1. Preparing for

2. Objectives:  Start preparing for the high school transition.  Learn the requirements for achieving a high school diploma.  Understand your various high school options.  Understand how the online application process works.

3. Transitioning to High School  Academic Considerations  GPA  SOLs  AP and Advanced Courses  Graduation Requirements

4. Transcripts  A transcript is a resume for life after High School.  The information on transcripts includes course history, credits earned, GPA, and class rank.  Freshman Year is as important as any other year.

5. Promotion Requirements 9 th Grade  Successful completion of eighth grade 10 th Grade  Five credits, three of which must be in required courses 11 th Grade  Eleven credits, six of which must be in required courses 12 th Grade  Sixteen credits, nine of which must be in required courses

6. Standard Diploma  4 Years of English (2 verified – Reading and Writing)  3 Years of Math (1 verified)  3 Years of Science (1 verified)  3 Years of History (1 verified)  NO Foreign Language Requirement  2 Years of Physical Education  1 Year of Economics and Personal Finance  2 years of Foreign Language, Fine Arts, or CTE  4 Elective credits  CTE Credential  1 Virtual Course  22 Total Credits Required to Graduate  6 Verified Credits (2 LA, 1 MA, 1 SCI, 1 SS, 1 Student Choice)

7. Advanced Diploma  4 Credits of English (2 verified – Reading and Writing)  4 Credits of Math (2 verified)  4 Credits of Lab Science (2 verified)  4 Credits of History (2 verified)  3 Credits of Foreign Language Requirement  2 Years of Physical Education  1 Year of Economics and Personal Finance  1 credit of Fine Arts, or CTE  3 Elective credits  CTE Credential  1 Virtual Course  26 Total Credits Required to Graduate  9 Verified Credits (2 LA, 2 MA, 2 SCI, 2 SS, 1 Student Choice)

8. What are Verified Credits?  A verified unit of credit is granted after successful completion of a course (standard unit of credit) AND achievement of a PASSING SCORE on the corresponding End of Course (EOC) Standards of Learning (SOL) test.

9. Why this Matters!  It is extremely hard to find well-paying, enjoyable jobs without earning at least a high school diploma.  Taking advanced coursework and having a high GPA will allow you to apply to colleges and universities that you WANT to go to!  OPTIONS, OPTIONS, OPTIONS!  Higher education leads to more fulfilling career options and higher lifetime income!

10. Transitioning to High School  Social Considerations  School Involvement  Clubs  Athletics  Peer Group  Use your resources!!  Parent Portal, Fusion, Tutoring, Teachers, Counselors, etc.

11. High School Specialty Programs  Three Major Types of Programs  High School Specialty Programs  Career and Technical Education Programs  JROTC (Military)

12. Center for Environmental and Natural Sciences  Designed to include strong laboratory and field investigation components.  Enriched and interdisciplinary curriculum helps students understand connection between scientific and other academic areas.  Emphasis on interactive science research and projects make use of on-site CENS lab, greenhouse, aquarium, diverse habitats, and wet pond.  Participate in co-curricular and extra curricular activities including community service.  Program Held at: Freedom High School

13. The Cambridge Programme  Adheres to the University of Cambridge pre-university curriculum and examination system.  Can be tailored to students’ interests and abilities.  Students taking advanced placement courses can qualify for an Advanced International Certified of Education (AICE) Diploma  Program at: Potomac High School

14. International Baccalaureate Programme  Rigorous academic programs authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).  Students graduate with the IB Diploma, involves creativity, action and service.  Students will write an Extended 4,000 word essay, and complete a seminar course entitled Theory of Knowledge.  Program Held at: Gar-Field High School

15. Advanced Placement Scholars  Aligned with the Advanced Placement Program from the College Board.  Instruction in pre-college and college level courses.  Emphasis on content knowledge, critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.  Students will be prepared for success on AP exams.  Complete a research project in the senior year in an area of academic concentration.  Program Held at: Woodbridge High School

16. Center for Information Technology  Information technology covering three main areas:  Mathematics and computer programming  Graphics and multimedia  Hardware and networking  Extensive advanced Placement Program is available  Programs leading to professional and general certification are offered.  Certificates available in computer graphics, multimedia, computer repair, computer programming and networking Program Held at: Forest Park High School (Lottery System!!)

17. The Biotechnology Center  Enriched science curriculum with a strong emphasis on biotechnology, medical sciences, and interrelationships among scientific disciplines.  Stresses problem solving and hands-on learning as well as science literacy.  Students participate in community service and extracurricular science enrichment activities.  Students will complete a sequence of Biotech Center courses and have a large selection of Advanced Placement course to choose from.  Program Held at: Osbourn Park High School (Lottery System!!)

