8 th Grade Parent Meeting Class of 2017

What Sets MHS Apart Traditions: Homecoming, Beat the Drum, Fill the Bus, Deck the Halls, Senior Picnic, First in Family Recognition 11 Career & Technology Strands: offer relevant and engaging learning experiences, professional certifications and/or college credits Student Organizations & Activities: competitive at district, regional and state levels Healthy MindHealthy BodyHealthy Lion : A Coordinated Health program designed to encourage healthy habits

Strong Academics MHS students earn average SAT (1585) & ACT (23.9) scores exceeding state and national scores MHS performance on Advanced Placement (AP) testing for 2012 showed a 5-year high for test takers (651), exams (1,601), and percentage of scores 3, 4, & 5 (59%). In 2012, the AP program at MHS produced more than 200 AP Scholars The Collegeboard honored MHS students with: –4 National Merit Semifinalists –3 National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars –11 Commended Scholars

Student Panel What do you feel makes MHS unique? Whats the most important thing to do to prepare for 9 th grade? What is your favorite MHS tradition?

Registration for 2013/2014

Overview of Registration Guidance Presentations Review Academic Planning Guide (APG) Four Year Planning MHS Showcase Course Selection/Counselor Appointments Hardcards reviewed & submitted to MS counselor Course Verifications

Two Ingredients for Graduation Credits (26 specific credits) Satisfactory Performance on each STAAR End of Course (EOC) exam: –English I Reading; English II Reading; English III Reading –English I Writing; English II Writing; English III Writing –Algebra I; Geometry; Algebra II –Biology; Chemistry; Physics –World Geography; World History; US History

Requirements for Graduation: see Academic Planning Guide 4 credits English 4 credits Math 4 credits Science 4 credits Social Studies 2 years of the same Language Other Than English 1 credit Fine Arts.5 credit Professional Communications.5 credit Health 1 credit P.E. or Athletics 5 credits of electives 26 Credits TOTAL

Recommended Vs. DAP Both Plans Require: 26 credits total Successful completion of state testing requirements Distinguished Achievement Plan ALSO requires: One of your electives must be a 3rd year of your current world language IPC and Math Models cannot be used as core credits on the DAP You must score at Advanced Academic Performance level for English III and Algebra II STAAR EOC tests You must complete any combination of 4 of the following advanced measures: Original Research Project Original Research Project Test Data (AP Exam with 3 or higher) Test Data (AP Exam with 3 or higher) College Courses (Eng, Gov or Econ) with grade of 80+ College Courses (Eng, Gov or Econ) with grade of 80+ Additional Details in the Academic Planning Guide.

Click Look for the links MISD Spring Registration & Academic Planning Guide (APG)

Click to Visit our Registration Page Find Contact Sheets and Applications

Example Completed Card

Academic Planning

3 Tasks for Freshman Year Earn the best grades you are capable of getting Conquer time management and organization Get connected to the life of the school and community

High School Policies Must attend 90% of class days and earn a grade of 70 or better for the year in order to earn credit Promotion is based on number of credits earned (See the APG) UIL Rules in Academic Planning Guide (APG) Seven period school day (7:30-2:30) –7 periods over 4 years = 28 possible credits Work must be turned in on time

Formative & Summative Grades Formative grades are focused on gathering information (reading or flipped lessons), processing ideas, and applying the information learned to classroom activities. Formative grades count for 30% of the quarter average. Summative assignments comprise 70% of the quarter average, assess learning over time and may include: –Written Activities –Critical Thinking Tasks –Inquiry-Based Projects

Pre-AP Expectations Advanced coursework requires significant additional preparation outside of the school day of up to 6 hours per course per week Advanced coursework requires significant additional preparation outside of the school day of up to 6 hours per course per week Heavy emphasis on critical reading (silent, sustained reading), writing, and higher order thinking skills. Summer reading may be required (see APG) Requires strong organizational and time management skills Requires strong organizational and time management skills There are strict guidelines in the APG regarding policies and procedures for the course, including information on how to exit a course if necessary. There are strict guidelines in the APG regarding policies and procedures for the course, including information on how to exit a course if necessary.

So, how many advanced courses should be taken? Students and parents should carefully consider: Students and parents should carefully consider: Student abilities and previous performance Student interest in a particular discipline Involvement in extracurricular activities Time requirement for each class

In-Class Tutorials Critical Reading Cornell Note Taking Writing for all Classes Developing Relationships College Visits Guest Speakers Extra-Curricular Activities Career Preparation SAT Preparation College Workshops Overnight College Visit Mr. Jason Braddy Applications on the MHS website

Ways to Get Ahead

Summer School Both sessions will be in July (dates TBD) Both sessions will be in July (dates TBD) Costs are TBD Costs are TBD Limited course selections. Check with MS counselors in April Possible courses for acceleration: Fine Arts PECommunications

Online Courses Current Course Offerings: HealthPsychologySociology First available in the spring of junior year: GovernmentEconomics English IV If you are interested in taking a course online, stop by the MS counseling office in April to pick up an application!

Early Graduation If you are interested in pursuing early graduation, plan ahead and meet with your HS counselor before the end of 9 th grade If you are interested in pursuing early graduation, plan ahead and meet with your HS counselor before the end of 9 th grade

Naviance is COMING SOON! Personalized Academic, Career & College Planning Launching later this spring

Staying Informed

At the Counselors Table : Program Contact Sheets College Planning Information PSAT/SAT/ACT information PSAT/SAT/ACT information Career Planning Information EOC Testing Information Bring Us Your Questions!

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