1. Zachary High School Class of 2017 8 th -9 th Transition Meeting February 18, 2013

2. Objectives for Tonight’s Meeting To share information regarding Freshman Academy resources for ZHS students and parents To review Graduation Requirements and TOPS curriculum To prepare for 9th grade scheduling To browse through Career Pathways Showcase and walk through Foundation Hall

3. Ninth Grade Academy Goals Increase the # of first-time 9 th graders who successfully complete freshman year Raise student achievement levels Increase daily attendance rate Decrease the # of discipline referrals Increase the # of 9 th graders participating in ZHS extracurricular activities Promote students’ awareness of post-secondary options

4. Strategies for Success Successful transition to high school Increased communication between school and home 9 th grade core teachers teaming daily Enhanced guidance support HEAT daily for missing homework Saturday School for academic work After-school tutoring available T-Th Early, targeted interventions for struggling learners

5. Grading System 18-week cumulative grading period Semester 1(Aug.-Dec.) Semester 2 (Jan.-May) Progress reports are mailed home at the end of a 6- week period (parents should check JPAMS Parent Command Center on a regular basis) Final grades are awarded at the end of each semester. These are official transcript grades that will follow students to all post- secondary options.

6. Importance of Rigor Honors courses AP (Advanced Placement) courses Challenge Exposure In-depth College Readiness Please review the following handouts carefully: (1) Comparison Chart for Standard, Honors, AP Courses (2) Honors Contract (to be signed by student, parent, current core teacher at NMS)

7. Journey to College and Career 9 th Grade Checklist Counselors’ Corner website ACT resources Annual update of Individual Graduation Plans College Fair in the fall semester

8. Registration February 20 th @ NMS Course selections should be driven by the student’s academic record, standardized test scores, career interests and postsecondary plans

9. Core 4 Graduation Requirements English4 Units Must be I, II, III, and IV Mathematics4 Units Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, 4 th Math Science4 Units Biology, Chemistry, 3 rd and 4 th Science Social Studies4 Units World Geography, Civics, American History, 4 th Social Studies Physical Education 1½ Units Can substitute ROTC I and II Health ½ Unit Foreign Language2 Units Two years in the same language Art Elective1 Unit Fine Art Survey, Art, Music, or Drama Electives3 Units 24 Units

10. TOPS Curriculum & Requirements Graduates of 2014 and thereafter English – 4 Units  English I, II, III and English IV Mathematics – 4 Units  Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry, Advanced Math, Probability & Statistics, or Calculus Science – 4 Units  Biology, Chemistry, and Physical Science, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology II (AP), Chemistry II (AP), Agriscience II, or Physics Social Studies - 4 Units  Civics, American History, World Geography, and World History Foreign Language – 2 Units  2 units from same language Arts – 1 Unit _________________________ Total – 19 Units Level 1 Award: 2.5 Core GPA, 20 ACT Level 2 Award: 3.0 Core GPA, 23 ACT Level 3 Award: 3.0 Core GPA, 27 ACT

11. Career Pathways Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources –Ag Production/ Management/ Entrepreneurship –Horticulture –Animal Science Arts, A/V Technology, and Communication –Graphic Arts –Performing Arts –Journalism –Mass Communication Architecture and Construction –Carpentry and Construction

12. Career Pathways Business, Management, and Administration –Business Administration Education and Training –Education Government and Public Administration –JROTC Health Science –Nursing –Pharmacy –Sports Medicine

13. Career Pathways Human Services –Management of Family Resources Information Technology –Information Systems Manufacturing –Welding Marketing –Entrepreneurship –Clothing and Textiles

16. Save the Dates May – begin checking online for summer assignments (all incoming 9 th graders) and sports information July 31st – Freshman Orientation/ Parent University sessions –Last names A-L9:00 – 11:00 a.m. –Last names M-Z1:00 – 3:00 p.m. ***Student fees are $35 plus additional fees for various classes/programs. August 1st - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Freshmen Only Day

17. Questions??? Contact… Donna Kline, Freshman Academy Coordinator donna.kline@zacharyschools.org Tiffany Bacon, Freshman Counselor tiffany.bacon@zacharyschools.org