GKHS 8th Grade Parent Information Night Class of 2021

Counselor Contact Information Danielle Melvin A - COL dmelvin@bethelsd.org Brad Hostak COM - G bhostak@bethelsd.org Megan Wardle H - LA mwardle@bethelsd.org Jennie Colgan LE - O jcolgan@bethelsd.org Jodi GreyEyes P - SL jgreyeyes@bethelsd.org Mike Stallman SM - Z mstallman@bethelsd.org

Soar Like an Eagle We believe all GKHS students have a future! Student Goals Take an academically challenging course or Advanced Placement course prior to graduation. Be involved in at least one extra-curricular or co-curricular activity. Connect with at least one adult at GKHS.

Soar Like an Eagle Extra Support Opportunities Study Support four days a week during the school day After school math help After school science help Schedule after school appointments with teachers Mini grade conferences in Careers class at each grading period

Soar Like an Eagle Orange & Blue Starts with YOU Your personal best everyday Own your future Understand we are one

Advice to Parents Characteristics of Successful Students Dedicated study time at home Students ask questions in class Organization skills are emerging Investment in school Open to exploring different interests Professionally persistent in navigating a large system

Family Access Verify/report attendance Monitor student academic progress Email teachers Updated on the 1st and 15th of each month

Graduation Requirements Subject Graduation Requirements English Language Arts (ELA) 4 Math 3 Science 3 (2 labs) Social Studies Career and Technical Education (CTE) 1 Health 0.5 Physical Education 1.5 Arts (or 1 Personal Pathways Requirement) 2 (1 can be PPR) World Language or PPR 2 (both can be PPR) General Electives Total Credits 24 Go through requirements Explanation of PPR is on next slide

Personalized Pathway Requirement (PPR) PPR’s allow flexibility for students PPR’s may be any course that aligns with the student’s career path Plan of study (High School and Beyond Plan) should reflect PPR’s To use PPR option students will complete a PPR request form Freshman are encouraged to fill schedule with required courses PPR’s are best used during junior and senior year PPR allows some flexibility in course selection so students may select courses in their career path PPR can be any course a student chooses that fits within their career path Freshman are encouraged to fill schedule with their required courses Encourage students/parents to request PPR’s in their junior/senior year

Two for One Requirements CTE courses may count for one other requirement in addition to the CTE requirement. EXAMPLES Course Requirement 1 Requirement 2 JROTC CTE Physical Fitness Nutrition and Fitness Physical Fitness or Health Principals of Bio-Med Lab Science or Health Explain how some CTE courses may be counted as a CTE requirement as well as a second requirement as outlined in the course catalog. Course may only count for two requirements. One of the requirements must be CTE.

Careers Class A class to help students Develop study skills to achieve academic success Navigate though their high school years Explore and prepare for post-secondary options Chart and prepare for their post-high school journey Prepare their online portfolio Prepare for their Student Led Conference

4-Year College Entrance Requirements College Academic Distribution Requirement (CADR) Credits English 4 Mathematics 3 (Algebra 1, Geometry, Adv Algebra) Senior Year Math-Based Quantitative Course 1 Science 2 lab (one credit Algebra based: Chemistry or Physics) Social Studies 3 Arts World Language 2 2.0 Minimum GPA ACT or SAT Score

Testing Information PSAT – Preliminary SAT. Great practice for SAT ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) – Military placement test COMPASS/ACCUPLACER – Community/Technical college placement test; Running Start placement test SBAC – Required for graduation. College placement test for colleges in Washington State ACT – Take spring of junior year (act.org) SAT – Take spring of junior year (collegeboard.org)

Future Options at GK: Dual Credit & College in the High School Earn college credit by taking CTE courses at GKHS (9th – 12th grades). Free college credit! College in the High School Opportunity to take college level classes in high school (10th & 12th grades) Earn college credit from the University of Washington. Classes: The Biology of Addiction and the Brain Computer Science Get Ready: Study and do well in 9th & 10th grade courses Save money for course enrollment fee.

Future Options at GK: Advanced Placement (AP) Opportunity to take college level classes in high school (starting in 10th grade). AP Courses World History, Psychology, US History, US Government & Politics, Microeconomics, Language & Composition, Literature & Composition, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Calculus, Studio Art, Music Theory Get Ready Study and do well in 9th grade courses. Save money for AP exams. Take honors classes at GK.

Future Options at GK: Running Start Eligible 11th/12th grade students enroll in college classes to earn college AND high school credit. Eligibility determined spring of 10th grade by taking ACCUPLACER (college placement test). Get Ready: Study and do well in 9th and 10th grade classes. Save money for college text books. Earn Physical Education credits in 9th& 10th grades.

Future Options at GK: Pierce County Skills Center Junior/Senior Year Aerospace Composites Aerospace Machining/Fabrication Automotive Technology Construction Trades Cosmetology Criminal Justice Culinary Arts DigiPen Video Game Development Fire Science & Emergency Services Medical Careers PC Networking & Hardware Repair Pre-Pharmacy Technology Pre-Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Pre-Veterinary Technology

9th Grade Recommended Course of Study 1st Semester 2nd Semester English Language Arts (ELA) Math Physical Science (or Biology**) Intro to Health & Fitness Digitools Elective This is the recommended course of study for 9th grade students. If students want to make significant changes, they need to schedule an appointment with their counselor. ** Physical Science or Biology – Students indicating an advanced science track may choose to take Biology in 9th grade.

Course Descriptions Located in Career Cruising Check Grade Level Pre-requisites Credit Area

Course Selection in Career Cruising Students select courses in the Course Planner section of Career Cruising. Make sure to choose alternate courses. Read and sign Course Selection Signature form. Course Selection Signature forms are due & students will submit course requests in Career Cruising: LMS students – February 13 FMS students – February 14

Counselor Contact Information Danielle Melvin A - COL dmelvin@bethelsd.org Brad Hostak COM - G bhostak@bethelsd.org Megan Wardle H - LA mwardle@bethelsd.org Jennie Colgan LE - O jcolgan@bethelsd.org Jodi GreyEyes P - SL jgreyeyes@bethelsd.org Mike Stallman SM - Z mstallman@bethelsd.org