1. Whitewright High School Freshman Orientation
May 14, 2018
Steve Morrow, Principal
Felicia Carnes, Counselor

2. Welcome! General Information: Counselor Page:
The student handbook is found online under Parent/Student Resources.
Counselor Page:
The Course Guide is found online under High School/Counselor/Felicia Carnes/Course Guide

3. What’s New at HS? Terminology
Semester=1/2 year; 2 semesters per school year
Some classes are one semester. Example: Teen Leadership
Credit=passing semester grade earns .5 credits; 1 full year (2 semesters) earns 1 credit; 28 credits (the right 28 credits) required for graduation.
GPA=Grade Point Average-points earned for final course grades; see Student Handbook pg. 36 and 56
Elective Course=a course that is not required, you choose to take it.
CTE=Career & Technology Education
Career Pathway=identified interest in a career area that directs course selection
Graduation Plan=an individual plan that maps our your coursework over the next four years

4. Opportunities
Pre-AP & AP Courses=rigorous courses; earn more grade points; college preparatory; exams to earn college credit with AP. There is a contract and summer assignment required
Dual Credit Offerings=classes that earn college credit through Grayson College that are offered on our campus
Extracurricular-sports, drill team, cheer, FFA, FCCLA, Beta Club, One- Act Play, UIL Academic teams, FCA, robotics
Volunteer-volunteer through high school organizations, church, or community
Keep track of your activities-will help build resume for colleges and scholarships!

5. Testing
To be eligible for graduation, a student must meet the passing standard for the STAAR EOC English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and US History Exams.
9th Grade-English I, Algebra I, Biology
10th Grade-English II, US History
If a passing score is not achieved the first time, the student will be expected to attend summer EOC Review and retake the test until passed.
College Readiness and Admissions Tests:
ACT Aspire-9th and 10th Grade
PSAT-9th, 10th, and 11th Grade
SAT/ACT-11th and 12th Grade
TSI Exam 12th Grade (unless dual credit 11th Grade)

6. Graduation Plan
Graduation Plan=each student has a 4 year plan showing planned coursework. This plan is updated yearly.
Foundation Plan + Endorsement Plan
Foundation=“Basics”-English, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, Fine Art, Foreign Language
Endorsement=“Major”-STEM, Business, Arts & Humanities, Public Service, Multidisciplinary

7. Foundation Plan + Endorsement
English (4)
Science (3,4)
Foreign Language (2)
English I
Biology
Spanish
English 2
Chemistry
Computer Science (not going to college)
English 3
Advanced Science (STEM requires Physics)
Physical Education (1)
Advanced English
Advanced Science
Mathematics (3,4)
PE or Athletics
Social Studies (3,4)
Fine Arts (1)
Algebra I
World Geography
Geometry
Art
US History
Algebra 2
Theater
Government/Economics or AP or DC
Advanced Math
Band
Electives (9)
4 of 9 in endorsement area

8. Endorsement Options STEM Business & Industry
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
Algebra II
Chemistry
Physics
+ 3 additional advanced math and/or science courses
Business & Industry
Agriculture-4 courses
Hospitality & Tourism-4 courses
** depending on demand, a full sequence may not be available
Business-4 courses
Journalism (Yearbook)-4 courses

9. Endorsement Options Public Service Arts & Humanities
Human Services-4 courses
** depending on demand, a full sequence may not be available
Arts & Humanities
4 Courses in Fine Arts
Band
Art
Theater
5 Social Studies Credits

10. Endorsement Options Multidisciplinary Studies
4 X 4-English, Math, Science, & Social Studies
CTE
Multidisciplinary allows students to try all elective options

11. Distinguished Achievement & Performance Acknowledgements
4 credits in math, including Algebra 2
4 credits in science
Complete at least one endorsement
Students may earn a performance acknowledgement for the following:
12 hours of college work with a grade of 80+
Meeting bilingual standards
Outstanding performance on PSAT, ACT,SAT, or ACT Aspire
Earning at least a 3 on an AP exam
Business or industry certification

12. Freshman Courses English I/Pre-AP English I
Algebra I/Geometry/Pre-AP Geometry
Biology/Pre-AP Biology
World Geography/Pre-AP World Geography
PE/Athletics/(Band)
Art 1/Band 1/Theater 1
Teen Leadership(one semester course)
Electives

14. Next Steps
Bring Course Selection Sheet/4 Year Plan to Freshman Orientation Friday, May 18.
We will enter course requests online in computer lab
Will receive summer assignments for Pre-AP classes
August-registration, pick up schedule, get locker, tour school

15. Contact Info
Felicia Carnes, School Counselor
ext. 302
Steve Morrow, Principal
ext. 300