High School: Navigation Towards Success!

Lyman Student Services Mary Kemetz A-C Judy Lee D-K Ryan Rogers L-Q Mary Adessa R-Z Mia White ESE Students Melinda Leftheris ESOL Students Mary Scalione Institute A-R Melinda Leftheris Institute S-Z

Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2021 4 Credits of English 4 Credits of Math (in high school, must include Algebra 1 and Geometry) 4 Credits of Science (must include Biology) 3 Credits of Social Studies (Require courses: World History, American History, American Government, Economics with Financial Literacy) ½ Personal Fitness ½ PE elective 1 Credit of Fine/Performing Art 9 Additional Credits of Electives (2 credits of the same foreign language are required for university admissions) **Take 1 class on virtual school (this can be ½ credit but must be a complete course) 26 Total Credits 2.0 Minimum GPA Testing (Pass with Level 3 or Higher): FSA Language Arts in 10th Grade Algebra 1 EOC

Other Diploma Options Scholars Diploma – all of the requirements of a standard diploma, plus students must also pass Biology and US History EOC’s and take more rigorous academic classes, including 2 foreign language classes and at least 1 AP/DE class. Scholars with Distinction – all of the requirements of a Scholar’s diploma with additional foreign language and AP/DE credits, as well as a 3.75 weighted GPA or higher Merit Diploma – all of the requirements of a standard diploma, including at least 1 Industry Certification Course which leads to College credit and passing score on Industry Certification test.

What to expect in 9th grade Homework- most classes have daily homework and it is graded Your child will be responsible for reading during the summer…all levels of English have summer reading Please check Lyman’s website on a regular basis for updates and other important information. Parents and students will need to monitor grades using Skyward. Report cards are posted online. No schedule changes so pick classes carefully

Grade Point Average (GPA) Unweighted GPA. Weighted GPA A = 4 Grade Point Average (GPA) Unweighted GPA Weighted GPA A = 4.0 A’s, B’s, and C’s are B = 3.0 given more points C = 2.0 for Honors and AP D = 1.0 classes (.5 points for F = 0 Honors and 1 point for AP) *A 2.0 is also required to participate in athletics

Credits/Attendance Students earn ½ credit each semester for each class Credits earned determines grade level (i.e., students need at least 6 credits to become a 10th grader) Attendance is not only extremely important for getting good grades, but is also mandatory. More than 10 unexcused absences in a class per semester will result in loss of credit for that class, regardless of the grade the student earns for the semester. Parents can not write notes to excuse absences

School Counselor Availability There is a counselor on lunch duty everyday at a table on the courtyard side of Student Services Department during both lunches to answer student questions. Counselors can be called or emailed directly by students and/or parents.

Which classes should I choose???? English I Standard is for students that currently have a C or lower in Language Arts and typically score a 1 or 2 on FSA Reading Honors is for students that currently have an A or B in Language Arts, typically score a 3 or above on FCAT Reading, and have very strong reading, writing and organizational skills. A Summer Reading assignment will be required. ESOL and Gifted selections are only for ESOL and Gifted students. English I ESOL is a Standard level class. English I Gifted is an Honors level class

Which classes should I choose???? Math Algebra I Standard – For students in 8th grade Math earning a C or lower, that typically score Level 1 or 2 on FSA Math, or just don’t feel confident that they possess strong Math skills Algebra I Honors – For students in 8th grade Math earning an A or high B, that typically score a Level 3 or higher on FSA Math, that feel confident in their strong Math skills, and like to go at a faster pace in Math Geometry Standard – For students that are currently taking Algebra I and have at least a middle to high C average Geometry Honors – For students that are currently taking Algebra I Honors with an A or B or Standard Algebra with an A **** It is strongly recommended that students with a C or lower in Algebra or Geometry in middle school retake that class in high school. Do not move up to the next level if you are not ready. The math credits you earn in middle school do not count towards the 4 math credits you need to graduate.

Which classes should I choose???? Science Physical Science– For students that score Level 1 on both Reading and Math FCAT Biology Standard – For students that have a A or B in their current Science class or are not enthusiastic about the subject of Science Biology Honors – For students that currently have an A or B in their current Science class who enjoy Science and don’t mind working at a quicker pace

Electives A Foreign Language class is recommended for college-bound students and for Bright Futures Scholarship eligibility. AP Human Geography is typically for students with Level 4 and 5 FSA Reading scores that have strong reading, writing, and study skills. This is a rigorous college-level course and is a year long commitment. Teaching Program of Emphasis is available for students that are interested in a career in teaching. Students will choose the Program of Emphasis as a course on their registration form. Students may choose from a variety of elective choices and should rank them in the order of preference (1st to 4th choices). Look at the curriculum guide for class descriptions.

Tips for successful course selection Talk to your student’s teachers about which course is appropriate. Selections of Honors and/or AP classes by students need teacher approval with initial (in pen). Parents will need to approve of course choices and sign the bottom of the registration form (in pen). Intensive Reading and Intensive Math classes are required if a student scores a Level 2 or below on FSA Reading and/or FSA Math this year.

Schedule Change Policy Choose courses wisely!! It is extremely difficult to change schedules once they are finalized. The only times a schedule change will be guaranteed is if you have already earned credit in the course, the prerequisite was not completed, or if you are scheduled for too few or too many classes

Resources After school tutoring- ask your teacher Skyward Access – allows parents and students to view attendance, grades, and class assignments. Accounts can be requested through the Guidance secretary. Parent/teacher conferences can be scheduled by calling Student Services Office The Lyman Curriculum Guide The Lyman website

Questions??? Please join us for Lyman’s “Paw Preview!” February 16, 2017