1. Farewell Middle School…Hello High School!
Gearing up for 9th Grade!
Farewell Middle School…Hello High School!

2. Student Registration Completed
February 22nd info presented to 8th graders
All requests are entered
February 26th held Electives Showcase

3. Class & Grading Differences
ALL Semester classes & grades!
Mixed grades in elective classes and Phy Ed 9/10
Some electives only open to certain grades
Not all electives offered every year
More elective choices in each department

4. Graduation Requirements
ENGLISH: 8 credits
SOCIAL STUDIES: 8 credits
SCIENCE: 6 credits
MATH: 7 credits
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: 2 credits
HEALTH: 1 credit
FINE ARTS: 2 credits
ELECTIVES: 11 credits
TOTAL = 45 credits
* Semester = 1 credit
* typically earn 12 credits per year
* Study Hall & Homeroom
do NOT count for credit
HS Registration Handbook:
on HS Counseling Office website

5. Progression of Core Classes
Year
English
Science
Social
Math
9th
English 9
Physical Science
Social 9
Algebra 1 OR
Geometry
10th
English 10
Biology
American History
Geometry OR
Algebra 2
11th
English 11*
World Cultures/
Geography*
Algebra 2 OR
Math Elective
12th
English 12*
+ plus English Elective
Economics* & Civics*
Multiple Options
Chemistry* or Physics*
(11th or 12th)
Intro to Stats
(Before 12th recommended)
* = CITS courses avail.

6. 8th Grade Math NEED to PASS Math 8 !!
MN State requirement for HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
Grade is NOT factored into high school GPA
Must complete credit recovery or attend summer school if fail a quarter or more

7. Pass class, stay on track!
No credit received for “F”s
Need to make up required classes!
Required classes in 9th grade:
English 9 Physical Science 9
Social 9 Algebra 1 OR Geometry
Health 9 Phy. Ed 9

8. What if my child fails a class?
Credit Recovery with teacher
Summer School
Retake required courses following year
Attend Aitkin Alternative (ALT) School
in addition to regular high school schedule
3:30-6:00pm

9. Grade Point Average GPA determined by letter grades
GPA posted to HS transcript
Grades &/or GPA determines eligibility for:
Athletics/Clubs/Student Organizations
CITS/PSEO  3.0 GPA Juniors, 2.5 GPA Seniors
Responsibility Pass as Senior
Recognition at HS Graduation
Honors: GPA
Highest Honors: GPA
College Admission
College Scholarships
A = 4.0
B = 3.0
C = 2.0
D = 1.0
F = 0.0

10. Special Notes about HS Cannot repeat a class for additional credit
FFA members must take at least 1 Agriculture class during the year to compete
If Band &/or Choir all 4 years and want to fit in 2 years of Foreign Language, take Intro to Stats in 10th grade
Teacher recommendation for Math course placement
MTSS Algebra = 9th grade math support class
Most 4-year colleges require:
2 years of Foreign Language
4 years of Math

11. Looking Beyond High School
Get involved!!
Extracurriculars (student organizations, clubs, athletics)
Community involvement/Volunteering/Summer Enrichment Camps
Take classes to help prep for post-high school plans
Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS)
mncis.intocareers.org
Username: (student’s school )
Password: Aitkin (capital A in Aitkin, 4-digit lunch number)

12. Questions? Sammy Croatt School Counselor, grades 7-9 scroatt@isd1.org
Please contact me with any questions or concerns
I am available to meet individually with students and parents
Thank you for attending
Sammy Croatt
School Counselor, grades 7-9