High School on the Horizon Making the Transition to High School
Content What s New About High School? School Policy and Procedure Student Success: Making Good Grades, Homework, Goal Setting and Parent Involvement High School Lingo Future Ready Core Graduation Requirements Schedules Honor Courses, Advanced Placement and Earning College Credits Promotion Requirements/Understanding GPA / Transcripts College Planning in High school High School Options (Admissions/Requirements/ Deadlines) Early College Leadership Academies Magnet Schools PowerSchool Parent Portal Career Pathways
What s new about High School? More expectations Higher demands Zeros are allowed More class work and homework More students More freedom/independence/responsibility More class choices More requirements to be promoted Everything counts towards college and career opportunities
School Policies and Procedures It s important to read the WCPSS Student/Parent Hand book regarding school policy and procedure AND to be familiar with how each individual school handles breaking these policies. Typical Offenses Dress Code no hats or head coverings Electronic Devices- They are not allowed to be used or visible during the school day. Bullying and Harassment- Zero Tolerance Policy, this includes bullying or harassment through social media Tardies- After 3 tardies in the same class; tardies can lead to Saturday School, ASD, and suspension
Attendance Attendance is taken during each period. If your child has to be absent you must turn a note in to the attendance office within two days of the return to school in order for it to be considered an excused absence. When absent, it is your student s responsibility to make up any missing work, quizzes, or tests. Most teachers will expect them to do so before school, during lunch, or after school.
Attendance Wake County policy dictates that a student absent for more than 10 days in a semester class or 20 days in a yearlong class can be assigned a grade of FF indicating failure due to excessive absences. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. 1 absence in a block scheduled class is like missing 2 days of learning. Talk to your teachers and counselor about extenuating circumstances that will lead to over 10 absences.
How do students make good grades? Keep Up so you don t have to Catch Up o Students have to learn how to manage their time and stay organized in high school Get Extra Help o Tutoring is available before school, after school, during lunch, and even online Ask Questions!! o Especially when things are unclear TRY!!!
Good study habits start on the 1st day of class, NOT the day before a test! 1. Show up to each class on time 2. Have the required materials for class 3. Be attentive and participate 4. Take good notes that they will understand 5. Review their notes daily 6. Do their homework 7. Stay organized and keep track of deadlines 8. Review their progress reports online often
What is homework? The average amount of homework each night should be between 1-3 hours Written assignments, worksheets Daily review of class notes (flash cards, rewrite notes) Reading (in preparation for daily quizzes) Projects Study guides Check to make sure that your child is doing their homework. You do not have to know the subject to be able to help your child with their homework. Sometimes, the best lesson is showing your student how to find an answer. Ask your student to explain their work to you. This is a great way for you both to see if he/she really understands the work. If you are both stuck, help your student come up with the question that he/she needs to ask the teacher
Help Your Student Set Goals Do they know what they are working towards? Ask about your children s future plans Help your child research more information about their career goal and what steps they need to take to reach their goal If they do not have any career goals yet, help them find their passion Share with them how you did reach your goals, and how you did not reach some goals
Other Tips Other things you can do to help your child transition Make time to listen, and hear them out Communicate clear expectations Know your child s friends and their parents Be supportive and encouraging Be an example and emphasize the importance of education Help out with homework Come out to Open Houses, games, and other school events with your student Teach them how to be safe on the internet Expose them to different career options
Parent Involvement 9 th grade is the time for me to be less involved as a parent so my child can be more independent Adolescence is one of the most difficult and important times of your child s life. Add in the academic pressure, the social pressure, and everything else that comes with the transition to high school and it s easy to see why 9 th graders need so much positive support at school and at home.
