Incoming 9th Grade Student/Parent Information Night North Springs Charter High School Incoming 9th Grade Student/Parent Information Night

NSCHS Counseling Staff Dr. Johnson (Last names A-Da) Mr. Ellis (Last names De-Ka) Ms. Butler (Last names Ke-Reg) Ms. Foney (Last names Reh-Z) Ms. Carreras (Graduation Coach) Ms. Felicia Lewis (Math/Science Magnet) (College & Career Center) Mr. James Landreau (VPA Magnet) Ms. Andrea Rocha (Bilingual Liaison) Ms. Lori Bryan (Registrar)

Program Agenda High School 101- General Information Graduation Requirements Freshman Year Instructional Levels Core Classes/Electives Sample 9th Grade Schedule Registration and Instructions NSCHS Highlights Magnet Updates Spartan Sports Summer Bridge Question and Answer Session

High School 101 7 classes (55 minutes per class) Progress reports every three weeks via Home Access Final grades posted at the conclusion of each semester Yearlong Course = 1.0 credits One Semester Course = .5 credits Grading Scale: A (90-100) B (80-89) C (70-79) 7 additional points are added to a final grade higher than 70 in approved Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses

High School 101-Grading In middle school grades are calculated using the system of averages. Example 8th grade English *Semester 1- 60 *Semester 2-80 *Yearly average-70 student passes class semester is independent. not averaged… Each In high school grades are 9th grade English *Semester 1- 60-(below passing) *Semester 2- 80 *No yearly average student fails 1st semester and needs summer school to earn course credit

High School 101 High School Credits from Middle School Students can earn HS credits for math and/or world languages: 7th and 8th grade world language equals 1.0 high school credit. Once high school credit is accepted and added on a transcript it cannot be removed. Some other MS courses that may be accepted for HS credit: Intro art Physical Science Other electives as approved

Sports Eligibility To participate in any sport, you must pass 5 out of 7 courses the preceding semester - summer school is considered an extension of spring semester All athletes must be on track to graduate at the beginning of each school year

Graduation Requirements CLASS of 2021: 26 credits required English – 4 credits Math – 4 credits Science – 4 credits Social Studies – 3 credits CTE/World Language/Fine Arts* – 3 credits *Note: 2 or 3 years of World Language credits may be required for college admission Health/Personal Fitness – 1 credit (each .5) Electives – 7 credits

Graduation Testing Requirements- All students must take an – EOC -End of Course Test in the following areas during high school: Social Studies (US History and Economics) Math (Algebra I and Geometry) English (9th Lit and 11th Lit) Science (Biology and Physical Science) ***EOC Counts as 20% of student’s final grade in approved EOC courses

Keys to being successful in HS Choose a realistic and balanced schedule Have a plan of attack- set goals for high school Push yourself to be the best Stay Involved or get involved in an activity that sounds appealing Understand you have a VOICE- do not hesitate to reach out to teachers

Common Issues Freshmen Face Not studying/preparing enough for tests/quizzes/exams Failure to complete homework Lack of organization (homework getting lost in the backpack or locker) Worrying more about fitting in or socializing than grades Not attending help sessions with teachers when needed Not taking responsibility for grades and staying on top of current assignments and/or using the opportunity to do test recovery to raise a grade

Other ways we help assist in the transition to high school Classroom guidance lessons The counselors will conduct a classroom guidance lessons on success in high school-Counselor introductions so students know who their counselor is. GA College411/Bridge Bill Your child will work with the guidance department in structured activities to explore college and career interests grades9-12. Tutoring is offered after school on Tues, Thurs in media center and with individual teachers according to teacher’s schedule.

Instructional Levels Balance Your Schedule! Coursework Regular/On Level Honors Advanced Placement (AP) Balance Your Schedule! In high school it is important that a student have a balance in their schedule where they are challenged yet not overwhelmed… how can you achieve balance? Balance academic courses with electives, as well as balancing honors and on level courses. If you have a high B or solid A in a on level class, have a conversation with the teacher about being recommended for honors for the next year to add more rigor to your schedule. Each year schedules are built in the spring for the following year.

Required 9th Grade Academic Classes Language Arts Science 9th Literature and Comp 9th Literature and Comp Honors Earth Systems Biology Honors

Required 9th Grade Academic Classes Math options for students entering 9th grade without Math credit GSE Accelerated Algebra I/Geom GSE Algebra I Algebra Support *Counts for Elective credit only Math options for students entering 9th grade with Math credit GSE Geometry GSE Accelerated Geom/Algebra II

Other 9th Grade Classes Social Studies Other AP Human Geography No honors courses offered in this department AP Human Geography ( year long course) available for those recommended Graduation required social studies classes begin in 10th grade with World History General Health (1 semester) Personal Fitness (1 semester)

World Languages Honors courses exist in level II and higher French I, II, III, IV and AP Spanish I, II, III,IV and AP Chinese I, II, III, IV Latin I, II, III, IV Honors courses exist in level II and higher

Fine Arts Band Orchestra Chorus Art Drama

Career Pathways Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career pathways are used to assist students in linking their high school coursework to post secondary training at four year universities, technical colleges, military training or apprenticeships and future careers. Students may earn three credits in a coherent sequence of CTE courses through a self selected pathway leading to college and career readiness.

Sample Schedule 9th Lit./Comp Biology, honors GSE Acc Algebra I/Geom French I Health/Personal Fitness Elective

Please review the specific electives needed for your child Students have had the opportunity to review our elective handbook (online) and select classes that they are interested in taking if they are not in the magnet program during 8th grade tours-SSCMS transition visits were held in Feb. Students should understand we do not make schedule changes after course verifications are established. Choose electives and courses wisely. Students in the magnet program will take elective courses that place them on a pathway to meet magnet requirements (example- math/science magnet student may take “Intro to Research Methods”) Students will meet and work with their counselors throughout their high school years to prepare for successful completion of graduation requirements.

