New SHS course would address need for sporting officials, referees

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Changes to the Shrewsbury High School Program of Studies was presented to the School Committee Jan. 8. The proposed changes include a new “Officiating” class. (Photo/Dakota Antelman)

Changes to the Shrewsbury High School Program of Studies was presented to the School Committee Jan. 8. The proposed changes include a new “Officiating” class. (Photo/Dakota Antelman)

SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury students may have the chance to take new classes next year, including one course that would allow them to officiate local sporting events.

The School Committee on Jan. 8 reviewed proposed changes to the Shrewsbury High School Program of Studies, a 100-page-long document that outlines classes offered to students. The School Committee is expected to vote on approving the 2025-2026 Program of Studies at an upcoming meeting.

In the Health and Physical Education Department, students may have the opportunity to take “Officiating.” In this elective for upperclassmen, students would take a sport-specific officiating exam at the culmination of the course, allowing them to potentially officiate future games.

“This course has been developed to meet the need for training qualified officials and referees due to a national shortage in youth and highschool athletics,” said Health and Physical Education Department Director Erica Pratt, who presented the changes Jan. 8. “Other schools in Massachusetts have also had great success implementing this course, and it has resulted in students being hired for youth sporting events, also giving them a greater appreciation for sportsmanship.”

“Mediterranean Cuisine” may return to Shrewsbury High School, replacing “Foods of the World.” The two classes have alternated for the last couple of years. According to documents from past years, in “Mediterranean Cuisine,” students would have the opportunity to “explore the cuisines and cultures of European and Mediterranean countries, [studying the] influence of geography, climate, and culture.”

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Another new course, “Introduction to Computer Applications,” would help students develop computer skills, serving as a foundation for other technology-based courses. Students would learn about file management, word processing, spreadsheets, and troubleshooting.

In addition to the new classes, Shrewsbury High School seeks to update language regarding its graduation requirements. In November, Massachusetts voters passed Question 2, ending MCAS as a graduation requirement in the state. Draft language regarding the change was presented at the Jan. 8 meeting, and district staff will meet in the coming days to further refine the requirements.

This would be the first update to the district’s graduation requirements since 2003.

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