Class of 2016! Big Sky High School Freshman Presentation

Class of 2016 Counselor Mrs. Franczyk x 8031 How to See Your Counselor... Students can go to the counseling center between classes, at lunch, or after school. If I am not available leave a note and I will grab you from class. Parents can always call/ and schedule an appointment.

What is a credit? Credits are points earned toward graduation You need 24 credits to graduate Every class you pass, each semester, equals.5 credits. Study halls are non credit bearing classes.

How do you earn credits and calculate GPA? How do I earn credits? 1. Pass your classes with a “D” or better. 2. Satisfy attendance requirements. 3. Credit is only awarded at semester. Your quarter grades are an indicator of how you are doing in the class. 4. If you do not pass a required class at semester you will be expected to retake it until you pass. Calculating GPA A= 4 points B= 3 points C= 2 points D= 1 point F= 0 points Average together the points you received for each class and divide by the number of classes you took to calculate your GPA.

Classification Grade LevelRequired Credits Grade 9Freshman 7-8 Credits Grade 10Sophomore credits * (need at least 5 to be a sophomore) Grade 11Junior credits *(need at least 10 to be a junior) Grade 12Senior 20 or more *(need at least 16 to be a senior)

Missoula County High School Diploma Requirements English: 4 credits Mathematics: 2 credits Science: 2 credits Earth & Space Science, and Biology Health/PE: 2 credits Social Studies: 2.5 credits U.S. History (gr.11), Government (gr. 12), and Social Studies Elective (1 semester) Fine Arts (AR): 1 credit Career Technical Education (CTE): 1 credit Additional 9.5 credits, earned throughout 4 years Total: 24 credits to graduate The MCHS Diploma requirements meets the MINIMUM requirements mandated by the Board of Trustees of MCPS, which is 24 credits. Students are encouraged to select from the other transcript options in order to take full advantage of curriculum offerings at Big Sky High School.

Montana's Rigorous Core Courses for Students and the MUS Honors Scholarship: English: 4 credits Mathematics: 4 credits Including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry or Statistics **All must have grades of "C" or better. Science: 3 credits of Lab Science Two must be laboratory science such as earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics (the third year may be one of those sciences or a non-laboratory college preparatory science course) Social Studies: 3 credits U.S. History (gr. 11) 1.0 credits, U.S. Government (gr. 12) 1.0 credits, Global Studies: 1.0 credits, Global Studies options include: World History (1.0), World Geog. Western (.5), World Geog. Eastern (.5) Health Enhancement: 2 credits Fine Arts (AR): 1 credit Career Technical Education (CTE): 1 credit Foreign Language: 2 credits Additional 4 credits The Rigorous Core courses prepare students for admission and success in the Montana University system and most other colleges and universities. *The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education has designated these courses as the Rigorous Core.

Remember: Montana's Rigorous Core courses are the criteria for the MUS Honors Scholarship and qualifies students for other federal scholarship programs Talk with your counselor or college admission advisor before selecting courses. If you are looking at attending an out of state university system, always speak to you counselor, about the high school courses you need to be taking.

Four Year Course Plan Required year long courses. You will choose 8 classes each semester. Strongly recommend taking 2 years of a foreign lang. and a year of global studies if you are college bound. FreshmanSophomore English 1English 2Math Int. Earth, Space & Phy. Sci.Biology HE/PE 1HE/PE 2 JuniorSenior English 3English 4 U.S. History Government

9th Grade – Get off to a good start! Keep a record of your involvements and achievements. Start a portfolio now that details your community service, sports, clubs, honors and awards. Keep track of report cards and certificates. Choose your classes wisely! Colleges want to see that you have challenged yourself! Develop a list of colleges that interest you and visit a few. Visit on-line first, then plan for a formal visit if you are really interested. Do your absolute best! Now is when it counts! Colleges look back to the 9th grade to view grades, track course load, and review your progress. Also, you are building the foundation for your GPA in the 9th grade.

Extracurricular Activities Get Involved! Life Outside the Classroom Colleges are looking for students who are have a passion for an activity outside the academic setting. Haven't Gotten Involved Yet? Many school, community and religious organizations have opportunities to explore your interests. Look for something that sounds interesting! School Activities Don't worry about being president of the club, or captain of the team. The key is that you do something significant!! Community Service Volunteer work

Post Graduation Plans 4 year Colleges/Universities Community College Vocational/Technical/Business schools Military World of Work This might seem like a long way off, but this is your opportunity to begin exploring different areas of interest. Maybe you are interested in being an architect. You can try a drafting class. Choose classes related to areas of interest and skills. A high school transcript is a permanent record. Employers, schools, and the military will want to see this record. This transcript is a reflection of you as a person.

Myth vs. Fact Myth: You don’t have to get serious about classes until your junior year of high school. No one cares how you do your freshman and sophomore year. Fact: Your freshman and sophomore years lay the foundation for your high school education. If you wait until junior year to start taking rigorous core classes, it may be difficult or impossible to complete the requirements.

Myth vs. Fact Myth: You only need to meet the minimum high school requirements to get into college. FACT: Every college and university sets its own admission standards, and many schools require high school students to complete advanced courses. Once you’re accepted, rigorous core qualifies you for unique financial aid and scholarship programs.

Myth vs. Fact Myth: You only need to take challenging courses if you’re planning to go to college. Fact: Rigorous courses help EVERY student succeed after high school. Many jobs and technical schools demand advanced math and reading skills for entry. Having the required skills will also help you secure a higher paid position.

Myth vs. Fact Myth: You do not need to take advanced math or science courses unless you want to be a scientist or engineer. Fact: Math and science classes emphasize problem solving skills and inquiry. These skills are helpful in all college courses. They may also help you increase your scores on college entrance exams like the SAT and the ACT.

Myth vs. Fact Myth: Take easy classes your senior year to keep your GPA high. Colleges care more about your GPA than the classes you take. Fact: Colleges examine the classes you take to see if you have challenged yourself and have the skills to prepare you for the transition to college. For example, students who take a math course their senior year are less likely to be placed in a remedial math course their first semester of college.

Internet Resources College and Career Planning Montana Career Resource Network is a great place to find a job/career that matches your personality and interests! Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Nations premier source for career information! NCAA Registration site for prospective student athletes who are looking to participate in intercollegiate athletics at an NCAA Division I or Division II institution in the future. Study Skills Study Skills Resources

Plan for college knowhow2go.com National KnowHow2GO website. Great resource to learn more about college. Explore this site! Montana University System -Prepare and Pay Web Page The official Guide to Montana's Higher Education Student Assistance Foundation Resource for college decision-making and financing Tribal Colleges Internet Resources cont…

Pay For College U.S. Department of Education Entrance Exams: