1. Parents and counselors working together to prepare students for high school and beyond Gina Yannarell – 8 th Grade Kevin Siegel – 7 th Grade Nicki Sayre – 6 th Grade Kelly Morales – 6 th Grade Social Studies

2. Your child’s high school decisions and classes will open the doors to college. Preperation in middle school enables them to make better decisions!

3. High school GPA Transcript (strength of subjects) Activities/awards Application (personal essays, community service) Recommendations ACT/SAT scores

4. KEY POINTS: Focus on academic achievement Acquire the skills to build your resume Build positive relationships with adults and mentors Identify interests and abilities - BRIDGES

5. Northley’s Viking Vision – Be Respectful, Be Responsible Be Safe – keep your discipline record and social networking accounts clean Set personal goals Get help when needed – tutoring/before and after school help Take challenging courses and in your possible area of interest Learn how to learn Check grades regularly Practice effective time management

6. Develop skills related to your areas of interests: -Job-Related Skills – computer skills, specific subject knowledge -Soft Skills – social/communication skills, leadership, persistence, self-control, responsibility, accountability -Extracurricular activities (clubs, sports)

7. Reputation is everything Participating and asking questions Getting help when you need it Letters of recommendations/references Who does your child have a positive relationship with? *teacher, counselor, coach, club advisor?

8. http://www.bridges.com PA’s 16 Career Clusters and areas of interest Volunteerism/Summer Opportunities What makes you stand out? Find leadership opportunities, job-shadowing experiences, and other character and career building activities that will make your child STAND OUT!

9. Post-secondary options How to pay