FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE GUIDANCE BULLETIN

Transcription

1 FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE GUIDANCE BULLETIN South Christian High School COUNSELORS: Mrs. Connie Muller (A-H) Mrs. Jan VerMerris (I-Z)

2 FITTING YOUR LIFE INTO CHRIST Paul writes in Romans 1:6, And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Christ doesn t want a place in your life; He wants it all. He doesn t want you to fit Him into your plans; He wants to fit you into His. You re called to belong to Him. You might think that this only applies to folks who are called into full-time ministry. We would like to challenge this thought because in a sense, every Christian is a full-time minister, whether ordained or not (I Peter 2:9). God may want you to be ordained, then again He may want you to become an accountant. He may want you to become a missionary, then again He may want you to become a builder. The point is that whatever He wants you to become, He wants you to become wholly His (taken from J. Budziszewski, An Interactive Guide to Keeping the Faith, 1999). While you are a student at South Christian High School, you will be given opportunities to discover, develop, and use your talents in an effort to build up God s kingdom. This process will continue throughout your life whether you pursue a career immediately following high school, join the military, or begin college. Our goal in the Guidance Department at South is to support you, in partnership with your teachers and family, as you seek to know God s will for your life in Christ. OUR MISSION is to help students identify and explore their God-given gifts and to prepare students for work and service in God s world.

3 The ECO Program at South Christian What is ECO? ECO stands for Exploring Career Opportunities. The ECO program at South Christian consists of a room full of resources, including the counselors and helpful volunteers who assist students in exploring the many career options open to them. What kind of information can I get in ECO? ECO has a wealth of information on careers and post-secondary training (colleges, technical and trade schools, and armed services). You can find out everything you need to know to plan for your life after high school. ECO can even help you to decide which high school classes are important to take based on your goals. Here are some sample questions that can be answered at ECO: How much training does it take to be a physical therapist? What can I do with an English major? What jobs offer apprenticeships? How much will it cost me to go to college? What does a computer engineer do? What is the job outlook for nurses and how much do they make? When you are a junior or senior, the ECO volunteers can set up a job shadow, which is a one-on-one visit with an individual in a specific field to find out information about a career you are interested in. They can also administer career tests and inventories to help you sort out your goals. You can also spend time by yourself looking through the books, pamphlets, and computer information ECO has to offer. When can I use ECO? The ECO office (Room #14) is open every day. You can make an appointment to come in during a study hall or other arrangements can be made. ECO is open to all students, and juniors will come to the ECO office at least twice. You do not have to be "called in" to ECO. You may make appointments to come in at any time. Why should I use ECO's resources? There is a wide variety of career options available, and your choices should not be limited to those you know about now. The more facts you have, the better choices you can make. WHAT YOU CAN DO IN HIGH SCHOOL TO PREPARE FOR COLLEGE It usually takes students a semester or two to adjust to college. You can hasten that adjustment by preparing yourself now--in high school--with a solid academic program, good study habits, and solid learning skills.

4 What Courses Should I Take? "Take the most rigorous courses you can possibly handle in high school", advised the director of admissions of a private university in Texas. "Take four years of English, all the mathematics and science courses your school offers, and do not neglect foreign languages. "If you do this, you will be far better prepared for college than someone who didn't," she said. "The stronger your high school curriculum, the better your study skills, and therefore the better your preparation to succeed in college." "College admissions counselors want to see how well you respond to challenge. They don't want you to slide by on easy courses," she said. A record of consistently high performance is good, but improvement counts in college admissions, too. If you did not do well in grades 9 and 10, don't give up. Work hard to improve your performance in grades 11 and 12, to show that you can succeed when you apply yourself. What If I Hate Math? Today, math avoidance will foreclose or limit careers in many fields. In addition to those in health, science, and technology, it will also limit your ability to understand what is happening in the world and in your community. Math is part of our language. It is the only language in which we can express certain important ideas and bodies of information. Hate it or not, every student needs to learn as much mathematics as he or she can. If you are weak in math, ask a math teacher for advice: Is there an introductory or summer course you can take? A basic text you can study? A software program you can use? What Skills Will I Need? The courses you select today can provide a solid foundation for college, but success in college, as in high school, requires certain skills. Reading skills are important. One admissions director advises high school students to "turn off the TV and read for an hour every night." To get the most benefit from your reading, select materials that will stretch your knowledge by introducing you to new words and concepts. While you read, make an effort to increase your speed and comprehension. Writing skills, too, are essential in college. The quality of your work and your chances for success will improve greatly if you can write with skill. Before you start a writing assignment, develop a brief and logical outline of what you want to say. When you write, use precise, clear language. Avoid cliches. Research abilities are important also. In college you must know how to use library services, to synthesize information, and to prepare an outline.

