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Course Listings and Descriptions

English

Junior Literature
   Instructor: Anne Skvarek
Students in Senior Literature practice and refine their reading and writing skills. Major areas of study include American Literature, British Literature and Native American Literature. Students read from several different types of literature in units of study, such as: poetry, the short story, and the novel. Students also are given some SAT Reading/Writing preparation as well as AIMS Reading/Writing preparation. Major writing assignments include literary analysis essays and creative writing (poetry).
Senior Literature
   Instructor: Anne Skvarek

Students in Junior Literature practice and refine their reading and writing skills. Major areas of study include Drama, Native American Literature, William Shakespeare and his major works, as well as AIMS Reading/Writing preparation, and an intensive unit on English Grammar, Mechanics and Usage. Major writing assignments include literary analysis essays and creative writing (script writing for a play).
Freshman Composition
    Instructor: Randall Turner

Students in Freshman Composition are taught reading strategies and composition skills. Students will explore several writing/pre-writing strategies that will increase organization skills to help them write more effectively and descriptively. Major areas of study include Native American literature, poetry, personal narratives, and English grammar and usage. Students will also analyze and evaluate different media and the techniques used to influence attitudes and cultural perceptions. Major writing assignments include the students writing personal narratives, poetry, and persuasive essays. They will begin to collect their best writing samples in a portfolio, which they will continue adding to over the next three years in their English classes.
Sophomore Composition
    Instructor: Randall Turner

Students in Sophomore Composition continue to practice using different reading strategies and improve their composition skills. Major areas of study include American/British literature and Native American literature. Students will read in a variety of genres. Major writing assignments include personal, expository and persuasive essays, poetry, and writing a formal research paper. Students will also analyze and evaluate different media and the techniques used to influence attitudes and cultural perceptions. Sophomores will also spend time on AIMS Reading and Writing Prep.
IS English
    Instructor: Randall Turner

Independent Study English is a course designed to help juniors and seniors make up needed English credit. In this course, the students focus on reading novels and short stories from a mix of Native American, American, and British authors. Students will also do a research project and do some creative writing.

Fine Arts

Drama (Theatrical Art)
   Instructor: Koletta Saddleback-Burnside

This course gives students an increased appreciation of and additional experience in theater as an art form. The essence of human expression derives from the dramatic forms of creative reflection. The student will act, direct, and/or be technically involved in scenes, one-act plays or full length production. The student will read, write and evaluate plays as well as view and critique electronic and live performances. History, culture and technology will be examined, and career opportunities will be explored. Through creating theater, students will grow in their ability to comprehend the world and to communicate with others effectively. Drama can be described as a joyful expression of what it means to be human and should be deeply embedded in the life of each school and each student.

Contemporary Art
   Instructor: Koletta-Saddleback-Burnside

In this course students will study various styles and methods of contemporary art. The essence of human expression derives from the artistic forms of creative reflection. The basic elements of art will help those who may have had little exposure to art making, and will also provide a better foundation of those who already have a talent for creating art. First quarter, class will begin by experimenting with different kinds of art mediums. Second quarter, will be spent on specific art forms and methods favored by students. Third quarter will be spend on analyzing various contemporary artists in Tucson and also field trips to different art museums. Fourth quarter will focus on individual student art projects to be displayed in a final art show here at Ha:san.

Foreign Language

Spanish - Independent Study
   Instructor: Tim Tuller

This is a self-paced introductory level Spanish course based upon a written contract between student and teacher, describing the requirements necessary to complete the needed credit. Oral skills and basic written Spanish skills are covered.

Mathematics

Integrated Mathematics 1
   Instructor: Nathaniel Davies

Students in Integrated Mathematics 1 practice and refine their mathematics skills. Major areas of study include, but are not limited to, number sense, algebraic rules and properties, fractions concepts, prime number theory, study of prime numbers and their applications, geometric mean, algebraic mean, exponential, radicals, proportions, unit conversions, solving first degree algebraic equations, solving second degree algebraic equations and multiple choice test taking strategies. This course is the equivalent to Pre-Algebra/Algebra 1.
Integrated Mathematics 2
   Instructor: Nathaniel Davies

Students in Integrated Mathematics 2 practice and refine their mathematics skills. Major areas of study include, but are not limited to, points, lines, planes, similarity statements, congruence postulates, the triangle inequality, perpendicular lines, parallel postulate, properties of special triangles, right triangle theory, Pascals Triangle, Pythagoreans Theorem, measurement of angles with and with out a protractor, space shapes transformations, volume and area of space shapes and multiple choice test taking strategies. This course is the equivalent to Algebra 2/Geometry.
Math Lab
   Instructor: Nathaniel Davies

Students in Math Lab practice and refine their mathematics skills. Major areas of study include, but are not limited to, basic number theory, triangular numbers, algebraic sequences and series, geometric sequences and series, fractions concepts, as well as AIMS Mathematics preparation.
Freshman Math Lab
    Instructor: Veronica Hirsch

