1. The Transition from Middle School to High School
Welcome and introductions

2. Eighth graders are often excited about the transition to high school
The high school offers:
more freedom and more choices
the opportunity to participate in more activities
the opportunity to develop friendships
Most 8th grade students are looking forward to moving to the high school.

3. But many eighth grade students express concerns with
learning a new building
making friends
having more difficult courses
earning good grades
But they may be expressing concerns or worries about how are they going to fit in and find their way through all the customs, routines, and rules of a new building.
There are changes with this transition but each student will have the support of the same school counselor and grade level principal that will follow them until they graduate.

4. NHS Graduation Requirements Credits + Keystone Exams = Standards Based High School Diploma
Students must successfully complete 21 credits (students typically earn 6.5 credits per year). Specific credit requirements are: (1 credit = 1 full school year) 4 credits English 4 credits Social Studies 3 credits Science 3 credits Math 2 credits PE/Health 5 credits Electives
A key difference between middle school and high school is that beginning in the 9th grade students earn credits toward graduation. Students typically have an opportunity to earn 26 credits over the four years in high school but must pass 21 credits in certain areas of study.

5. Supports for Students with IEPs
General Education classroom
-Inclusion: Co-taught/Instructional assistant
Learning Support, Emotional Support, Autistic Support Classrooms
Support Services and related services: Speech/Language, OT, PT, Vision, Hearing, Adolescent Counseling
Let’s take a look at the special education supports available at the high school level. Neshaminy offers a full continuum of services. At the high school, we have some General Education classes with the support of a special education teacher or instructional assistant We also have LS, ES and AS classes and offer reading, writing and math interventions.
Students should be educated, to the greatest extent appropriate, in the least restrictive environment. Special Education program and services are determined by the IEP team.

6. Course Selection Parent and Student Information Night at NHS
Thursday, February 7  
6:00 to 6:30 PM: Self -Guided Departmental Tour of NHS
6:30 to 7:15 PM: Course Information Presentation in Auditorium
7:15 to 8:00 PM: Self -Guided Departmental Tour
  Who Should Attend
  Parents / guardians of students currently in grades 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade.
Students in 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade
What to Expect
Obtain information on the course selection / scheduling process 
 Understand high school graduation and college admission requirements
 Get an overview of GPA and class rank
 Visit / tour Neshaminy High School
 Meet NHS staff and explore Neshaminy High School’s course offerings

7. Learning how to study and how to manage time continue to be major concerns once students make the transition into high school.

8. Resource Room/Study Skills Class
offered as 3 day or 6 day course
counts as an elective credit
grades are given
not listed in Course of Study Booklet
A big difference between the middle and high school is the Resource Room model. The high school Resource Room is a scheduled class where students receive a grade and high school credit. During the Resource period, we teach study and organizational skills to support our students in their regular education classes.

9. Resource Room/Study Skills Class
supports students in their Core Classes including Math, Science, English, Social Studies and Language
helps students develop Study Skills through interactive weekly mini-lessons and independent lessons based on the content of their core classes.
guides students in developing life skills and a plan for after High School!

10. This class is not…….. homework at home.
intended to take the place of studying and doing
homework at home.
meant to provide an individual tutor or “study buddy”
meant to take the place of before or after school tutoring
a Study Hall

11. This class will…….
assist students in developing specific study strategies which they can use in their content area classes. provide students with the opportunity to complete homework, review material and reinforce skills learned in core academic courses. make available a location in which to utilize accommodations outlined in their IEP. (Ex. extended time on tests and quizzes)

13. Scoring Daily Points: (100 points per MP)
2 Point for Agenda/Canvas
1 Point Daily Plan
5 Points for Time on Task
Total of 8 Points per day
40 points per week
(400 points per MP)
Weekly Activities (20 pts ?)
Organization Checks
(100 points per MP)
Study Skills Assignments
(200 points per MP)
(20 points per week/Assign.?)
Xtra Math (10 pts per week)
(100 pts per MP.)
About 800 points per Marking Period!
Enter weekly.
Half and Half!

