John F. Kennedy High School

Counseling Office Guidance Clerk Mrs. Linda Zubiate Mrs. Linda Zubiate (714) Records Clerk Mrs. Keven Britton (714) Counselors (714) Ms. Helen Yee (A-E) Ms. Helen Chung (F-K) Mrs. Vaishali Bennett (L-Q) Mr. Van Parker (R-Z) To ensure that there is adequate time to address your needs & concerns, please make an appointment with your child’s counselor

Graduation Requirements  230 credits (class of 2014 &2015)  Pass all required classes  Pass all sections of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) – 350 or better on English Language Arts and 350 or better on Math  2.0 grade point average (class of 2014 & 2015).

Required Classes  Social Science- 3 years  World History/Geography  US History  US Government/Economics  English- 4 years  Math- 3 years  Foreign Language or Visual Performing Arts (VPA)- 1 year  Health – 5 credits  Science- 2 years  Life Science (Biology/Life Science)  Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics, Earth, Int. Science)  PE- 2 years  PE, Athletics, Cheer, Marching Banc, JROTC Drill  Career Elective- 1 year  Business, ROP, JROTC, ASB, Newspaper, Sports Medicine, etc…

A-G Requirements  Completion of the A-G requirements will make students eligible to apply to 4-year colleges/universities!  Students must complete the minimum 15 required courses by graduation.  Students must earn C grades or higher  For many schools (selective), students need to complete more than the minimum: Eligibility vs. Selection

A-G Requirements University of CA (UC) and Cal State University (CSU) A Social Science World History/ US History BEnglish English 1, 2, 3, 4. May include 1 yr of Advanced ELD for English 1 CMath Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 4 th year highly recommended DScience 2 yrs of lab science (Bio, Chemistry, Physics), 3 rd yr recommended E Foreign Language 2 yrs of the same foreign lang. 3 > yrs recommended F Visual or Performing Art 1 yr of an approved VPA GElectives 1 yr of an approved college prep elective from the A-G list

Honors Program  Honors-level classes are more academically intense and faster paced.  Honors-level classes give colleges a preview of how well a student might perform in college once admitted.  Top factor in admission to selective colleges.  Students may begin taking honors courses during their freshman year.

Advanced Placement (AP)  Students can earn college credit and stand out in the admission process through AP courses/exams.  AP college-level courses can help students acquire the skills and habits needed to be successful in college.  Most colleges give students credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of AP Exam scores.  By entering college with AP credits, students will have the time to move into upper level courses, pursue a double-major or study abroad.  Students can begin taking AP courses during the sophomore year.

International Baccalaureate (IB)  IB Program starts in the 11 th grade.  Academically rigorous program – helps students be competitive for selective colleges and universities.  Mrs. Foy and Mrs. Helton- IB Coordinators.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)  Division I  16 core academic courses  Division II  14 core academic courses  16 core academic courses after 2013  Website:

Ways to Ensure Academic Success for Your Student:  Contact your child’s teachers via (under Faculty/Staff at Communicate with them regularly & build relationships.  Encourage your child to use his/her agenda planner for organizing homework & school activities. Sit down & review the planner regularly with him/her.  Follow your child’s progress using Zangle Parent Connect (to obtain your password,  Encourage your child to schedule tutoring appointments with his/her teachers to get help before/after school.  Check Naviance Family Connection for information about colleges & counseling announcements.