9th-11th Grade Parent Information Night Tomball Memorial High School February 1, 2018

TMHS Counselors Please feel free to contact your child’s counselor with specific questions you may have about their graduation plan. A-Co Sheri Forsyth Cr-Hi Mindy Fuller Ho-Mr Angie Wartick Mu-Sc Julie Wylie Se-Z Lashelle Nix

Graduation Requirements

Foundation Graduation Program 4 credits ELA 3 credits Mathematics 3 credits Science 3 credits Social Studies 2 credits LOTE 1 credit Fine Arts 1 credit PE .5 credits Health .5 credits Speech 4 credits Electives TOTAL: 22 credits

Endorsements STEM Business & Industry Arts & Humanities Public Services Multidisciplinary

+Endorsement/Distinguished Level of Achievement Curriculum requirements for Foundation & at least 1 Endorsement area 4 credits in Math incl. Algebra 2 4 credits in Science 6 electives for a TOTAL of 26 credits *Mandatory to be eligible for the top 10% Automatic Admission

Performance Acknowledgements A student may earn a Performance Acknowledgement for: 12 hrs. of Dual Credit with a “B” or higher in each course “3” or higher on an AP exam PSAT commended scholar SAT math (410)+ reading (520) ACT score of 28 Earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license (educ, welding, health sci)

STAAR/EOC Dates April 10, 2018 – English I April 12, 2018 – English II May 8, 2018 - Algebra I May 9, 2018 – Biology May 10, 2018 -US History

Course Selections for 2018-2019

Course Selections -Timeline February 5th - Course Selections in 3rd period class February 12th – Verification sheets go home Course selection changes due by February 15th See TMHS website (under Academics tab) for the TISD High School Course Selection Guide

Local Credit Options (11th-12th) Office Aide No State Credit awarded, local credit only Does not figure into GPA calculation Student must be in good standing with attendance and discipline

Senior Release Late Arrival or Senior Release Students must have enough state credits to be eligible Students must have passing scores on all state required STAAR EOCs Students must be off campus during release time

Post Secondary Planning

What are my options? Four year university Community or Junior College Associate degree or certificate program Military Many branches and scholarships available to help you fund your education Tech School Certifications for specific job areas Work

Complete Tasks in Naviance

Sophomore To Do List Take challenging coursework. Review post graduation plans. Gather college information. Get involved in your school. Run for leadership roles. Track Community service. Student athlete planning on playing in college? Register online through the NCAA Eligibility Center. Taking DC in 11th grade? Attend DC meeting for steps. GPA/Rank will be distributed in February at Counselors’ Corner at lunch. We are finishing up Sophomore Conferences now

Junior To Do List Take SAT and/or ACT in the spring. Schedule college visit days (2 each year in 11th and 12th!) Student athlete planning on playing in college? Register online through the NCAA Eligibility Center: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/ Research college entrance requirements (required test scores, deadlines, essay requirements, scholarship opportunities, etc.) Visit colleges and narrow down college list. We will be working on Junior Conferences between now and Spring Break

Junior To Do List - Summer BEFORE Senior Year Write essays for college applications. Continue looking for scholarships. Apply Texas (for Texas Public Universities) opens July1st. Start the application early, especially if you are attending a competitive 4 year university. Updated GPA/Ranks will be distributed soon. 6th semester GPA/Ranks will be distributed in June. Track community service hours.

College Knowledge Event for Juniors Feb. 22nd here at TMHS (6 – 8:30 PM) Parents and students may pick and choose sessions presented by college representatives on various topics like college admissions process, financial aid, and specific majors. A preference survey will go out soon.

Summer College App and Essay Camp College reps will be available to help seniors complete their college applications and edit their essays. More information to come!