Students in Freshman Math Lab complete various in-class assignments intended to reinforce concepts introduced in their Integrated Math 1 course. Key concepts include basic number theory, fractions concepts, algebraic sequences, as well as AIMS Mathematics preparation. 
Integrated Mathematics 3
    Instructor: Veronica Hirsch

Students in Integrated Mathematics 3 refine their mathematics skills in the following areas: graphing linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic equations, solving complex number radicals, solving quadratic equations with real and complex number solutions, learning trigonometric properties, and using formal and informal reasoning to summarize and communicate mathematic concepts. This course is equivalent to Algebra 2/Pre-Trigonometry.  
College Preparatory Mathematics
    Instructor: Veronica Hirsch

Students in College Preparatory Mathematics refine their mathematics skills in the following areas: graphing polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic equations, applying probability laws, defining/solving arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, applying trigonometric properties, taking multiple-degree derivatives, performing basic integration, and using formal and informal reasoning to summarize and communicate mathematic concepts. This course is equivalent to Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus.  

Science

Anatomy and Physiology (Summer School Only)
   Instructor: Steve Purkiss

Anatomy and Physiology is the study of the form and function of living organisms.  This course will allow students to take a hands-on approach to studying the Human body.  Students will have the opportunities to explore the Human body from the cell and it’s components to the entire organism and how it functions.  Students will be able to investigate concepts by taking part in laboratory activities individually, in small or large groups, and as an entire class team.  Students will have the opportunities to demonstrate mastery of the Arizona State Science Standards and their prior and learned knowledge through various formats, such as, writing, group and individual activities and research projects, and quizzes.  In this course students will be challenged and taught the basics of good note taking, laboratory behavior, laboratory report writing skills, and organization skills.  
Biology
    Instructor: Steve Purkiss

Biology is the study of life and living things.  This course will allow you to describe the living world that surrounds all of us.  Students will have the opportunities to explore life from the cell and it’s components to plants, animals, and other organisms and how they developed over time.  Students will be able to investigate concepts by taking part in laboratory activities individually, in small or large groups, and as an entire class team.  Students will have the opportunities to demonstrate not only mastery of the Arizona State Science Standards, but their prior and learned knowledge through various formats, such as, writing, group and individual activities and research projects, exams and quizzes. In this course students will be challenged and taught the basics of good note taking, laboratory behavior, laboratory report writing skills, and organization skills.  
Earth and Space Science
    Instructor: Steve Purkiss

There are two components to this course: Earth Science and Space Science or Astronomy.  In the Earth Science component, students will explore the planet Earth; its components, their functions and how it sustains life. Then, students will look toward the stars and learn about the complex, yet important relationship, our solar system has with our planet.   Students will be able to investigate concepts by taking part in laboratory activities individually, in small or large groups, and as an entire class team.  Students will have the opportunities to demonstrate not only mastery of the Arizona State Science Standards, but their prior and learned knowledge through various formats, such as, writing, group and individual activities and research projects, exams and quizzes. In this course students will be challenged and taught the basics of good note taking, laboratory behavior, laboratory report writing skills, and organization skills.  
Chemistry
    Instructor: Steve Purkiss

This course surveys the concepts of general chemistry. Topics include states of matter, atomic structure, periodic table, bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, chemical equations, and quantitative relationships. Students will be able to investigate concepts by taking part in laboratory activities individually, in small or large groups, and as an entire class team.  Students will have the opportunities to demonstrate not only mastery of the Arizona State Science Standards, but their prior and learned knowledge through various formats, such as, writing, group and individual activities and research projects, exams and quizzes.  In this course students will be challenged and taught the basics of good note taking, laboratory behavior, laboratory report writing skills, and organization skills.
Physics
    Instructor: Steve Purkiss

Physics is the science that deals with matter, energy, motion and force.  It’s everywhere and in everything we see and do.  Through this conceptual physics course, the material may not always be “easy”, but our aim this year is to be able to learn and comprehend the “not-so-easy”  material. A scientist’s goal is to understand and explain how the world around them works…this is our goal. Students will be able to investigate concepts by taking part in laboratory activities individually, in small or large groups, and as an entire class team.  Students will have the opportunities to demonstrate not only mastery of the Arizona State Science Standards, but their prior and learned knowledge through various formats, such as, writing, group and individual activities and research projects, exams and quizzes. In this course students will be challenged and taught the basics of good note taking, laboratory behavior, laboratory report writing skills, and organization skills.  

