High School Investigation Day May 23 - 27, 2011* Eighth-grade students will spend the day “investigating” their chosen high school by: Observing students in class; Experiencing a typical freshman schedule; and Gathering clues and evidence needed to make a successful transition into 9th grade *H.S.I Day event window. Specific dates will be determined at each High School site

High School Investigation Day May 23 – 27, 2011 Purpose: The Consortium on Chicago School Research report -Freshman Year Matters, The High School Score Card, and the Student Connection Survey outline the needs of 8th-grade students during the transition to high school. One driving factor is the importance of these students having interaction with their high school prior to the first day of class. High School Investigation Day is the kickoff to a series of events, including Freshman Orientation and Freshman Connection, which are “geared toward improving Freshman attendance and engagement.” Research shows that “Students who attend school regularly are more likely to learn and graduate.”

High School Investigation Day May 23 – 27, 2011 Last Year’s Data (2010) : 80 High Schools submitted final reports 22,024 freshmen students were projected to attend those 80 High Schools 9,968 freshmen students (45%) participated in High School Investigation Day activities at those 80 High Schools

High School Investigation Day May 23 – 27, 2011 Action Items for Elementary and High School Counselors: H.S.I. Day Counseling Coordinator Registration Window Both Elementary and High School Counselors Monday, February 14, 2011 - Friday, March 11, 2011 Register as Coordinator online: http://www.chooseyourfuture.org/ H.S.I. Day HIGH SCHOOL Coordinator Toolkit (For new coordinators or those who need a refresher) Tuesday, April 5, 2011 Medill Training Facility, Rm. 108 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. H.S.I. Day Implementation Plans (High School only) Submission Deadline: Friday, April 15, 2011

High School Investigation Day May 23 – 27, 2011 Action Items for Elementary and High School Counselors: H.S. and E.S. Coordinator Communication April - May, 2011 Elementary School H.S.I. Day Coordinator Responsibilities April – May, 2011 1. Print 8th Grade Projection Reports from IMPACT 2. Coordinate with E.S. Administrators and Teachers 3. Communicate to 8th graders and families 4. Arrange Transportation (if necessary): Submit Area Request for Student Travel (see CPS Student Travel Policy), order busses if necessary, coordinate chaperones 5. Collect Student documentation of attendance upon return from H.S.I. Day H.S.I. Day High School Final Data Report and Attendance submission (www.chooseyourfuture.org) Submission Deadline: Wednesday, June 8, 2011

High School Investigation Day May 23 – 27, 2011 For further information please contact: Kevin M. Van Zee Manager, Secondary School Counseling 773.553.3585 kvanzee@cps.k12.il.us Barbara Karpouzian Director, Secondary School Counseling 773.553.5660 bakarpouzian@cps.k12.il.us