Is Your Student ready for High School? Are you???????? The Class of 2019

Goals For This Evening Answer questionsAnswer questions Become aware of the transition information given to 8 th grade studentsBecome aware of the transition information given to 8 th grade students Learn about open enrollmentLearn about open enrollment

How do I choose a high school? Parent’s point of viewParent’s point of view –Transportation –Open campus –Academics –School focus –Student body –Extra-curricular activities –Fit for my child

How do I choose a high school? Kids point of viewKids point of view –Where are my friends going? –What have I heard about the school? –Where are siblings going? –Academics –Extra-curricular activities –Impressions from experiences at the school (OE experiences)

How to say it to teens……. Listen to your child (There are many fears and concerns around high school)Listen to your child (There are many fears and concerns around high school) Ask your child to talk about his/her direct experience with the schools (Not just what they have heard)Ask your child to talk about his/her direct experience with the schools (Not just what they have heard) Ask your child to rate in importance the things he/she want to consider when making a school choiceAsk your child to rate in importance the things he/she want to consider when making a school choice Prioritize your considerations/requirements for high schoolPrioritize your considerations/requirements for high school Take time to discuss the possibilities for schoolTake time to discuss the possibilities for school Remember: you are the parent and the decision is yours!Remember: you are the parent and the decision is yours!

The Four Year Plan Students in the 8 th grade will be registering for classes the last week of FebruaryStudents in the 8 th grade will be registering for classes the last week of February They will be asked to begin planning their academic journey through high schoolThey will be asked to begin planning their academic journey through high school This journey is……. The Four Year Plan!This journey is……. The Four Year Plan! Students will receive an overview of the plan from High School Counselors on January 28thStudents will receive an overview of the plan from High School Counselors on January 28th

Graduation Requirements As students begin their four year plan they will become aware of the fact that the BVSD graduation requirements are not necessarily the same as the course requirements to enter different collegesAs students begin their four year plan they will become aware of the fact that the BVSD graduation requirements are not necessarily the same as the course requirements to enter different colleges Parents and students should sit down together to discuss the child’s interestsParents and students should sit down together to discuss the child’s interests Parents and students can make an appointment to visit the career center at the high schoolParents and students can make an appointment to visit the career center at the high school

Ninth Grade Courses One year of : Language Arts Language Arts Math Math Science Science One semester of: Government World Geography Physical Education Electives: A combination of full year and/or semester electives so that you are taking six to seven courses per semester (depending on your high school).

A typical ninth grade schedule could look like:

Course Selection Timeline Mid January/February Go to with your student to the high school’s websiteGo to with your student to the high school’s website Look at courses that your student must take and the ones s/he is interested in takingLook at courses that your student must take and the ones s/he is interested in taking Look at course guidelinesLook at course guidelines Notice the course’s grade level, whether it isNotice the course’s grade level, whether it is a semester or year long course, prerequisites, and fees

Courses can be looked up by their department. Example: Finance Course is located in Business. French 2 is located in World Languages. Weight Training is located in Physical Education.

January or February Attend the Eighth to Ninth Grade Parent/Student Transition Night…… This is a night during which the high schools explain course selection, answer questions about courses and on-line course selection, and introduce you to their school.

January-February On-line Course Selection: All students will select courses through Infinite Campus. Students will need their own (not parent’s) Infinite Campus password to do so. Students will select their classes online at Platt

If you are open enrolling…… If you have accepted open enrollment to a high school, you may select courses at that high school. Otherwise, you need to select courses at your neighborhood high school until it is confirmed that you will be attending a confirmed that you will be attending a different high school. different high school.

COURSE CREDIT How students earn it…… How they can lose it…. Why it is necessary…..

Students earn FIVE credits for each semester class that they pass. All Freshmen need to pass at least six-seven classes per semester which will equal at least 60 credits per year.

Students lose credit by: Failing a class OR Missing too many classes in a semester (be sure you know your school’s policy).

Predictors of High School Success Success is directly tied to……

 Good Choices  Realistic Expectations  Knowing and Using Available Resources

Realistic Expectations Choose courses that challenge but don’t overwhelm.

Knowing and Using Your Resources There is ALWAYS someone willing to help. Students need to advocate for themselves. Parents can ask questions, teachers, ask for appointments.

Predictors of High School Success Setting goals Setting goals Getting involved Getting involved Balance time Balance time Being organized Being organized Attending class on time Attending class on time Trying, even when it’s hard or they don’t feel like it. Trying, even when it’s hard or they don’t feel like it.

Transition to High School Begins now!Begins now! 8 th grade students are feeling the pull of high school even before they finish middle school8 th grade students are feeling the pull of high school even before they finish middle school Some students may experience conflicting and intense emotions at this timeSome students may experience conflicting and intense emotions at this time They really do need to focus on middle school and stay present in the presentThey really do need to focus on middle school and stay present in the present

Stressors for Students Feelings of loss and grief for relationshipsFeelings of loss and grief for relationships Fears about fitting in sociallyFears about fitting in socially Fears about academic successFears about academic success Judgment from classmates about their high school choiceJudgment from classmates about their high school choice

What Parents can do to help Talk with your child about his/her feelings about the transition to high schoolTalk with your child about his/her feelings about the transition to high school Honor their feelings of lossHonor their feelings of loss Encourage them to focus on honing their study skills now that will help them in high schoolEncourage them to focus on honing their study skills now that will help them in high school Encourage them to check into the extracurricular activities they can take part in that take place in AugustEncourage them to check into the extracurricular activities they can take part in that take place in August Remind them that while they are leaving some of their friends behind there will be ways to continue their friendships outside of schoolRemind them that while they are leaving some of their friends behind there will be ways to continue their friendships outside of school

Additional tips for parents Don’t hesitate to contact your student’s teachersDon’t hesitate to contact your student’s teachers Learn about your student’s high school freshman seminar classLearn about your student’s high school freshman seminar class Get to know the parents of your student’s new friendsGet to know the parents of your student’s new friends Have discussions surrounding your expectations about how your student uses his/her “free period” at the high schoolHave discussions surrounding your expectations about how your student uses his/her “free period” at the high school

What schools will do to help….. Students will get information from a high school counselor to learn about the four year plan and how to register for classesStudents will get information from a high school counselor to learn about the four year plan and how to register for classes High schools will have an evening for parents and students of incoming 9 th graders to discuss the particulars of their school and the registration processHigh schools will have an evening for parents and students of incoming 9 th graders to discuss the particulars of their school and the registration process Fairview, Centaurus and Boulder High Schools will visit Platt on February 25th to help students register for all Boulder Valley high schools onlineFairview, Centaurus and Boulder High Schools will visit Platt on February 25th to help students register for all Boulder Valley high schools online High school students will come to visit all 8 th grade students to talk about the high school experienceHigh school students will come to visit all 8 th grade students to talk about the high school experience

Working Together we will Help all students transition into high school with the best possible experience!Help all students transition into high school with the best possible experience! Hold on to your hats and enjoy the fun!Hold on to your hats and enjoy the fun!