Keep in touch Maintaining communication with the school is very important for your child s success. Make sure the school always has updated contact information for you Know when progress reports and report cards come out Email teachers and counselors when you have questions Many teachers have websites/blackboard/edmodo accounts with important class information, including daily homework assignments If needed, schedule a parent-teacher conference through the school counselor Get an Home Base account and use it
High School Lingo PowerSchool - new operating system; Students and Parents have access to Powerschool to check grades and attendance formerly accessed through NCWISE) PowerSchool Number Student identification number Future Ready Core Curriculum that all students are currently following; students must meet all FRC requirements in order to graduate Blackboard Website allowing parents and students access to class assignments and syllabi NCVPS North Carolina Virtual Public School, online courses available to students enrolled in NC public schools NCAA Clearinghouse National Collegiate Athletic Association, student athletes must register with this organization in order to participate in varsity college sports, see Athletic Director or coach for more information NHS National Honor Society, organization for academically successful students ACT American College Testing, admissions assessment accepted at almost all colleges and universities SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test, admissions assessment accepted at almost all colleges and universities IB International Baccalaureate, advanced academic program available at some Wake County high schools Three EOC s students must pass in order to graduate (Common Core Math I, Biology, English II) CTE Exams State-mandated final exams for CTE courses SAP Student Assistance Program counselor, works with all students typically for personal/social issues CDC Career Development Coordinator, coordinates career development activities for the entire high school
English English I, II, III, IV Mathematics Common Core Math I, II, III, and a 4 th Math OR Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and a 4th Math Science Earth Science or AP Environmental Science, Biology, Physical Science/ Chemistry/ Physics Social Studies World History, Civics & Economics, American History I & II Health and Physical Education Healthful Living I Electives Two must be from CTE/ ART/ or Foreign Language Total required Credits: May vary at WCPSS Magnet Schools and in other counties 4 4 3 4 1 10 26
Math 4 Credits For 9 th graders entering in 2014-2015 and later: All students (except OCS) must complete 4 math courses to graduate. Future Ready Core Common Core I, Common Core II, Common Core III and a 4 th math course beyond Algebra II to be aligned with the student s post high school plans. In the instance that a principal grants an exception to a student from the Future Ready Core math sequence, the student will be required to take Common Core Math I and Common Core Math II plus two other application-based math courses.
Mathematics Typical Sequences for Academic Students under the Future Ready Core A Common Core Math IA (elective) Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Common Core Math IB Foundatio ns of Geometry (elective) Common Core Math II Foundatio ns of Advanced Algebra (elective) Common Core Math III Advanced Functions & Modeling B Common Core Math I Common Core Math II Common Core Math III Advanced Functions & Modeling C Common Core Math I Common Core Math II Common Core Math III Discrete Mathematics D Common Core Math II Common Core Math III Advanced Functions & Modeling AP Statistics
Mathematics E F G Special Topics in Math (elective) Typical Sequences for Honors Students under the Future Ready Core Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Common Core Math II (Honors) Common Core Math II (Honors) Common Core Math III (Honors) Common Core Math III (Honors) Common Core Math III (Honors) Precalculus AP Calculus AB Precalculus Precalculus AP Calculus BC AP Calculus AB/BC and/or AP Statistics* AP Calculus AB/BC and/or AP Statistics* Math Analysis and/or AP Statistics* *AP Statistics may also be taken in the same year as Pre-calculus.
Foreign Language Foreign Language is generally not recommended for 9th graders unless continuing the language from middle school: Spanish, French, German, Latin, etc. Language course offerings vary from school to school. Not required for graduation. But 2 credits required to meet MAR (minimum application requirements) for admission to a university in the UNC system.
Future Ready Core Checklist
School Schedule The block schedule pace is fast 4 classes per semester 90 minutes each class Traditional 8 classes all year 45 or 90 minutes each class (A/B day)
It all starts with recommendations The eighth grade teachers will make ninth grade courses recommendations and counselors will assist students register. As parents you should review these course selections carefully. You make the ultimate decision in course selections.
Sample Course Selections for 9th Graders English I Math Science (Earth Science or Biology) World History Healthful Living Additional Course (Elective*) Additional Course (Elective*) Additional Course (Elective*) *Electives are courses you choose to take. You can take a core course as an elective.
