South San Antonio Early College High School 8 th Grade Orientation Class of 2019

South San Antonio Early College High School Counselors: Kathy Pittman, Lead Counselor A-D (12 th grade) and A- Car (9 th – 11 th grade) Bessie Hood Cas-Garc (9 th - 11 th grade) Debbie Martinez E-Lop (12 th grade) and Gard-Lop (9 th – 11 th grade) Anna Neavez Lor-Pera (9 th – 12 th grade) Rosie Salinas Pere-San (9 th – 12 th grade) Betty Iredale Sanc-Z (9 th – 12 th grade)

What is the biggest difference between middle school and early college high school?

ECHS Pathways, Credits, Attendance, and End of Course Exams

Early College High School Pathways

What is South San Early College HS? A partnership with Palo Alto College Up to 60 college credit hours No cost to the student/family Saving of up to $16,000 3 key “Pathways” Associates Degree College Ready Career Ready South San Antonio Early College High School

What is a credit? One full credit is earned for each year’s work in a subject. English 1 (all year) = 1 credit Health (semester) = ½ credit

1.Academic Achievement – you must earn a minimum grade of a 70 in a course 2.Attendance – you must attend class 90% of the time

What is GPA and Class Rank? GPA Grade Point Average Added points Calculated at the end of each semester Weighted GPA: PAP Eng I 90 (+10) 92 (+10) PAP Eng II 87 (+10) 88 (+10) AP Eng III (+15) = = 572/6 = Class Rank Is based on the GPA Is reported at the end of each semester

Why are GPA and Class Rank important? Your GPA and Rank are the FIRST things that colleges and universities, scholarship committees, armed forces, and employers will look at.

What happens if I do not attend 90% of the time but pass the class with a 100? In middle school, you could pass to the next grade level. BUT In high school, you get denied credit and have to repeat the semester of that class or the entire class and can be retained in that same grade.

In what subjects and courses will students be assessed under the STAAR program? STAAR EOC assessments will be available for Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History.

Students beginning high school in must complete the requirements of the new graduation program.

Foundation High School Program with Endorsement(s) STEM Business and Industry Public Services Arts and Humanities Multidisciplinary Studies

EndorsementsCourses of Study at South San High School: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Science Engineering/Robotics Advanced Math Business and Industry Animal Science Culinary Arts Advanced Journalism: Newspaper Advanced Journalism: Yearbook Printing & Imagining Aircraft/Heavy Equipment Technology Architectural Design Automotive Technology Business Management Administration Collision and Repair Debate Electrical Technology Bank and Finance HVAC & Refrigeration Technology Manufacturing Information Technology Mill & Cabinetry Technology Media Technology Public Services Health sciences Education and training Law enforcement Cosmetology Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Arts and Humanities Music Foreign language Social studies Theatre Arts Dance Art Multidisciplinary Studies Allows a student to select courses from the curriculum of each endorsement area and earn credits in a variety of advanced courses from multiple content areas sufficient to complete the distinguished level of achievement.

Endorsements Before entering 9 th grade, a student must indicate (in writing) an endorsement that he or she intends to pursue.

Distinguished Level of Achievement - 26 credits A student may earn a distinguished level of achievement by completing: 4 credits in mathematics, which must include Algebra II; 4 credits in Science; The remaining curriculum requirements; and The curriculum requirement for at least one endorsement. This can be achieved under all 3 Graduation Pathways.

Students must earn a Distinguished Level of Achievement in order to be eligible for Top 10% Automatic Admission to institutions of higher education. Distinguished Level of Achievement

Performance Acknowledgements Any student may earn a performance acknowledgement: For outstanding performance In a dual credit course In bilingualism and biliteracy On an AP test or IB exam On the PSAT, the ACT-Plan, the SAT, or the ACT For earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license

Class of 2019 BOBCAT Registration 8 th Grade students will meet with their middle school counselor to select a Graduation Pathway, an endorsement, begin developing a four-year graduation plan, and complete their selections for their freshmen year registration. Students will complete Career Cruising – an interest inventory survey Students will use the results from their Career Cruising to select their endorsement.

BOBCAT registration cont. With the assistance of their middle school counselors, students will develop a four-year graduation plan for high school based on the 3 Graduation Pathways and 5 Endorsements. Students will choose their classes and register online for their freshmen courses with their middle school counselor. Parents/Guardians will be sent a list of courses their child selected in the spring at which time they will be able to make changes for a selected amount of time. Parents/Guardians will receive a copy of the endorsement selection, the four-year plan, and personal graduation plan. Students must return the forms with a parent/guardian signature.