1. You Have the Next 4 Years to Set Up the Rest of Your Life…
Georgetown High School
Grade 9 Guidance Presentation
Developed by Laura Lake, M.Ed

2. Forward
The courses you take, the activities you participate in, and the way you choose to conduct yourself have a huge impact on the options you will have available to you upon graduation.
Take advantage of the many opportunities afforded to you in high school to ensure that you have the best chance possible of achieving your personal goals.

3. Intervention Services College/Career Center Administrative Assistant
GHS Counseling Staff
Laura Lake
Grade 9
7508
Tricia Cook
A - G
7198
Shannon Henson
(Lead)
H - O
7111
Chaileen Gilly
P - Z
7044
Sam McCutchen
Crisis Intervention
7001
Sarah Adams
Intervention Services
7005
Scott Conrad
College/Career Center
7250
Deena Nero
Administrative Assistant
7089

4. Things to do… Explore your possibilities.
Know requirements for your graduation.
Choose your endorsement pathway.
Capitalize on your high school experience.
Document your accomplishments.
State your goals in writing.

5. Explore your Possibilities
At this point in your life, many, many possibilities are available to you . Everyone has a unique set of characteristics and very individual ideas regarding the meaning of success. The trick is to match your characteristics with the options that will lead you to a successful and fulfilling life.

7. REMINDER:
The vast majority of occupations in today’s world require some kind of education and training beyond high school. It is important to understand that the term “COLLEGE” refers to a variety of post-secondary education opportunities and is not limited to the traditional 4 year college or university experience.

8. Know requirements for your graduation with a 4 Year Course Plan
The 4 year plan helps ensure that you meet graduation requirements AND that you are well prepared to achieve success in the pursuit of your post-secondary goals.

9. Foundation Graduation Plan
IMPORTANT:
The Distinguished Level of Achievement is required for automatic admission to state 4 year universities. Algebra 2 is required.

10. GPA and Class Rank
Grades in all courses (with a few exceptions) are used to calculate your unweighted grade point average (GPA).
Class rank indicates where you stand academically in relation to the students in your class. Your grades in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language are used to calculate your weighted ranking GPA.
REMEMBER: Good grades in Pre-AP and AP courses will strengthen your class rank. However, it is important to choose classes that are appropriate for your post- secondary plans AND your ability level.

11. Performance Acknowledgements
Recognition for outstanding achievement in the following areas:
Dual Credit Courses
Early College Start
Co-Enrollment
Articulated Courses
Languages (LOTE)
AP Testing
PSAT/SAT/ACT Testing
Certification/Licensure

12. Your Transcript
Your transcript is the official and permanent record of your high school career.
Transcripts are updated after each semester.
Students can request transcripts through Parchment.com. A link is provided on the GHS homepage.

13. Study Habits Stay organized. Utilize class time.
Develop a routine that includes a regular study time at home.
Arrange for tutoring assistance when necessary.
Take care of your physical and emotional self.
NOTE: Access for great tips on developing positive study habits.

14. Choose your Endorsement Pathway
Endorsement pathways are intended to give students the opportunity to take a concentration of related courses in high school to help them be prepared for post-secondary education and careers.

15. Endorsements Arts and Humanities Business and Industry Public Service
STEM
Multidisciplinary
REMEMBER: Endorsements can be changed if you change your mind during high school. You and your parent will need to meet with your counselor to make a change.

17. Please Note…
In general, students must earn 4 credits from a sequence of related courses designated for a particular endorsement pathway.
While it is possible for students to meet the requirements for more than one endorsement, “collecting” endorsements is not really the intent of the mandate.
Scheduling conflicts may require students to set priorities regarding the endorsement completion requirement.

18. Capitalize on your high school experience with a Strategy for Success
Grades and test scores are not the only criteria to measure student success. Colleges, employers and selection committees tend to choose individuals who are capable, well rounded and demonstrate positive personal attributes.

19. Factoring Success OBJECTIVE SUBJECTIVE GPA (grade point average)
Class Rank
Graduation Plan
Diploma
Courses taken
Service to others
Specific goals & plans
Less common pursuits
Networking
Attention to details
Going above and beyond
Creative and original
Extenuating circumstances
Accomplishments
Activities & Involvement
Character
OBJECTIVE
SUBJECTIVE

20. Document your accomplishments with a Resume’
A resume is a listing of your activities and achievements that potential employers and selection committees commonly use to determine your qualifications. A resume often presents a first impression of you.

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22. Skills and Experience Paid Employment Education Entrepreneurship
Non-Paid Experience
Internships
Volunteer
Education
Course work
Endorsements
Certifications
Language Skills
Computer Skills
Organizational Skills
Clubs/Organizations
Sports/Athletics

23. Attributes Team Player Determined Ambitious Energetic Responsible
What do you want someone to be able to say about you if you were to ask for a reference?
Team Player
Determined
Ambitious
Energetic
Responsible
Concerned
Focused
Goal Oriented
Dedicated

24. Resume TIPS
Use action words to describe your experiences and leadership roles. Don’t just list your participation.
Use graphic elements to make your resume visually appealing.
Edit your resume as you grow in experience.

25. Put your goals in writing with a Goal Statement
Think about the kind of life you want for yourself in the future. What would you like to accomplish? Where would you like to go? How are you going to get there?

26. What are your Goals?
SHORT TERM GOALS are those things you would like to accomplish in the near future and often lead to the accomplishment of long term goals. LONG TERM GOALS are those things you would like to accomplish years from now.
QUESTIONS:
What kind of lifestyle would you prefer?
What kind of work would you enjoy doing to earn your living?
Will that occupation support your chosen lifestyle?

27. QUESTIONS?
WRAP UP