5 Computer literacy helps too. Take a word processing course and become proficient with computers in high school. What Other Skills Will I Need? In college, you will have to take good notes in your lecture courses--notes that make sense days and months later. To improve your note taking, try to do more listening than writing. Wait until you have a complete thought; then summarize it in your own words. To reduce the pressure of college, learn how to manage your time now. Develop a schedule for your regular class assignments, and schedule reviews at regular intervals weeks and days before a test. As soon as you receive a major assignment, break it into manageable tasks and develop a schedule for each one. Make use of an assignment notebook on paper or on the computer. What About Extracurricular Activities, Volunteer Work, and Jobs? Don't neglect school and community activities in your desire to prepare for college work. In addition to scholarship, colleges look for evidence of leadership, maturity, and special talents. Do what you can to increase the intensity and quality of your participation in extracurricular activities, summer programs, and volunteer activities.

6 Readiness For Life After High School High school is a time to prepare you for further education and your vocation. This is a four year process that takes planning and effort in each of the following areas: Grades Classes Activities Career Choice Colleges Standardized Tests College Applications Financial Aid Applications Scholarships AREA WHAT TO DO WHEN TO DO High school grades are important in college admissions, scholarships, and employment decisions. It always pays to do your best. In general, academic scholarships to colleges require a or better GPA and 25 or above ACT score. Local community college study (GRCC) remains a possibility even if high school performance has been a problem. The classes you take in high school are often as important as your grades. The harder the classes, the better your preparation for college and/or employment. Involvement in activities enriches your high school experience and affects your admissions to competitive colleges and selection for some scholarships. Get involved in activities you like best and work toward leadership positions in later years. Keep track of your activities, leadership, and volunteer and service activities so you can tell about them on college, scholarship, and employment applications. This is a long process which begins before high school and often lasts well into college and beyond. It is a process which is affected by the courses you take, the activities you are involved in, the information you acquire, and family values. The ECO Office has many career-related resources including interest inventories. Start to get information from schools that you might like to attend. Go to College Fairs, visit campuses, etc. Talk to your counselor and parents about different kinds of schools. Find out about the academic programs offered, specific school admissions requirements and procedures, campus life, and costs. Talk with college representatives who visit South. The PSAT/NMSQT is given in October of 11 th grade. The ACT (American College Test), should be taken at least twice during the 11 th & 12 th grades. The ACT is the qualifying test for the State of Michigan Competitive Scholarship Program and is required by most Michigan colleges. The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is another college test that is an option, but not required. These are on the college website. Ask your counselor to send the transcript. Observe individual college deadlines. Military academies require application in the spring of the junior year. Financial need is determined from information on the FAFSA which is filled out in the senior year. Financial Aid is awarded in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work study if the family is determined to have need. Scholarships are awarded by the colleges and private sources. Information on scholarships can be found in college catalogs and websites, scholarship directories, computer searches, and a listing distributed about once a month by the Guidance Office. Students should do a free scholarship search on the computer. Grades 9-12 Grades 9-12 Grades 9-12 Grades 9-12 and beyond Grades Grades Usually Grade 12 (fall) Grade 12 (January & February) Grade 11, 12

