Dr. Brad Cook, Principal Kelleigh Meredith, Assistant Principal Sonja Davis, Counselor

WELCOME to 9 th Grade

Introduction of SSFC Founded in Two story building (1 & 2) with limited use of buildings 3 and 4. Created to provide skills for success through focused lessons and by limiting distractions and creating cohesion. Focused on building positive relationships and relative lessons.

Being a 9 th Grader What does it mean to be a Freshman? How is it different from 8 th grade? What can I expect next year? Why do we have a Freshman Center?

AP/Honors Classes Pre-AP Geometry Pre-AP Biology Pre-AP English Honors World History These classes are set to prepare students for high school AP programs and college through more rigorous assignments and in depth lessons.

Discipline Please review the LCBOE student handbook dress code section. Sagging pants, holes in jeans, see through tops, short shorts or skirts, etc. Morning procedures. All students will be required to stay within the designated commons area. This is for their safety. Attendance. Please review the attendance section of the LCBOE student handbook.

Important Dates A flyer has been place in your child’s registration packet outlining these dates. April 25 th – Registration packet due to history teacher. April 29 th – Course selection guide and forms for all students with completed registration packets. May 2 nd – May 3 rd – Register for classes. July 29 th – August 1 st Schedule pick up for last name starting with A-M. August 5 th – August 9 th Schedule pick up for last name starting with N-Z. Open House – August 12 th

Fees Freshman class fee - $30 This provides your child with a locker, school planner, and SSFC t-shirt. Elective and club fees Make sure you look over the course selection guide. Most elective classes require a small fee to pay for equipment or supplies needed for the class. Some clubs require a fee due to supplies and travel.

Open House We invite you to attend our Open House on August 12 th. Familiarize your child with the building. Meet teachers. Become a member of the PTO. Purchase a SSFC yearbook at a discounted price. Pay Freshman fee if not paid at schedule pick up dates.

April 25, 2013—Registration Packets/Elective Applications Due ***see course selection guide for electives requiring applications. April 29, 2013—Receive Course Selection Guides May 2-3, 2013—Course Selections made for those who have completed/signed registration forms July 29-August 1, 2013: 8-11; 1-4 CST—Students whose last names begin with A through M will pick up schedules, pay class dues, purchase lockers, order t-shirts, change schedules. August 5-8, 2013: 8-11; 1-4 CST—Students whose last names begin with N through Z will pick up schedules, pay class dues, purchase lockers, order t-shirts, change schedules. August 12, 2013: SSFC Open House August 19, 2013: First Day of School Year August 23, 2013: Last day for schedule changes

Includes: Letter from Principal Registration Form (Yellow Sheet) SSFC Check-Out Authorization Health Assessment Record(Blue) Attendance Letter Residency Questionnaire Military Family Information(Purple Media Release Form Technology Form Textbook Permission Home Language Survey Employment Survey

What are the “New” graduation requirements for the 9th grader?

The Alabama State Department of Education will have one exit document-the Alabama High School Diploma. There is one diploma with substitute/equivalent courses Lee County Schools will have two exit documents  Alabama High School Diploma  Alabama High School Diploma with Academic Endorsement.

MULTIPLE PATHWAYS General Courses/AP/IB/Postsecondary Equivalent Courses *Essentials/Life Skill Courses **Alternate Achievement Standards Course.

AP/Honors Classes Pre-AP Geometry Pre-AP Biology Pre-AP English Honors World History These classes are set to prepare students for high school AP programs and college through more rigorous assignments and in depth lessons. Not allowed to drop any Pre-AP Classes after the 41/2 weeks, without administrative approval

Electives Band Agriscience (CTE and certification) *Library Aide ROTC Family/Consumer Science *Office Aide **Yearbook Oral Communication Athletics Vocal **Intro to Theatre * Application Required **Application and mandatory meeting required March 30 th

Things to consider when choosing your courses for next year……. Does my course selection correlate with……… Post High School Plan Pre-requisites Outside commitments

Required 9 th Grade Courses English English 9 English CP Pre-AP English World History Pre-AP World Histroy Science – Biology – Pre-AP Biology Mathematics Algebra 1 Geometry Pre-AP –Geometry Double Math-Pre-AP (Algebra/Geometry) Career Preparedness Health(1/2 credit) Electives(1) Fine Arts(1/2 credit )

What is the typical academic schedule for a 9th grade student?

