   

Internship:

-further your career skills through an internship in a local school or business.  Past internships have included Teaching Assistantships in schools, ACTV, Law Firms, UMass and many more. 

Online Class:

-students may register for an online class and use their out of school time to work on the class assignments. 

Work Study:

-students can choose to work for pay at a local business.   

Teaching Assistant:

-students may choose to be a teaching assistant in an ARHS class.  They will assist in developing the class projects, tutoring, and facilitating discussions. 
 

All students, regardless of credit option, will also attend a weekly seminar.  Students taking the CREDIT path will have required assignments to complete. Seminar topics will include resume writing, communication skills, personality assessments, and financial planning.

Senior Year Options Program

Frequently Asked Questions 
 

Why should I choose Senior Year Options Program (SYOP)?

All students are required to take 2 directed studies next year.  Senior Year Options allows you to earn credit and life experience while also bypassing the mandatory studies.  This is a privilege that allows seniors the flexibility to explore career options and interests outside of the classroom. 

What is the difference between Credit and Non-Credit Options?

There are several options that you can choose:

1. CREDIT:  Students choosing the credit option must register for one of the following choices: D and E periods or E period only and will be required to attend a weekly seminar, fulfill hour requirements and complete class assignments.  This option is only offered Pass/Fail.
2. NO CREDIT:  Students interested in engaging in a project or work experience and attending the weekly seminar without completing assignments can do so by registering for D and E period or E period only Senior Year Option without credit.

What if I just want an E period internship?

Seniors who want to do only and E period internship may do so.  You should choose the E period only option when registering for the course. 

Will someone assist me in arranging my Option?

Students enrolling in the Senior Year Options Program and interested in an internship or community service project will be given a packet of local businesses and non-profits that have agreed to participate in our program in June.  Students interested in a Teaching Assistant position are encouraged to speak directly with a teacher before the end of this school year.  We will also have a list of teachers interested in having an assistant included in the packet.  We encourage all students to secure their placement over the summer. 

What if I want to take an Online Course?

Students will be responsible for researching, registering and all fees associated with an online course. 

What if I want to do Work Study as my Option?

If a student chooses to participate in Work Study as their option, they may do so if their work supervisor agrees to participate in the program.  Their work schedule will need to accommodate a weekly seminar.  Students should also know that there will be written assignments, evaluation and reflection as part of earning credit. 

How will I get to my placement?

Students are responsible for their own transportation.  There will be a limited number of free PVTA bus passes for students traveling outside of the Amherst area. 

What steps do I need to take to secure a place in the Senior Year Options Program?

1. Meet with your Guidance Counselor to tell them that you are interested in the program.
2. Decide which path you would like to take:  CREDIT or NO CREDIT.
3. Make the appropriate changes to your course registration form for next year.
4. COME TO THE SENIOR YEAR OPTIONS MEETING AFTERSCHOOL ON MAY 15TH TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION!!!  Listen for morning announcements for more information.

QUESTIONS?  Please make an appointment to meet with either Ms. Balzano or Ms. Mafi in room #311 or you can email at balzanos@arps.org or mafin@arps.org