SAT/ACT Recommended to take in the spring semester of the junior year Writing component should be taken www.collegeboard.org for SAT www.actstudent.org for ACT Review/practice for tests! Khan Academy – Official test prep partner of the SAT – FREE!! Research shows that studying on Official SAT Practice for 20 hours is associated with an average score gain of 115 points from the PSAT/NMSQT to the SAT—nearly double the average score gain compared to students who don't use Khan Academy. See Test Prep section of TMHS College & Career Page for more resources.

Scholarships Available for every grade level – majority for graduating seniors Create a profile with scholarship search websites like cappex.com and fastweb.com. (See TMHS C&C Webpage) Apply for all scholarships that you're eligible for! Be proactive and stick to deadlines - plan to submit scholarship applications early! Follow directions closely! Keep a list of scholarships you apply for and any offers you receive.  

Community Service Cord Students can begin accumulating hours in the summer prior to their freshman year. An average of 40 hours per school year is recommended Cumulative total of 160 hours must be submitted by senior year More specific guidelines and how to track hours: http://tmhs.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=506341&type=u&pREC_ID=943680

Earning College Credit: Advanced Placement and Dual Credit

Advanced Placement or Dual Credit? Both can earn college credit. Colleges can award a student credit based on AP exams in May. The student must be enrolled in the college before credit is awarded. Lone Star College awards Dual Credit on a transcript at the end of the semester the student is enrolled in the college course. Both give 15 quality points per semester toward high school GPA. The TISD Course Description Book provides course descriptions and requirements.

Advanced Placement (AP) AP courses are open enrollment. Expectation is that all students take the AP exam during the first two weeks of May. Students are required to pay for each AP exam taken ($99 per test).

AP cont. College credit is based on AP exam scores. Scores range from 1 to 5. Passing scores range is from 3 to 5. Most colleges require a 3 or higher. Check with each college for required passing score. Texas public schools must accept 3 or higher. Students earning below a 70 for the semester in any AP course may be removed for the spring semester.

https://apstudent. collegeboard https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/creditandplacement/credit-policy-detail?diCode=6003

Dual Credit (DC) Student would be dually enrolled in TMHS and Lone Star College. Courses taken on TMHS campus. Student is responsible for course(s) fees, and textbooks. Grade and credit posted on both high school and college transcripts. Credits generally accepted by Texas state colleges and universities. Check with each college/university for credit transfer details. Transfer Equivalency Guide

https://www.tccns.org/search/compareInstitutions/

Making an Informed Decision: AP vs. DC Research what colleges are accepting and requiring, as well as degree requirements. Research the expectations/work load of each course. Carefully consider time commitment and be able to balance academic load with extracurricular activities, family life, or other outside commitments.

Dual Credit

What is dual credit? TISD, in partnership with LSC – Tomball, offers juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn high school credit and college credit while taking courses on the TMHS campus. Benefits: Saves money because tuition is waived Head start on college credit No travel time to a college campus DC students become LSC –Tomball students and can access LSC library, Wellness Center, and Tutoring Lab.

Important DC Guidelines Registration for DC starts at TMHS – cannot register directly with LSC Must qualify for college level courses with test scores Must have passed all grade level EOC exams Be aware that different courses may have different requirements (Ex: math & science.) TMHS sets official deadlines – not LSC. DC semester average of “C” or better in all courses is required to continue in the program. All DC courses must be taken at the high school.

Guidelines, cont. FERPA form must be on file with LSC for parents to have access to student’s information. Parent Consent & Waiver for Minors form is required for students 17 and under. Financial Responsibility Form - required Students are responsible for the purchase of their textbooks. Some courses require summer assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware whether the college course will transfer to his/her college of choice and for their major. Be aware of Texas public university rules regarding taking excessive college hours toward a degree. http://registrar.unt.edu/registration/excessive-hours

