2. How to Get the Most Out of Elder High School Week 1

3. Where Do I Begin What do you know about Elder H.S.? What do you know about Elder H.S.? You may know we are the Panthers You may know we are the Panthers You may know about “Purple Pride” You may know about “Purple Pride” You may know about State Championships You may know about State Championships You may know about “Altiora” You may know about “Altiora” But do you know where the ART ROOM and MUSIC HALL are? But do you know where the ART ROOM and MUSIC HALL are?

4. Academic Record What is an ACADEMIC RECORD? Academic Requirements & Policies Grade Point Average (GPA) Class Rank Transcript of Credits

5. Academic Record & Policies 1. How many credits is a one year academic course, like English worth?

6. Academic Record & Policies Almost all FULL YEAR courses are worth 1 credit. English Math Science Foreign Language Reading Choral Music, Instrumental Music, Art

7. Academic Record & Policies Almost all HALF YEAR courses are worth ½ credit. Old Testament Building Catholic Character Keyboarding Arts Awareness

8. Academic Record & Policies There are a couple of classes that are worth ¼ credit. Physical Education Computer Literacy

9. Academic Record & Policies 2. How many credits must you have in order to advance to the: 10 th Grade? 11 th Grade? 12 th Grade? To Graduate?

10. Academic Record & Policies Credit Requirements are as follows: 9 th – 10 th Grade: Complete 5 ¼ credits 10 th – 11 th Grade: Complete 10 ½ credits 11 th – 12 th Grade: Complete 16 credits To Graduate: Complete 22 credits

11. Academic Record & Policies 3. What happens if you don’t have the credits you need to advance to the next grade level?

12. Academic Record & Policies If you are behind in credits for any particular year, or you did not pass a required course, you must make up any deficiency in SUMMER SCHOOL! Elder does not permit a student to take an extra subject during the regular school year to make up a missing credit due to past failure.

13. Academic Record & Policies To be Eligible to Return to Elder for the following year:  Current Freshmen and Sophomores MUST earn a minimum of 3 ½ credits during the regular school year.  Current Juniors MUST earn a minimum of 4 credits during the regular school year.

14. Academic Record & Policies 4. Of the courses you are currently taking, which ones are required for graduation?

15. Academic Record & Policies Courses REQUIRED for graduation: Religion – 4 credits English – 4 credits Mathematics – 3 credits Science (Biology Required) – 3 credits World Cultures – 1 credit American History – 1 credit American Gov’t/Economics – 1 credit Physical Education – ½ credit Health – ½ credit Software Use OR Computer Programming – ½ credit

16. Academic Record & Policies 5. Is there a state required test that you must pass in order to graduate?

17. Academic Record & Policies YES!!! YES!!! In order to graduate from High School in the state of Ohio, ALL of the students MUST pass the Ohio Graduation Test. The OGT is given during the spring of your 10 th grade year. You can continue to take the test for any section that you have not passed during your junior and senior years.

18. Grade Point Average Your Grade Point Average, or GPA, is simply the average of your cumulative grades at then end of each semester of school. This starts right away !!! At the beginning of your FRESHMAN YEAR!!!

19. Grade Point Average Elder uses a 100 point scale to calculate your GPA. For example: Math: 93 English: 91 Biology: 85 Old Testament: 95 French 1: 99 Instrumental Music: 97 Physical Education: 92 Add them all together = 652 Divide by the # of Classes (7) = 93.142 Your CURRENT GPA is 93.142/100

20. Grade Point Average Some schools use a 4.0 GPA system. When you are ready to apply to college or scholarship opportunity, and they ask for your GPA on a 4.0 scale, see your counselor and they can provide you with that information.

21. Class Rank Your class rank is your standing in relation to ALL of the other students in your grade. At Elder, we have 2 class ranks.  Scholastic Rank  Weighted Rank

22. Class Rank Scholastic Class Rank To calculate your Scholastic Rank, Elder ranks the student’s GPA from highest to lowest and your Scholastic Rank is figured from this total. Example: Rank 1/223 - 97.545 (Highest Rank in a Class of 223 students) Rank 2/223 - 96.535 Rank 3/223 - 95.022 ETC.