A Typical 9th Grade Schedule

Freshman students typically take English Math Science Social Studies Health ½ Credit Fine Arts ½ Credit Career Preparedness Elective Class

The Course Selection Process Teacher makes course recommendation Student takes course selection sheet home Student review and sign with parent Return worksheet to school and then select course in STI

Registration and Graduation Requirements Completing student registration Interpreting the course offerings

Things to consider when choosing your courses for next year……. 1. Talk with your parents about goals for the next four years. 2. Review course recommendations and make the best decision. 3. Take the most rigorous courses while enjoying other aspects of high school.

High School is your preparation to your future! REMEMBER!!!

Schedule Changes Once students have completed the course selection process and their selections have been verified by the parents and the school, course changes will not be made. If a course change is absolutely necessary, it must be made by August 9, All changes should be communicated in writing, not by phone. (If a course is failed this year, it is the student’s responsibility to make necessary changes to next year’s schedule.) Legitimate Reasons for Schedule Changes  An error in the schedule (e.g. two English classes)  Student has already received credit for the course  Student has not passed the prerequisite course (example: student cannot take Geometry without having passed Algebra I)  Student is given an elective other than those listed on the final course verification form

Unacceptable Reasons for Schedule Changes Student wishes to withdraw from a class because it is perceived as too hard and will possibly affect the GPA or Class Rank Student has not completed any required summer assignments Student does not get along with the teacher Student does not like the class Student’s schedule interferes with a job or extracurricular activity Other reasons determined unacceptable by the school’s administration Alternate courses that were selected by the student, but not preferred, made the schedule.

Changes will not be made to rearrange a student’s schedule by periods. Changes for core academics will be made first and legitimate elective changes will follow. Class schedule changes for legitimate reasons must be made at the time of registration or within one week (five school days) of the beginning of each semester. Students seeking a schedule change should do so with the help of their counselor in the guidance department.

 teacher Student does not like the class Student’s schedule interferes with a job or extracurricular activity Other reasons determined unacceptable by the school’s administration Alternate courses that were selected by the student, but not preferred, made the schedule. Changes will not be made to rearrange a student’s schedule by periods. Changes for core academics will be made first and legitimate elective changes will follow. Class schedule changes for legitimate reasons must be made at the time of registration or within one week (five school days) of the beginning of each semester. Students seeking a schedule change should do so with the help of their grade level counselor in the guidance department. Unacceptable Reasons for Schedule Changes

April 25, 2013 Registration Packets/Elective Applications Due ***see course selection guide for electives requiring applications. April 29, 2013 Receive Course Selection Guides May 2-3, 2013 Course Selections made for those who have completed/signed registration forms July 29-August 1, 2013: 8-11; 1-4 CST Students whose last names begin with A through M will pick up schedules, pay class dues, purchase lockers, order t-shirts, change schedules. August 5-8, 2013: 8-11; 1-4 CST Students whose last names begin with N through Z will pick up schedules, pay class dues, purchase lockers, order -tshirts, change schedules. August 12, 2013: SSFC Open House August 19, 2013: First Day of School Year August 23, 2013: Last day for schedule changes REMEMBER !!!

April 25, 2013 Registration Packets/Elective Applications Due ***see course selection guide for electives requiring applications. April 29, 2013 Receive Course Selection Guides May 2-3, 2013 Course Selections made for those who have completed/signed registration forms July 29-August 1, 2013: 8-11; 1-4 CST Students whose last names begin with A through M will pick up schedules, pay class dues, purchase lockers, order t-shirts, change schedules. August 5-8, 2013: 8-11; 1-4 CST Students whose last names begin with N through Z will pick up schedules, pay class dues, purchase lockers, order -tshirts, change schedules. August 12, 2013: SSFC Open House August 19, 2013: First Day of School Year August 23, 2013: Last day for schedule changes REMEMBER !!!