1. Incoming 9th Grade Student/Parent Information Night
North Springs Charter High School
Incoming 9th Grade Student/Parent Information Night

2. NSCHS Counseling Staff
Dr. Johnson (Last names A-Da)
Mr. Ellis (Last names De-Ka)
Ms. Butler (Last names Ke-Reg)
Ms. Foney (Last names Reh-Z)
Ms. Carreras (Graduation Coach)
Ms. Felicia Lewis (Math/Science Magnet) (College & Career Center)
Mr. James Landreau (VPA Magnet)
Ms. Andrea Rocha (Bilingual Liaison)
Ms. Lori Bryan (Registrar)

3. Program Agenda High School 101- General Information
Graduation Requirements
Freshman Year
Instructional Levels
Core Classes/Electives
Sample 9th Grade Schedule
Registration and Instructions
NSCHS Highlights
Magnet Updates
Spartan Sports
Summer Bridge
Question and Answer Session

4. High School 101 7 classes (55 minutes per class)
Progress reports every three weeks via Home Access
Final grades posted at the conclusion of each semester
Yearlong Course = 1.0 credits
One Semester Course = .5 credits
Grading Scale:
A (90-100)
B (80-89)
C (70-79)
7 additional points are added to a final grade higher than 70 in approved Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses

5. High School 101-Grading
In middle school grades are calculated using the system of averages.
Example
8th grade English
*Semester 1- 60
*Semester 2-80
*Yearly average-70
student passes class
semester is independent.
not averaged… Each
In high school grades are
9th grade English
*Semester (below passing)
*Semester 2- 80
*No yearly average
student fails 1st semester and needs summer school to earn course credit

6. High School 101 High School Credits from Middle School
Students can earn HS credits for math and/or world languages: 7th and 8th grade world language equals 1.0 high school credit.
Once high school credit is accepted and added on a transcript it cannot be removed.
Some other MS courses that may be accepted for HS credit:
Intro art
Physical Science
Other electives as approved

7. Sports Eligibility
To participate in any sport, you must pass 5 out of 7 courses the preceding semester - summer school is considered an extension of spring semester
All athletes must be on track to graduate at the beginning of each school year

8. Graduation Requirements
CLASS of 2021: 26 credits required
English – 4 credits
Math – 4 credits
Science – 4 credits
Social Studies – 3 credits
CTE/World Language/Fine Arts* – 3 credits
*Note: 2 or 3 years of World Language credits may be required for college admission
Health/Personal Fitness – 1 credit (each .5)
Electives – 7 credits

9. Graduation Testing Requirements-
All students must take an – EOC -End of Course Test in the following areas during high school:
Social Studies (US History and Economics)
Math (Algebra I and Geometry)
English (9th Lit and 11th Lit)
Science (Biology and Physical Science)
***EOC Counts as 20% of student’s final grade in approved EOC courses

10. Keys to being successful in HS
Choose a realistic and balanced schedule
Have a plan of attack- set goals for high school
Push yourself to be the best
Stay Involved or get involved in an activity that sounds appealing
Understand you have a VOICE- do not hesitate to reach out to teachers

11. Common Issues Freshmen Face
Not studying/preparing enough for tests/quizzes/exams
Failure to complete homework
Lack of organization (homework getting lost in the backpack or locker)
Worrying more about fitting in or socializing than grades
Not attending help sessions with teachers when needed
Not taking responsibility for grades and staying on top of current assignments and/or using the opportunity to do test recovery to raise a grade

12. Other ways we help assist in the transition to high school
Classroom guidance lessons
The counselors will conduct a classroom guidance lessons on success in high school-Counselor introductions so students know who their counselor is.
GA College411/Bridge Bill
Your child will work with the guidance department in structured activities to explore college and career interests grades9-12.
Tutoring is offered after school on Tues, Thurs in media center and with individual teachers according to teacher’s schedule.

