Thursday, February 6, 2025
The Rockville Centre School District unveiled its proposed course offerings for the 2025-2026 school year, with a focus on expanding academic opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and preparing students for college and careers.
Superintendent Matt Gaven outlined the proposals during the Board of Education meeting on Jan. 9, emphasizing the district’s commitment to “expanding opportunity, elevating rigor, and increasing relevance.”
Key among the new offerings are two courses that connect students with local colleges. Financial investments, a new partnership with Molloy University, will provide students with the opportunity to earn Bloomberg certification through hands-on training at Molloy’s Bloomberg Terminal Lab. This credential is recognized across the financial industry. Meanwhile, computational engineering, a course developed with Hofstra University, introduces students to engineering problem-solving using MATLAB and other tools. Both courses involve off-campus visits to help minimize disruptions in their daily schedules.
The arts curriculum will also see significant growth. Unified Theatre will bring together general and special education students for a collaborative exploration of acting, directing, and set design. IB Dance will also provide students with a rigorous academic approach to dance composition and performance.
Business electives will expand with sports marketing and fashion marketing, both half-year courses that delve into branding, sponsorships, and consumer behavior in their respective industries.
Additionally, a pilot program for AP Cybersecurity will introduce high school students to foundational concepts in network security, with an opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications.
In social studies, the district proposes AP Human Geography as an option for ninth graders, providing an introduction to the patterns and processes shaping human interaction with the environment.
This course will also fulfill New York State’s social studies credit requirement for freshmen.
South Side Middle School will launch Introduction to fashion design, offering eighth graders hands-on experiences in garment construction and sustainability. At the elementary level, the district will continue its implementation of knowledge-based units in grades K-5, designed to strengthen foundational skills across disciplines.
Reflecting on the district’s trajectory, Gaven noted the integration of new courses with long-term strategic planning. Recent additions, such as AP Computer Science Principles, Python programming, and a prompt engineering course in artificial intelligence, position the district to adapt to emerging educational trends.
“These proposals reflect our ongoing efforts to provide relevant, rigorous, and inclusive options for all students,” Gaven said.
Board members praised the innovative direction of the proposals but emphasized the importance of balance and accessibility.
“I think it speaks to a new experience for students in Rockville Centre, which is fantastic,” Janet Gruner said.
Gruner also encouraged better communication with parents to provide the full scope of the district’s courses.
“Our community has asked for options, and it clearly shows we are offering that,” Erica Messier said. “We are continuing to build bigger and better to meet the needs of all of our students.”
Donna Downing applauded the district’s forward-thinking approach. “These proposals show the commitment from Rockville Centre schools to adapt and acknowledge that technologies are changing rapidly,” she said, while cautioning against creating “a pressure cooker” enviornment for students.
The proposed courses are another step in the district’s commitment to foster academic and personal growth while adapting to the needs of a changing world.
