WHS Ninth Grade Parent Night Phil Drasner

Unique Challenges of the 9th Grade Transition - Larger campus - New social groups Organization -Longer, more involved assignments Long Term planning - College

The Counselor’s Role Academic College Career Personal/social

How do I contact my counselor? Your student can sign up for an appointment in the Counseling Office or drop by at lunch (except Thursdays) or after school Call to schedule an appointment or a phone conference: x7702 –

New and Improved Counseling Services Naviance Torrance Juvenile Diversion Counseling Thelma mcMillan Counseling Brown Bag College Workshops (mainly for Juniors/Seniors) PSAT Parent Night Career Center

How do I find out how my student is doing in class? Contacting the teacher directly- is better Parent Connect Quarterly and semester report cards Progress reports - from teacher sent every 5th week if student is receiving a D or F, or a U in Citizenship. Grade checks by counselor per parent request Weekly Progress Reports - Student picks up on a Friday from the Counseling Office, also available on West High’s website.

What do I do if my student is having difficulty? Student can get help from teacher Parent-Teacher Conference Tutorial Center: Daily at Lunch and After School from 3-4pm in the Library

Communication Grade level Parent Nights Back-to-school Night College Night - in October The Counseling Office Bulletin (COB) Principal’s and PTSA newsletter College Fair - District College Fair at ??? on ??? from 11am – 2 pm(???) West High website: E-tusd (student account)

Parent – Teacher Communication Why? Questions or concerns regarding your student’s progress in class. How? By or phone (Contact information on WHS website) When? Anytime. The call will go directly to voic and the teacher will return the message as soon as possible.

Student Involvement on Campus Freshman Focus Athletic Teams Clubs

Freshman Focus Juniors and Seniors visit freshman classes during the Fall (once per month) to inform students about activities, clubs, ASB, athletics and other ways of getting involved on campus.

Athletic Teams All athletes meet with their team during 6 th period. Students must tryout for most teams prior to the season and maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory citizenship.

Clubs There are approximately 50 clubs on our campus. Students are encouraged to find a few clubs of interest and maintain involvement throughout high school. See handout for list of clubs and their sponsors. CLUB RUSH – 9/23 lunch

High School Graduation Requirements 220 total credits in the required subjects. An average of 60 credits per year. Six semesters of excellent or satisfactory citizenship Students also need to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).

Graduation Requirements English 40 credits Social Science 30 credits including: World History 10; US History 10; Govt/Econ 10 Mathematics 20 credits: Algebra minimum Science 20 credits (physical and biological) Health 5 credits Foreign Language/ V P Arts 10 credits Physical Education 20 credits Electives 75 credits

What if my student falls behind? Summer School is recommended if a student fails a required class during his/her freshman year. Hamilton Adult School (16 years old or a Junior) SoCal ROC - elective credit only (15 years old or a sophomore)

Summer School Options ??? West High (TUSD) - for students who failed a core class or earned a “D”grade. SBEA - for advancement or to make up a D or F grade. This is tuition-based for subjects not offered in TUSD summer school (approx. $220/5credits) El Camino College – open to 11 th and 12 th grade students. (permission needed if younger) Online Classes – tuition based Laurel Springs

School Policies Tardies - 4 or more per quarter = U in citizenship Truancies Academic Honesty Policy - automatic U in citizenship and 0 on assignment. Cheating referrals may affect local scholarships in senior year.

Attendance Procedures Anytime a student is absent from school he/she must have a note stating the reason, date of absence and a contact number. When returning to school after an absence students bring the note to the office. If parent does not notify school of a reason by note or phone, student is given truancy. 48 hours to clear.

Attendance Procedures (cont.) You will receive an automatic phone call when your student is absent for any reason. An off campus pass is needed when a student needs to leave school during the school day. A note from parent including a phone number to verify information is needed.

Tips for Success  Aim for a high GPA.  Take challenging courses  Take the PSAT in October (maybe)  Get Organized! Obtain a student planner or personal organizer. Available in Student Activities office for $10 (Rm 4139). (I can create one also)  Create a personal resume file.  Get to know your teachers and counselor.

Community College High School diploma or 18 years of age Local, inexpensive option to continue schooling. Wide choice of programs to enter vocational fields, or transfer to a four-year university. TAG – Transfer Agreement Guarantee

4-Year Colleges and Universities Public Universities UC Cal State University Out of State Private Universities Numerous choices throughout the U.S.

A-G Requirements for College Entrance A. History and Social Science (2 years) B. English (4 years) C. Mathematics (2 years, 3 years recommended) D. Science (2 year Lab Science, 3 years recommended) E. Foreign Language (2 years, 3 years recommended) F. Visual/Performing Arts (1 year) G. College Prep Elective (1 year)

Other Requirements and Tips for College Entrance SAT Reasoning or ACT (with writing) SAT Subject Tests (may be changed) Choose challenging and rigorous courses Community Service No “D” grades accepted Repeated grades will be calculated into GPA

Other Post Secondary Options Vocational Training Military Workforce

Questions?

Thank you for coming… HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!