13. Instructional Levels Balance Your Schedule!
Coursework
Regular/On Level
Honors
Advanced Placement (AP)
Balance Your Schedule!
In high school it is important that a student have a balance in their schedule where they are challenged yet not overwhelmed… how can you achieve balance?
Balance academic courses with electives, as well as balancing honors and on level courses.
If you have a high B or solid A in a on level class, have a conversation with the teacher about being recommended for honors for the next year to add more rigor to your schedule.
Each year schedules are built in the spring for the following year.

14. Required 9th Grade Academic Classes
Language Arts
Science
9th Literature and Comp
9th Literature and Comp Honors
Earth Systems
Biology Honors

15. Required 9th Grade Academic Classes
Math options for students entering 9th grade without Math credit
GSE Accelerated Algebra I/Geom
GSE Algebra I
Algebra Support *Counts for Elective credit only
Math options for students entering 9th grade with Math credit
GSE Geometry
GSE Accelerated Geom/Algebra II

16. Other 9th Grade Classes Social Studies Other AP Human Geography
No honors courses offered in this department
AP Human Geography ( year long course) available for those recommended
Graduation required social studies classes begin in 10th grade with World History
General Health (1 semester)
Personal Fitness (1 semester)

17. World Languages Honors courses exist in level II and higher
French I, II, III, IV and AP
Spanish I, II, III,IV and AP
Chinese I, II, III, IV Latin I, II, III, IV
Honors courses exist in level II and higher

18. Fine Arts
Band
Orchestra
Chorus
Art
Drama

19. Career Pathways Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Career pathways are used to assist students in linking their high school coursework to post secondary training at four year universities, technical colleges, military training or apprenticeships and future careers.
Students may earn three credits in a coherent sequence of CTE courses through a self selected pathway leading to college and career readiness.

20. Sample Schedule 9th Lit./Comp Biology, honors GSE Acc Algebra I/Geom
French I
Health/Personal Fitness
Elective

21. Please review the specific electives
needed for your child
Students have had the opportunity to review our elective handbook (online) and select classes that they are interested in taking if they are not in the magnet program during 8th grade tours-SSCMS transition visits were held in Feb.
Students should understand we do not make schedule changes after course verifications are established. Choose electives and courses wisely.
Students in the magnet program will take elective courses that place them on a pathway to meet magnet requirements (example- math/science magnet student may take “Intro to Research Methods”)
Students will meet and work with their counselors throughout their high school years to prepare for successful completion of graduation requirements.

22. Additional Information
Upperclassmen are given first priority in then scheduling of some classes, such as world languages
Leveling –beginning of school year
Schedules could change to balance the number of students in a classroom. If your child’s schedule is changed due to leveling they cannot be changed back to the original schedule.

23. Pre-registration
Recommendations for core classes are made by 8th grade teachers.
Students chose electives with input and guidance from parents and NSCHS counselors.
See your student’s middle school counselor for more information or questions regarding MS teacher recommendations.

24. Supplemental Instructions
Please contact the Special Education contact person at each school if you need additional help with transitional services.
Please contact the TAG contact person at each school if you need additional help with transitional services.

25. Questions??? SUMMER BRIDGE INFORMATION
Gear up Days will be in August .
Please be on the look-out for more specifics regarding
9th grade Date and Time TBA
Questions???

26. Magnet Information
Math/Science Magnet
VPA Magnet

27. First come, first served.
SPARTAN
SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM
SAVE THE DATE
North Springs Charter High School will be hosting a FREE Summer Program
for rising 9th grade students only.
The program will be hosted at North Springs Charter High School.
June 5th - June 30th
8:30am-3:00pm
Monday – Friday
Please see the following details regarding the Summer Reach Experience:
Earn Credits (. 5 for Health / .5 for Personal Fitness)
Classes are taught by Certified High School Teachers
Registration Link will be available May 1st on the
North Springs website.
Only 100 spaces available.
First come, first served.