7 Terms To Know Academic Pin and Letter An academic letter is awarded to the student who: attained a GPA of at least 3.5 for each of five semesters received no grade lower than a "C" as a semester grade acquired no more than one "C" a semester completed a minimum of six courses each semester received no more than two disciplinary points per semester received neither a probation nor suspension An academic pin is awarded to the student who meets the above criteria for two or more additional semesters. These awards are presented at the Academic Breakfast in the spring of your junior and senior year. ACT Scores The American College Test is required for college admission (with some exceptions). Scores range from 1-36, and the average score at South Christian last year was The test is often taken for the first time junior year but you may start taking the ACT at any age. Register at Practice test options are available on the ACT website or preparation books can be purchased at local bookstores. The Guidance Office has a free practice test booklet and SCHS offers a preparation workshop each January. Class Rank Class rank is determined by a student's GPA. The student with the highest g.p.a. in his/her class is ranked number one. The student with the lowest GPA. in his class is ranked 172nd (or however many students are in the class). College and scholarship sources usually ask for class rank. Credits South Christian requires 23 credits for graduation. 18 are required credits and the rest are electives. Most students graduate with more credits than are required. Credits are as follows: Semester class (18 weeks) = ½ credit Educational Development Plan (EDP) The Educational Development Plan (EDP) is a form designed to assist students in exploring careers. The EDP is one tool among many available for your use as you continue to reflect on the next step following your graduation from high school. Our hope is that the information on this sheet will direct and focus your attention throughout the time you spend as a student at South. Electives These are classes not specifically required by South Christian but offered to fulfill the 22 credits needed for graduation. Grade Point Average (GPA) The GPA is determined by dividing the total number of honor points by the number of credits taken. A = 4.0 B = 3.0 C = 2.0 D = 1.0 A- = 3.67 B- = 2.67 C- = 1.67 D- =.67 B+ = 3.33 C+ = 2.33 D+ = 1.33 E =.00 Since students are applying to colleges in the fall of the senior year, the grades from freshman through junior years are often the ones used to determine college admission and scholarships. However, if the first semester senior year grades show improvement, the new transcript can be send to colleges for consideration. Additionally, all colleges request that a final transcript of grades be send in June of the senior year. President s Education Award for Educational Excellence This is awarded the spring of the senior year to students who have at least a 3.5 GPA and who achieve in the 85 th percentile or better in math or reading on the ACT or SAT. This award originates from the U.S. Department of Education. Transcript This is a record of all the classes you have taken in high school with the grade you received in each class. It also includes cumulative GPA and standardized test scores. Colleges request a copy of this when you apply, and after you graduate from South Christian, your final transcript is sent to the college you attend. Copies of your transcript are available in the main office or guidance office.

8 College Admission Schedule Grades 9-12 Sophomore year Plan high school classes to meet college requirements Develop good study habits Keep grades up Make use of the ECO office Attend College Fairs Visit Colleges Take career interest inventory Research careers and colleges Complete Educational Development Plan (EDP) Junior year All year Complete Junior Interview ECO visit Research colleges and narrow choices October December All year Attend meetings with college representatives at school Attend College Night Take PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary College Test) Decide your ACT test dates. Register on-line. Select senior year classes carefully Register with NCAA if planning to play Division I or II college sports Narrow college choices to four or five Visit college campuses Look into scholarships Attend West Michigan College Fair Senior Year Fall Visit college campuses Attend College Night and/or Christian College Fair Attend college representative meetings at school Apply to colleges - apply on-line and notify counselors Look for scholarship possibilities Retake ACT, (Oct., or Dec. - preferably) January March, April, & May Attend Financial Aid Night Fill out the FAFSA to reach processor by February 15 Wait for Financial Aid award letters Decide on one college by May 1 Notify other colleges that you will not be attending

