1. Welcome to Johnson High School Class of 2022!
This is the first step in your journey through High School!
Today we will be giving you lots of information to help you with making plans for High School and selecting your 9th grade courses.

2. Here is what your day at Johnson will look like…
First, let’s look at what your day will be like at Johnson. Every day will have 8 periods, 1 will be for lunch and the other 7 will be for classes.
Every student will have an assigned “Flex” period to attend on Flex Days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Flex assignments are usually study halls, unless a student requests a particular subject to get extra help/tutoring.

3. 9th Grade Recommended Schedule
Language Arts: English I (regular or Pre-AP)
Math: Algebra I or Geometry (regular or Pre-AP)
Science: Biology (regular or Pre-AP)
Social Studies: Geography (regular, Pre-AP, or AP)
LOTE(Language other than English) Foreign Language of student’s choice
PE/Health: Semester of PE and/or Health
(PE Equivalents: Athletics, Pep, ROTC, Band)
(Health Equivalents: Principles of Health Science)
Elective: Based upon endorsement
Please remind students that they must have completed Algebra I before taking Geometry.

4. Should I take Pre-AP or Regular Courses?
Pre-AP Courses require students to be:
Self motivated with a strong work ethic
Time management skills
Willingness to seek help
Strong STAAR/EOC scores
Summer reading assignment

5. What are the Benefits of Taking Pre-AP Courses?
Better prepare students for Advanced Placement and/or Dual Credit classes
Promote college readiness
Offer a weighted grade system
- grades are multiplied by 1.15 for Pre-AP and
1.29 for AP when they are calculated in your GPA
(i.e., a 75 in Pre-AP class would calculate as an 86 in your GPA)
Enhance students’ resumes and applications
- Colleges look for rigorous coursework

6. How Many Pre-AP Classes Should I Take?
Individual decision
Consider extracurricular commitments outside of school
Seek balance
Better to make an A in regular class than a C in a Pre-AP class

7. Important things to know. . .
Students can drop a Pre-AP/AP class to a regular level equivalent course within the first 9 week grading period of the 1st semester
Students can only add a Pre-AP class within the first two weeks of school, or they must wait till semester
Extracurricular activities can be very time consuming and students will miss classes
Course cards and NEISD Course Catalog posted on Johnson website
Elective changes will not be made after June 8, 2018

8. Course Card Directions
Be sure to write your name & ID number
Circle course number in bottom section
Write course number & name in top section
Select 7 courses & list 2 alternates
Be sure to list Endorsement in top section
Be sure to have required signatures
Return to Middle School Counselors by Friday, February 16th

11. Begin With the End in Mind!!

12. The Graduation Plan for your Class of 2022
Foundation with Distinguished Level of Achievement
Students must complete:
Curriculum requirements for an endorsement
4 credits in English
4 credits in Math (includes Algebra II)
4 credits in Science
3 credits in Social Studies
2 credits in languages other than English
1 credit in Fine Arts
1 credit in Physical Education
0.5 Health credit
6 and 0.5 Electives (Must include Endorsement)
Foundation with Distinguished Level of Achievement + Endorsements = 26 credits
Students must pass all 5 STAAR End of Course (EOC) exams to meet graduation requirements:
English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and US History

13. Endorsements Found on back of course card
Must choose a Pathway within the five Endorsement Options:
STEM
Multidisciplinary
Arts/Humanities
Public Service
Business/Industry

14. Selecting Endorsements
Students select their endorsement on their course card
Students are required to select at least one endorsement, but may have more than one
Students can change endorsements based upon interests and course selections
All 9th grade students will complete an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) online to plan their courses and track the Endorsements they will qualify for

15. Johnson Course Fair will be on January 29th
Course Fair will be 6:00pm-8:00pm
Course Fair located in cafeteria area & gym
- Electives arranged by Endorsements
Electives available for 9th graders are on 9th grade course card & Endorsements listed on back of course card
Coaches will be available in the small gym for required signatures for Athletics

16. Remember: Must have coach signature for Athletics
Middle School Coaches can sign for their sports
High School Coaches need to sign for sports not offered in Middle School (soccer, swimming, diving, softball, wrestling)
Must have alternate electives on course card
Must have Endorsement Pathway listed on card
Last day to make changes to courses with our Johnson Counselor is June 8, 2018

17. to all Middle School Counselors
Course Cards are
due on
February 2nd
to all Middle School Counselors

18. Final Date for Course Changes: June 8, 2018
Ways to Change a Course:
your assigned Johnson Counselor any change request
Include student name, ID number, course to drop, course to add
All students will receive a form in the mail in mid-May. Only send the form to Johnson if you are requesting a change.

19. JOHNSON COUNSELORS ctarbo@neisd.net Rebecca Hudkins Bl - D
Courtney Tarbox A - Bj
Rebecca Hudkins Bl - D
Patti Snider E - Her
Julie Metcalf Het – Map
Richard Boeger Mar - Pen
Taylor Ditto Per - Sn
Desiree Meza So - Z
Lisa Williams STAN Counselor
Students are assigned to Counselors by their last names.

20. JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL WELCOMES YOU!