WESTMINSTER HIGH SCHOOL

HOW IS HIGH SCHOOL DIFFERENT? Students have choices in coursework Students earn credits for courses completed Grade promotion is based on credits earned Students take courses in mixed grade groups The school day goes from 7:30 until 2:20 Athletic and Extra-Curricular Eligibility GPA calculations are weighted based on academic level

WHAT ARE WE WORKING TOWARD? Advanced Placement Classes Internship Experiences Dual Enrollment (Grades 11 & 12) Job Shadowing/Release Time Mentorships Counselors at Outdoor School College and Career Ready GRADUATION!!!!

9 TH GRADE COUNTS! CCCTC applications Transcripts & Resumes Credit counts Attendance record Discipline record Extra-curricular activities Service Learning Hours Reputation Legacy

A REVIEW OF THE 4 MOD DAY Quarter 1Quarter 2Quarter 3Quarter 4 Mod 1 Conceptual Physics English I Mod 2 Phys Ed IHealth IU.S. History Advisory/ Flex Mod Mod 3 (lunch) Algebra ISpanish I Mod 4 Art IFound. of Tech

ADVISORY/FLEX PROGRAM When?  35 minute time slot between mods 1 and 2  Every day What?  Advisory lessons: Study skills, homecoming planning, college and career information, resume tips, guest speakers, etc…  Extra Help: makeup work/tests, homework, tutoring, study groups  Club meetings Why?  Connect with a caring adult/advisor (for job references, college letters of recommendation)  Develop new friendships

GET INVOLVED! Studies show that students involved in clubs, sports, or organizations:  Are more likely to stay in school  Have a higher GPA  Score better on standardized tests  Go on to college and earn a degree  Make more friends  Enjoy school more

Fall Sports In order to participate in athletics at Westminster High School you must complete the Carroll County Athletic Forms Packet and turn it into the head coach or our Athletic Director Mr. Molloy. How do I get a packet? -You must print one out! - (Quick Links and Athletics) - (Forms) - (Athletic Forms)

Concussion Testing All athletes must have a completed concussion baseline test. The test is good for two years from the date of the test. You also need to complete the Sports Concussion Testing Program and Release Information form Physical All athletes must have a current physical completed on a CCPS physical form, which is part of your packet that you print. Try Outs Start August 10 th -All athletes must attend try outs to be considered for the team.

SubjectRequired CreditsRequired Courses English4English 9 English 10 English 11 or AP Language English 12 or AP Literature Social Studies3Government or AP Government US History or AP US History World History or AP World History Science3Conceptual Physics Chemistry I Biology I Mathematics4 All students shall enroll in a mathematics course each year of high school Two credits of Algebra One credit of Geometry One additional credit Physical Education1PE I (.5 credit) Health.5Health I Fine Arts1Any Fine Arts course Technology Education1Foundations of Tech. World Languages2Two credits in the same language Financial Literacy.5Financial Literacy or Managing Personal Finances Using Excel Electives5-12 Total Credits Required25 MARYLAND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

 Students have an opportunity to earn 32 credits, but must earn at least 25 credits including a completer program  Students must attend 4 years of high school beyond the 8 th grade  Students must take and PASS all High School Assessment Tests (Biology and Government) as well as participate in PARCC assessments TBD.  Students must complete 75 service learning hours Graduation Requirements

State Approved Career and Technology Completer Program at the CCCTC or WHS Advanced Technology Completer ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO GRADUATION

Accounting Administrative Services Agricultural Sciences – Animal or Plant Business Administration & Management Early Childhood Education Education MS-HS / Teacher Academy of MD GIST: Geographic Information Systems and Technology Marketing Wildlife & Natural Resources Financial Services / Academy of Finance WHS COMPLETERS

COMPLETER PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Very competitive for career or college bound students Looking for:  Good grades- at least 2.0 GPA  Good attendance - 94%  Good behavior  Meet prerequisites for program Applications will be mailed home in Fall of 10 th Grade. (also available in Counseling Center) Open House – Every October at CCCTC

Academy of Health Professions Auto Service Technology Biomedical Science / PLTW Building Maintenance Carpentry Cisco Networking Academy Collision Repair Technology Computer Science Culinary Arts Drafting Electrical Construction Engineering / PLTW Homeland Security Heavy Equipment & Truck Technology HVAC Manufacturing & Machine Technologies Masonry Print Production Video Production Welding Textiles & Fashion Careers CCCTC COMPLETERS

Course Levels Level 1: Basic or Below Grade Level Level 6: Academic Level 8: Honors Level 9: Advanced Placement

EDUCATIONAL CAREER PLAN Always read the directions, take your time Select required course work prior to selecting optional electives Credit total must equal 8 credits Use a PENCIL 2 alternate course selections are required as all courses requested may not schedule Please select 1 full credit and one half credit

Select courses appropriate to meet the needs and goals of each individual student  Input from current teachers  Results from standardized tests  Current grades  Discussion with school counselors and advisors 4-YEAR EDUCATIONAL CAREER PLAN ECP

Use Program of Studies (blue booklet) to get information about career pathways, graduation requirements, completers, courses available, and descriptions. Use the Educational Career Worksheet to select desired courses and levels. Transfer course numbers to the Educational Career Plan Turn your child’s completed Educational Career Plan in to the main office of the middle school they currently attend by February 2nd. COURSE SELECTION PROCESS

HOW DO I SELECT CLASSES? Read course descriptions in the Program of Studies. Begin with academic classes (English, Math, History, Science) Consider your current grades and performance. Get teacher recommendations on course sign up sheet Course Levels:  Level 1 = Basic (teacher permission required)  Level 6 = Academic/College Prep  Level 8 = Honors ( You do not have to select all your academics at the same level.)