23. Class Rank Weighted Rank To calculate your Weighted Rank, Elder ranks the student’s GPA from highest to lowest, ALSO the level of classes that you have been or are currently enrolled in is added into the equation. Your Weighted Rank may differ from your Scholastic Rank.

24. Class Rank Because of the two different ranking systems, your Class Rank could look something like this: Scholastic Rank: 55/223 Weighted Rank: 32/223 *Weighted Rank would be higher because of higher level classes**

25. Transcript All colleges and universities, as well as many scholarships and jobs will ask for a "Transcript of Students Credits." A transcript is basically the final grades that a student has earned his last four years in high school. During the senior year in high school the transcript will reflect any grades that the student has earned (based upon quarters) thus far in the senior year.

26. Transcript Your Transcript will contain the following information: GPA Class Rank Past and Current Classes and Levels AP or Honor Test Scores OGT SAT ACT School Absences Graduation Date

28. Know Your School How do I get to know my school? Calendar Attendance/Tardy Policy School Rules Athletic Eligibility

29. Be In School EVERY DAY Good Attendance will not guarantee you good grades. You are, however, pretty much guaranteed bad grades if you have poor attendance.

30. Get Involved High School is like anything else – the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Students who are involved in school activities enjoy high school more, and they do better academically. When you get involved in school activities, you have the opportunity to do all of the following:

31. Get Involved Spend time with friends and meet new peopleSpend time with friends and meet new people Develop a variety of skills and talentsDevelop a variety of skills and talents Try something newTry something new Have activities to put on an applicationHave activities to put on an application Feel more connected with your schoolFeel more connected with your school Become a leaderBecome a leader Relieve stressRelieve stress Provide a valuable serviceProvide a valuable service Have FUN!Have FUN!

32. Get Involved: Clubs and Organizations Academic Team Academic Team Art Club Art Club Band Band Billiards Club Billiards Club Boxing Club Boxing Club Chess Club Chess Club Community Service Community Service Elderado Yearbook Elderado Yearbook Fishing Club Fishing Club French Club French Club German Club German Club Glee Club Glee Club Intramural Basketball Intramural Basketball Intramural Volleyball Intramural Volleyball Intramural Tennis Intramural Tennis JETS Team JETS Team Key Club Key Club Latin Club Latin Club Math Club Math Club Mock Trial Mock Trial National Honor Society National Honor Society Philosophy Club Philosophy Club Ping Pong Club Ping Pong Club Poster Club Poster Club Purple Quill Purple Quill ReSTOC ReSTOC S.A.D.D. – Students Against Destructive Decisions S.A.D.D. – Students Against Destructive Decisions Seinfeld Club Seinfeld Club Seton-Elder Performing Arts Series Seton-Elder Performing Arts Series Ski Club Ski Club Spanish Club Spanish Club Student Council Student Council Team Managers & Statisticians Team Managers & Statisticians Teen Life Coalition Teen Life Coalition Tennis Club Tennis Club The Simpson’s Club The Simpson’s Club Tutors Tutors

33. Get Involved: Sports Fall Cross Country FootballGolfSoccerWinterBasketballBowlingHockeySwimmingWrestlingSpringBaseballTennis Track & Field Volleyball

34. Know How to Handle Stress Know How to Handle Stress A little stress helps us stay alert and focused. Too much stress can keep us from doing and feeling our best.

35. Know How to Handle Stress Stress Tips  Get Enough Sleep  Eat Right  Get Enough Exercise  Spend Time with Family and Friends  Talk About What is Causing You Stress  Keep a Sense of Humor  Take Time for Things That Have Helped in the Past

36. Know How to Handle Stress If you are ever under so much stress that you can’t sleep or eat, or that you feel depressed, talk to a parent, teacher, or you counselor. They can help you!

37. Use Available Services In order to get the most out of your high school experience, take advantage of the many people, services, and resources that are available to you.  Teachers  Principals  Counselors  Librarians  Nurse  Tutors  Secretaries

38. Use Available Services If you have a question, concern, or problem, go to the appropriate person and talk to him/her. If you don’t know who to talk to, see your counselor. If you are dealing with any of the following, please talk to a parent or counselor immediately: alcohol, drugs, pregnancy, abusive relationship, eating disorder, problems at home, a health concern, depression, or any other problem that you feel someone should know about.