Promotion Requirements The student must pass English each year as well as having the required number of credits each year in order to be promoted to the next grade. From Promotion Criteria Grade 9 English I, credits in mathematics, social studies, science, and additional credits 10 English II, one credit in mathematics, one in social studies, one in science, and two additional credits 11 English III and enrollment in a program which, if successfully accomplished, will result in the completion of graduation requirements Credits 6 12 18
Grading System Letter Grades Standard (Regular) Honors (Advanced) AP (Advanced Placement) A = 93-100 4 5 6 B = 85-92 3 4 5 C = 77-84 2 3 4 D = 70-76 1 2 3 F = less than 70 0 0 0
Calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA) Steps: 1. Determine quality points for each letter grade. 2. Total the quality points. 3. Divide total quality points by the total number of potential credits (including any Fs received)
Calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA) Example: If a student takes all academic courses and makes 2 A s, 1 B, and 1C, to calculate the GPA add: (A) 4.0 + (A) 4.0 + (B) 3.0 + (C) 2.0 = 13.0 13.0 quality points divided by 4 courses = 3.25 GPA Wake County determines official GPA based on final grades. Your GPA is figured and reported on the transcript both weighted and unweighted. To calculate an unweighted GPA, use the academic scale only. Students are ranked from highest to lowest GPA using cumulative weighted grades.
Promote or Retain? 9 th Grade Final Report Card Course Final Grade Quality Points CC Math 1A B Visual Arts A World History F Child Development B CC Math 1B C Grade Standard A 4 B 3 C 2 D 1 F 0 English I Healthful Living Earth Science C A F Total Quality Points: 18 GPA: 2.25 Promote or Retain? retain
What are the benefits of taking an Honors/AP/IB course? Personal and academic growth Rigorous courses look favorable for college admissions Rigorous work helps improve SAT and ACT scores Earn college credit in high school with AP/IB exams Students are exposed to college level work with high school support Helps ease the transition from high school to college freshman Weighted Credit for final course grade Grade Academic Honors AP/IB A B C D F 4 3 2 1 0 5 4 3 2 0 6 5 4 3 0
The High School Transcript The 9th grade year is extremely important: Every course taken in high school (passed or failed) will appear on the student s transcript and is used to calculate the Grade Point Average (GPA) The GPA is a critical component in the college admission process Course selection and the level of difficulty (rigor) is also heavily considered for college admission The GPA, entrance exams and other criteria are the primary indicators of scholarship offers
End of Course (EOC) Requirements Students must achieve a level 3 or 4 for proficiency in the End of Course Exams (EOCs) in: Biology Common Core Math 1 or 1B English II EOC exams count as 25% of the final course grade Career & Technical Education Courses count as 20% of the final course grade
College Planning? In the 9th grade!?!? IT S VERY IMPORTANT TO START COLLEGE PLANNING IN 9 TH GRADE Students need to start thinking about which colleges and careers suit their interests. College Admission Offices pay careful attention to Grade Point Average (GPA) Class rank Difficulty of course load SAT/ACT scores High school and community activities Recommendations
Need College Information? Research potential future colleges and universities at: www.cfnc.org Visit colleges/universities on open house days Visit the Student Services BlackBoard Ask your school counselor!
4-Year College or not, High School is still important! Students who drop out are more likely than high school graduates to be unemployed, in poor health, living in poverty, on public assistance, and become single parents with children who drop out of high school.
It s not ALL about academics Responsibility New experiences Meet expectations Face challenges Leadership Learn to work with others Build character Finding a place to fit in
Clubs & Organizations Spanish Beta Club, Key Club. National Honor Society Fellowship of Christian Athletes Student Government Association PTSA FFA
Get Involved Science Club Yearbook Drama Step Team Fashion Club Marching Band JROTC Team Sports
Driver Education Students may take Driver Education at 14.5 years of age To be eligible to obtain a Driver s Permit or maintain driving privileges, student must pass 3/4 (75%) of their classes each semester Only juniors and seniors are eligible to drive to school and they must meet the guidelines of the school
Athletic Eligibility All incoming freshmen are eligible for athletics fall semester of their freshman year. After the first semester of their freshman year, students are eligible when: ARE IN ATTENDANCE 85% (CANNOT MISS MORE THAN 13.5 DAYS IN THE PREVIOUS 90-DAY SEMESTER). THIS INCLUDES ALL ABSENCES (EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED) At the end of each semester, any participant who failed to attend school 85% of that semester is immediately ineligible. WCPSS requires the athlete to be present the entire day in order to participate in activities or practices.
Minimum Work Load for Athletic Eligibility TRADITIONAL SCHEDULE BLOCK SCHEDULE A/B SCHEDULE Must pass five courses Must pass three courses 90 min. classes Must pass six courses
WCPSS High Schools Apex, Athens Drive, Broughton, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Green Hope, Heritage, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Leesville, Middle Creek, Panther Creek, Rolesville, Sanderson, East Wake High School of Health Science, East Wake School of Arts, Education and Global Studies, East Wake School of Engineering Systems, East Wake School of Integrated Technology, Wake Forest, Wakefield.