Additional Information Upperclassmen are given first priority in then scheduling of some classes, such as world languages Leveling –beginning of school year Schedules could change to balance the number of students in a classroom. If your child’s schedule is changed due to leveling they cannot be changed back to the original schedule.

Pre-registration Recommendations for core classes are made by 8th grade teachers. Students chose electives with input and guidance from parents and NSCHS counselors. See your student’s middle school counselor for more information or questions regarding MS teacher recommendations.

Supplemental Instructions Please contact the Special Education contact person at each school if you need additional help with transitional services. Please contact the TAG contact person at each school if you need additional help with transitional services.

Questions??? SUMMER BRIDGE INFORMATION Gear up Days will be in August . Please be on the look-out for more specifics regarding 9th grade Date and Time TBA Questions???

Magnet Information Math/Science Magnet VPA Magnet

First come, first served. SPARTAN SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM SAVE THE DATE North Springs Charter High School will be hosting a FREE Summer Program for rising 9th grade students only. The program will be hosted at North Springs Charter High School.   June 5th - June 30th 8:30am-3:00pm Monday – Friday Please see the following details regarding the Summer Reach Experience: Earn Credits (. 5 for Health / .5 for Personal Fitness) Classes are taught by Certified High School Teachers Registration Link will be available May 1st on the North Springs website. Only 100 spaces available. First come, first served.

Magnet Information Sheet North Springs Charter High School 2017-2018 Incoming 9th Grade Magnet Student Information Sheet   REGISTRATION – Mrs. Lori Bryan is looking forward to meeting with all the Magnet families to register your student. Every Magnet parent received an e-mail with all needed information. If you are a Non-Magnet Sandy Springs Middle student, your registration information will automatically come to our school. AUDITIONS - If you are a Dual or VPA (Visual Performing Arts) only student you should have auditioned last week. If you missed the audition, please send an audition video to landreauj@fultonschools.org. If the student doesn’t audition, they will be placed in an introductory course in a VPA discipline as a freshman. Once schedules are set in April, there will not be any changes made. COURSE SELECTION – Course selection sheets for Magnet students will be sent to your student’s middle counselor late next week. Please consult with your student’s current counselor if you have questions regarding their placement in their core classes for next year (Math, English, Social Studies, Science and World Language). For electives, students will either be placed in Magnet electives or another elective of their choice, if space permits in their schedule. MATH/SCIENCE PROGAM REQUIREMENTS: As an incoming student participating in the Math/Science Magnet Program, each student will take Intro to Research Methods 0.5 and Math of Finance 0.5.

Course Description-Magnet Electives COURSE AND DESCRIPTION - First Semester .5 - Introduction to Research Methods (Fall Semester) - This course will provide an opportunity for participants to establish or advance their understanding of research through critical exploration of research language, ethics, and approaches. The course introduces the language of research, ethical principles, and quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Participants will review literature relevant to their field or interests to determine how research findings are useful in forming an understanding beyond the classroom and into real-world realms such as social, local and our global environment. This course will begin with the integration of said research and culminate with Science Fair projects in the Fall which will then lead to a competition in the Spring. (Regional and State)   Second Semester .5 - Math of Finance (Spring Semester) - Math Finance is a course on personal finance covering such topics as Earning Money, Budgeting, Saving and Investing, Buying/Leasing a Vehicle, Buying/Renting Real Estate, Taxes, Insurance, Retirement, and other various topics. While we focus on the mathematical concepts behind these important life skills, we also discuss vocabulary and real life situations in which students will encounter these topics. In summary, math finance is the class that we all wish we would have taken in high school before we went out on our own in the "real world".

Key Benefits of the Magnet Program 2017-2018 North Springs Magnet Program Quick Reference Guide Key Benefits of the Magnet Program: A learning environment that draws students together with common interests, talents and abilities  High-level, creative and rigorous curriculum Opportunities for students to engage in specialized internships and work-based learning experiences Priority placement in interest based courses Ability to create an in-depth portfolio that showcases curriculum   Math/Science Program Requirements: Student must have an 85% average or higher in all Math and Science courses (core & elective) for admission into the Math/Science Magnet Program Student must maintain an 85% average or higher in all Math and Science courses (core & elective) all four years to remain in the Math/Science Magnet Program STUDENT MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING COURSES: 2 Math/Science elective courses during the 9th & 10th grade year 4 Math/Science Advanced Placement (AP) courses during the 11th & 12th grade year Participation in 2 Math or Science Competitions Visual/Performing Arts Program Requirements: Student must have an 80% average or higher in all Visual/Performing Arts courses for admission into the Visual/Performing Arts Program Student must maintain an 80% average or higher in all Visual/Performing Arts courses all four years to remain in the Visual/Performing Arts Program 8 visual and performing arts elective courses (6 elective courses for Dual Magnet), 2 of which must be at the highest level offered or Advanced Placement (AP) Participation in 2 arts honor societies, organizations or competitions Magnet Program Probation/ Dismissal At the end of each semester students must obtain a grade average of 85% or higher (in Math/Science Courses) and a grade average of 80% or higher (in Visual/Performing Arts Courses). If these averages are not maintained, the student will be placed on Magnet probation. A second semester of Math/Science GPA lower than 85% and Visual/Performing GPA lower than an 80% will result in being dismissed from the Magnet Program. If North Springs is not the student’s zoned school, they will be sent back to their zoned school.