Information Night for Parents of Rising Freshmen Briar Woods Guidance Department Dave Royhab, Director

Agenda Graduation & SOL Requirements Rising 9 th Grade Scheduling Process Course Options for Rising 9 th Grade Students

Diplomas Standard Diploma Advanced Studies Diploma

Standard Diploma Academic AreasCreditsSOL Verified Credits English42 Social Studies31 Mathematics31 Science31 Foreign Language00 Health/Physical Education20 Fine or Practical Art10 Electives60 Student Selected Verified Credit01 Total226

Advanced Studies Diploma Academic AreasCreditsSOL Verified Credits English42 Social Studies42 Mathematics42 Science42 Foreign Language3 or 40 Health/Physical Education20 Fine or Practical Art10 Electives1 or 20 Student Selected Verified Credit01 Total249

SOL Courses Reading (Eng. 11)Earth Science Writing (Eng. 11)Biology Chemistry Algebra 1World History 1 GeometryWorld History 2 Algebra 2US History

Scheduling Process BWHS counselors will be visiting the middle schools this week: February 5 & 6: Stone Hill February 7 & 8: Eagle Ridge

Scheduling Process Students will receive the Program of Studies & Course Selection Forms Counselors will review:  Transitioning to high school  Graduation requirements  The high school schedule  Advanced Placement courses  Activities & sports  Classes for next year

Scheduling Process English Social Studies Science Math Health & Physical Education Elective

Scheduling Process Students will receive course selection forms with academic levels pre-selected for them BWHS counselors will help students determine their electives Students will be instructed to obtain your signature and return forms to their 8 th grade guidance counselor

Scheduling Process If you would like to change your child’s selections, you should write a note and have your child return it with the form If you disagree or do not understand why a level was recommended – please consider contacting your middle school counselor or teacher Changes can be made until June 30, 2008

Course Levels Honors and Pre-Advanced Placement Course content is rapidly paced with additional depth. Lessons are often designed to be complex, abstract and open-ended.

Course Levels Academic Course content and expected student performance require additional reading and writing at a rigorous level. Academic is a “college-bound” level.

Course Levels General Course content and student performance are commensurate with the student’s grade level. Basic Course content may be adapted to the performance level of students with special needs.

Freshman Science Earth Science  Honors  Academic  General/Basic Biology  Honors

“Lesson in Balance” Challenge the student vs. Overloading the student Finding balance in the students course load

“Lesson in Balance” Take the most challenging classes you can handle.

“Lesson in Balance” Take the most challenging classes you can reasonably handle.

“Lesson in Balance” How much time do you have available to study and do homework?  Do you play sports?  Are you involved in activities? What does your track-record indicate? How committed and disciplined are you?

“Lesson in Balance” Think long-term: It’s easier to improve your schedule each year by taking more challenging classes… than it is to improve a damaged GPA!

“Lesson in Balance” Don’t forget to consider the student’s interests when determining his/her course load.

Review Graduation & SOL Requirements Rising 9 th Grade Scheduling Process Course Options for Rising 9 th Grade Students