Unified Arts

Unified Arts

Programs at Mercer High School provide equal emphasis on both academics and social skills.  Mercer High School gives students the opportunity to follow their interests and use their talents and to be a contributing and integral member of the school community.  By participating successfully in unified arts and extra-curricular activities, students learn about working as a member of a group, the importance of persistence and practice and the value of helping others.

Students enrolled in our Art elective have the opportunity to create an assortment of projects using a variety of media.  Creating pottery crafts is a way for our students to express themselves. Students participating in classes contribute items for fundraisers that are offered to parents and visitors at various functions.  Students also have numerous personal works of art prominently displayed throughout the school.  This helps contribute to the sense of community belonging.

A certified Reading Specialist collaborates with staff and provides small group instruction.  Students enrolled in the Reading Program have been identified by staff and assessed using various instruments such as, Informal Reading Inventories, The Wilson Assessment for Decoding and Encoding, and The Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests.  The reading teacher uses  programs such as The Wilson Reading System and Caught Reading for instruction.  Students meet in small groups at least three times a week.  Teachers work closely to monitor the progress to provide the best program for the students. 

The Daily Living Skills classes expose students to the roles and responsibilities of independent living.  They provide students with the opportunities to learn and apply skills related to wellness and nutrition, snack and meal choices, simple food preparation, household and personal safety, clothing choices, self care, consumer knowledge, and community resources.

Many classes visit the 5,000 volume Library each week to check out books, do research, have library skill lessons, and listen to age appropriate books.  The library holdings also include several hundred DVDs to support the curriculum.  In addition, the library hosts two book fairs each year, in which students can use their behavior points to purchase a book.  The library also serves as an art gallery to showcase student work.

Students enrolled in the Music classes have many opportunities to demonstrate their creative potential.  The youngsters are able to participate in school-wide events such as holiday shows, talent shows and musical productions.  MHS has a chorus, as well as instruction in beginning musical instruments.

Spanish language instruction is offered at MHS.  By the end of Spanish 1, students will demonstrate novice to mid level comprehension of the Spanish language.  Students will be able to comprehend and follow simple, oral directions, commands and requests.  Students will be able to exchange information using words, phrases and short sentences, during leave takings, greetings, and daily interactions.  Students will demonstrate an understanding of Spanish culture, foods, geography, famous landmarks, and holidays.