1. Your Path to Success Begins Today
Presented by your school counselors:
Mrs. Turner A-L
Ms. B M-Z

2. Topics We’ll Explore Transitioning to High School
Calculating Grade Point Average
High School Graduation Requirements
A-G Requirements
Life Beyond High School

3. Transitioning to High School
What can I expect in High School?
Larger campus with more students
Opportunities to join different clubs, sports, attend dances and campus activities.
Course work becomes more demanding and difficult
Increased autonomy/ students become responsible for their education
In order to be successful you MUST study and manage your time

4. Grade Point Average (GPA)
Why is my GPA important?
Always be aware of your grades!
Frequently check your grades on Q.
Each letter grade receives a point value.
A= 4
B= 3
C= 2
D= 1
F= 0
* Some advanced placement courses are weighted and worth additional points when calculating your GPA.

5. Calculating your GPA CLASS (6) GRADE POINTS Language Arts A 4 Geometry
Your GPA is calculated by:
Awarding the # of points earned by the grade of each class.
Adding the grade points for all classes.
Dividing by the total number of classes
CLASS (6)
GRADE
POINTS
Language Arts A 4
Geometry B 3
Spanish C 2
Biology
Health PE
= 3.0 GPA

6. What do I need to graduate from high school?

7. High School Graduation Requirements
Language Arts
4 Years
Math
2 Years
Science
Social Science
3 Years
Foreign Language or Visual/Performing Arts
1 Year
Health
1 Semester
P.E.
Electives
75 Credits
220 Total Credits
Mandatory
Electives

8. A-G Requirements

9. How do I earn credits?
145 Mandatory credits + 75 elective credits = 220 credits
240 credits are offered
5 credits x 6 classes = 30 credits per semester
Students can earn 5 credits for each class with a passing grade.
A, B, C, D
Zero credits earned for F grades!

10. Freshman Registration
Language Arts (Honors/Non Honors) – Honors has summer reading
Mathematics (Your math grades from 8th grade)
Science – Biology (Honors / Non Honors) or Natural Science
Physical Education – Intro to PE, Marching Band, ROTC, Sport, etc.
Elective – Health (1 semester) & (2 semester- Elective of your choice)
Elective

11. Honors Courses Registering for Honors courses may
need a teachers signature
All high schools require a completed
Honor’s agreement with PARENT AND
STUDENT SIGNATURES

12. Elective Options: Foreign Language – C or better in Language Arts
Spanish for native speakers
Health -1 semester and is HS graduation requirement
AVID – Application, Interview & HS placement
Fine Arts – Choir, Theater Arts, Visual Arts
Industrial Arts – Drafting, Metal, Wood & Auto
Agriculture -Mechanics, Horticulture, Ag skills/
School Projects

13. High School Sports Students must complete an interest form
All students must TRY OUT for the sport
All Freshman are placed in regular PE until accepted on the team
Eligibility!!
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and have not received more
than (1) “U” Unsatisfactory citizenship mark
Fall sports eligibility is determined by your 3rd trimester
grades.

14. Top 10 Mistakes Freshman make:
Believing your freshmen year doesn’t really count and you can improve grades later.
Sacrificing your grades for your social life.
Skipping classes and missing homework.
Failing to make up missed assignments in a timely manner
Assuming you’re not doing well because the teacher “just doesn’t like you.”
Not signing up for extracurricular activities.
Deciding that high school is about dances, partying & sports – NOT classes or academics.
Not asking for help.
Not asking questions in class.
Taking classes just because your friends are taking them.

15. Tips for Success
Communicate with your teachers and meet with your counselor regularly
Get involved
Complete Student Planner & Do HW Daily
Stay Organized: Clean out folders and backpacks weekly
Decide on a set time & quiet place to do homework
Take advantage of tutoring
Keep absences to a minimum/ complete your make up work
Be proactive: keep track of your grades (Q)
Discuss with your parent/counselor your skills, interests, careers and potential colleges
Explore the California Colleges website

16. Success at NIS = Success in High School
Developing good organizational/ study habits at NIS will help you in High School
Grades and your GPA are used when determining appropriate course placement
Elective Options can be affected by your GPA (Foreign Language, sports, honors classes, etc).
Completing your CCGI Career Interest Inventory

17. Life after High School What are my options? High School Diploma Trade/
Vocational/
Business School
Community
College
Enter the
Work Force
Military
UC/CSU

18. Entering the Workforce
Your choices during and after high school will affect: your career, transportation, free time, housing, expenses and your spending for your ENTIRE LIFE!

19. Career and Technical Training (1-2 year certificate)
Dental / Medical Assisting
Fashion/ Film
Pharmacy Technician
Criminal Justice
Cosmetology
Interior Design
Culinary Arts
Auto Mechanic

20. Community College
AA (Associate Arts degree) general education course work
Vocational Certificates
Transfer to a 4 year college
Community College Programs:
Career & Technical Education
Arts Media & Entertainment
Building Trades & Construction
Education, Child Development & Family Services
Engineering & Design
Finance & Business

21. California State Universities: 23

22. CSU Campus Locations

23. University of California: 10

24. UC Campus Locations

25. Private/Independent Universities: 74

26. In Summary….
Getting good grades today allows you to participate in extra- curricular activities, graduate from high school and college, and helps you get hired for a job.
In order to graduate high school you need:
Pass the required classes
Earn 220 credits
Graduating high school helps achieve your college and career goals after high school.

27. Any Questions ?