1. Incoming 9 th Grade Students Highlands High School Parents Scheduling Meeting Mrs. Trinity Walsh 9/10 Counselor

2. A tradition of excellence!! 116th Highlands graduating class in June of 2010 2007 NCLB Blue Ribbon School (only public HS in Kentucky since education reform) High Schools That Work-Gold Award (16 in nation) Newsweek Top 600 schools in U.S. U.S. News and World Report-one of only 8 in Kentucky to receive Silver Medal Exceeding ACT college benchmarks in every subject area 41% 2009 seniors earned AP credit while at HHS 70+ AP Scholars

3. A tradition of Excellence Over 30 National Merit Scholars in last 5 years (scholars and commended)-largest number in Northern Ky. Mock Trial/ We the People State Champions (national competitors) Wide variety of extra-curricular options State Champion Football (19th)/ 3rd in nation Back to Back State Champion Girls’ Track 2008 Boys and Girls Soccer state runner up High Quality Performing Arts Program Nationally recognized teaching staff State of the art renovated space

4. Capstone Program Mass Communications Unique Program beginning in 2010-2011 Pg. 27-28 Pillars of the Programs  Cohort approach  University partnership  Applied Learning  Capstone experience Want more information? Please remain following the main presentation.

5. Scheduling Packet Introduction Letter Recommendation Sheet SAMPLE Electives Sheet 4-Year Academic Plan SAMPLE Course Catalog Extracurricular Guide

6. Basic Graduation Requirements English – 4 credits Math – 4 credits Science – 3 credits Social Studies – 3 credits Fine Arts – 1 credit Health – ½ credit Physical Education – ½ credit Electives – 6 credits

7. Student Classification Freshman  Sophomore = 5 credits Sophomore  Junior = 10 credits Junior  Senior – 16 credits Senior  GRADUATION = 22 credits

8. Class Rank & GPA Your Grade Point Average, or GPA, is simply the average of your cumulative grades at then end of each semester of school. Some courses have more “weight” based upon the level of course. Your class rank is your standing in relation to ALL of the other students in your grade. Refer to PAGE 8 in the Course Catalog for specifics. This starts right away !!! At the beginning of your FRESHMAN YEAR!!!

9. Exam Exemptions Refer to PAGE 11 in the Course Catalog ◦ Earn 95 or higher in 2 nd Semester ◦ Earn 85 or higher in 1 st Semester ◦ 6 or fewer absences ◦ Must be in attendance even if exempt ◦ Must take at least 2 final exams, 1 must be in Core Content Area

10. Eligibility Students can not be failing more than one course to eligible for extracurricular activities (this includes: sports, music groups, clubs, school sponsored groups, AND school dances) College Athletic Eligibility (NCAA) ◦ www.eligibiltycenter.org www.eligibiltycenter.org ◦ Students interesting playing college athletics should let their counselor know as soon as they can.

11. Special Diploma Considerations Kentucky’s Pre-College Curriculum The Commonwealth Diploma Highlands High School Advanced Curriculum HHS Major of Intensive Study CAPSTONE Program

12. Kentucky’s Pre-College Curriculum English – 4 credits Math – 4 credits ◦ Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Elective Science – 3 credits ◦ Life, Earth, or Physical Science Social Studies – 3 credits ◦ World Civ., US History, Government Health – ½ credit Physical Education – ½ credit Fine Arts – 1 credit Foreign Language – 2 credits Electives – 5 credits

13. The Commonwealth Diploma  22 Credits  Course Requirements English – 4 credits Math – 4 credits ◦ Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Elective Science – 3 credits ◦ Life, Earth, Physical Science Social Studies – 3 credits ◦ World Civ., US History, Government Health – ½ credit Physical Education – ½ credit Fine Arts – 1 credit Foreign Language – 2 credits Electives – 5 credits ◦ 3 rigorous courses ◦ Recommended strongly: 1 or more courses that develop Computer Literacy  AP Courses 4 AP courses with minimum grade of “C” English, Science, Foreign Language, Elective  AP Exams Successful Completion of AP Exams

14. HHS Advanced Curriculum Completion of Kentucky’s Pre-College Curriculum Completion of 10 “Advanced” Courses ◦ “AP” Courses can be substituted for “Advanced” Courses Completion of 2 “AP” Courses Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.75 Awarded Seal on Diploma and Noted in Graduation Program

15. HHS Major of Intensive Study Completion of a presentation and defense of a Senior Thesis Project. Completion of “Senior Seminar” Course Completion of at least 4 courses in the intended research area with a minimum average of “B” (85). Completion of Kentucky’s Pre-College Curriculum Students wear Honor Cord at graduation and Noted on Diploma and Final Transcript

16. CAPSTONE Program Mass Communications ◦ Specialized program for students interested in one of the many Mass Communications fields. ◦ Page 27 of Course Catalog ◦ If interested, students need to indicate this on the 4-Year Academic Plan

18. 9 th Grade Courses REQUIRED COURSES – 4 periods English – full year Math – full year Science – full year Health - semester Physical Education - semester ELECTIVE COURSES – 2 periods Foreign Language, Fine Arts, Family & Consumer Science, Business, Technology, Mass Communications EARLY BIRD COURSE Early Start (Phys. Ed./Health) – full year 7:00am – 8:00am Enables students to take an additional course (7 period day)

19. Scheduling Steps Scheduling Recommendations given out at the PARENT MEETING on January 19 th at 7:00PM. Review recommendations for English, Math, Science Select Electives ◦ Use the Electives Sheet Select Alternates – 2 for each course. Alternates CAN be the same for each course. Write the course number and course title on Recommendation/Scheduling Sheet Complete the 4-Year Academic Plan ◦ Use the Course Catalog and Electives Sheet Meet with counselor to review choices and plans

20. AP Courses What is AP? What AP Courses can I take as a freshman? ◦ AP Human Geography What is the benefit?

21. Early Bird What are Early Bird Courses? What Early Bird Courses can I take? ◦ Freshmen – Early Start (Phys. Ed./Health) ◦ Sophomore – EB AP World History ◦ Junior – EB AP American Language & Comp. ◦ Senior – EB AP American Literature & Comp. What is the benefit?

22. Summer Activities Freshmen Transitions Day ◦ Approximately 1 week before school starts Summer Reading ◦ Will be given book before the end of the school year ◦ Study Guide needs to be completed before the first day of school

23. Meeting with Your Counselor Can email or call anytime ◦ Trinity.Walsh@fortthomas.kyschools.us Trinity.Walsh@fortthomas.kyschools.us ◦ 859.815.2605 During School Year ◦ Open Door Policy