9 WHAT ARE CAREER PATHWAYS? Career Pathways are broad groupings of careers that share similar characteristics and whose employment requirements call for many common interests, strengths, and competencies. Career Pathways provide a useful framework to aid students, parents, and educators in making meaningful connections to the world of work. Six Career Pathways have been identified to cover all career opportunities regardless of educational requirements. To help students at South Christian think about their future careers, we use the Career Pathway system described below: The Six Michigan Career Pathways Arts & Communications Careers in this path are related to humanities and performing, visual, literary and media arts. These include architecture, graphic, interior, and fashion design, writing, film, fine arts, journalism, languages, media, advertising, and public relations. Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology Careers in this path are related to the business environment. These include entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, computer information systems, finance, accounting, personnel, economics and management. Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Careers in the path are related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install, and maintain physical systems. These include engineering, manufacturing, construction, service and related technologies Health Sciences Careers in this path are related to the promotion of health and treatment of disease. These include research, prevention, treatment and related health technologies. Human Services Careers in this path are related to economic, political and social systems. These include education, government, law and law enforcement, leisure and recreations, military, religion, child care, social services and personal services. Natural Resources and Agri-Science Careers in this path are related to agriculture, the environment and natural resources. These include agricultural sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences, fisheries, forestry, horticulture and wildlife.

10 SOUTH CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC PREPARATION CHART f:\freshmanhandbook\academicpreparationchart SUBJECT SOUTH CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL MICHIGAN MERIT CURRICULUM SELECTIVE COLLEGE* RECOMMENDATIONS MINIMUM COLLEGE PREPARATION COMPUTERS ½ year On-line learning experience Computer literacy including word processing Computer literacy including word processing ENGLISH 3½ years 4 years 4 years including College Writing and/or AP English 4 years including College Writing and/or AP English FINE ARTS (includes music) 1 year 1 year Recommended Recommended FOREIGN LANGUAGE Recommended but not required Now - 0 (2 - starting with the class of 2016) 2-4 years of one language 2 years of one language recommended PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH 1 year 1 year 0 0 MATHEMATICS 3 years 4 years 4 years including Calculus or AP Statistics 3 years to minimally include algebra, geometry, & adv algebra RELIGION 2 years SCIENCE 3 years 3 years 3-4 years to include biology, & chemistry or physics 3 years to include biology, & chemistry or physics SOCIAL SCIENCES (History included) 3 years 3 years 3-4 years 3 years TOTAL Credits 17 credits required classes 23 credits to graduate Academic Credits Academic Credits * Students seeking admission to highly competitive institutions should consider as many Advanced Placement (AP) classes as possible; complete 4 years of the same foreign language; and pursue advanced levels of coursework in science. ** Like every expectation, there are exceptions and if you have questions about specific admissions policies it is important to contact the admissions office of the school(s) to which you are applying. *** Factors such as your grade point average, college test scores, special abilities, extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience are also important for college admission.

