2. A Typical Freshman Schedule English I Math course (Alg. IR, Alg. I, Geometry) Science Course (Biology or Earth Science) Early U.S. History/Civics Health/Driver’s Education Physical Education (Weight Training or General P.E.) Electives (Band, Chorus, Intro. To Ag., Art, Foreign Language, Business Course, etc.) Study Hall (one only)

3. Think about your interests Consider career goals/college goals If considering college or tech/trade school, you will want to take a rigorous curriculum with at least 2 years of foreign language and additional math and science courses. Talk to your parents/guidance counselor

4. Number of credits needed for graduation: 24 Note: Although number of credits earned to date may be sufficient for graduation, students must meet certain graduation requirements regardless of credits earned. Also, remember that these are graduation requirements, not college requirements. Every college has its own requirements.

5. 4 credits of English 3 credits of Social Studies (Early U.S. History, Government, Modern U.S. History, and 1 credit of an elective social science(s)) 3 credits of Math (Must include Algebra I or IR and Geometry or Informal Geometry) 2 credits in Science Consumer Economics (4 years of Ag. Classes will waive this requirement) Driver’s Education Health ½ credit of a Business or Technology 1 credit from Music, Art, Foreign Language, Vocational, or Humanities P.E. each year (unless student meets any exemptions in 11 th /12 th grade.)

6. Getting behind early makes high school years difficult Success in high school=Success in college Studies show that students who do poorly in high school have a lesser chance of succeeding in college Eligibility (No Pass/No Play) Must pass 6 courses for weekly & semester eligibility. Eligibility runs Monday-Sunday. All Freshmen start out eligible. EB PE Students must have C’s or better to leave! Driver’s Education 8 classes in two semesters to be eligible (IL law)

7. Never to early to explore careers/colleges/trade schools Talk with your counselor every year Think about your interests and skills

8. Participate in school activities. Golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Cheerleading, Cross Country Pep Club, Model U.N., FFA, Chorus, Band, Science Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, NHS, Student Council, FEA, Saturday Scholars, Musicals, plays, and much more! Volunteer your time in school & the community.

9. Algebra I in 8 th grade can count towards high school transcript. Mrs. Seidler will give you a form at the end of 8 th grade. Schedules will be passed out in May and changes can be made until the 5 th day of each semester. Career Center of Southern Illinois (formerly Beck Career Center) has several vocational programs for our students beginning in 11 th grade (3 credits for attending Beck Vocational classes during the day). You can turn your sheet in this evening or bring it back to Mrs. Karsten within 2 days of this meeting. The school website is www.valmeyerk12.org. There are many helpful links for parents on the website. You can get this information from Mrs. Karsten.www.valmeyerk12.org

10. www.valmeyerk12.org/counselor Teacherease: Do you have your account set up? Email up-to-date? Facebook Page: Valmeyer CUSD#3 School Counseling Office (Like Please!) Becky Karsten-Counselor Email: bkarsten@valmeyerk12.orgbkarsten@valmeyerk12.org 618-935-2100 ext. 205

11. The numbers on the form do not correspondence to the hour you will take the class. These are requests only. The guidance counselor will revise as necessary once the schedule is finished. If you are not going to be in band or chorus, then you will have study hall that hour. Be sure to put in some courses that are required courses…not just all electives.

12. MATH ALGEBRA IR ALGEBRA I GEOMETRY SOCIAL SCIENCE EARLY US HISTORY/CIVICS SCIENCE EARTH SCIENCE BIOLOGY ENGLISH ENGLISH I FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPANISH I AGRICULTURE INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE BUSINESS (KEEP THEM IN PAIRS) COMPUTER CONCEPTS/WEB DES. I WEB DESIGN I/WEB DESIGN II BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS/MARKETING FINE ARTS DRAWING/PAINTING GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRINTMAKING SCULPTURE/CERAMICS & POTTERY CONCERT BAND MIXED CHORUS PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH/DR. ED. PHYSICAL EDUCATION WEIGHT TRAINING (During school day or early bird) HEALTH (SEMESTER COURSE) DRIVER’S EDUCATION (SEMESTER COURSE)