1. A Prepared Graduate Is An Informed Graduate South Dade Senior High Student Services Department

2. Philosophy South Dade Senior High is committed to encouraging our students to achieve high academic standards in order to graduate and successfully compete in this global economy. The vast range of programs available are designed, simultaneously, to prepare students for college admissions and learn the necessary skills for employment immediately after graduation.

3. Are you ready to accept the challenge?

4. Tools for Success Marketing Your Product Marketing Your Product Academies & MAI Academies & MAI Graduation Requirements Graduation Requirements Honors, Advanced Placement & Dual Enrollment Honors, Advanced Placement & Dual Enrollment Grade Point Average (GPA) Grade Point Average (GPA) 10-Point Rule 10-Point Rule Grade Forgiveness Grade Forgiveness Grade Promotion Requirements Grade Promotion Requirements Personal Success Plan Personal Success Plan Saturday tutoring Saturday tutoring Night School Recovery Night School Recovery FLVS FLVS Bright Futures Scholarships Bright Futures Scholarships Review Student History Review Student History

5. Marketing Yourself In todays competitive market, how do you go about marketing yourself? In todays competitive market, how do you go about marketing yourself? Design and develop a more successful you. Design and develop a more successful you. The skills you acquire and the choices you make will ultimately determine your success and availability. The skills you acquire and the choices you make will ultimately determine your success and availability. You determine your Market ability. You determine your Market ability. Special features, such as: skills, talents, interests, languages, certifications, awards, athletics, and community involvement. Special features, such as: skills, talents, interests, languages, certifications, awards, athletics, and community involvement.

6. ACADEMIES

7. ATTENTION: Student transfers and students who are not currently in an Academy will be provided the opportunity to select three possible Academy choices. Based on space availability and academic eligibility, every effort will be made to honor one of the three Academy choices. Student transfers and students who are not currently in an Academy will be provided the opportunity to select three possible Academy choices. Based on space availability and academic eligibility, every effort will be made to honor one of the three Academy choices. Students currently in an Academy will consult with their Academy Lead Teacher and their Academy Counselor regarding their Career Pathway. Students currently in an Academy will consult with their Academy Lead Teacher and their Academy Counselor regarding their Career Pathway.

8. Academy of International Education Academy of Professional Services Academy of Law Studies & Public Safety Academy of Visual & Performing Arts Academy of Sports & Health Sciences Academy of International Finance, Business & Technology

9. Major Area of Interest (MAI) GOT MAI ?

10. Major Area of Interest (MAI) Ninth graders who entered high school in 2007-2008 and thereafter are required to select a major area of interest as part of their personal educational plan. Ninth graders who entered high school in 2007-2008 and thereafter are required to select a major area of interest as part of their personal educational plan. Selecting an MAI is an opportunity for you to choose electives that interest you. Selecting an MAI is an opportunity for you to choose electives that interest you. You must earn 4 credits in a major area of interest, similar to college, which may be in the arts, advanced academics, or career preparation electives as in your Academy. You must earn 4 credits in a major area of interest, similar to college, which may be in the arts, advanced academics, or career preparation electives as in your Academy.

11. New Graduation Requirements 24 Credit Program 4 English credits 4 English credits 4 Mathematics (Algebra 1, Geometry, & 2 courses at Algebra 1 level or higher) 4 Mathematics (Algebra 1, Geometry, & 2 courses at Algebra 1 level or higher) 3 Sciences (Earth/Space, Biology, & 1 course from the following: Chemistry, Physical Science, Integrated Science III or Physics) 3 Sciences (Earth/Space, Biology, & 1 course from the following: Chemistry, Physical Science, Integrated Science III or Physics) 3 Social Studies (World History, American History, and Government/Economics) 3 Social Studies (World History, American History, and Government/Economics) Foreign Language (Required for admissions to a state university, Bright Futures Scholarships, but not for graduation) Foreign Language (Required for admissions to a state university, Bright Futures Scholarships, but not for graduation)

12. 1 credit in performing/fine art or a practical arts course that uses artistic techniques and creativity 1 credit in performing/fine art or a practical arts course that uses artistic techniques and creativity 1 credit in physical education 1 credit in physical education 8 elective credits (4 credits must be in your major area of interest) 8 elective credits (4 credits must be in your major area of interest) 2.0 GPA or higher 2.0 GPA or higher FCAT (Earn passing scores on both the Reading and Mathematics sections) FCAT (Earn passing scores on both the Reading and Mathematics sections) Community Service (Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholars Program requires 75 community service hours) Community Service (Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholars Program requires 75 community service hours)

13. Are You Ready for Advanced Classes? Honors Honors Advanced Placement Advanced Placement Dual Enrollment Dual Enrollment

14. Honors Classes Students interested in a more rigorous curriculum, presented at a faster pace, are encouraged to enroll in honors classes. Students interested in a more rigorous curriculum, presented at a faster pace, are encouraged to enroll in honors classes. Preferred by college admissions Preferred by college admissions Students who earn a C or higher are awarded one bonus point toward their weighted Grade Point Average (GPA). Students who earn a C or higher are awarded one bonus point toward their weighted Grade Point Average (GPA). Students may participate based on academic performance and teacher recommendation. Students may participate based on academic performance and teacher recommendation.

