Incoming 9th Grade Parent Meeting

Counseling Office Agenda Contacting the Counselors Graduation Requirements and HSA Registration Process –Procedures –Placements/Appeals Process –Electives Academic Eligibility Attendance Information

COUNSELING OFFICE Counselors: A – Ba Mr. Peelman Be – E Mr. Higgins F – Kh Mrs. Djouha Ki – O Mr. Smith P – S Mrs. Poker T– Z Mrs. Fischer

COUNSELING OFFICE Registrar (301) Mrs. Cathy Carey Counseling Office (301) Mrs. Kris Nelson Career Center (301) Mr. Ed Martin

Graduation Requirements 4 credits in English 3 credits in Social Studies (U.S. History, NSL Government, Modern World History) 4 credits in Math (Algebra, Geometry) 3 credits in Science (Physical Science & Biology) 1 credit in Physical Education

Graduation Requirements (continued).5 credit in Health (10 th Grade) 1 credit in Fine Arts 1 credit in Technology One of the following: - 2 credits in a Foreign Language - 2 credits in Advanced Technology - 4 credits in a Career Completer

Graduation Requirements (continued) 22 Total credits 75 hours of Student Service Learning Hours Students must pass the Maryland High School Assessments in English 10 (396), Algebra 1 (412), Biology (400), and NSL (394). The passing score is a total of 1602.

Registration Information

Registration Process Procedures - Registration procedures, card, and course information distributed Feb Students sign up for 14 courses and up to four alternates - Student and parent must sign card - Due date for returned cards is February 7 for Baker MS and February 9 for Rocky Hill MS - Students receive their schedules in early August by mail

Registration Process Placements and Appeals - Two levels offered in English, Social Studies, and Science: Honors and On-Level - On-Level WS, S: On-Level with supports - Math and Foreign Language Placements - Placements made by middle school - Placements adjustments occur - Appeals due by February 25 to Damascus High School: ATTN: Mr. Peelman Electives: select at least three alternates

9 th Grade Courses

English 9: Honors or on-level Science: Honors Physics, Honors Matter & Energy, Physical Science Social Studies: Honors or on-level U.S. History Math: Algebra1, Honors or on-level Geometry, Honors or on-level Algebra 2 Foreign Language: Spanish 1, 2, or 3 (on- level or Honors for level 3); French 1 and 2

9 th Grade Courses Physical Education: General P.E. Electives: - Fine Arts: Art, Ceramics, Guitar, Chorus, Band, Theatre, Music Theory, Digital Photo - Technology: Foundations of Technology and Intro to Engineering Design (must have completed Algebra 1)

9 th Grade Courses Other Electives: -Software Applications, Web Site Development, Computer Programming, Microcomputer Tech, Foundations of Horticulture, Food Trends, Television Production (with M.S. experience)

Registration Card

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES English: A.P. Language A.P. Literature Foreigh Languages: A.P. Spanish

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES Math: A.P. Calculus AB A.P. Calculus BC A.P. Statistics Science: A.P. Biology (Double Period)

Science: A.P. Chemistry (Double Period) A.P. Physics A.P. Environmental Science Social Studies: A.P. NSL Government (10 th grade) A.P. World History (11 th grade) A.P. U.S. History A.P. European History A.P. Psychology

Arts and Technology A.P. Studio Art A.P. Programming 2

Academic Eligibility Eligibility is determined each quarter Must achieve a minimum of 2.0 for the quarter; no more than one E Ineligibility remains in effect until the next quarter report card is distributed All incoming 9 th graders are eligible

Attendance and LC Must turn in absence notes within three school days of absence

Success in 9 th Grade Homework and study time is important to enforce NOW Attendance is a KEY factor to Success Follow-up on student’s academic performance: –Each quarter: progress report, interim, progress report, report card –Initiate contact with teachers for any concerns –Students should keep track of their grades and check Ed-Line.

Success in 9 th Grade Get involved in extra activities Get enough sleep; eat nutritious food Know the internet is a tool; not a life

University of Maryland Undergraduate Admissions Info Report on last year’s admitted students from Damascus High School: 90 students applied 49 admitted for fall; 15 for spring Average admitted data: - Fall: WGPA: 4.32; SAT: Spring: WGPA: 3.92; SAT: 1191