1. What Freshmen Need To Know Mrs. Wilson-Thompson Fall 2013

2. High School Academics can be scary… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmVO Z8WJKp4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmVO Z8WJKp4

3. The Basics Come to school Try your best Do your homework Get to know your teachers Ask for help Zeros kill your grade

4. Credits Registration is in the spring 24 credits 1 semester class=.5 credit 1 year class=1 credit Taking 8 classes and pass them all, you will end freshmen year with 8 credits! You need a “D” or 60% to pass No social promotion

5. What classes do I Need To Graduate? 4 Years of English 3 Years of Math 2 Years of Health Enhancement Earth Science (During 9 th grade) Biology (During 10 th grade)

6. 1 Credit Fine Arts ◦Choir, Band, Introduction to Art, Drama… 1 Credit Career and Technical Education ◦Ag Ed, Welding, Culinary, Personal Finance… American History (11 th grade) U.S. Government.5 Credit additional Social Studies ◦Native American Studies, Geography, History… 9.5 of Your choice! ◦You should gain experience in what you like and what would help you in the future

7. If you are considering college… 2 of more years of Foreign Language ◦French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic Global Studies Course ◦World History, Geography, Global Issues Seminar, etc. Honors classes The highest level of math you can progress to

8. Rigorous Core Classes Rigorous Core ◦Prepare you best for college ◦Required for MUS Honor Scholarships

9. For the Health Science Academy: Core Course must be HSA specific Principles of Biomedical Science (9 th grade) Human Body Systems (10 th grade) AND/OR Applied Vet Sciences (10 th grade) Medical Interventions (11 th grade) Biomedical Engineering (12 th grade)

10. If you are considering college athletics… Division I: 16 Core Courses Division II: 16 Core Courses 4 years of English3 years of English 3 years of math (algebra 1 or higher level) 2 years of math (algebra 1 or higher level) 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered) 1 extra year of English, math, or science 2 extra years of English, math or science; 3 extra years if enrolling on or after August 1, 2013 2 years of social science 4 years of additional core courses (from any category above, or in a foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy) 4 years of additional core courses (from any category above, or in a foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy);

11. You also need to have good grades NCAA core courses definition An academic course in one or a combination of these areas: English, mathematics, natural/physical science, social science, foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy. A four-year college preparatory course and a course at or above the high school's regular academic level, for example, an AP® class or outside college course. http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Qui ck_Reference_Sheet.pdf http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Qui ck_Reference_Sheet.pdf

12. For life in general… Extracurricular activities Volunteer work Leadership Good grades Good attendance Good behavior Good letters of recommendation (good relationships with your teachers)

13. How does my G.P.A work? GPA means Grade Point Average Snapshot at what kind of student you are Calculator on website G.P.A. CalculatorG.P.A. Calculator

14. Help! I’m overwhelmed! Freshmen College Planning Checklist ◦Printable ChecklistPrintable Checklist Checklists Day planner Talk to someone Asking for help is a skill

15. Study Skills Don’t cram! Study each day and break down projects. Take study breaks. Use your calendar each day. Think about how you spend your time.

16. Study Skills Review your classwork nightly. Find a way to organize your notes that makes sense to you. Be engaged in class then when you are studying, you’ll get a lot more out of it. Take care of your health...eat a good breakfast...get enough sleep

17. Other Resources Ask you counselor or teachers for help Look at counseling department website http://www.mcpsmt.org//Domain/1029

18. Why Graduate? Students who learn more, earn more: You’re less likely to be unemployed: You’ll open your mind to new things: By increasing your education, you open your mind to discover opportunities in your life you never knew existed. College is suddenly within reach: Virtually all post-secondary institutions, colleges, and universities require a high school diploma or GED. A high school diploma can give you the chance to go to college. You’ll feel better about yourself: Research shows that confidence and self-esteem are linked to your education level. Those with a high school diploma had a higher level of self-esteem than those that did not.

19. http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/dPg.cfm?pageID=948

20. Chances are you’ll get a better job: You’re setting a positive example: The work you put into earning your diploma will speak volumes to your family, friends, and community. You’ll increase your knowledge: Learning more about math, science, English, history, and other subjects will help expand your knowledge of the world around you. It’s your time to shine: Other people have had their time for success. Now is your time. You’ll contribute more to your community: As a high school graduate, you’ll contribute greater amounts to local, state and federal taxes than dropouts throughout your career. These contributions go to schools, roadways and public programs that help promote and develop safe communities.

21. Global Citizen