1. 9 th /10 th Parent Meeting You will learn about: Scheduling process for 2011-2012 Diploma Options and Course Planning Educational and Career Planning Resources-PSAT and My College Quick Start

2. 9 th /10 th Parent Meeting Who’s Who: – Counselor Assignments: Last names A-DaKirkham Db-Hi Ludwa Hj-McPetrocelli Md-Sc Stephan Sd-ZWeaver College Counselor: Harry Pettibone

3. Scheduling for 2011-2012 Dates and Deadlines Scheduling Windows: Current 9 th Grade: February 7-18; Current 10 th Grade: January 24-February 4 Guidance Counselors will present in English 9 and English 10 classrooms. Review diploma requirements, online course registration, and PSAT/My College Quick Start resource Course requests must be entered into Power School by February 18 th.

4. How can you help? Review the coursework that your student has already completed. Review the diploma options and requirements with your student. Work with your student to update their 4-year plan as needed. Discuss course choices keeping in mind requirements, interests, AND long-term educational plans.

5. How Can We Help You? Encourage your student to see or contact his/her counselor if there are questions. We are here to help. Don’t hesitate to call or e-mail if you have questions about diploma requirements, the process, or specifics about your student’s situation. We will review all course requests for any errors or omissions, and we will follow-up with students if needed.

6. Diploma Options Core 40 Diploma Core 40 with Academic Honors Core 40 with Technical Honors International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma General Diploma (only available through opt-out process). For all diploma types, students must pass the Algebra I and English 10 End of Course Assessments (ECA)

7. Core 40 Diploma 35% of the class of 2010 earned this diploma. Considered the default diploma for the State of Indiana; a college-prep diploma. Core 40 alone may not meet all of the admission requirements at some schools. Be certain to check individual school requirements. Requires: 8 credits in English, 6 credits in math through Algebra II, 6 credits in social studies, 6 credits in science, 2 credits of PE, 1 credit of health, 5 credits directed electives in World Language, Fine Arts, or Career-Technical area, and electives to total 40 credits.

8. Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma 58% of the class of 2010 earned this diploma Complete all requirements for Core 40 AND: – Earn 2 additional math credits – Earn 6-8 credits in World Language – Earn 2 fine arts credits – Earn a grade of C- or better courses needed for the diploma. – Earn a cumulative g.p.a. of 3.0 or better – Earn 47 credits total

9. Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma Complete ONE of the following: – 4 credits of AP course work AND corresponding exams – 4 credits IB coursework AND corresponding exams – Combined score of 1200 or higher on SAT critical reading and math – Score a 26 or higher composite on ACT – Complete dual/college credit coursework resulting in at least 6 transferrable credits – Complete a combination of AP course work (2 credits) AND dual/college credit coursework (3 transferrable credits)

10. Advanced Placement (AP) Courses AP = Advanced Placement designation is approved/assigned by the College Board. Rigorous coursework taught at a college level. Students may or may not receive college credit depending on scores earned by taking AP exams at the end of each course AND the college/university receiving the scores. Currently, all AP courses are considered honors courses. (www.collegeboard.com)www.collegeboard.com

11. Dual Credit and Honors Courses Dual Credit/College Credit = courses that are taught at ZCHS and satisfy requirements for college credits from participating institutions. We currently offer courses that can result in credit from IU and Marian University. Honors = courses with an honors designation are considered more rigorous and advanced in nature. Not all honors courses are considered AP courses.

12. Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma Complete all requirements for Core 40 AND: – Complete a career/technical program (8 or more related credits) – Earn a grade of C- or better in coursework needed for diploma – Earn a cumulative g.p.a. of 3.0 or better. – Complete two of the following: WorkKeys Assessment Score, dual/college credit (6), career internship or cooperative education course, industry based work experience, or industry recognized certification. Students pursuing this diploma will do so through participation in J. Everett Light Career Center (JEL) programs.

13. J. Everett Light Career Center (JEL) Offers vocational/ technical programs of study at North Central High School site for juniors and seniors. (www.jelcc.com)www.jelcc.com Hands on training in a wide variety of areas. Many programs offer dual credit and/or certification. Students can complete JEL programs and earn academic honors. College –bound students can participate in JEL programs as well. Some programs are competitive.

14. PSAT PSAT is a Preliminary SAT that provides PRACTICE for the SAT test. The PSAT measures critical reading skills, math problem solving skills, and writing skills. The primary purpose is to provide exposure to the format and questions on the SAT, but students can also gain information about: College readiness Identify how their scores compare with others for college admission purposes Receive information from colleges based on their results

15. Time-Line Students take the PSAT in October of their freshman, sophomore, and junior year Junior year provides opportunity to qualify for National Merit Scholarship programs Students receive results in December of the same year Students usually take the SAT during their junior year

16. Great websites College Search Resources www.knowhow2go.org/www.knowhow2go.org/ --a site dedicated to outlining the steps needed to go to college. www.learnmoreindiana.orgwww.learnmoreindiana.org –a site developed for Indiana students that offers a wealth of information about college and careers. www.triptocollege.org/www.triptocollege.org/ --A step by step guide through the college planning process sponsored by the Indiana Youth Institute. www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com -- a site dedicated to helping students prepare for college entrance exams, search for colleges, and much more. College Admissions Testing www.collegeboard.com –This site has information about the PSAT, SAT, and AP testing programs. It also offers a wealth of resources related to the college search process. www.collegeboard.com www.princetonreview.com –Princeton Review offers test preparation services. www.princetonreview.com www.act.org –The official site for the ACT test. www.act.org www.benderandrocapeducationalservices.com –a locally owned test preparation company. www.benderandrocapeducationalservices.com