39. Identifying Strengths & Weeknesses Week 2

40. Set Goals Setting goals is important for people of all ages. Get in the habit of setting both short-term and long- term goals.

41. Setting Goals Setting goals helps you determine where you want to go and what you want to accomplish. Goals give you focus, direction, and purpose. Having a goal also helps you determine a plan of action. If, for example, your goal is to go to college, then there are specific things that you need to do to achieve that goal. While goals can be short-term (get a B on tomorrow’s English test) or long-term (graduate with a 93 GPA), every goal that you set should be: 1) specific 2) measurable, 3) attainable.

42. Setting Goals Let’s say, for example, that you decide that your goal for the semester is to “try harder in math.” This goal is not specific, it’s not measurable, and it’s hard to judge whether or not it’s attainable. A much better goal would be “to get a B in math this semester.” This goal IS specific, it’s measurable, and if you’re a pretty good math student, it should be attainable. At the beginning of each term, set some academic and some non-academic goals for yourself. Once you’ve set your goals, some up with specific things that you need to do to reach each goal.

43. Setting Goals WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN ~ YOU ARE MORE LIKELY TO ACHIEVE A GOAL THAT HAS BEEN WRITTEN DOWN!

44. Be ORGANIZED!!! Use the ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK you were given at the beginning of the year Use the ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK you were given at the beginning of the year Have a separate folder for each class Have a separate folder for each class Have phone numbers for classmates in case you have questions or are absent Have phone numbers for classmates in case you have questions or are absent Keep your locker and backpack neat Keep your locker and backpack neat Get organized for the next day BEFORE you go to bed Get organized for the next day BEFORE you go to bed

45. Time Management Week 3

46. Manage Your Time Well Use extra class time and study halls to get started on homework Use extra class time and study halls to get started on homework Create a study plan that’s going to work for you Create a study plan that’s going to work for you Break large assignments down into smaller parts Break large assignments down into smaller parts “Time management has always been a problem for me. To help me manage my time, I make short and long-term ‘to do’ lists (short-term for one day and long-term for the week).” -Tony

47. How Can I Manage My Time Better?

48. How Do You Spend Your Day??? school work, job, sports, clubs, hanging out with friends, watching tv, eating, sleeping, computer, video games, etc.

49. Does Your Day Look Something Like This?

50. Or Does Yours Look More Like This???

51. THREE KEYS TO TIME MANAGEMENT 1. Remembering 2. Setting Priorities 3. Motivation

52. REMEMBERING It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I won’t forget that.” But the important thing is NOT just to remember it, but to remember it at the RIGHT TIME! It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I won’t forget that.” But the important thing is NOT just to remember it, but to remember it at the RIGHT TIME! Your thoughts are valuable --- so WRITE THEM DOWN! Your thoughts are valuable --- so WRITE THEM DOWN! Use calendars and lists to help you keep organized and on-task. Use calendars and lists to help you keep organized and on-task.

53. SETTING PRIORITIES If you write down a list of things to do this evening, it probably contains way more things than you can actually accomplish. That’s fine! The list is valuable, and by looking it over you can choose the most important things and do them first. The rest can be transferred to other lists. If you write down a list of things to do this evening, it probably contains way more things than you can actually accomplish. That’s fine! The list is valuable, and by looking it over you can choose the most important things and do them first. The rest can be transferred to other lists. Some things are always more important than others, so it’s worthwhile taking a few minutes to read over the list and choose the most important to do first. Some things are always more important than others, so it’s worthwhile taking a few minutes to read over the list and choose the most important to do first. It’s good to have a pen handy all the time to write down ideas. It’s good to have a pen handy all the time to write down ideas.

54. MOTIVATION In the book “Feeling Good,” David Burns points out that it’s not necessary to “feel like” doing something in order to do it. You can just start. Usually, once you have started, you begin feeling more motivated to continue doing it. In the book “Feeling Good,” David Burns points out that it’s not necessary to “feel like” doing something in order to do it. You can just start. Usually, once you have started, you begin feeling more motivated to continue doing it. Sometimes when you “check-off” the completed tasks it makes you feel good and will give you more motivation to finish lots of things on the to-do list. Sometimes when you “check-off” the completed tasks it makes you feel good and will give you more motivation to finish lots of things on the to-do list. Plan rewards and celebrations for yourself, such as special snacks after getting certain things done. Just taking a few minutes to admire the finished work is an excellent reward. Smile and tell yourself that you have done a good job. Plan rewards and celebrations for yourself, such as special snacks after getting certain things done. Just taking a few minutes to admire the finished work is an excellent reward. Smile and tell yourself that you have done a good job.