English & Social Studies Dual Credit Classes Offered High School Course Name Fall (college credit hours) Spring English III (11th) ENGL 1301(3) ENGL 1302 3) US History (11th) HIST 1301 (3) HIST 1302 (3) English IV (12th) ENGL 1301 (3) ENGL 1302 (3) ENGL 2322 (3) ENGL 2323 (3) Government (12th) GOV 2305 (3) ** The number of credit hours is requested when applying to college.**

Math & Science Dual Credit Classes Offered High Course Name Fall (college credit hours) Spring College Algebra *** MATH 1314 (3) Calculus I AB MATH 2413 (4) Statistics MATH 1342 (3) Biology II BIOL 1406 (4) BIOL 1407 (4) Anatomy & Phys. BIOL 2401 (4) Chemistry II CHEM 1411 (4) ***These are only one-semester courses at the college level, so you will only register and pay for these courses in the semesters indicated. These are all full year courses here at TMHS.***

Mandatory Meetings for Students NEW to DC First Time in Dual Credit Student Meetings - For any student who is not currently taking dual credit classes and wants to take dual credit classes next year! Pick ONE meeting to attend (LGI): Feb. 6 - 7:00 AM or 3:00 PM Feb. 7 - 7:00 AM or 3:00 PM Make up meeting is available if there is a conflict.

Mandatory Meetings for Students RETURNING to DC Returning to Dual Credit Student Meetings - For any student who is currently in dual credit classes and wants to take dual credit classes next year! Pick ONE meeting to attend (LGI): Feb. 8 - 7:00 AM OR 3:00 PM Make up meeting is available if there is a conflict.

4 Steps to Dual Credit Apply on-line to LSC-Tomball Application Pre-Assessment Activity Qualify with Test Scores Register for Classes Pay course fees Let’s take a closer look!

Step 1: Completing the on-line application www.lonestar.edu/admissons (detailed instructions posted online) IMPORTANT – follow these instructions closely to avoid issues IMPORTANT – use official name in school records, use accurate information! Check spelling! Keep a record of: LSC ID number Username Password Meningitis Vaccination NOT required for Dual Credit students

Help in College & Career Center Get help with your LSC Application on most days. Check with Mrs. Phelan for availability. Before school – 7:15 AM After school – 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Trouble with your LSC Application? Call the LSC Help Desk 832-813-6600

Step 1: Pre-Assessment Activity Required for students who do not qualify with SAT/ACT scores. Access the link on your MyLoneStar homepage in the blue box on the Applicant Tab. Pre-Assessment Activity includes information about TSI format, videos, and practice questions. Activity must be complete PRIOR to receiving a testing ticket.

Step 1: Course Request Forms - Due Feb. 15th Complete Pre-Assessment Activity Submit Course Request Form with LSC ID to Mrs. Phelan BY FEB. 15th Week of Feb. 20th - Testing tickets will be given to those who have completed Step 1and have submitted Course Request Forms (Course request forms will be given out at the student meetings.)

Step 2: Qualify with Test Scores Placement Tests TSI (Texas Success Initiative offered at LSC) Accuplacer (offered at LSC for Calculus only) SAT – March 10th test date (register by Feb. 9th) ACT – previous test dates only

Meeting Texas State Initiative (TSI) All DC students must be at college level in both Reading and Writing for ALL courses (except College Algebra). Students will be given the following qualification chart with placement scores at their meeting. Math and science courses have specific math requirements. Each course has a different requirement – above or below college level. Please check requirements carefully!

Placement Testing TSI Option Most students take the TSI to qualify for dual credit Reading, Writing, and Math TSI Test Prep Lonestar.edu/test-preparation Testing fee waived for first time DC students taking the TSI Didn’t pass a section? You can retest. $10 per section to retest Don’t procrastinate on testing!!!