18. Pre-Governor’s School  Preparatory program through which students will experience an accelerated mathematics and science course sequence.  Students will have an opportunity to develop technical writing capacity and meet several graduation requirements to prepare them for success should they attend The Governor’s School at Innovation Park (GS@IP) in their 11th and 12th grade year.  PGS@OP program integrates strands in biology, chemistry, and physics, with mathematics, concepts of engineering, and laboratory research  Program held at: Osbourn Park High School

19. Center for International Studies and Languages (CISL)  Comprehensive program of study with a focus on global awareness.  Advances understanding of global issues respective to cultures and languages, information and communication, and political, economic, and environmental systems.  Field experiences such as student exchanges, Model United Nations, and travel support the curriculum.  Capstone Course of AP Comparative Government which includes a research paper component.  Program Held at: C.D. Hylton High School

20. Center For the Fine and Performing Arts  Opportunity to study in one of several concentration areas including:  Dance  Instrumental Music  Vocal Music  Music Technology  Theater  Creative Writing  Visual Arts  Students must complete an audition or portfolio as part of the application process.  Program Held At: Program will be at Colgan Sr. High School  EARLIER DEADLINE!! DECEMBER 11 th, 2015

21. The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park  The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiative. The instructional design of the program integrates strands in biology, chemistry, and physics with mathematics, with concepts of engineering and technology, and with laboratory research.  Rising JUNIORS are eligible to apply for the program.  Pre-Governor’s School Specialty Program going to be held at Osbourn Park HS. Very Limited Space. More information coming soon!

22. CTE Programs Transfer Vs. Transport  If accepted in one of the program listed below that you apply for your must TRANSFER to that school: Agriculture- Brentsville HS Automotive Technology-Hylton HS Project Lead the Way (Engineering Program)- Gar-field, Potomac, Woodbridge, Osbourn Park, Patriot, Stonewall Jackson Television Productions-Hylton HS Welding and Cyber Security -Potomac High School

23. Transport If you apply to one of the programs listed below and are accepted you will be transported by bus from your base school to attend classes at the school with the program you were accepted….. Building Trades – Patriot HS (CLOSED TO TRANSFERS) Cosmetology- Woodbridge HS (you will not use the transport option if you are already attending Stonewall Jackson HS or Woodbridge) Culinary Arts- Potomac HS Medical & Health Science Practical Nursing- Osbourn Park HS

24. Auto Technology – Transfer Program  NATEF accredited program of study taught by an ASE certified auto mechanic that prepares graduates for Automotive Service Excellence exams.  Train to be a successful entry level worker in the field of Auto Technology and/or continue his/her education in a related occupational field  Four-Year program of study.  Program Held at: C.D. Hylton High School

25. Cosmetology – Transport Program  Program is designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the Virginia Board of Registered Professional Hairdressers examination for licensing.  Graduates are expected to take the state examinations.  Students who complete the course of study and pass examinations are prepared for the following jobs: manicurist, salon receptionist, shampoo technician, and licensed cosmetologist.  2 year program of study that begins in the eleventh grade.  Program Held at: Woodbridge High School

26. Culinary Arts – Transport Program  Prepares students to practice the managerial, production, and service skills used in food establishments and related food industry occupations.  Students begin to prepare for occupations in the food service industry, such as chef/cook, baker/pastry chef, and hospitality worker.  Student have the opportunity to plan, select, store, purchase, prepare and service food and food products.  Study basic nutrition, sanitation, and food safety.  Learn the use and care of commercial equipment  Practice operation of institutional food establishments  2 year program of study that begins students junior year.  Program Held at: Potomac High School

27. Project Lead the Way – Transfer Program  Nationally recognized program that offers an enriched sequence of courses to prepare students for college level ENGINEERING courses.  Ninth grade students entering this program must complete a college level sequence of mathematics and science courses and be accepted through an application process.  Program is Held at Gar-Field, Osbourn Park, Potomac, and Woodbridge High Schools (Lottery System!!)

28. Cyber Security *NEW* - Transfer Program  Cyber Security units will include maintaining endpoint security, maintaining network security, implementing threat mitigation and exploring ethical and legal cyber issues.  The goal of the program is to prepare students to enter into a Cyber Security career after high school or an IT college degree program. Students will have the opportunity to earn their CompTia A+ Certification, and the ISACA Cyber Security Fundamentals Certificate Exam.  Program Held at: Potomac High School

29. Television Production – Transfer Program  The television production program prepares students to operate TV cameras, associated audio equipment, video switching and processing equipment, recorders, and editors.  Students will use program proposals, scripts, and storyboards to produce and refine professional productions.  Student leadership and independence are stressed throughout the program.  TV Production III is a practicum that focuses on the practical applications of advanced broadcast productions. Provides school-to-work transition experience.  Program Held at: C.D. Hylton High School

30. Welding – Transfer Program  Welding teaches students to use gases and/or welding processes and to braze and solder metal parts according to the diagrams, blueprints, or written specifications.  Four year program of study with some courses requiring two-blocks of instruction.  Some courses may be available for dual enrollment credit through Northern Virginia community College.  Program Held at: Potomac High School

31. Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Programs  JROTC  Army – Woodbridge, Forest Park  Navy – Potomac, Osbourn Park  Air Force – Freedom, Hylton  Marine Corps – Gar- Field

32. Deadlines  Woodbridge Center for Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA)  Application Due: Friday, December 11 th, 2015  All Other High School Specialty Programs  Applications Due: Monday, February 1 st, 2016

33. Online Application Process – Opens Nov. 1

34. Online Application Process

41. Final Notes  INFORMATION NIGHTS  You can apply to up to 3 high school specialty programs!  Limited Specialty Program transportation is provided.  Some programs require additional recommendations!  Speak to your teachers EARLY about specialty program interest!  KEEP YOUR GRADES UP AND YOUR BEHAVIOR IN CHECK!

42. Follow Up & Support  See Mr. Davison to talk about your options and educational goals!  Come to the computer lab for application assistance  Follow us on School Fusion and on Twitter @RPMSCounseling for updates  E-mail questions and concerns to davisojj@pwcs.edu