Welcome to high school and yes…9th Grade Matters!

“9th Grade Matters” Classes taken in 9th grade count toward graduation, your cumulative GPA (grade point average) and college entrance. If you do not successfully complete a course (70+) that is required for graduation, you must make it up. In your schedule for the next year OR Summer school (summer school may or may not be available…don’t rely on summer school for credit recovery)

High School Graduation Requirements Must complete 120 Credits 20 credits of English 15 credits of Math 15 credits of History 15 credits of Science (including Biology) 20 credits of P.E. (over 4 years) 5 credits of VPA Elective 5 credits of Foreign Language 5 credits of 21st Century Career elective 2.5 Credits of Financial Literacy General Elective credits

Grading and what it means for me…. You must pass both the courses and the Regents exams that you take in order to graduate. For each course that you are taking you will receive a grade for each of the 4 Marking Periods, a MidTerm Exam grade, a Final Exam grade, and a Final average. The 4 marking period grades will each count as 20% of your final average for the course. The MidTerm and Final Exams will count as 10% each of your final average. Passing grade for a course is 70. Only the Final average appear on the High School Transcript. Marking period grades do not.

9th Grade Success Do the best you can! Ask questions/get help! Use time wisely – SAP Period Remember if you don’t like your class the first time, you’re not going to like it any better the second time around. Questions/concerns regarding a course or your schedule…make an appointment with Ms. Gwathney to discuss your academic concerns.

Go to class prepared Attendance is extremely important to the success of any high school student!! You have to be here to learn! Being prepared for class is also important. Students must bring textbook, paper, pens/pencils, notebook/binder, calculator, etc. Notebook should be organized- something your parents/guardians can help with at home if needed. Periodically clean out backpacks and lockers.

Successful attitude Not only should you be prepared for class but you need to come to class with a good attitude, and an open mind ready to learn something new! Be on time to class Actively listen Be engaged (positively) in the classroom discussion Participate in the classroom activity Use your time wisely – if the teacher gives you time to work on an assignment/homework – USE IT!

Questions and Extra help Don’t be afraid to ask questions Teachers are there to help If you don’t ask questions they may not know that you need the help! Extra help is available in several ways: Help from your teacher (before or after school or at lunch/planning) – Just check with your teacher for what works best SAP Period – See the teacher of the course you are struggling with during SAP for extra tutoring. Student tutors – request one from your Guidance Counselor

Daily Homework All homework assignments should be written down & completed on a daily basis. Homework needs to be completed daily Helps prepare you for the quizzes and tests Like practicing an instrument or sport If you miss school, you need to make up the work that you missed. You may be required to attend credit recovery if too many class periods are missed.

Where to do homework? Quiet place to study At a desk or table or place where you will have limited interruptions No television, phone, radio, i-pod, internet, video games

Notes – Assigned Readings Review class notes the day you write them Re-write if not clearly organized Make flashcards of important facts Don’t wait until the night before a test Survey a chapter before you read it, look at the review questions at the end so you are able to identify the important facts while reading the chapter. Re-read a chapter for clarification.

Resources Available Stay informed with Parent Portal in Genesis – see assignments and grades, email teachers, etc. Teachers are willing to help – all you need to do is ask! Make an appointment or stop in and see…your counselor, your principal, your facilitator, your teacher…everyone is here to help you! Talk with your Parents/Guardians about your concerns.

Academic Success Survey – Self-evaluation Take a moment and ask yourself these questions… On average how many minutes/hours a night do you spend on homework? *Compare this to time on phone/social media, xbox, playing sports, etc. What time do you do your homework? Do you have a quiet place to study? Have you ever attended tutoring? How do you keep track of your grades? Do I pay attention and participate in class? Do I ask for clarification if I don’t understand something? Have you ever asked for weekly progress reports? Depending on the answer to these questions you may find areas where you could make adjustments to be more successful.

What to look forward to in High School… Wide variety of courses to be taken – including honors and AP courses! Opportunity to attend Career Tech Center to learn a skill in a specific trade area! Opportunities to be involved in numerous class and club activities! Opportunities to be involved on an Athletic team!

LBHS Program of Studies Courses offered in High School at LBHS! There are numerous courses offered for you to take advantage of while in high school: LBHS Program of Studies

Remember the key to success over the next 4 year’s is to… Determine a goal- “I want to… graduate, go to college, go in the military…” Develop a tentative plan to reach that goal. Have a backup plan. Consider all your options and revise the plan as needed. Work hard – always keeping your goal in mind! Be involved in your education! Ask for help if you need it – use the resources available to you!!

It is going to be a great year!! For more information regarding graduation requirements, college planning, etc., please visit your guidance counselor! It is going to be a great year!!