28. Magnet Information Sheet
North Springs Charter High School
Incoming 9th Grade Magnet Student Information Sheet
REGISTRATION – Mrs. Lori Bryan is looking forward to meeting with all the Magnet families to register your student. Every Magnet parent received an with all needed information. If you are a Non-Magnet Sandy Springs Middle student, your registration information will automatically come to our school.
AUDITIONS - If you are a Dual or VPA (Visual Performing Arts) only student you should have auditioned last week. If you missed the audition, please send an audition video to If the student doesn’t audition, they will be placed in an introductory course in a VPA discipline as a freshman. Once schedules are set in April, there will not be any changes made.
COURSE SELECTION – Course selection sheets for Magnet students will be sent to your student’s middle counselor late next week. Please consult with your student’s current counselor if you have questions regarding their placement in their core classes for next year (Math, English, Social Studies, Science and World Language). For electives, students will either be placed in Magnet electives or another elective of their choice, if space permits in their schedule.
MATH/SCIENCE PROGAM REQUIREMENTS:
As an incoming student participating in the Math/Science Magnet Program, each student will take Intro to Research Methods 0.5 and Math of Finance 0.5.

29. Course Description-Magnet Electives
COURSE AND DESCRIPTION -
First Semester .5 - Introduction to Research Methods (Fall Semester) - This course will provide an opportunity for participants to establish or advance their understanding of research through critical exploration of research language, ethics, and approaches. The course introduces the language of research, ethical principles, and quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Participants will review literature relevant to their field or interests to determine how research findings are useful in forming an understanding beyond the classroom and into real-world realms such as social, local and our global environment. This course will begin with the integration of said research and culminate with Science Fair projects in the Fall which will then lead to a competition in the Spring. (Regional and State)
Second Semester .5 - Math of Finance (Spring Semester) - Math Finance is a course on personal finance covering such topics as Earning Money, Budgeting, Saving and Investing, Buying/Leasing a Vehicle, Buying/Renting Real Estate, Taxes, Insurance, Retirement, and other various topics. While we focus on the mathematical concepts behind these important life skills, we also discuss vocabulary and real life situations in which students will encounter these topics. In summary, math finance is the class that we all wish we would have taken in high school before we went out on our own in the "real world".

30. Key Benefits of the Magnet Program
North Springs Magnet Program Quick Reference Guide
Key Benefits of the Magnet Program:
A learning environment that draws students together with common interests, talents and abilities 
High-level, creative and rigorous curriculum
Opportunities for students to engage in specialized internships and work-based learning experiences
Priority placement in interest based courses
Ability to create an in-depth portfolio that showcases curriculum
Math/Science Program Requirements:
Student must have an 85% average or higher in all Math and Science courses
(core & elective) for admission into the Math/Science Magnet Program
Student must maintain an 85% average or higher in all Math and Science courses (core & elective) all four years to remain in the Math/Science Magnet Program
STUDENT MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING COURSES:
2 Math/Science elective courses during the 9th & 10th grade year
4 Math/Science Advanced Placement (AP) courses during the 11th & 12th grade year
Participation in 2 Math or Science Competitions
Visual/Performing Arts Program Requirements:
Student must have an 80% average or higher in all Visual/Performing Arts courses for admission into the Visual/Performing Arts Program
Student must maintain an 80% average or higher in all Visual/Performing Arts courses all four years to remain in the Visual/Performing Arts Program
8 visual and performing arts elective courses (6 elective courses for Dual Magnet),
2 of which must be at the highest level offered or Advanced Placement (AP)
Participation in 2 arts honor societies, organizations or competitions
Magnet Program Probation/ Dismissal
At the end of each semester students must obtain a grade average of 85% or higher (in Math/Science Courses) and a grade average of 80% or higher (in Visual/Performing Arts Courses). If these averages are not maintained, the student will be placed on Magnet probation. A second semester of Math/Science GPA lower than 85% and Visual/Performing GPA lower than an 80% will result in being dismissed from the Magnet Program. If North Springs is not the student’s zoned school, they will be sent back to their zoned school.