FRESHMAN PARENT 101: ACADEMY FOR PARENTS OF FRESHMEN Welcome Westlake High School Class of 2018!

Welcome & Introductions PRINCIPAL Dr. John Carter ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS Jaime Clark (A – EL) Donna Jackson (EM – HEP, VE – Z) Stephen Shands, (HER – LI) Michel Froneberger (LO – N) Michael McKelvey (O – VA) GUIDANCE COUNSELORS Carol Niemann (A – B) Caty Broderick (C – EL) Eric Jackelen (EM – HEP) Heidi Sauer (HER – LI) Teri Ochoa (LO – N) Andrea Clifton (O – SAP) Debbie Choate (SAR – VA) Jeff Pilchiek (VE – Z), Director

Student Support Services Located near the Chap Room in the 250 Suite Available for any social and/or emotional issues on an individual or group level. Katie Bryant, LCSW Kristi Waidhofer, LMSW Masters-Level Interns from UT

Opportunities to Get Involved Eanes Education Foundation (EEF) Wally Moore, Executive Director Booster Clubs Mum Moms Guidance Moms Jeff Pilchiek, Director of Guidance & Counseling PTO Liz McWhirter, President Safe Homes Toni Hudson

PTO Liz McWhirter, President First Meeting Friday, September 12 Noon

SAFE HOMES: Why Should I Help? Many kids start drinking in middle school. One out of every two 8th graders has tried alcohol. More kids use alcohol than use tobacco or illicit drugs. More children are killed by alcohol than all illegal drugs combined. Children who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are 5 times more likely than those who start after age 21 to develop alcohol problems. Educated parents are the first line of defense. Research shows that kids who learn from their parents about the dangers of underage drinking and illicit drugs use are 50% less likely to engage in them Safe Homes takes a zero-tolerance approach to keeping alcohol and drugs out of the hands of minors.

THE SAFE HOMES PLEDGE Not to serve or allow minors to consume alcohol or use illegal drugs at any gathering of minors in our home or on our property. To provide responsible adult supervision when minors gather in our home or on our property. To communicate with other parents or guardians who are concerned about the safety of minors in our home or on our property. I (We) Pledge:

Advisory: Easing the Transition Runs for four weeks, Monday – Thursday Takes place during the first half of the lunch period Get to know classmates, Teen Teachers, and counselors Understand what it means to be a member of the student body at Westlake Mandatory participation for all freshmen

Class Schedules Available in Skyward Family Access Check for accuracy, let counselor know if you have a change/correction BEFORE school starts Fill out a Schedule Change Request Form “See Counselor” Master Schedule limitations Courses offered once in the school day Classes that are full No guarantees that changes can be made

Class Schedules Schedules are not static: reprint schedule Sunday before school starts in case something has changed All students report directly to 1 st period. School day starts at 8:40 School day ends at 4:05

Survival Tips Review freshman schedule Balance between academic, extracurricular, and personal time commitments Encourage student to attend tutoring With teacher In the NGC Library Monday – Thursday Provide structure at home with a designated homework place and time Use Family Access to monitor grades

Survival Tips Work on organization / time management Calendar (digital, paper) Teacher syllabi Websites, eBackpack Work on good study skills and test-taking skills Encourage student to get involved at WHS Find clubs/organizations on our website under “Student Life/Resources” Ask for help! Counselors, APs, and teachers are valuable resources.

Navigating our Website Master Calendar Summer Assignments Weekly Message -- subscribe Counseling Clubs and Organizations Chaps in Service Teacher Websites WiFi / iPad Initiative Transportation

Questions and Answers