1 Hillcrest High School “where your tomorrow begins today…” Freshman Orientation September 2009

2 You are entering high school today but…ENVISION entering college in 4 years…what will it take?

3 ENVISION

4 “COLLEGE?” “An education after High School that provides a student with a degree or certification from an accredited educational institution and prepares the student for a profession or career.” What do we mean by

5 Last Year at Hillcrest… 98% of our graduates were accepted to college… 85% were accepted to 4 year colleges and universities… 15% were accepted to 2 year colleges… Nearly 15 million dollars were offered in scholarships

6 But were they ready for the challenges of college? Will you be ready in four years?

7 WHY go to College?

8 Why is college important? Why go? Why be ready?

9 Greater Knowledge Increased ability to understand development in Science and in Society Think Abstractly and Critically Express thoughts clearly in speech and writing

10 More MONEY$ $ $ A Person with a college degree generally earns more than a person with only a high school diploma.

11 In the United States, the Evidence is Clear: The Key to Opportunity is Education Less than High school High school graduate Some college, no degree Associate’s degree Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree Graduate degree Professional degree Unemployment RateAverage Annual Earnings 7.00%3.50%0.00%$0K$40K$80K $120K Source: Bureau of the Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics; published by Postsecondary Education OPPORTUNITY; 2006 Unemployment rate, 2005 Earnings

12 MORE Job Opportunities Many jobs rely on new technology and already require more brain power than muscle power With a college education a young person will have more jobs from which to choose

13 Architect Biologist Chiropractor Dentist Diplomat Doctor Lawyer Librarian Management Consultant Minister Psychologist Priest University Professor Veterinarian Chemist Pharmacist Professions requiring a Post Secondary Education Various Graduate Degrees Required

14 Accountant Computer Systems Analyst Engineer FBI Agent Investment Banker Journalist Medical Illustrator Pharmacist Recreational Therapist Social Worker Teacher Writer Professions requiring a Post Secondary Education Bachelor’s Degree

15 Administrative Assistant Commercial Artist Dental Hygienist Engineering Technician Hotel or Restaurant Manager Registered Nurse Graphic Designer Professions requiring a Post Secondary Education Associates Degree

16 Professions requiring a Post Secondary Education Vocational/Technical School Automotive Mechanic Computer Technician Funeral Director Heating & Air-Conditioning Refrigeration Technician Medical Laboratory Technician Medical Record Technician Insurance Agent

17 ENVISION College and Careers in 9 th Grade? Why

18 Because college and career readiness BEGINS in 9 th Grade!

19 “College Readiness?” We mean MORE THAN the minimum requirements for graduation What do we mean by

20 44 credits in the correct subject areas 5 Regents with a score of 65 or higher Minimum requirements at the end of 12 th Grade:

21 CREDIT? You earn a Credit when you PASS a class with a 65 or better. How do you earn a

22 English: 8 credits Social Studies: 8 credits Math: 6 credits Science: 6 credits Foreign Language: 2 credits Physical Education: 4 credits (7 Semesters) Health: 1 credit Art: 1 credit Music: 1 credit PLUS 7 Electives 44 credits, in what subject areas?

23 to Graduate? 1) English 2) Math 3) Global History 4) U.S. History & Government 5) Science What Regents Exams do you Need With a 65 or Higher For an Advanced Regents’ Diploma 6) Additional Math 7) Additional Science 8) Foreign Language

24 Goal at the end of 4 years to be COLLEGE READY: 44 credits in the correct subject areas AND 80 or better in all courses Daily Attendance of 92% or higher 8 Regents’ with a score of 75 or higher Strong Independent Learning Skills Exposure to the College Experience

25 What is the GOAL at the end of 9 th Grade? 11 credits, 92% attendance, 80 or better in every course, 1 Regents Exam with score of 75

26 9 th Graders must earn at LEAST 11 credits 1 11 credits in the correct courses: 1 credit each semester in ELA, Math, Science, & Social Studies, ½ a credit in Phys Ed, and an 1 credit in an Elective course.

27 9 th Graders’ Attendance should be no lower than 92% 2

28 9 th Graders must attend all classes If students miss more than two days a month, chances increase that they will not excel in their classes. 2

th Graders must get good grades! your teen should earn grades of at least 80 in each course to be ON TRACK for college Good attendance helps students pass their courses!

th Graders must pass the REGENTS exam These tests are ESSENTIAL, not optional. By the end of 9 th Grade, students should have taken at least one Regents exam.

31 “College Experience?” College Access: College Fairs College Tours College Applications Financial Aid Forms Scholarship Forms What is EXPOSURE to the

32 9 th Grade Success 11 Credits 80 Grades 92% Attendance 1 Regents HS GRADUATION 44 Credits 80 Grades 92% Attendance 5 to 8 Regents With score of 75% or higher (Particularly in Math and English) College Access College Fairs College Trips College Applications Financial Aid Forms & Scholarships College Entrance & Success College Ready means:

33 Welcome to Hillcrest we are sure that in four years YOU will be entering the college of your choice and are prepared to succeed! Remember at Hillcrest…your tomorrow begins today!