HOW DO I SELECT CLASSES? Everyone Must Take…  English 9  Government or US History (level 1 only)  Conceptual Physics  At least one Math class What about a World Language?  Not required to take in the 9 th grade  Consider Spanish II if you’re taking Spanish I or French II if you’re taking French I– but may switch to another language  If going to college, you need at least 2 credits of language

HOW DO I SELECT CLASSES? Physical Education I  Required before you can take any other gym class Health  Required for graduation, but you do not have to take it in the 9 th grade Foundations of Technology  Required for graduation, other advance technology classes, and many Career & Tech Programs Fine Arts  1 credit is required for graduation (but can take more)  Consider Art I, Dance, Drama or Electronic Music if you are not comfortable with vocal or instrumental music

HOW DO I SELECT CLASSES? Freshman Seminar (Not required)  Topics include: Transitioning to high school, study skills, goal setting, career development, decision making, conflict resolution, the media center, counseling services, career center, writing center, the learning center, developing a comprehensive portfolio  Honors Art I: This course is designed for students who have a deeper interest in the visual arts or who simply want the rigor of an honors class. This course does count toward the required 1.0 credits of a fine art.

HOW DO I SELECT CLASSES? Family & Consumer Science (Not required)  Intro to Foods is required for anyone interested in Culinary Arts Agriscience (Not required)  Intro to Ag, Food, & Natural Resources is required for the CASE Completer Programs

Subject Area (credits required)Completed in 8 th GradeCRCourse NumberCRCourse Name English XXXXXXXXXXXXX Social Studies XXXXXXXXXXXXX Science XXXXXXXXXXXXX Mathematics Honors Algebra I Physical Education* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Health* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Tech Education* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Fine Arts* XXXXXXXXXXXXX World Language* Spanish I Elective Course* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Elective Course* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Alternate #1* (.5 credit) XXXXXXXXXXXXX Alternate #2* (1 credit) XXXXXXXXXXXXX 8 th Grade→ 9th Grade→ 9.5

Subject Area Completed in 8 th Grade CRCourse Number CRCourse Name English XXXXXXXXXX Honors English 9 Social Studies XXXXXXXXXX AP Governmen t Science XXXXXXXXXXX Honors Conceptual Physics Mathemati cs Honors Algebra I Honors Geometry Honors Example Subject Area Completed in 8 th Grade CRCourse Number CRCourse Name English XXXXXXXXXX English 9 Social Studies XXXXXXXXXX Government Science XXXXXXXXXX Conceptual Physics Mathemati cs Honors Algebra I Algebra I Academic Example Getting started with core courses:

Physical Education al XXXXXXXXXX Physical Education I Health XXXXXXXXXX Health I Tech Education XXXXXXXXXX Fine Arts XXXXXXXXXX Art I World Language Spanish I Spanish II Elective Course XXXXXXXXXX Honors Chemistry I Elective Course XXXXXXXXXX Alternate #1 (.50 credit) XXXXXXXXXX Honors Music Theory Alternate #2 (1.0 credit) XXXXXXXXXX Foundation s of Technology Now fill in additional courses based off of your child’s needs so that their Educational Career Plan has a total of 9.5 credits Honors Example

Physical Education XXXXXXXXXX Physical Education I Health XXXXXXXXXX Health I Tech Education XXXXXXXXXX Foundation s of Technology Fine Arts XXXXXXXXXX Art I World Language Spanish I Spanish I Elective Course XXXXXXXXXX Elective Course XXXXXXXXXX Alternate #1 (.50 credit) XXXXXXXXXX Drama I Alternate #2 (1.0 credit) XXXXXXXXXX Spanish II Academic Example

Subject Area (credits required)Completed in 8 th GradeCRCourse NumberCRCourse Name English XXXXXXXXXXXXX Honors English 9 Social Studies XXXXXXXXXXXXX AP Government Science XXXXXXXXXXXXX Honors Conceptual Physics Mathematics Honors Algebra I Honors Geometry Physical Education* XXXXXXXXXXXXX PE I Health* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Health I Tech Education* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Fine Arts* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Art I World Language* Spanish I Spanish II Elective Course* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Honors Spanish III Elective Course* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Alternate #1* (.5 credit) XXXXXXXXXXXXX Honors Music Theory Alternate #2* (1 credit) XXXXXXXXXXXXX Foundations of Technology 8 th Grade→ 2.0 9th Grade→ 9.5 Honors Example

Subject Area (credits required)Completed in 8 th GradeCRCourse NumberCRCourse Name English XXXXXXXXXXXXX English 9 Social Studies XXXXXXXXXXXXX Government Science XXXXXXXXXXXXX Conceptual Physics Mathematics Honors Algebra I Algebra I Physical Education* XXXXXXXXXXXXX PE I Health* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Health I Tech Education* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Foundations of Technology Fine Arts* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Art I World Language* Spanish I Spanish I Elective Course* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Elective Course* XXXXXXXXXXXXX Alternate #1* (.5 credit) XXXXXXXXXXXXX Drama I Alternate #2* (1 credit) XXXXXXXXXXXXX Spanish II 8 th Grade→ 0 9th Grade→ 9.5 Academic Example

FLEX Peer Tutoring After school support  2:30-3:45 EVERY DAY!  Content teachers are there to help Monday through Thursday! WHS SUPPORT PROGRAMS

WHAT’S NEXT?? Review materials that will be coming home with your students Talk to your child’s teachers about recommendations for course levels Counselors will be visiting middle schools this week Turn your child’s completed ECP into their middle school by February 2

Questions???????? We are here to help, and understand that this can be a very overwhelming and rather daunting task. Do not stress, we are happy to work with you and your child to make this a successful process!!