55. MYTHS OF TIME MANAGEMENT

56. There’s too much to do; I can’t handle it all! It’s encouraging to hear that other people also have trouble with the little things in life. That means that it isn’t just that there are too many things for one person to handle: rather, it’s possible for me to organize my time in a way that it gets all done. It’s encouraging to hear that other people also have trouble with the little things in life. That means that it isn’t just that there are too many things for one person to handle: rather, it’s possible for me to organize my time in a way that it gets all done.

57. There’s plenty of time; I can do that later! Funny. This is exactly the opposite of myth #1. Yet both myths contribute to procrastinating. Rather than switch from one myth to the other, you need a consistent and realistic view of how much time you actually have and how long your tasks are going to take. Funny. This is exactly the opposite of myth #1. Yet both myths contribute to procrastinating. Rather than switch from one myth to the other, you need a consistent and realistic view of how much time you actually have and how long your tasks are going to take.

58. I’m busier right now than usual, so it makes sense to shift some tasks off to another time. A tricky one. Occasionally this is true. But usually you are about equally busy all of the time. It SEEMS that you are busy at any given moment because at that moment you are AWARE of things are impinging your time right then. A tricky one. Occasionally this is true. But usually you are about equally busy all of the time. It SEEMS that you are busy at any given moment because at that moment you are AWARE of things are impinging your time right then. You may think, “This is an unusually busy day because I have library books due.” It seems reasonable; You know you only have library books due on a small percentage of all days. But really, there are so many other days that are just as busy: dentist and doctor appointments, parties, holidays, athletic events, social gatherings, etc., etc., etc. You may think, “This is an unusually busy day because I have library books due.” It seems reasonable; You know you only have library books due on a small percentage of all days. But really, there are so many other days that are just as busy: dentist and doctor appointments, parties, holidays, athletic events, social gatherings, etc., etc., etc. You may also tend to think, “I’ll have plenty of time later.” But as of course in myth #2 - -- There isn’t! You may also tend to think, “I’ll have plenty of time later.” But as of course in myth #2 - -- There isn’t!

59. This little task is not important! You may think something like missing one homework assignment will not be important, but once you get into the habit of missing assignments they quickly add up and become something that is important to you and your eventual grade in a class. You may think something like missing one homework assignment will not be important, but once you get into the habit of missing assignments they quickly add up and become something that is important to you and your eventual grade in a class.

60. Know How to Get Good Grades Know How to Get Good Grades Week 4

61. Be Successful in the Classroom Learn how to adapt to different teachers Learn how to adapt to different teachers Learn each teacher’s class rules and procedures Learn each teacher’s class rules and procedures Be in school, on time, every day Be in school, on time, every day Have everything you need with you when you go to class Have everything you need with you when you go to class Always do your homework Always do your homework Participate in class Participate in class Be a good group member Be a good group member Treat others with courtesy and respect Treat others with courtesy and respect Do extra credit work whenever possible Do extra credit work whenever possible

62. Take Good Notes Be an active listener Be an active listener Recognize and write down important information Recognize and write down important information Take notes that are easy to read Take notes that are easy to read Get lecture notes if you are absent Get lecture notes if you are absent “ I pay attention in class and take notes whenever I can. Writing something down helps me remember it, and my notes give me something to review later.” -Josh

63. Know How to Read a Textbook First, scan the reading assignment First, scan the reading assignment Then, read the assignment Then, read the assignment Finally, review by scanning the reading assignment again Finally, review by scanning the reading assignment again

64. Study Smart Find a good place to study Find a good place to study Organize your study time Organize your study time Prioritize your work Prioritize your work Use a computer when possible to make assignments neat and orderly Use a computer when possible to make assignments neat and orderly Use tricks to help you memorize things Use tricks to help you memorize things

65. Use Test-Taking Strategies Have everything that you will need for the test Have everything that you will need for the test Before you start, look over the test and develop a plan Before you start, look over the test and develop a plan Mark the questions that you want to return to Mark the questions that you want to return to Check your answers Check your answers USE ALL AVAILABLE TIME! USE ALL AVAILABLE TIME! “As soon as I get my test, I write any dates, equations, etc. that I need to remember in light pencil at the top of my test. Then when I need the information, it’s right there.” -John

66. Making Good Choices & Planning for Your Future Week 5

67. Make Good Choices and Decisions When you make good choices and decisions, you reap the rewards. When you make poor choices and decisions, you suffer the consequences.

