On behalf of Mesquite High School, we would like to WELCOME you to our Wildcat Den.

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1 On behalf of Mesquite High School, we would like to WELCOME you to our Wildcat Den. This guide was put together to assist you and make you feel more comfortable in your school. We want to wish you the best of luck all through your high school years. After all, you re a Mesquite Wildcat now!

2 What do I do if I can t find my way around school? Who should I ask? All students are provided with a map of Mesquite. To limit your frustrations, mark your classes on the map and find each of your classes before the first day. If you are still confused, ask anyone, especially teachers. Keep this map handy during those first few days. Will I have enough time to get to each class? You will have five minutes to get to each class. This is plenty of time to make it to your classes on time. Can I pick which lunch hour I want? No. Your lunch is determined by your class schedule. Can I leave campus for lunch? No. Mesquite High School is a closed campus school. Students are not allowed to leave campus for lunch. Can I buy a lunch ticket? What is available for lunch and how much does it cost? Students may purchase a cafeteria credit card ( Personal checks will not be accepted. The cafeteria offers a variety of selections such as pizza, hamburgers, cold sandwiches and tacos. A lunch combo, a la carte items and the snack bar are available, so prices vary according to your choice. (Usually the students spend $3.00 to $3.50 each day.)

3 Where will the bus pick me up? You will need to check the bus schedule when you register. Bus schedules and pick-up points may change slightly each year. Bus students are dropped off at Mesquite on the south, west or north side loading zones and you will board your bus at the same location after school. What is the student I.D. used for and am I required to carry it at all times? Your Mesquite I.D. is used when you re riding the bus, in the library and to get into all school functions, including dances and games. Your I.D. must also be presented upon request to any faculty or staff member. How many classes do I have each day? What classes are available? All Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors must be enrolled in six classes. Over 150 different courses are offered at Mesquite. Refer to your course description book for more information on the classes offered! Am I allowed to select my schedule and can I make changes? You select your classes under the guidance of the Counselors and your final schedule is generated by a computer. Therefore, you may choose required classes and electives, but you cannot request specific teachers or class periods. Your schedule can be changed only when one of the following applies: 1) Incomplete Schedule (six (6) classes needed) 2) Prerequisite Needed (you re scheduled for French II & you haven t taken French I) 3) Level Adjustment (schedule reflects Math Topics 1&2 and you should be in Math 3&4) 4) Summer School Completion (schedule reflects a class you completed during Summer School).

4 What modern languages are offered? Do I have to take a modern language to get into college? Mesquite offers Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and American Sign Language. Many colleges require a knowledge of modern language. Two years of a modern language (must be the same modern language) is required for admission to the four year Arizona Universities. Do I pay for books? What things do I need for my classes? Students use textbooks free of charge. A set of textbooks are checked out to each student to take and leave at home (there are NO lockers for books at Mesquite) and a set is provided in the classroom. If any of your books are lost, stolen, or damaged, you must pay for them. There are certain fees paid by each student such as activity cards and parking passes. Some classes also require a fee, please refer to your course description book. You will need a notebook (make sure your notebook has paper), pen, pencil and your student handbook. Each teacher may also request specific items. These will be explained during the first several days of class. How many credits are needed to graduate? You MUST earn twenty-two (22) credits to graduate from a Gilbert District high school. Why are grades so important? How do I raise and maintain my grades? In order to be in after school activities, a student must maintain good grades at Mesquite. You have a better chance of being prepared for life after high school and/or accepted by a college or university. You will feel better about yourself and others when you put forth your best effort. To earn good grades you should listen, take notes, use class time wisely and study for quizzes/tests. Be sure to complete your homework, as homework is important in all high school classes.

5 How do kids fail classes? What should I do if I fail a class? Students sometimes fail a class because they neglect to do their homework. Another problem is excessive absences. Attendance is an essential element in keeping up grades. If you fail a class required for graduation you MUST retake it. You may take the class again on campus, go to summer school, attend night school or take the class online. If you fail an elective class, you may retake it or choose another elective. FAILURE OF A CLASS MEANS YOU DO NOT GET ANY CREDIT FOR THE CLASS. How many days can I miss before I lose credit for a class? How many tardies may I have before detention is assigned? When you have been absent six days, a letter is sent to your home. After ten absences, a second letter is sent to your home and an administrator will call you into the office to have you sign a contract. If you have a tenth absence, you may lose credit. Due process is available to you, meaning that you and your parents may meet with an Assistant Principal to discuss your situation. Credit may be extended if you do not have any truancies (unexcused absences) and have a medical excuse. After the third tardy, the teacher will assign a 30 minute detention or refer you to an assistant principal. All detentions must be served or you will be subject to a more severe alternative consequence. What happens if I cut/ditch a class? The school contacts your home and reports the absence to your parents. Ditching can quickly lead to a loss of credit in a class. Don t ditch! Detention is assigned to be served in the Alternative Learning Center (A.L.C.). Two hours of detention will be assigned for each hour of class that is ditched. Detention hours are to be served at lunch or after school.

