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. Math, PE, and lunch will be located downstairs. English and World History classes will be located upstairs.

Why do we have a Freshman Academy ?? Reduced travel time Easier adjustment to RHS Targeted programs Research-based = Less Stress

Things to know about your 9 th grade schedule… 1. You will follow a 4-period day. 2. Your classes will meet every other day (“A” Days or “B” Days) 3. Most of your classes will last all year. 4. Your classes will last 85 minutes. 5. Lunch is 30 minutes.

The secret to success is no secret A + B + C + D= SUCCESS Attendance Behavior Class assignments Diverse Experiences

BE PREPARED. This is high school. You will have more homework You will need to study more for tests and quizzes Late or incomplete assignments are not accepted Excessive absences can result in loss of credit

What are credits? Credits are the “value” assigned to high school classes. Earning credits is a function of both grades and attendance! “No credit” means that the course doesn’t count. It will be as if you never took it.

More about credits… Full year courses = 5 credits Half year courses = 2.5 credits Health = 1.25 credits

Graduation Requirements: The state of NJ sets the minimum number of credits for graduation. If you fail a course, or if you exceed absence limits, you lose credit for that course. There is NO PARTIAL CREDIT !

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 Impact on class rank Having to attend summer credit restoration

4 Years of English20 Credits 2 Credit Years U.S. 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 New Jersey Graduation RequirementMinimum of 125 Credits Requirements for Graduation

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

More details! 8 classes per year English World Language Elective 1 Elective 2 or Financial Literacy 40 Credits Per Year PE/Health History Math Science

9 th Grade Sample Schedule “A” Day Period 1: Math Period 2: Spanish 1 Lunch Period 3: Elective Period 4: English “ B” Day Period 1:World History Period 2: PE/Health Period 3: Elective 2 Lunch Period 4: Lab Biology

Academic Level Placement is based on: Teacher recommendations Standardized test results Report card grades Examples of Level Placements: One Teacher, Large class OOne Teacher, Small class Two Teachers, Large class Honors Level AP (college) Level

Graduation Requirement: Financial Literacy Elective Economics or Personal Finance (half-year courses paired with Current Issues or Career Planning) Open to Grades 9-12 OR Introduction to Business (full year course) Open to Grades 9-12 OR Financial Algebra (Open to seniors only)

Raritan High School 9 th Grade Electives Practical Arts: 5 Credits are required for graduation! (*Asterisk indicates semester course) TV Production CAD 1 Child Development 1 Engineering/ Manufacturing Journalism/Creative Writing Nutrition and Culinary Arts Global Media Studies*/ Screenwriting*

Raritan High School 9 th Grade Electives Visual and Performing Arts 5 Credits are required for graduation! AP Art History Art 1 Band Concert Choir History Rock/Pop Theatre/Drama 1 3-D Design

Other Electives Psychology AP Human Geography

AP Classes open to 9 th Graders Advanced Placement classes offer hard-working students an opportunity to take rigorous, college- level courses in high school! AP World History AP Art History AP Human Geography

Course Selection Sheets Return to Guidance Office by Friday, January 31, Complete the entire sheet neatly! You and your parent/guardian must sign. Parents/guardians must include cellphone and contact info.

What if I need a new sheet? Your parents can print out another copy. It is posted on my webpage and also on the parent portal.

Scheduling Meetings Begin on Monday, February 9, and will last several weeks Ten minutes long During class time Teachers will know You will be provided with a pass We need to meet even if you plan to attend a different high school

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

9 th Grade Schedule Timeline Course requests will be posted on the parent portal on April 24, 2015 Schedules will be posted on the parent portal in late August, 2015 Requests for scheduling changes must be submitted before July 1, 2015.

POP QUIZ Can I make scheduling changes in August? Can I make scheduling changes once school starts? If I don’t like a class, can I change it?

CONSULT THE POS!!! Parent Portal RHS Website

Getting involved at RHS “Character” counts: Colleges, Scholarships, National Honor Society School Activities count: Colleges, Employers, Scholarships, NHS 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 + Clubs, Athletics Personal Qualities + HARD WORK = Future options & Volunteer work +

“Naviance is a comprehensive college and career readiness solution for middle and high schools that helps connect academic achievement to post- secondary goals.”

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 link for Mrs. Bates Also, each teacher maintains a web page

Please contact me with any questions or concerns. No problem is too big or too small!