16. Support for Core Classes

18. Set goals
Test Taking Skills
Writing
Manage time
Organization
Work with teachers & peers
Take and interact with notes
Study for tests
Do Homework
Prepare for presentations
Ask Questions
Identify your strengths and weaknesses

21. There are 2 types of people in the world. Which one are you?
Reactive (the blame game)
Proactive (I am in control)
If someone calls you a name, you call them one back.
If someone hits you, you hit them back.
If you get a bad grade, you blame your teacher.
If you lose a game, you blame the other team.
You think before you act.
You recognize you CAN’T control everything that happens to you, but you can control what you do about it.
You don’t let others push your buttons or allow you to become angry or upset.

22. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
If there is a short piece of information you can’t seem to remember , say it out loud to yourself several times.
By simply repeating the information aloud, you’ll have a better chance of remembering it for the long-term.

24. Why are you calling this class Study Skills?
Goals:
1. Support students in their core classes.
2. Teach and practice various Study Skills and Improve Executive Functioning skills using WICOR strategies.

25. Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child do homework in your class?
Can my child fail this class?
How much time do you spend teaching mini lessons?
Does this class have homework?
My child has good study skills already, do they have to do the mini lessons?

26. Before/After School Academic Help
Located in NHS Library
Monday through Thursday
6:45 – 7:10 am and 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Friday
6:45 – 7:10 am
They can use time in resource to some extra help but the best way to get support in their regular classes is by meeting with their teacher or going to Before and After School Academic Help in the Library from 6:45 – 7:10 Monday to Friday and 2:30 – 4:00 Monday to Thursday. Academic assistance is also offered alternating Saturdays.

27. 2018-19 Co-curricular Clubs and Activities
Adventure
Diversity Pride
Friends Helping Friends
Art
Ceramics
Change It Up
Garden
Choir/Instrumental Music
Class Officers
Dance Team
Debate
Drama
Environmental Action
Future Business Leaders of America
Future Problem Solving
Game
Graphic Arts
Interact
Jazz Band/Ensemble
Mathletes
Model UN
Movie Club
Musical/Musical Theater
National Honor Society
Nature
Neshaminy Pride
Newspaper
Orchestra
Photography
Reading Olympics
Superintendent's Scholars Bowl
Literary Magazine
School Store
Science
Service Learning
Ski
Spectrum
Student Council
World Affairs Council
World Languages
Yearbook
Yoga
NHS Club and Activities Website:
Participation in school activities is important. Encourage your children to think about what sports or clubs they may want to become involved with next year.
There are many clubs and activities available at the high school. Participation helps children feel more connected to the school in a positive way. Activities allow students to have fun with friends while being supervised. If your son or daughter is planning to go to college, participation in school activities is recommended.

28. Secondary Transition: What Families Need to Know
Transition planning is required to begin at age 14 as part of the IEP process
Talk with your child about future goals. Do these goals require a college education or specialized training? Do you your and your child’s goals match?
If your child keeps clear goals in mind, school will seem more important.
Students who are planning to go to college or specialized training will benefit from taking higher level math and English classes.
Transition resources on HS Special Ed Department webpage under Parent Resources
What are your goals for your child? How closely do your goals match their goals? Each year at the IEP meeting, we will discuss your child’s future goals. We will review their courses and discuss how we can support the student with activities to help them to reach their post-secondary goals. Many of these resources can be found on the High School Special Education website.

29. Secondary Transition Resources
Pennsylvania Secondary Transition Guide
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Understanding the Office of Developmental Programs: Intellectual Disabilities and Autism 
PA Career Zone 
Parent resources from PATTAN 

30. Planning for the Future Checklist
Students can use this checklist to get ready for life after high school. This checklist helps them to talk about their progress and how best to plan for their future.

31. Differences between High School and College Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Applicable Laws
Required Documentation
Self-Advocacy
Parental Role
Instruction, Grades and Tests
Study Responsibilities

32. Stay involved at school
Attend parent/teacher conferences, IEP meetings and your child’s school activities.
Contact the teacher, IEP case manager or school counselor when you have questions about any of the following:
a class, scheduling, or attendance
changes in behavior or attitude
questions about graduation credits
Monitor your child’s progress on
Home Access and Canvas

33. Contact Information
Ron Brown Special Education Teacher Tadd Fox Special Education Department Chairperson John Iannacone Middle School Special Education Supervisor Lorraine Johnson High School Special Education Supervisor Robert Mueller Assistant Principal

34. Comments/Questions