Aurora High School Scheduling: Incoming Freshman Parent Orientation February 4 th, 2016 “It’s not just about graduation. It’s about preparation.”

Tonight’s Agenda Introductions AHS Philosophy Program of Studies – Special Guests Scheduling at the High School Support and Transitions Communication Chances to Get Involved Questions & Answers

Administration/Guidance Administration – Principal Dr. Paul Milcetich – Assistant Principal Mr. Brian Brookhart – Athletic Director Mr. Paul Powers Guidance Counselors – A to G Mr. John Calcei – H to 0 Mrs. April Nenadal – P to Z Mrs. Chris Miley Harmon Counselors - Mrs. Ginger Biales & Mrs. Kristin Fecko Teachers – Mrs. Kington, Mrs. Biro Freshman – Ryan Brubaker

AHS Mission Statement The mission of the Aurora City Schools is to ensure that through providing a nurturing environment, with high expectations and effective programs, all students will reach their full potential and graduate prepared to become responsible, productive members of society.

Schools are not a Business

Schools are not a Factory

School as a Greenhouse

Argument for Qualitative Measures By Vivek Wadhwa Business Week updated 1/13/2011 7:00:00 PM ET The independence and social skills American children develop give them a huge advantage when they join the workforce. They learn to experiment, challenge norms, and take risks. They can think for themselves, and they can innovate. This is why America remains the world leader in innovation…” bloomberg_businessweek/from/toolbar

Catching Up or Leading the Way tch?v=tNpZ60IJ42o tch?v=tNpZ60IJ42o

Program of Studies Overview/Course Planner (p. 55) Course Waivers (p. 3) Curriculum Options – Excel TECC (p. 6) – Advanced Placement- AP (p. 10) – Credit Flexibility (pp ) – College Credit Plus (pp )

Program of Studies (cont.) Minimum Course Load (p.7) Athletic Eligibility (p. 7) Schedule Adjustment Policy (pp. 7-8) Grade Point Average (p. 9)

Program of Studies (cont.) Course Offerings – Art – Business – English (Speaker – Honors English) – Global Language – Information Technology

Program of Studies (cont.) Course Offerings – Interdisciplinary (Ind. Learning) – Mathematics (p. 32 – Sequence) – Music – Physical Education & Health – Science (Speaker – Honors Bio) – Social Studies (Speaker – AP World)

Issues to Keep in Mind Scheduling involves teamwork with student, teachers, parent, counselors Become familiar with AHS Program of Studies booklet What options you are preparing for both during and after high school Careful planning now eliminates future disappointments

Scheduling Process Students complete scheduling forms Registrations are tallied and class offerings are determined. Master schedule is built, conflicts are resolved and class sizes are balanced. Based on all this information textbooks, instructional materials (lab supplies, technology resources & licenses) are ordered.

4 English 3 Social Studies – 1 U.S. History – 1 U.S. Government – 1 Elective 3 Science – 1 Physical Science – 1 Life Science – 1 Elective Graduation Requirements 21 Total Credits

Graduation Requirements Continued 4 Math – Algebra II equivalent ½ P.E. (full year) ½ Health ½ Personal Finance Electives: – Business – Technology – Fine Arts – Global Language – Extra Core Classes Meet All State Requirements

Traditional College Preparatory Program English - 4 credits Mathematics - 4 credits Science - 3 credits Social Studies - 3 credits Global Language - 2 credits Fine Arts - 1 credit

Selective College Admission Honors or AP courses recommended 4 or more credits in – English – Science – Mathematics – Social Studies – Global Language

Honors Diploma Criteria Must fulfill 7 of 8 4 Units of English 4 Units of Math (Integrated Math series or higher) 4 Units of Science (Including 1 unit of Chemistry and 1 unit of Physics.) 4 Units of Social Studies 3 Units of Global Language 1 Unit of Fine Arts Overall GPA of at least 3.5 Composite ACT Score 27 or Composite SAT Score of 1210

Freshman Year Have an End in Mind Challenge yourself at the HIGHEST course level Scheduling conference (Feb) CP, Honors Summer School (optional) Balance is Important! – SH can be crucial

Support for Student Learning

Freshman Transition Freshman Orientation- 1 st day of school is only for their class. – Meet all teachers, orient themselves to the building and their day, find locker, etc.. Freshman Mentor Program – Small group meetings throughout 1 st semester – Upperclassmen as Mentors and Teacher advisor

LEADERSHIP/INVOLVEMENT (37 Clubs/Activities, 20 Sports) Numerous Clubs Media – Newspaper – Yearbook – Electronic Media Fine Arts – Music & Choir – Drama – Art Athletics Student Council Volunteering

Parent Communication District Web Site Bi-Monthly Update – Doc M’s Musings Parent Internet Viewer (PIV) Teacher Web Pages Parent Communication Forum (PCF) ALL CALL Messages

Parent Communication Band Calendar Program of Studies Parent/Teacher Conferences Open House Phone

Graduation June 2020! (Questions & Answers)