1. Welcome Creekside Students & Parents January 8, 2013 Woodstock High School Auditorium 7 o’clock p.m.

2. Principal’s Message Mr. Corey Tafoya

3. Woodstock High School WHS is an amazing school! U.S. News and World Report identified WHS as the #51 school in Illinois Highest rated school in the county In the top 6% in the country Silver Award of Distinction Based on test scores & AP tests

4. Woodstock High School WHS is an amazing school! Most Advanced Placement (AP) classes in McHenry County Tremendous athletic and activity opportunities Amazing teachers and coaches. Class of 2012 earned over $3 million in scholarships to the universities they selected. Freshman Academy Music programs consistently rate among state elite year after year in band and choir.

5. Principal’s Top 10 for Parents 10.Plan a challenging schedule and know that recommendations are not referrals. You will decide your level. 9.Find room to schedule electives. 8.Get involved in athletics & activities. 7.Stay involved in your student’s education. 6.You will take a college preparatory schedule even if you don’t know whether you plan to go to college.

6. Top 10 for Parents (cont.) 5.Don’t over rely on study hall. 4.Set your sites for Cum Laude graduation. 3.It’s ok not to be an expert – ask questions and use our website. 2.It’s never too early to start planning for career and post-secondary options. 1.Understand that high school is about earning credits that let you graduate. Earning credits=success!

7. Become a Cum Laude graduate Meet or exceed standards on the PSAE test or exhibit PLAN to ACT test score growth. (11th) Participate in one sport, club or activity during your high school career. (9-12) Demonstrate community involvement. (9-12) Earn at least 260 credits during high school – 40 of which must be electives. (9-12)

8. Cum Laude continued... Earn a 2.50 GPA or higher. (9-12) Be a good citizen: no suspensions or good conduct violations. (9-12) Maintain a 95% attendance rate during both junior and senior years. (11-12) Successfully complete at least one capstone course, as identified within each department, or one Advanced Placement course. (10-12)

9. Counselor’s Message Ms. Shannon Landwehr

10. The School Counseling Staff Mrs. Grady - Counselor Ms. Landwehr - Director Ms. Winterton - Counselor

11. The Role of the High School Counselor Academic Career Social/Emotional

12. Scheduling Timeline Start to complete your Course Requests worksheet tonight Turn the Course Request worksheet and all completed white sheets in your packet to Creekside’s office by Friday, Jan. 11, 2013 –Computer Usage –Military Recruiters –Use of student name/photo/original work

13. Counselor visits to Creekside We will meet with students at Creekside to finalize their requests on Tuesday, January 15

14. Course recommendations Listed on your Course Request worksheet that you received tonight Based on your current class placement & your abilities within each subject area If you would like to try a different course, please write the new course on your sheet and talk with the counselor on Tuesday.

15. Required Courses English – 4 years Math – 3 years (including a geometry course) Social Studies – Geography (1 semester), World History, & US History Physical Education – 6 semesters (plus Driver’s Ed & Health) Skills Lab - required for those students who demonstrate a need for additional support in math and/or reading

16. Course Choices Science - 2 years starting with Geoscience or Biology Electives – 2 or 3 choices available each year Study Hall - a quiet environment for homework completion

17. 9 th Grade Educational Plan Complete: –Career interest –Core courses –Electives –Alternate courses

18. Important Tips for Success Work hard from the start – very little extra credit in high school classes If you want to take Driver Ed – you must pass your classes Use your Curriculum Guide – course descriptions, Career Clusters (p. 17-32), details about a variety of topics In the fall, please attend your parent- student-counselor 4-year planning mtg.

19. Additional things to keep in mind What 2- & 4-year colleges & technical schools are looking for: –4 years of English –3 years of Math –3 years of Science –3 years of Social Studies –2 years of the same World Language

20. Getting ready for the year to begin Registration –Mail in – information provided in June –Physicals & Immunizations New Student Orientation –Usually the day before school begins –Learn about clubs, sports, & activities –Presentation –Chance to check out your locker –Run through a mini-day Find all of your classes & meet your teachers

21. Your chance to find out about elective options Art Business Driver Ed Family & Consumer Sciences Industrial Technology Project Lead the Way Music World Languages

22. Questions? Counselors will remain to answer any individual questions.

23. Woodstock High School Art in D263 Business in B233 Driver’s Ed/PE Aud. English in B234 Family/Con.Sci., B133 Industrial Tech, D178 Math in B221 Music in E293 Project Lead the Way in D267 Science in B223 Social Studies, A219 World Languages, LRC