6 Are report cards mailed home? Progress reports are mailed home after each 4 ½ week period of school and report cards are sent each 9 weeks. Each report reflects current grades, absences, tardies and teacher comments. What kind of activities and clubs are offered at Mesquite? How do I get involved? You name it and Mesquite probably has it! There are clubs and activities ranging from Chess Club to Youth Alive. You may pick which ones you want to be in, sign up, and begin attending meetings. Some clubs and activities such as Cheer, Spanish and Newspaper have requirements that you have to meet in order to join. There is no limit to the number of clubs you can join, but you may want to join just a couple at first until you see what responsibilities and time commitments are expected from each club. EVERYONE AT MESQUITE IS ENCOURAGED TO JOIN AT LEAST ONE CLUB OR ACTIVITY. THE MORE YOU ARE INVOLVED, THE MORE FUN YOUR YEARS AT MESQUITE HIGH WILL BE! Do I have to wear a P.E. uniform? Do I have to pay for my P.E. locker? Do I have to take a shower after P.E.? A Mesquite P.E. T-shirt is strongly recommended and may be purchased at the Bookstore. There is no charge for the use of a P.E. locker. However, you must purchase or provide a lock for the locker. All P.E. teachers strongly urge students to shower at the end of class. What s the Spirit Store? The Spirit Store is maintained and operated by Marketing students and is open to students during 3 rd, 4 th, & 5 th hours. The store sells all kinds of things: spirit clothing, notebooks, pens, and school supplies. Stuffed animals, cards, balloons and snacks are also available. You may enroll in the Marketing Class when you are a Junior.

7 How do I sign-up for sports? Do I have to try out for an athletic team? How long are athletic practices and are they hard? How do I earn an athletic/academic letter and how do I get a jacket? All necessary procedures (fees, insurance, physicals, permission slips, etc.) are explained in the athletic packet. This packet is available in the Athletic Director s office. It is advisable to take care of all paperwork before school starts. If you are participating in winter or spring sports, announcements will be made during the year, explaining which coach to talk to and where to meet. Most athletic teams require try-outs. Talk to the coaches and try your best. Athletic practices vary in length and intensity, depending upon the sport. Yes, they are hard! Coaches at Mesquite are determined to produce the best athletes they can. To earn an athletic/academic letter you must successfully complete a varsity sport, such as football, volleyball, track, basketball, or meet the requirements of an academic letter. Once you have earned a letter, you may purchase a letter jacket. How do I act at pep assemblies? You act spirited, have fun, and as usual, we expect our students to behave in an acceptable manner. You do not sit with a particular teacher. Students sit in marked areas for Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. How do I get permission to park on campus? Seniors receive first priority followed by Juniors and Sophomores. It is not recommended that Sophomores and Freshmen drive to school. You may obtain an application and purchase a parking permit for $60.00 at the Bookstore. Is there Freshman Initiation? NO! At Mesquite High School, Freshman initiation is NOT allowed.

8 Can a Freshman run for Student Council? Yes! A President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and one Class Representative are elected by the Freshman Class in September. These five people automatically are members of Student Council and must take Leadership Class. You MUST maintain a 3.0 average. Will I see my friends from last year? How do I meet nice people at Mesquite? Chances are you will not be in the same classes as your old classmates, as your schedule is determined by computer. But that does not mean that you cannot meet new people or see your old friends in activities or at lunch. The best way to meet new people is by getting INVOLVED! Is high school as hard as everyone says it is? It s much harder than grade school or junior high and you ll receive more homework. But remember, along with the additional responsibility, high school can be more fun and you have more freedom. How much more freedom and homework will I have? You definitely will have additional freedom in high school. You will be allowed choices, opportunity to exercise independence, and given privileges. It is just a matter of staying out of trouble. If you get into trouble, your freedom will be taken away. Most high school students have homework every night. The amount of actual time varies, but you will need to allow for 1-2 hours each night. A lot depends on the classes you are taking.

9 What are the best ways to organize my study time? Set a specific time and place to study everyday. Train your body and mind to follow this plan. When you are studying, allow no distractions! Don t listen to the radio or T.V., or accept phone calls during your study time. If I m having trouble in a class, what can I do to get help? It s important to remember you always can get help, if you ASK. The instructors at Mesquite are dedicated and concerned, they will assist you before or after school and sometimes even during lunch. TALK to any of your teachers regarding their/your schedule for assistance. Can I listen/bring my CD Player or I-Pod to school? Are Cell Phones allowed at school? You are allowed to bring your CD Player/I-Pod and Cell Phone to school. You can enjoy listening to your music or talking on the phone before or after school, during lunch and while you are changing classes. You are NOT allowed to listen to music or talk on your cell phone during class and must place your listening device and cell phone in a back pack. Remember the school is NOT responsible for stolen or lost equipment. Is the PRIDE Program utilized in High School? The PRIDE program is NOT utilized in high school. It is practiced in junior high to prepare you for high school. During the last two years of daily use of the PRIDE program, you should have developed class preparation skills that will assist you in being successful throughout your high school years.

10 What is the Student Handbook/Planner? The Mesquite High School Student Handbook/Planner is a two part booklet given to freshman at the beginning of the school year. The first section contains valuable information regarding rules, code of conduct and dress code. The second section is a student daily scheduler and hall pass portion. Any student may purchase a book in the bookstore for $2.00. How can I see a counselor in a non-emergency circumstance? The Counseling Office is open from 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Students can make appointments with their assigned counselor (alphabetical by last name) before or after school, during lunch or when they have a pass from a teacher. Honor s Program If you currently attend a Gilbert junior high school and are NOT in the Honors Program, you must take the Honors Test at your junior high if you wish to take any honors class at Mesquite. See your junior high counselor for more details. If you currently attend a school that is NOT in the Gilbert district and would like to attend Mesquite and take honors classes, you must first register for admission to Mesquite and then pick up an Honors Testing Permission Form in the Counseling Office. Honors testing date T.B.D. Honor s Program Required Summer Reading A Separate Peace (John Knowles) A Raisin in the Sun (Lorraine Hansberry) JUNIOR HIGH REGISTRATION TIMELINE Gilbert Jr. High Mesquite Jr. High 2/22/10 Registration Presentations 2/22/10 Registration Presentations 2/26/10 On-line Registrations 2/26/10 On-line Registration 3/4/10 Late Registration 3/4/10 Late Registration