Welcome to Sandy Creek High School Freshman Advisement 2016-17

How Does High School Work? FALL SEMESTER (1st Semester ) 18 weeks long 7 classes 3 progress reports and a final REPORT CARD SPRING SEMESTER (2nd Semester) 18 weeks long 7 classes 3 progress reports and a final REPORT CARD

High School Credits Each semester class is worth .5 (1/2) credit. Passing both semesters of the same subject gives 1.0 credit in that subject. Each semester stands alone. Not passing a class in the Fall semester but passing the same subject in the Spring semester does NOT mean passing the whole year of that subject like middle school. You have to make up any required class you do not pass, whichever semester it is. To graduate, you need 23 total credits.

Grade Reports Progress reports every 4 ½ weeks Only a snapshot of where the grade was on the day that the grading window ended Infinite Campus has the most updated information The final report card each semester is the grade recorded on the transcript

Grade Point Average (GPA) The mathematical average of your grades each semester will give you a grade point average Average of grades = GPA Academic GPA is different! 88 95 GPA 86 79 82

Promotion to the next grade is based upon CREDITS EARNED (Students are no longer PLACED like in middle school) Sophomore Year: You need at least 5.5 credits Junior Year: You need at least 11.5 credits Senior Year: You need at least 17 credits Credit is earned when a minimum passing grade of 70 is achieved at the end of the semester. A semester lasts 18 weeks.

TESTING, TESTING… Georgia Milestones Testing for 9th grade 9th Grade Lit GSE Algebra Biology Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (P.S.A.T.) October 15, 2016

for freshmen and juniors PSAT - Preliminary SAT Students may take it in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades Excellent practice for SAT and ACT Used for National Merit Scholarship Program(11th only) $20 test fee for freshmen and juniors Register in Guidance

Georgia Student Finance Commission www.GaCollege411.org Georgia Student Finance Commission Calculates the HOPE Scholarship eligibility Information for all post-secondary schools in the state of Georgia (including universities, colleges, technical colleges, etc.) and many out of state schools Information on financial aid Student planner for accomplishments, extracurricular activity, community service, etc.- Resume builder Student interest and job matching survey

Georgia’s HOPE ScholarshipProgram HOPE Grant Scholarship GPA of 3.0 Core Credits (all attempts) Calculated by the GSFC Tuition is paid a percentage amount, which will vary yearly Zell Miller Scholarship GPA of 3.7 AND 1200 SAT (Math and Critical Reading) or 26 ACT 100% Tuition paid HOPE Grant Scholarship GPA- no requirement Technical Colleges

HOPE Rigor Requirements for Graduating Class of 2019 Students graduating from high school on or after May 1, 2017, must receive at least 4 credits in courses from the following categories, prior to graduating from high school: Advanced math, such as Advanced Algebra, Pre-calculus, or an equivalent or higher course Advanced science, such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology II, or an equivalent or higher course Advanced Placement courses in core subjects (English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language) International Baccalaureate courses in core subjects (English, math, science, social studies and foreign language) Move On When Ready courses in core subjects (English, math, science, social studies and foreign language) where such courses are not remedial and developmental courses Advanced foreign language courses HOPE Rigor Requirements for Graduating Class of 2019

Move on When Ready- Dual Enrollment Fall, Spring and Summer (2016) Part time or Full time at multiple institutions No residency requirement 9th-12th grade students are eligible (must meet college’s admissions requirements) Advisement meeting between counselor, parent, student too many different programs with different regulations/ guidelines/funding sources/ etc. •Eliminate the confusion for counselors, parents, students, and administrators •A need for equal funding for all dual students no matter what college course they were taking •A need to simplify and speed up the payment process for students and colleges •Too many different dual enrollment course listings

Freshman Success! What can WE do? Personally Academically What can YOU do? Personally Take care of your health-come to school every day! Stay away from “drama” Look for ways to relax and have fun Limit your social media interactions Develop your talents and interests by joining clubs and teams Think about graduation- what’s next? Academically Use an assignment book or agenda Do all assignments (homework too!) See your teachers for extra help Study old, corrected tests Form study groups or get a study partner Make a habit of studying every night What can WE do? Personally Help when you have a personal issue Help you start looking into careers and colleges Suggest study skills or ways to help you get organized Help you with choosing a pathway in high school Academically Help find a peer tutor Look at your grades and progress Assist you with next year’s classes Talk about PSAT, SAT, ACT Arrange for conferences with your teachers

If you need help…. SCHS teachers (mornings and afternoons- talk to your teachers!) Math Lab- room 222 Peer Tutors Class websites Edmodo accounts Communicate with teachers through emails, phone calls Infinite Campus grading website Conferences through the counselors

KAHOOT.IT

Sandy Creek High Guidance Office 770-969-2840 Ms. Fagan * A-DI Mrs. Dunn * DO-J Mrs. Sanford * K-P Mrs. DeBraisha Hale -(9th) Mrs. Vivan Dunn – (10th) Ms. Janet Fagan – (11th) Mr. Michael Roache – (12th)