Social Studies

Humanities
      Instructor: Anne Skvarek

Students in Humanities spend a semester studying world mythology. Special focus is given to studying Greek/Roman mythology and Native American Legends/Stories. Other cultures’ mythologies covered include Egyptian, Chinese, African, Norse, and East Indian. Major assignments in the class focus on students doing cross-cultural comparisons of topics and themes in world mythology. The other semester, students study William Shakespeare’s major works, as well as researching what life was like in Elizabethan England. Major assignments for the quarter include a research project and a literary analysis essay.
Arizona/O’odham History
    Instructor: Erewyn Remmington

We study the many nations and cultures that make up Arizona today, with a focus on recent O’odham history. State and tribal governments and tribal sovereignty are covered. Students will read articles and textbook chapters, discuss with classmates, use maps, analyze photographs and art, examine primary sources (including the Tohono O’odham Constitution and laws), and research and write an essay in class. Students will use the disciplines of archaeology, geography, economics and government to get a better understanding of Arizona and O’odham history from varied points of view.
United States History
    Instructor: Erewyn Remmington

The legacy of British colonialism is covered as we study the culture and responses of various Native nations. The textbook A People’s History of the United States is used throughout the year as a launching point from which to study different events. Primary sources such as laws, treaties, journal enteries, photos and videos will be studied, allowing students to develop their skills as historians and critics. The themes of change and activism are explored, culminating in a major writing project, where students research an activist from the 19th century and write from their point of view. The course ends with a study of United States government and current events.
World History
    Instructor: Erewyn Remmington

The history of world is studied through the lens of colonialism, focusing on its meaning and process and the responses of indigenous peoples around the world. Geography and economics are emphasized in order to develop a deeper understanding of the world today. The histories of Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East are central to the class. Finally WWII and the 20th century are studied in depth, with the class ending with a problem solving and planning project focused on a current issue.

Interdisciplinary Studies and Electives

Ethnobotany and Nutrition
    Instructor: Tim Tuller

This course is a culturally based introduction to nutrition and wellness, focusing on O’odham plants including O’odham vocabulary, and food preparation/food demos. Activities include preparation of simple recipes/food taste tests, field-trips to gather desert food/tool and food storage container materials. Healthy behaviors, goal setting and respect for self and others are key topics covered throughout the year.
Native Health
    Instructor: Tim Tuller

This course is a more advanced culturally based wellness and community oriented health study. Students are encouraged to focus on actively addressing health concerns through volunteer work and working with businesses to create positive change in policies and practices. Activities also include regular exercise/health strengthening behavior, and participation in local events and workshops relating to health/wellness promotion. Students will also research and present information relating to treating, preventing and educating self and others about health issues facing Natives today.
Gardening
    Instructor: Kyla LaMoure/Traci Hamilton

The Gardening Class is designed to nurture Him:dag (Tohono O’odham “way of life”)through introducing native plants as food and medicine, as well as teaching sustainable traditional and European planting methods. The class also focuses a lot on native foods. Encouraging diabetes prevention and nutritional awareness through reclaiming “native foods” is an important part of this class. Some projects we will be working on in class include the creation of a pollinator garden, rain water harvesting, bio-intensive gardening, and harvesting of traditional “native” foods. Students in Gardening Class enjoy the physical aspect of working outside with their hands and the knowledge that they are helping to create and sustain future Ha:sañ gardeners.
Novel Stars Course
    Facilitator: Koletta Saddleback-Burnside

Novel Stars offers a variety of comprehensive, web-based courses featuring adaptive technology and a rigorous curriculum designed to help students reach their academic goals.  Major areas of study include courses such as: English, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-calculus, Biology, Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, World History, American History, Native American History, and Art History.  Novels Stars courses allow the student to work at their own pace to complete courses they need graduate. 
Selective Enrichment
    Instructor: Jessica Estrada/Simon Mastik

This class is used as a period for independent study. Students can work on required on-line classes or on materials for other classes that they need to catch up on. It is usually only offered to those students who need extra help with their academics.

Special Education

Ha:sañ is in full compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) as evidenced by regular monitoring by the AZ Dept. of Education/Exceptional Student Services. The most recent comprehensive monitoring of the special education program was successfully completed in May, 2010, Ha:sañ received a 20/20 score.

Children birth through age 21 are entitled to special education services at no cost to the family. Ha:sañ School is committed to helping students with learning needs improve their academic skills so they may become successful and productive citizens. We provide evaluations to all students with a suspected disability and special education services to all students with a verified handicap. If you suspect a student/child has a disability please contact the following:

  • Birth to age 3 years, call AzEIP 520.439.5609
  • Ages 3 to 5 years, call the special education office of your home school district.
  • Grades K to 12 (students/children NOT attending Ha:sañ), call the special education office of your home school.
  • Grades 9 to 12 (students attending Ha:sañ), contact Jessica Estrada, Karol Basel, or William Rosenberg at the school.

 

Graduation Requirements: Students must have 22 units to graduate, including the following:

Electives/Interdisciplinary - 5 units

English - 4 units

Foreign Language - 2 units

Fine Arts - 1 unit

Laboratory Sciences - 3 units

Math - 4 units

Social Studies - 3 units

 

Special grading code

P = Passing

NC = No Credit

INC = Incomplete

NG = No Grade

M = Modified

H = Honors (elevated by a grade point)