Ben Eielson Middle/High School Welcome, Freshmen! Class of 2021 Are you Ready to Soar, Ravens?

things we’ll cover Today: Freshman Expectations Grades & Credits – do they really matter? GPA & Graduation Requirements

meet the counseling team Mrs. Luddington Counseling Technician Ms. Beck High School Counselor

what do we do? How do we do it? Provide support for all students in the following areas: Personal/Social Academic Career/College Planning How do we do it? Referrals Small Groups Classroom Lessons One-on-One Advising & Counseling Services

Concerns that students may seek assistance for may include:  Depression Anxiety  Grief/Loss  Substance Abuse  Family Problems  Social Skills  Abuse/Neglect  Self-Esteem  Crisis Intervention  Anger Management

Our office is in the main hall by the nurse. How can you meet with us? Stop By! during lunch or passing time – or ask your teacher for a pass to come down. Our office is in the main hall by the nurse.

Grades & Credits do they really matter? The bottom line is: YES

to Graduate from High School you must complete: English Math Science Social Studies PE/Health Electives 4 credits 3 credits 3.5 credits 1.5 credits .5 credits 7 credits 22.5 Credits Required NOTICE: 2 years of a foreign language is NOT required for graduation though MANY colleges may require 2 years of foreign language for admission!

But what does it mean to “complete” a class? Students receive credit for classes they earn a D or better letter grade in.

NOPE “So what happens if I earn an F in a class?” SUMMER SCHOOL Earning F’s in classes will bring down your GPA If you earn an F in a class you will NOT receive credit for the class You will have to MAKE UP the class either through summer school or credit recovery NOPE SUMMER SCHOOL

You might be thinking “Wow – that looks like a lot of work.” let’s break it down: Each class you take is a chance to earn .5 credit/semester You will take 2 semesters of 9th grade Language Arts By the end of Freshmen year, you can earn 1.0 credit towards your L.A. graduation requirement (as long as you earn a D or better both semesters)

The Grading Scale A 90-100% 4.0 B 80-89% 3.0 C 70-79% 2.0 D 60-69% 1.0 F less than 60% 0.0 (no credit)

GPA – Grade Point Average Why does GPA matter? Colleges have different GPA requirements Scholarships have different GPA requirements Your freshmen year GPA will average with your GPA from all other semesters to determine your cumulative GPA – slack off now, you’ll have to work harder in the future to bring your GPA up!

Examples of College GPA Requirements for High School Students University of Alaska University of Washington Graduation from high school with GPA of at least 2.5 and  the SAT, ACT or a UA-approved test (High school graduates with GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 can be admitted on probation.) Graduation from high school with passing grades: English: 4 credits Math: 3 credits Social Studies: 3 credits Science: 2 credits World language: 2 credits Performing or Fine Arts: .5 credits Math based quantitative: 1 credit

Examples of College GPA Requirements for High School Students Air Force Academy Naval Academy Graduation from high school with passing grades: English: 4 credits Math: 4 credits Social Studies: 3 credits Science: 4 credits World language: 2 credits Computer studies: 1 credit SAT/ACT scores Class ranking Graduation from high school with passing grades: English: 4 credits Math: 4 credits Science: 4 credits World language: 2 credits Computer studies: 1 credit SAT/ACT scores Class ranking

We will work with you to put together a 4 year plan designed to help you achieve your goals. *if you don’t have career goals in mind – that’s okay! Your counselors will help you use AKCIS to figure that stuff out throughout your high school career. (AKCIS = Alaska Career Information System)

Hmm… what could my 4 year plan look like? Course Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior English (4 credits) English 9 English 10 American Lit/English 11 British Lit/English 12 Math (3 credits) Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2   Science (3 credits) Physical Science Biological Science Chem Tech Social Studies (3.5 credits) Alaska Studies World History US History Government Economics PE/Health (2 credits) Health PE Electives (7 credits) JROTC Nutrition Art Digital Photography 6 credits 5 credits

Hmm… what could my 4 year plan look like? Course Freshman Sophmore Junior Senior English (4 credits) English 9 Honors English 10 Honors AP Literature/Composition AP Language/Composition Math (3 credits) Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2 Func/Analysis & Trig Science (3 credits) Physical Science Biological Science Chemistry Anatomy/Biology Social Studies (3.5 credits) Alaska Studies World History AP US History Government Economics PE/Health (2 credits) Health PE PE Waived for Intramural   Electives (7 credits) Band Digital Photography Elearning: AP Class Nutrition Psychology Prof in HC Yearbook 6 credits

You can check your Graduation Progress on PowerSchool Sample Senior Year Sample Freshmen Year

You can check your Graduation Progress on PowerSchoOL Sample Freshmen Year

You can check your Graduation Progress on PowerSchoOL

Sample End of Junior Year

Sample End of Junior Year

Sample End of Junior Year

Bottom lines Take school seriously, even as a freshmen. You’ve got a big job ahead of you. Take school seriously, even as a freshmen. You also have tons of support available here to help you along the way: Your family Your teachers Your counseling team After school resources You are laying the foundation for your future. Your GPA counts! Start thinking about your goals – what do you want to do & achieve?

Get involved. Ask for help. Bottom lines Students who are involved have a more positive school experience overall. Start keeping track of your community service hours. This can help you to win BIG scholarship money down the road! We are here for you! Reach out to us when you need to.