Class of 2015 Sophomore Fall Presentation

Essential Question What’s important in the sophomore year of high school?

Key Elements  Academic Record  Testing  Post-Graduation Planning  Activities Resume

Graduation Requirements  4 credits English  4 credits Social Studies  3 credits Math  3 or 4 credits Science  6 or 7 elective credits  2 credits Physical Education/Health .5 credit Env & Ecology .25 credit Career Exploration TOTAL: TOTAL: 23.75

Academic Record and Transcript Review Courses and credits Averages Weighted percentage and non-weighted GPA Weighted = core classes and CP electives only Non-weighted = all classes

Schedule Changes  Limited changes permitted now: Academic misplacement – teacher must agree! Oversubscription (drop an elective for a study hall if you have 8.0 credits) MUST have parent permission for both All changes must be made by October 26TH!

Testing  PSAT  SAT  Maybe Keystone tests too!

PSAT -- Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test **Sophomores who have Algebra 2 right now should take this test for practice Saturday, October 20, 2012, at 8:00 a.m.  Register in Guidance Office by September 13th  Registration forms available today!  Fee: $18.00 payable to Lower Dauphin School District  NMSQT – National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test  College Entrance Exam  If enrolled in Algebra 2 this year, then may want to take SATs in March or June but it’s OK to wait until next fall  Given on: November 3, March 9, and June 1 (Saturdays) at LDHS  Register:

Test Preparation and Study Skills To prepare for the SATs and PSATs you can take a prep course and/or buy test preparation materials from a book store. Test prep is an on-going process …  Read, read, read and then read some more  Keep up with your daily class work  Sign up for through College Board with “SAT Question of the Day”  Study Skills Guide … on-line!!

Some survey results from last year…

Set some goals for yourself this year !

Post-Graduation Planning Career Planning and Goal Setting Internet Resources College/Career Fairs College visitations Military recruiters Work Experience!!!

Naviance – Family Connection  Web based program for career and college planning/management  Will use in Careers for interest and aptitude inventories  Students can create accounts to be used throughout HS  Great way for us to stay connected during the post-graduation planning process

Activities Resume What did you do last year? What are you involved in this year? What clubs/activities would you like to try before you graduate? My challenge to you – find one school sponsored activity to try this year!!

NCAA Clearinghouse  NCAA sets forth academic requirements for participation in college athletics  Specific courses required in HS to be eligible  Meet with Mrs. Dreon to review your transcript!  Sign up on sheet for an appointment

Important Dates PSAT Score Return December 13 – 7:00 p.m. in HS auditorium For students and parents Return & explanation of PSAT scores/college information Career Fair October 4th periods 1-4 Representatives from many different professions Opportunity to ask questions about careers Great experience for students trying to figure out future plans or find out more about a potential career Please sign up today if you are interested

Miscellaneous Tutoring schedule and lots of other resources available on the school website!