Welcome to CB West High School! An overview of what to focus on during 10 th grade. Donna Dallam Michael Curtis School Counselor (A – K) School Counselor (L – Z)

10 th = A Transition Year Independence and Responsibility ◦ Students should attempt to resolve issues on their own Block scheduling – Attendance Matters! ◦ Absences become a problem much sooner Adjustment in expectations ◦ Encourage students to try and work through challenges

Success at the HS Level Homework is essential Natural ability cannot replace effort Study Skills & Time Management ◦ Major focus of the 10 th grade year Graduation requirements are listed online Program of Studies

Periodically check the portal Similar to the stock market… Don’t check it every day!

Have Balance Teenagers DO need supervision ◦ While having the freedom to make choices Set clear expectations ◦ “Must hold “B’s” in all classes, to be checked every two weeks (must be realistic) Set clear consequences ◦ Both positive and negative ◦ “Lose computer for a week” or “Don’t have to clean your room for a week” (whatever motivator)

Success at the HS Level Work hard, gain future opportunities ◦ Seek an academic challenge, while balancing responsibilities ◦ Select appropriate courses; eventual college choice should only be part of the consideration. ◦ Awareness of Honors/AP, other course requirements Report Card Dates ( Not mailed, check portal) ◦ MP1 – Nov 11 th ◦ MP2 – Feb 2rd ◦ MP3 – April 13 th ◦ MP4 – June 16 th

When Students are Absent Students should do everything possible to attend school every day When missing is unavoidable: ◦ Send all teachers an ◦ Check the teacher’s website, review notes, and try to stay connectedteacher’s website ◦ Always approach teachers upon return

Opportunities Abound Many paths available to our kids Explore new elective courses, and identify likes and dislikes across subjects Get involved in clubs, sports, or other activities  Henry Hunt, Athletic Director  Activity fair for students held on Sept. 24 th

Activity Fair Student Government Interact Club German Club World Affairs Club Spanish Honors Society BARC Stars and Stripes Mock Trial Cooking for the homeless Zen Club Ski Club Choir Math League Computer Club GSA Mini-THON The Phoenix Science Research Club

Where to go for support School Counselor ◦ (Phone) ◦ / ◦ Students can stop by guidance in person Nurse ◦ Please direct students to see the nurse instead of texting home for a pick up. House Principal Teachers WANT to be involved as well ◦ Reach out to teachers for classroom specifics

Communication is Essential Please feel comfortable contacting your counselor about anything We are here to help guide you and your student through high school Confidentiality ◦ What does this mean? ◦ Breaking Confidentiality - “at risk of harming themselves, or someone else”

Communication 10 th grade house page 10 th grade house page ◦ Go to -> “Schools” -> “Secondary Schools, West” -> “Departments, Guidance” ->“10 th grade house” eBlasts ◦ be sure to have a working in the portal From the CB West Page -> Go to “Parents” for several useful links

Naviance Naviance is an online resource that students will use from now until graduation. College and Career tools are the main focus, but your counselor will also use Naviance to communicate. Nothing really to worry about now; we are going to help students set up their username and password. Students will have full access within the next few weeks, but not need access until January.

10 th Gr. Timeline Advisory ◦ We are checking in with students now ◦ Information is sent out throughout the year Winter Parent Meeting ( January 2016 ) ◦ Review choosing classes and program planning ◦ Highlight career/college related topics ◦ Review PSAT results, and explain next steps

10 th Gr. Timeline Career Plan ◦ Fully explained and introduced in February ◦ Helps students explore possible career paths ◦ It is difficult for students to start this exploration now, best use of their effort right now is to adjust to high school expectations and environment Career & College Connections ◦ We will help parents and students start to connect career interests with future plans towards the end of the year. ◦ Post-grad plans are a major focus of 11 th grade

Standardized Testing Timeline PSAT- October 14 th ◦ $16 paid online through PSAT – October of Junior Year ◦ National Merit Consideration SAT/ACT- Spring of Junior Year SAT Subject Tests- as needed ◦ Unofficial list of schools Unofficial list of schools AP Exams- May each year

10 TH GRADE PSAT A Brief Overview of the

What is the PSAT? The SAT and ACT are used as part of college admissions/merit scholarships for many schools These exams are designed as a snapshot of where students stand in terms of college preparation Practice and gain valuable experience for the SAT by taking the PSAT in October during 10 th and 11 th grades

Why not just take the SAT/ACT? You’ll get more feedback from the PSAT vs. the SAT ◦ The PSAT score report you receive is designed to show areas of strengths and weakness, helping you better prepare for the official test PSAT costs less (a lot less)  PSAT ($16 ) vs SAT ($54 ) vs ACT ($56 ) Your scores are not seen by any colleges; completely used for practice purposes!

PSAT Administration Given on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 during the school day ◦ The only opportunity to take the PSAT this school year There is NO Saturday Test Date this fall ◦ The College Board does not offer this as an option this year If your student is not taking the PSAT this year ◦ report to study hall at 7:25am, ◦ or report to school at 11am

PSAT Registration Register online at ◦ Create a free account, or login if you have one ◦ Have your student’s school ID number ready ◦ After login, select “CB West PSAT Registration” Cost is $16 ◦ see your counselor if you have a financial need Registration closes on October 2 nd ◦ Space may run out, don’t wait to register!

PSAT Content Components Reading Test Writing and Language Test Math Test ◦ Has both a calculator and non-calculator section Scoring No deduction for wrong answers Scale range: ◦ Individual sub-scores are also provided

PSAT Sections Total Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Perspective College is important, BUT keep mind: ◦ There are a growing number of colleges which do not require SAT or ACT scores (“Test Optional”) ◦ Colleges that don’t require the SAT/ACT may require:  An additional essay(s)  Submission of a graded paper  An interview Your student will find a good fit, regardless of these scores! Visit to learn more about “test optional” schoolswww.fairtest.org

Next Steps This presentation can be viewed again by going to the 10 th grade guidance page The CollegeBoard website on the PSAT offers a great deal of information, as well as full practice tests.CollegeBoard website There is also official practice through Khan Academy! Khan Academy

Questions