2. Studies have shown that students who do not make it through grade 9 are the most likely to drop out of high school before they graduate!

3. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO – Recognize the value of education List B-town graduation requirements State the basic graduation project requirements Name important tests Describe advisory homeroom Identify school visit stategies

4. More simply: After working for 30 years, Joe the HS dropout will make about $704,000 compared to $1,643,000 for Sam the college grad and Sally with an MD will make over $2.6 million!

5. 53 units = I unit per semester class ENGLISH = 8 UNITS SOCIAL STUDIES = 8 UNITS MATH = 8 UNITS SCIENCE = 6 UNITS HEALTH AND P.E. = 3 UNITS BUS. ED. & COMP = 2 UNITS FAMILY & CONS. SC. = 1 UNIT GRADUATION PROJECT = 1 UNIT ELECTIVES = 16 UNITS OTHER IMPORTANT INFO: To be advanced to the next level you must earn credits- From freshman to sophomore = 12 units From sophomore to junior = 26 units From junior to senior = 37 units To walk across the stage = 53 units

6.  Information Technology Course – gr 9  Job Shadowing = 4 hours – gr 10  Career Readiness Course – gr 11  Community Service Project or Creative Work Project  30 hours  Oral Presentation – senior year Specific details later

7. Find something you enjoy and that you have an interest in Get help and suggestions from your homeroom mentor, guidance counselor, parents, friends, etc. You be your own teacher Be sure to follow all guidelines Job Shadow component must be complete by the end of grade 10 BE SURE TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR JOB SHADOW and FOR 30 HOUR PROJECT PRIOR TO STARTING – YOUR PROPOSAL MUST BE APPROVED FIRST

9. Will replace PSSA tests and will be given in several subject areas – English Literature, Algebra 1 and Biology, with Composition and Civics & Government to be scheduled in the future.

10. Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test Practice test for SAT Usually taken Fall of sophomore year Can qualify for National Merit Scholar Award PSAT will be given here on October 19 – details in Guidance Office

11. College Entrance Exams Usually taken Junior Year &

12. These will be taken through the year to judge your progress and determine the need for placement in review / tutorial classes like Keystone Math class Classroom Diagnostic Test

13. You are currently assigned to a small homeroom with a teacher/advisor who, along with me, will assist you in school success. It is designed to be your “FAMILY” here at BHS! Research also shows that having positive relationships at school increases the likelihood of success and graduation rates. So……

14. As you know --- you will be doing a variety of fun and educational activities every other Friday during Advisory period. Things to help you learn about yourself, others and to make positive connections! Please participate and enjoy!!!!

15. A good GOAL – visit 6 schools before you apply: -visit one this summer (between grades 9-10) -visit two next summer (between grades 10-11) -visit three the summer before senior year  A community college…CCAC  A post-secondary trade/technical school…PTI  A public college/university…Slippery Rock U  A private college/university…W&J Future plans – something to think about:

16. Western Area Career and Technology Center All 9 th grade students are invited to visit WACTC: January 2014 See “shops” in action – welding, auto mechanics, health assistant, cosmetology, culinary arts, etc. Meet and talk with instructors Must have completed permission slip turned in by the deadline- you will get more info in homeroom Students who attend WACTC complete Grad Project there

17. “The consequences of our actions are so complicated…that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed.” J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

18. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU LEARNED TODAY?