The Unofficial Guide to High School 04/15/08 What I wish I knew as a 9th grader The Unofficial Guide to High School

Graduation Requirements 04/15/08 Graduation Requirements All students must earn 26 credits to graduate. Classification: 0 – 5 ½ Freshman 6 – 11 ½ Sophomore 12 – 18 ½ Junior 19 + Senior 9th graders will not have a rank/GPA until their 9th grade year is complete.

Credits Students will have the opportunity to earn 8 credits per year. 04/15/08 Credits Students will have the opportunity to earn 8 credits per year. Students are given the opportunity to earn a total of 32 credits. Students must earn 26 credits to graduate!

Foundation Plan with an Endorsement 04/15/08 Foundation Plan with an Endorsement English – 4.0 Mathematics – 4.0 Science – 4.0 Social Studies – 3.0 Health – 0.5 Professional Communications– 0.5 Fine Arts – 1.0 Physical Education – 1.0 Foreign Language – 2.0 Endorsement– 4.0 Electives – 2.0 Total = 26 credits

STARR testing 5 STARR tests for graduation English 1 (9th) Algebra 1 (9th) Biology (9th) English 2 (10th) US History (11th)

Grading/Grade Point Average All high school credits calculate in GPA, even credits from middle school. EVERYTHING COUNTS!!! A failed grade never disappears from the transcript and is always part of your GPA calculation. Courses taken virtually, by credit by exam or by correspondence also count in GPA.

Ways to Boost your GPA Make all A’s Take summer classes and make A’s Take weighted classes (extra 10 points): Pre-AP AP Dual Credit

Sample GPA English 1 – 92 Biology – 87 Algebra 1 – 85 World Geography – 64 French – 88 Theater – 94 Health – 98 Athletics – 100 GPA – 88.75 PAP English 1- 99 (109) PAP Biology – 97 (107) Algebra 1 – 92 AP Human Geography-98 (108) French- 95 Theater-98 Health-96 Athletics- 100 GPA- 100.62

04/15/08 Attendance Students are allowed 4 absences (excused or unexcused) per class per semester . Parents must call or send a signed note when the student returns to school for it to be excused. 5 or more absences (excused or unexcused) in the same class will result in an absence failure. Students are responsible for clearing absence failures with their assistant principal. Students will have to attend tutoring or Saturday School sessions in order to regain credit.

Get Involved!!!!

04/15/08 Clubs High School will provide an opportunity for involvement in many clubs and organizations. We highly encourage participation in extracurricular activities. Studies show that students who are involved in extra-curricular activities make better grades and are better prepared for life during and after high school.

Study Skills/Tips Get organized by using a planner, my homework app, calendar app, set reminders Discover your learning style (visual, auditory, tactile) to maximize success. Manage your time wisely by setting up time for study, time for breaks, time for social events to get everything done. Have a comfortable, quiet place to study Don’t procrastinate – refer to #1 and #3 Actively listen in class and take notes, make flash cards, copy notes or utilize other techniques to cement ideas/concepts. Do all reading and homework, consider taking notes on reading to ensure you are comprehending the reading assignments Consider forming study groups with other classmates to maximize understanding of ideas/concepts Work on stress management techniques to not get overwhelmed http://www.educationcorner.com/study-skills.html

House Bill 5 Meetings Starting in October, counselors will be reaching out for a 30 minute meeting with each 9th grader and family to sit down and write a 4-year plan. This is not a set in stone plan, but rather a way to set goals and be aware of all the options available to your student during high school. Students will continue to complete a course selection sheet every spring for the following year’s classes.

Counselors Kim Wilson (A-COF) – kimberlywilson@misdmail.org Lea Lester (COG-GREE) – leandralester@misdmail.org Staci Ross (GREF-LOO) – staciross@misdmail.org Ashley Wann (LOP-PARK) – ashleywann@misdmail.org Margie Tyrone (PARL-STA) – margietyrone@misdmail.org Lisa Davis (STB-Z) – lisadavis@misdmail.org Lori Cook (Student Support) – loricook@misdmail.org

Remind 101 –Text @lrhsco to 817-768-6662 Stay Informed Remind 101 –Text @lrhsco to 817-768-6662