11 4 YEAR PLAN Ninth Grade 1 st Semester Tenth Grade 1 st Semester Eleventh Grade 1 st Semester Twelfth Grade 1 st Semester 1. Composition 9 1. Composition Biblical Interpretation 1. U.S. Government 2. Physical Science 2. World History 2. US History 2. English Elective 3. Math 3. Economics 3. Science Foundations of Wellness 4. Biology or Life Science 4. Math Church History 5. Math 5. Composition Fine Arts f:\myfiles\4 Year Plan 2013 Ninth Grade 2 nd Semester Tenth Grade 2 nd Semester Eleventh Grade 2 nd Semester Twelfth Grade 2 nd Semester 1. Intro Literature 1. Bible American Literature 1. Christian Doctrine 2. Physical Science 2. World History 2. US History Math 3. World Literature 3. Science Health 4. Biology or Life Science 4. Math Computer 5. Math REQUIREMENTS Each square represents one semester unless otherwise indicated English 3.5 credits World Lit or 5 6 Comp 9 Intro Lit Comp 10 English Lit American Lit Comp 11 Math 3 credits Science 3 credits Biology or Life 4 Biology or Life 5 6 Physical Science Physical Science Science Science Elective Elective Social Studies 3 credits Economics World History World History US History US History Government Religion 2 credits Church History Religion 10 Biblical Interp Christian Doc Art/Band/Choir/Orchestra credit Phys Education/Health 1 Foundations of 2 1 credit Wellness Health Computer Tech.5 credits 1 ***Required Core Credits: Minimum 17 credits ***Required Graduation Credits: 23 credits ***1 Semester =.5 or ½ credit 7 Elective Adv Chem, Chemistry Envir Sci/Global Sci NOTE: The graduation requirements listed are just those of required core curriculum. Students must still take electives to fulfill total number of credits needed for graduation and college requirements.

12 ART 186 Advanced Art 184 Ceramics & Sculpture 183 Drawing & Painting 182 Graphic Design/Printmaking 181 Intro to Art BUSINESS 250 Accounting I 253 Computer Accounting 260 Money Management COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY 272 Computer Applications 262 Computer Presentations 261 Computer Programming 273 Web Design & Development ENGLISH 009 American Literature* 027 College English 021 Composition 9* 029 Composition 10* 049 Composition AP English Literature 033 Dramatic Arts 031 Film Study 005 Introduction to Literature* 047 Media Literacy 025 Modern Fiction 023 Non-Fiction Literature & Composition 034 Shakespeare 008 World Literature* SPANISH 470 Spanish I* 471 Spanish II* 472 Spanish III 473 Spanish IV FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES 211 Advanced Foods 216 Advanced Sewing 210 Foods I 215 Sewing I COURSE OFFERINGS INDUSTRY & TRADES 203 Advanced Metals Technology 202 Advanced Wood Technology 245 Engineering Graphics I 246 Engineering Graphics II 238 House Repairs You Can Do 231 Industry & Trades Other 230 Industry & Trades Woods MATHEMATICS 310 Advanced Algebra II* 307 Advanced Geometry* 311 Advanced Math Applications 301 Algebra I 313 Algebra II 308 Algebra Foundations 349 AP Calculus AB 351 AP Statistics 314 Functions/Statistics (FS) 316 Func/Stat/Trig (FST) 306 Geometry 309 Geometry Foundations MISCELLANEOUS 966 Apprenticeship 962 Comm Based Instruction (CBI) 964 Internship 901 Kent Career/Tech Center 924 Online Courses 918 Yearbook INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 105 Concert Band 106 Orchestra 104 Symphonic Band VOCAL MUSIC 123 Concert Choir 124 Freshman Choir 125 Sophomore Choir PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH 508 Dance and Fitness 511 Foundations of Wellness 501 Health 509 Lifetime Activities 507 Strength & Conditioning 513 Strength & Conditioning-Female 504 Team Sports *Indicates Honors designation available. RELIGION 673 Christian Doctrine (Religion 12) 676 Christian Ministry 667 Christian Worldview* (Religion 10) 668 New Testament (Religion 11) 669 Old Testament * (Religion 9) 674 World Religions SCIENCE 786 Advanced Biology 740 Advanced Chemistry 788 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 785 Advanced Organic Chemistry 791 Anatomy/Physiology 744 AP Physics I 781 Biology* 750 Chemistry 790 Environmental Science 789 Global Science 779 Integrated Science 782 Life Science 770 Physical Science (Chemistry)* 771 Physical Science (Physics)* 787 Physics SOCIAL STUDIES 812 AP US Government 818 AP US History 828 AP World History 857 Economics* 838 Family Living 832 Psychology 834 Social Problems 837 Sociology 811 US Government 821 US History 839 World Affairs 830 World History

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