15. Advanced Placement (AP) AP classes are college-level courses selected based on academic performance and teacher recommendation AP classes are college-level courses selected based on academic performance and teacher recommendation However, motivated students who desire the challenge can request an AP course. However, motivated students who desire the challenge can request an AP course. Students who score a 3 on a 5-point scale on their AP exam in this May are awarded college credit. Students who score a 3 on a 5-point scale on their AP exam in this May are awarded college credit. Students who earn an A or B earn two bonus points toward their weighted GPA. Students who earn a C will be awarded one bonus point. Students who earn an A or B earn two bonus points toward their weighted GPA. Students who earn a C will be awarded one bonus point.

16. Dual Enrollment Awesome opportunity for students to earn both college and high school credits Awesome opportunity for students to earn both college and high school credits Free tuition and textbooks are provided Free tuition and textbooks are provided Classes are taken at Miami Dade College or F.I.U. Classes are taken at Miami Dade College or F.I.U. Those interested need a 3.0 unweighted GPA and pass the College Placement Test (CPT). Those interested need a 3.0 unweighted GPA and pass the College Placement Test (CPT). Grades earned at the college will remain on your college record (C is not acceptable) Grades earned at the college will remain on your college record (C is not acceptable)

17. Grade Point Average (GPA) Your GPA determines your Market ability. Your GPA determines your Market ability. Students seriously interested in college need to strive for a B average. Students seriously interested in college need to strive for a B average. GPA is used for various reasons: GPA is used for various reasons: Recommendation letters for employment Good student discount on car insurance Athletics & Extracurricular Activities College Admissions & Scholarships Rank, Honor Roll, & Honor Societies 2.0 GPA minimum for Graduation! 2.0 GPA minimum for Graduation!

18. 10-Point Rule In an annual course, students must earn a minimum of 10 grade points (5 of those points must be earned in the second semester). In an annual course, students must earn a minimum of 10 grade points (5 of those points must be earned in the second semester). In a semester course, students must earn a minimum of 5 grade points. (Example: Personal Fitness) In a semester course, students must earn a minimum of 5 grade points. (Example: Personal Fitness) To calculate, you double each nine-week grade. To calculate, you double each nine-week grade. Midterm and final exam grades count as part of your class grade. However, midterm and final exam grades are not doubled. Midterm and final exam grades count as part of your class grade. However, midterm and final exam grades are not doubled.

19. Grading Scale Used For Calculation Grade4.0 Scale A3.5 and above B2.50 – 3.49 C1.50 – 2.49 D1.0 – 1.49

20. Grade Forgiveness Policy Students may retake a D or an F grade. Students may retake a D or an F grade. A grade of D or F in a required course may be replaced with a grade of C or higher in the same course. A grade of D or F in a required course may be replaced with a grade of C or higher in the same course. With electives, you may replace a grade of D or F with a grade of C or higher with another elective. With electives, you may replace a grade of D or F with a grade of C or higher with another elective. The new grade will be used to calculate your GPA, but the lower grade will remain on your permanent record. The new grade will be used to calculate your GPA, but the lower grade will remain on your permanent record.

21. High School Credits Earned in Middle School The exception to the Grade Forgiveness Policy shall be made for students who earned high school credits in middle school beginning in the 2007-2008 school year and earned a grade of C, D, or F. The exception to the Grade Forgiveness Policy shall be made for students who earned high school credits in middle school beginning in the 2007-2008 school year and earned a grade of C, D, or F. If you earned high school credit in middle school, you may retake a C or lower with the same course or a comparable course. If you earned high school credit in middle school, you may retake a C or lower with the same course or a comparable course. Discuss with your counselor the benefits of retaking high school credits in middle school for college admissions and athletic eligibility. Discuss with your counselor the benefits of retaking high school credits in middle school for college admissions and athletic eligibility. If you have questions regarding the 10-point rule or grade forgiveness, please schedule an appointment to see your counselor to discuss in more detail. If you have questions regarding the 10-point rule or grade forgiveness, please schedule an appointment to see your counselor to discuss in more detail.