68. Make Good Choices and Decisions In high school, you have more freedom and more independence than you’ve ever had before. Of course, with this greater freedom and independence comes greater responsibility. Learning to accept responsibility for your actions and for the choices that you make is an important part of growing up.

69. Make Good Choices and Decisions Make your decisions carefully, and make choices that are consistent with your values and your goals.

70. Plan and Prepare for Your Future Now is the time to plan and prepare for your future. Start your future off by getting the best high school education you can! When you graduate from high school, you want to have a future that’s full of opportunities and choices. While there are many factors that will determine the kinds of opportunities that will come your way, the most significant determining factor will be your education.

71. Plan and Prepare for Your Future The better your education, the more choices and opportunities you are going to have.

72. Plan and Prepare for Your Future Choose Your High School Courses Carefully “During high school, I mostly picked courses that my friends were taking and courses that didn’t look hard. I’m a senior now, and I recently decided that I want to be a nurse. Nursing will be a perfect career for me; however, I haven’t taken a lot of courses that I need for the nursing program that I want to get into. If I would have thought about this earlier, I could have taken Algebra II, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology. I feel like I just wasted a lot of my high school.” -Steve

73. Plan and Prepare for Your Future Your Career Choices In order to choose a career that’s going to be right for you, there are many things you need to consider. Abilities (what you are good at) Interests (what you like to do) Aptitudes (what you have natural talent for) What’s important to you (prestige, money, travel, independence, etc.)

74. Plan and Prepare for Your Future Your Career Choices A number of books and web sites are out there to help students find a career that’s right for you. Helpful websites include: www.elderhs.org/guidanceweb www.ocis2003.ode.state.oh.us www.bls.gov/oco www.mapping-your-future.org

75. Plan and Prepare for Your Future Your Career Choices You may find greater opportunities in career fields that are growing. Three fast growing career fields are:  Health Care  Education  Computers/Technology

76. Plan and Prepare for Your Future Your Educational Options Eighty Percent of today’s careers require education or training beyond a general high school education. Educational Options  Career and Technology Education – ITT Tech, Southern Ohio College  Four-Year Colleges – Ohio State, UC, Xavier  Community Colleges – UC Raymond Walters  Career and Technical Schools – Cincinnati State, N. Ky. Technical College  The Military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard  Apprenticeships – Pipe Fitters Union

77. Tips for Students from Students “Get off to a good start each semester. I have this habit of not working very hard at the beginning of the semester – then I have to work like crazy to bring my grades up. This semester, for the first time, I got off to a good start in all my classes. My grades are a lot better and I’m not all stressed out about having to bring my grades up.” -Chris

78. Tips for Students from Students “Choose your courses carefully and don’t wait until your senior year to think about what your going to do after you graduate.” – Sean “Ask for help when you need it. I’m not very good at math and last year I struggled the whole year. This year I have a tutor and I’m getting a B in math.” - Brandon

79. Tips for Students from Students “Think about the consequences of what you are doing. My sophomore year, I got caught drinking a beer during football season and I wasn’t allowed to practice or play for two weeks. I felt like I let my team down, and it killed me to have to just watch the game and not be able to play.” -Dan “Get involved. I’ve had a lot more fun during my junior and senior years because I’ve gotten involved in activities. I wish I would have been more involved earlier on.” -Steve

80. Tips for Students from Students “Don’t slack. Remember your GPA!” -Kevin “Don’t wish your high school years away, it goes really fast. Enjoy every minute!” -Tim

81. Welcome to Elder High School! Work hard and ask questions when you need to. You are going to have a GREAT and exciting year! ALTIORA!