1. What you need to know in Freshman Year
Pass out information packets. Ask students to take out a pen/pencil and a scratch sheet of paper.
Please take out a piece of paper and something to write with.
Class of 2023
What you need to know in Freshman Year

2. Who is my counselor?
We are here to support you academically, with post-secondary planning (college/career), and socially/emotionally.
Last Names A-G: Mrs. Cashwell
Last Names H-P: Mrs. Barber
Last Names Q-Z: Ms. Bennett
AICE Program: Mrs. Bechtle

3. How can my counselor help me?
We work together with students, families, teachers and other school staff to help you achieve. We assist with:
Academic planning
Personal/social challenges
Planning future education and career choices
Students may request an appointment with their counselor online. A pass will be sent for you on the day of the appointment.
Describe the role of the counselors. We’re here to help, so come see us! And no, you’re not in trouble if you’re called down to guidance. Don’t wait until senior year to know who your counselor is.

4. Why are we here? Graduation!
What is the main goal of being in high school? To graduate!

5. What do you need in order to graduate
What do you need in order to graduate? (Check out graduation Requirements page)
3 basic requirements:
Earn 24 Credits
Earn a 2.0 GPA
Pass 2 state assessments (tests)
See Tab 2 of info packet

6. Earn 24 Credits
Go over all credits needed. Students should have English and Math EVERY year. They can take two years of JROTC to satisfy HOPE and P/F Art. US Gov’t at SAHS counts for online course. Students can use the credit checker in their packet to make sure that they are on the right track.

7. Promotion Requirements
9th  10th Grade = 5 credits
10th  11th Grade = 11 credits
11th  12th Grade = 17 credits

8. Pass two tests 10th Grade ELA (English Language Arts) FSA
Algebra I EOC (End of Course Exam)
9th grade ELA is still important because it determines placement in 10th grade classes.

9. Earn a 2.0 GPA (Grade Point Average)
How do we find an average?
Add up the “grade points” you have earned, and divide by the number of grades.
A = 4
B = 3
C = 2
D = 1
F = 0
Ask students how they would find the average age of everyone in the room. Relate GPA to the same averaging concept – add up all the grade points and divide by the number of classes.

10. Let’s try an example… What is Joe’s 1st semester GPA?
Joe’s 1st semester grades:
Environmental Science D
Algebra 1 C
English D
HOPE C
Team Sports B
Digital Info Tech B
3D Art D
What is Joe’s 1st semester GPA?
Tell students to take out scratch sheet of paper. Ask them what they think of Joe’s report card – how’s he doing? Is he passing? Work through the example out loud with them is not high enough for graduation!

11. Let’s try an example… 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 13 13/7 = 1.86
Joe’s first semester grades:
Environmental Science D
Algebra 1 C
English D
HOPE C
Team Sports B
Digital Info Tech B
3D Art D
= 13 13/7 = 1.86
Tell students to take out scratch sheet of paper. Ask them what they think of Joe’s report card – how’s he doing? Is he passing? Work through the example out loud with them is not high enough for graduation!

12. Let’s try another… What is Joe’s 2nd semester GPA?
Joe’s 1st AND 2nd semester grades:
Environmental Science D C
Algebra 1 C A
English D C
HOPE C B
Team Sports B A
Digital Info Tech B A
3D Art D B
What is Joe’s 2nd semester GPA?
2nd semester, he focuses and brings up his grades a bit. What happens to his GPA? We use ALL grades (cumulative) and divide by 14.

13. Let’s try another… What is Joe’s cumulative GPA for 9th grade?
Joe’s 1st AND 2nd semester grades:
Environmental Science D C
Algebra 1 C A
English D C
HOPE C B
Team Sports B A
Digital Info Tech B A
3D Art D B
What is Joe’s cumulative GPA for 9th grade?
2nd semester, he focuses and brings up his grades a bit. What happens to his GPA? We use ALL grades (cumulative) and divide by 14.
= 35
35/14 = 2.5

14. What about “advanced” classes?
For Honors/Pre-AICE level classes, add .5 points.
A = 4.5, B = 3.5, C = 2.5, D = 1.5, F = 0
For AICE/AP/Dual Enrollment classes, add 1
A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, F = 0
Explain weighting. It pays to take challenging courses.

15. Now try to calculate your gpa using your interim grades
Students can access HAC on phones to check current grades and calculate. If they don’t know their HAC access- today is the day to find out! Their teacher can access it for them. Give only a few minutes for this activity.
Now try to calculate your gpa using your interim grades
Is it where you want it to be?

16. It’s easier to start strong and keep up your gPA…
…than to start low and struggle to bring it up.

17. Why aren’t D’s really Passing?
They may earn you credit for the course, but they won’t get you to a 2.0 GPA!

18. What if I’m struggling? Track your assignments on HAC.
Communicate with your teachers.
Take advantage of retake opportunities.
Meet with your teacher for extra help before school.
Take advantage of your WOW time in the classes that you need help.
Student tutors are available; ask your counselor for more information.
Use online resources like and Algebra Nation.
Make an appointment with your counselor.
Go to Tab 3 in the info packet. Talk through steps.

19. Need to see your counselor?
Make an appointment online. The link is on the homepage of the SAHS website.

20. What do I need to do as a freshman?
Realize that every day, every class matters!
Participate in class, do your homework, try your best.
Get organized; practice good study habits
Don’t be “too cool” to be smart.

21. What do I need to do as a freshman?
Get to know your teachers, counselor, and make connections.
Start thinking about what you want to do after graduation. This will help drive your “path” through high school – which classes to take, which activities to join, etc.
Get involved at school! Join clubs, sports, community service, social events

22. COLLEGE Information
Check out the checklist of what you should be doing each year of high school to get ready for college.
The SUS (State University System) chart shows you information for universities in Florida.
Back to Tab 3 – see Year by Year checklist.

23. What is Bright Futures? (look at chart)
A scholarship program that can help pay for you to go to college!
Check out the Bright Futures chart with the criteria.
Start working hard now for a big payoff $$$.
Go to Tab 4 in packet.

24. Where can I find volunteer opportunities?
Search online at
Pay attention to announcements for opportunities.
Check with local organizations like food pantries, animal shelters, churches, elderly homes.
Join clubs who provide volunteer opportunities (Key Club, Interact, Recycling Club)

25. Don’t miss out on important Information and updates!
Check out the Guidance website on
Watch the Jacket-up SWARM weekly news report
4. Make an appointment online with your counselor or your counselor if you have questions.

26. Thank you for your time and attention!
Questions?
Thank you for your time and attention!