NORTHSHORE HIGH Sophomore Information

ACADEMICS Sophomores – 2 Diploma Paths All students begin on the TOPS UNIVERSITY DIPLOMA (24 CREDITS) At end of 10th grade year, students can opt to the TOPS TECH CAREER DIPLOMA (23 CREDITS) This includes 9 Pathway Specific Courses and the accompanying credentials needed for the chosen pathway. END OF COURSE TESTS: To earn a standard high school diploma, students must earn a score of Fair or above on three End-of-Course/LEAP 2025 tests, including one in each category– Algebra I or Geometry, English I or English II, and Biology or U.S. History.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KEEP IN MIND ALL GRADES MATTER! What your child earns in class will become part of his/her permanent transcript. Keep in mind that students are required to attain a certain GPA for college entrance and TOPS eligibility. Your child cannot wait until the end of the year to “do better” and think they will pass for the year. jPams – CHECK IT OFTEN! If something doesn’t look right, check it out with the teacher SEMESTERS! Each semester is independent of each other. 1st and 2nd nine weeks grades average together for 1st semester credit; 3rd and 4th nine week grades average together for 2nd semester credit. CREDITS! Each semester class earns ½ credit…(A-during first semester; B-during second semester) CLASS FAILURES! Any class that is failed during the school year should be made up in summer school. Summer school is all online. If your child fails 1st semester, they would register to re-take first semester. If your child fails 2nd semester, they would register to re-take second semester. Remember, semesters are independent of each other.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – CON’T. ABSENCES – Attendance is VERY IMPORTANT. When you are absent, remember to bring your excuse and get a blue slip from the office to bring to each teacher. TURN IT IN AT THE END OF THE DAY! This allows you to make up missed work. It is your responsibility to get your make up work and turn it in to your teacher within the allotted time. MAKE UP WORK - When a student is absent for at least 3 days, it is appropriate for the parent to request make-up work. This can be done through the counselor who will e-mail the teachers for the request and they will either send home via e-mail or place in the front office for pick up OR direct communication to the teacher is fine. Please always carbon copy your e-mails to the counselor so they are aware of what is happening. APP PERIOD – Academic Prep Period is time built into the school day for tutoring or additional assistance in your classes. If you are struggling in any of your classes, ask your teacher for an APP pass. This allows you the opportunity to go to your teacher for additional assistance. If you choose to stay in your regular APP class, USE YOUR TIME WISELY. You must be actively working on school work during this time.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – CON’T. TESTS – In 10th grade, all students will take the PRE-ACT test as well as the EOC/LEAP 2025 tests in the spring. You may also be interested in taking the ACT. There are 6 test dates during the school year. Go to www.actstudent.org to register online. Be sure to include NHS code (192-747) and the TOPS code (1595) when you register. . ACT test scores are used to determine if you get into the dual enrollment courses in junior and senior year. TAKE THESE TESTS SERIOUSLY. MEDICAL ISSUES – If you have any type of medical/psychological/physical or social issue (concussion, broken bones, surgery, hospitalization, etc.) please bring this to the attention of your counselor first. There are procedures in place for taking care of your needs and if the counselor is not aware, it could delay your services. ANY PROBLEM – Let someone know IMMEDIATELY….do not let any issue fester!! Your counselor, teachers and administrators are here to help, but cannot if they are not made aware of the situation. GET INVOLVED – Attend NHS functions, join a club!! Be connected to your school and become a part of the larger Northshore High family.

QUESTIONS???? If you have any questions, contact your counselor at the following phone or e-mail address: 10th grade – Pauline Calderone pauline.Calderone@stpsb.org 985-649-6400 ext. 2212 OUR GOAL IS FOR YOU TO HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING. WE NEED EVERYONE’S ASSISTANCE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS.