Let’s Start Planning For Your Future! A program for Hazlet 8 th graders to plan their high school future

Mrs. Teri Bates 9 th Grade Freshman Transition Guidance Counselor x1014

Freshman Academy You will be part of Raritan High School’s Freshman Academy. Homeroom, English, social studies, science, and world language classes are currently located upstairs. Math, electives, physical education, and lunch are downstairs.

Why? Reduces anxiety and travel time between most classes, avoiding tardiness to class. Small Learning Community aids adjustment Research supports 1 st year transition Assists with planning and implementing programs geared specifically to the freshman class.

Things to know about your 9 th grade schedule… 1. You will follow an “A-B Block Schedule.” This means that you will have two schedules: “A” Day and “B” Day 2. You may have different lunch periods on A and B days 3. If you take Algebra 1 Part 1 and Algebra 1 Part 2, you will take one elective. 4. If you take Algebra 1 or Geometry, you will take two electives.

Details 4 Block Classes per day; each is 86 Minutes 30 Minute Lunch 5 Minute Passing Time For Students

Daily Schedule Period 1 2 Homeroom/Info 3 (Lunch during this period) 4

More details! 8 classes per year (40 credits) EnglishElective #1 HistoryElective #2 or Alg. 1 MathPart 2 Science World Language PE/Health

Sample Student Schedule: One Elective BlockAB 1Lab BioP.E./Health 2Personal Fin./Career Plan Spanish 1 3Algebra 1 Part 1 (B Lunch) Algebra 1 Part 2 (C Lunch) 4World HistoryEnglish 1

Sample Student Schedule: Two Electives BlockAB 1Lab Bio HP.E./Health 2Personal Fin./Career Plan Spanish 1 3Algebra 1 (B Lunch)C.A.D. (A Lunch) 4World HistoryEnglish 1 Honors

Graduation Requirements: It’s all about the credits! The state of NJ requires a certain number of credits for graduation. Each full year course: 5 credits Each semester course: 2.5 credits If you fail a course, or if you exceed absence limits, you lose credit for that course. There is NO PARTIAL CREDIT !

Attendance If you miss a semester course more than 10 times, you will lose credit for it. If you miss a full-year course more than 20 times, you will lose credit for it. The state of New Jersey only recognizes religious holidays as excused absences.

But what about… Sickness?Family Emergencies? Parents can write a letter of appeal, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Possible consequences for losing credit Not graduating on time Class rank is impacted Having to attend summer credit restoration

What are my 9 th Grade requirements? English History Math Science World Language Physical Education Health Financial Literacy Other Elective/Daily Math

4 Years of English20 Credits 2 Credit Years History10 Credits 1 Credit Year World History5 Credits 1 Credit Year Physical Education & Health for Each Year in School20 Credits 3 Credit Years of Mathematics15 Credits 3 Credit Years of Science15 Credits 1 Credit Year of Visual or Performing Art5 Credits 2 Credit Years of World Language10 Credits.5 Credit Year of Financial Literacy2.5 Credits 1 Credit Year Career or Vocational Education5 Credits Electives52.5 Credits 160 Credits Requirements for Graduation

Academic Level Placement is based on: Teacher recommendations Standardized test results Report card grades Examples of Level Placements: One Teacher 9 th Grade Two Teachers 9 th Grade Honors Level 9 th Grade

Graduation Requirement: Financial Literacy Elective Economics* Or Personal Finance* Both are semester courses. You will choose one of these, and one additional semester course. (*Asterisk indicates semester course)

Raritan High School 9 th Grade Electives Practical Arts: 5 Credits are required for graduation! (*Asterisk indicates semester course) TV Production CAD 1 Tech Ed 1 Intro to Business Principles of Career Planning*

Other Interesting Electives Journalism Current US Issues* American Legal System* Sociology* (*Asterisk indicates semester course)

Raritan High School 9 th Grade Electives Visual and Performing Arts: 5 Credits are required for graduation! Art 1 Band Concert Choir History Rock/Pop Theatre/Drama 1

Course Selection Sheets Return to Guidance Office by Thursday, January 26, 2012 Make sure that you print your name and DOB clearly Complete the entire sheet

What if my dog eats the sheet? Your parents can print out another copy. It is posted on the website and also on the parent portal.

Scheduling Meetings Begin on Wednesday, February 1, and will last about two weeks Ten minutes long During class time Teachers will know You will be provided with a pass

What we will discuss… Choice of World Language PE vs. Dance Choice of electives Alternative selections Current placement levels

Getting involved at RHS Volunteer work counts: Colleges, Scholarships, National Honor Society School Activities count: Colleges, Employers, Scholarships Helping feels good. You’ll get better grades!

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENIOR, JUNIOR, SOPHOMORE, FRESHMAN CLASSES STUDENT COUNCIL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY ITALIAN CLUB SPANISH CLUB INTERACT SCIENCE LEAGUE DRAMA CLUB ATHLETIC TRAINING CLUB PALS-PEER ASSISTANT LEADERS TI-TEEN INSTITUTE TATU-TEENS AGAINST TOBACCO USE ODYSSEY OF THE MIND T.E.A.M. (PEER MEDIATORS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CLUB KEY CLUB LATIN CLUB CHESS CLUB SADD – STUDENTS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS YEARBOOK MATH LEAGUE DANCE TROUPE MARCHING BAND COLOR GUARD BOWLING CLUB JAZZ BAND ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE

Get thinking – Get planning! School Subjects + Interests + Activities + Personal Qualities + Learning Style = Future plans

Naviance: Remember this name! It will open doors you never imagined! You will be given a username and password to create your own future- planning site through Naviance.

Counseling Services Guidance Counselors and Student Assistance Counselor offer a full array of services including: Individual, Group, and Class lessons Career and College Planning Transition planning Student Assistance Counselor Intervention and Referral Services

Communication-Information Click on RHS Click on Guidance Click on 9 th Grade Site Also, each teacher maintains a web page

We are here to help you! The Guidance Office is located directly across from the Main Office. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Mrs. Bates! No problem is too big or too small!