Testing Ticket Students who submit their Course Request Forms by Feb. 15th will be able to pick up their testing ticket in the cafeteria the following week. Students who do not submit them on time may be able to pick up a testing ticket from the College & Career Center if available. Do not lose your testing ticket! I will not issue another one. May request one at LSC – Tomball Enrollment Services

Where Do I Test? Students must have testing ticket to take the TSI. Specific dates may be available to reserve. This information will be given with testing ticket. LSC-Tomball Assessment Center (2nd floor of the library) Picture ID Testing Ticket If retesting, payment receipt from Bursar’s/Cashier’s Office. Be sure to check office hours. Submit your qualifying test scores to Mrs. Phelan by April 20th. TEST EARLY!! Don’t procrastinate!

LSC Tomball Assessment Center **Closed the week of Spring Break!** Make sure to allow for at least 4 hours to test. LSC-Tomball Room L201 832-559-4245 Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED

Exempt from TSI with SAT/ACT Scores Complete the on-line LSC application and submit the following to Mrs. Phelan by February 15th (Pre-Assessment Activity not required) Course Request Form with LSC ID# Copy of qualifying test scores (SAT/ACT)

Step 3: Registering for Classes Submit qualifying test scores by April 20th. Registration Packets – will be given out as students turn in qualifying test scores What’s in the Registration Packet? TMHS Dual Credit Guidelines (student & parent sign) FERPA Form (Authorization to Release Education Records) Parental Consent & Waiver Form for Minors (for students 17 and under) Financial Responsibility Form Dual Credit/Exceptional Admission Course Registration Form (Blue Form) **Registration packet due no later than April 27th**

Taking a Spring Only Course? Must qualify BY APRIL 20th - NO EXCEPTIONS! Registration for these courses will take place in November through the dual credit classrooms. No payment until November.

NO EXCEPTIONS!!! April 20th Deadline All students must be qualified for ALL dual credit courses by April 20th. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

Step 4: Payment of Fees Payment for Fall 2018 is DUE by August 1, 2018 Students are responsible for the fees portion of Dual Credit courses. All tuition is waived You will be notified when you can go to your MyLoneStar account to make payment. There will be a link to submit payment on the “Student” tab in the center of the page. A detailed handout will be given/emailed to the students Students may also visit the Bursar/Cashier’s Office at LSC-Tomball to pay in person if preferred. Payment plans are also available at additional cost through LSC – contact their Bursar/Cashier’s office (around mid-June).

Fall/Spring Fees Dual Credit courses are set up just like college courses Students register the semester PRIOR to taking the course Ex: Fall 2018 course – register in Spring 2018 Ex: Spring 2019 course – register in Fall 2018 Payment of fees for full year courses are made upon each course registration (two payments – Fall/Spring). Semester courses only require one payment.

Holds on Accounts Holds for orientation and the bacterial meningitis vaccination requirement DC students are NOT required to complete these steps. Please ignore and close these notices. If you attend LSC after graduation, these steps must be met.

Deadlines Early February - Students attend one of the required meetings By February 15th - Complete application & PAA - submit Course Request Form Week of February 20th - Receive testing ticket By April 20th - Submit qualifying scores to Mrs. Phelan By April 27th - Return Fall DC Registration Packet

Tips The dates given are to help the students stay on track through the process. Communication is key! I am here to help! Read emails! TEST EARLY! Do not procrastinate! THERE IS NO EXCEPTION TO THE APRIL 20th DEADLINE. STUDENTS MUST BE QUALIFIED FOR ALL COURSES BY THIS DATE!

Dropping Dual Credit Courses The student is responsible for knowing the LSC Drop Policies (info/dates posted at beginning of each semester). Students must complete and submit the appropriate LSC DROP form to Mrs. Phelan to be submitted to LSC. YOU MUST SUBMIT DROP FORMS WITH BOTH CAMPUSES! Not just TMHS Drop Form!

www.tinyurl.com/tmhsccc Important websites Dual Credit section Plus MUCH more! LSC Tomball Dual Credit Website www.Lonestar.edu/Tomballdualcredit.htm

Please contact me with any questions. Thank you! Please contact me with any questions.