22. Grade Level Promotion Requirements Grade Level Total Credits Needed for Grade Promotion 9 4 credits (including one English or one Mathematics) 10 9 credits (including two English credits, one mathematics credit, and one science credit or one English credit, two mathematics credit and one science credit) 11 16 credits (including three English credits, two mathematics credits, and two science credits or two English credits, three mathematics credits, and two science credits) 12 24 Credits

23. Personal Success Plan... A Prepared Graduate is An Informed Graduate A Prepared Graduate is An Informed Graduate You are in the drivers seat. You are in the drivers seat. Where do you want to go? Where do you want to go? How are you going to get there? How are you going to get there? Identify your career goal and develop an educational roadmap to reach the goals you set. Identify your career goal and develop an educational roadmap to reach the goals you set. Surround yourself with successful people and learn how they do it. Surround yourself with successful people and learn how they do it. Schedule an appointment to consult with your Counselor, the Lead Teacher, or the CAP Advisor if you are in need of assistance. Schedule an appointment to consult with your Counselor, the Lead Teacher, or the CAP Advisor if you are in need of assistance. Utilize the resources in school and in your community to help you stay focused on your ultimate goal. Utilize the resources in school and in your community to help you stay focused on your ultimate goal.

24. Academic Resources

25. Students who are home-schooled, unable to attend school, or wish to earn additional high school credits can take courses online through Florida Virtual School (FLVS). Students who are home-schooled, unable to attend school, or wish to earn additional high school credits can take courses online through Florida Virtual School (FLVS). This free, accredited, online program provides academic courses and electives. This free, accredited, online program provides academic courses and electives. FLVS allows you to accelerate, take a personal interest course, or do credit recovery FLVS allows you to accelerate, take a personal interest course, or do credit recovery You must complete a minimum of three weekly assignments and maintain ongoing communication with your teacher to remain in the course. You must complete a minimum of three weekly assignments and maintain ongoing communication with your teacher to remain in the course. Florida Virtual School www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org

26. Night School: Registration will be the 1 st week in May. Registration will be the 1 st week in May. Night school is for credit recovery not acceleration. Night school is for credit recovery not acceleration.

27. www.FACTS.org FACTS.org is Floridas free online student advising website. FACTS.org is Floridas free online student advising website. FACTS.org helps you make informed choices about your education. FACTS.org helps you make informed choices about your education. You can explore career and investigate high school Major Areas of Interest (MAI). You can explore career and investigate high school Major Areas of Interest (MAI). You can see your high school transcript, evaluate graduation credits, college admissions, and see if you meet the Bright Futures Scholarship requirements. You can see your high school transcript, evaluate graduation credits, college admissions, and see if you meet the Bright Futures Scholarship requirements. Almost all jobs in todays job market require higher level skills. So it is vital for you to challenge yourself in high school and pursue additional training or education once you graduate. Almost all jobs in todays job market require higher level skills. So it is vital for you to challenge yourself in high school and pursue additional training or education once you graduate.

28. Bright Futures Scholarship Program Bright Futures is a lottery funded program that offers three awards: Bright Futures is a lottery funded program that offers three awards: Florida Academic Scholars Florida Medallion Florida Gold Seal Vocational Award Applicants must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non- citizen. Applicants must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non- citizen. You may earn approximately $48 to $95 a credit hour depending on what type of post-graduate school they attend: a 2-year college, a 4- year college, or a career/technical center. You may earn approximately $48 to $95 a credit hour depending on what type of post-graduate school they attend: a 2-year college, a 4- year college, or a career/technical center.

29. Bright Futures 15 Core Credits Applicants must complete 15 Core Credits to qualify: Applicants must complete 15 Core Credits to qualify: 4 English 3 Math 3 Science 3 Social Studies 2 Foreign Languages Your core GPA (3.0 – 3.5) is VERY important for college admissions and scholarship opportunities!!! Your core GPA (3.0 – 3.5) is VERY important for college admissions and scholarship opportunities!!!

30. Subject Selection Timeline: March 16, 2010 Distribution of Credit History Distribution of Subject Selection Sheets (SSS) March 16, 2010 – March 18, 2010 Obtain the Required Signatures Return SSS to Language Arts Teachers Subject Selection by Academy Language Arts New Online Subject Selection Program

31. Student Services Department Chair Academy of Sports & Health Sciences Mr. James Busse

32. Academy of International Education Ms. Celia Almeida

33. Academy of Professional Services Ms. Cindy Adams

34. Academy of International Finance, Business & Technology Mr. Fred Burnside

35. Academy of Visual & Performing Arts Ms. Nattacha Lezcano

36. Academy of Law Studies & Public Safety Ms. Loretta Davis

37. College Assistance Program Ms. Lou Gilman CAP Advisor

38. TRUST Counselor Mrs. Alexandra Smith

39. SPED Program Dept. Chair Special Education Annette Garcia EBD Counselor Katherine Meinecke