Wake County Early Colleges Wake Early College of Health and Sciences Wake NC State STEM Early College High School Career and Technical Education Early College (not yet open)
Wake County Early Colleges Early College High Schools are small schools where students have the opportunity to earn an Associate degree (Arts or Science) or two years of transferable college credit. They offer personalized learning environments, a common and coherent focus, and they emphasize accelerated learning for students.
Career and Technical Education Early College The pre-application for the CTE high school is open for grades 10 to 12. Step 1: Early College Pre-Application Applicants must complete the pre-application and submit it by December 6, 2013. To apply, visit ctehs.wcpss.net Step 2: Magnet Application They must also complete the early college part of the magnet application which will be available online January 28 February 9, 2014. Interested students may apply for up to 3 programs but should only apply to those programs that truly interest them. Step 3: Notification If a student is selected, he or she will receive a permanent assignment to the CTE High School. Students who are selected for the school will not have the option to decline the assignment in the school or specific CTE program for which they applied. For this reason, students should consider carefully their interest and commitment to the CTE program before applying.
Wake Early College of Health and Sciences WECHS features a partnership among the Wake County Public School System, Wake Technical Community College, and WakeMed Health and Hospitals. The school is located on the Wake Tech Health Sciences and Northern Campuses. WECHS students have the opportunity to graduate in five years with a high school diploma and an Associates of Arts (AA), Associates of Science (AS), transferable diploma in science or arts, or a health science certificate. College credits completed while enrolled in the school are tuitionfree and are transferable to one of North Carolina s sixteen public universities.
WECHS Information Sessions The sessions will be small group format with a maximum of six families per session. Location: HS Campus, Conference Room, Health Education Building, Room 130. Registration is required, see the link below. 11/18 9-10 am and 1-2 pm 11/20 9-10 am and 1-2 pm http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4faaac2dab9-wechs2 WECHS Online Application Available since November 2, 2013 magnetcenter@wcpss.net, 919-431-7333 WECHS accepts 75 freshmen each year and a few sophomore students depending upon availability For additional information, please contact: Monnie Sutton, Magnet Coordinator, msutton@wcpss.net
Wake NC State STEM Early College High School Is a joint project between the Wake County Public School System, NC State University, and the NC New Schools Project. The STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) ECHS will allow students to earn both a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit at NC State University at the conclusion of their five year program. It is essential that students who come to our program are highly interested in one or more of the content areas of science, technology, engineering, and/or math, have a strong desire to attend college. This will require students to be dedicated and focused since they will be both high school and college students.
A Unique Focus STEM ECHS Internships Job Shadowing Guest Presenters Field Experiences Application Deadline: December 6th
Leadership Academies Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy Wake Young Men s Leadership Academy
Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy Wake Young Women s Leadership Academy (WYWLA) is a 6-12 single-gender academy. Young women are inspired to lead and to learn as they travel a path to academic and personal excellence. As an early college program, WYWLA has a partnership with St. Augustine's University that allows students to earn up to 64 hours of transferrable college credit. Application Deadline: December 6th
Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy WYMLA is a 6-12 single-gender academy within the WCPSS. WYMLA s mission is to develop young men into leaders who have a positive impact on their communities through Scholarship, Service, and Success. The school opened in the Fall of 2012 and currently serves 150 students in the middle school (6-8) and 100 students in the upper school (9-10). Application Process: November
Magnet Schools The Wake County Public School System has 4 Magnet high schools The application will open in January 2014 for the 2014-15 school year
Enloe High School GT/IB Theme Description 1. Extensive elective menu for exploration of interests, acceleration, and rich, indepth study in all subject areas to enhance the standard course of study 2. Foreign language instruction offered through high school 3. Expanded visual and performing arts opportunities 4. Extensive AP course offerings in high school Tours November 20 December 4, 18 January 8, 15 and 29 February 6 Tours begin at 8:15, parents should arrive no later than 8:10. Tours will run from 8:15-9:25.
Garner High School Curriculum: International Baccalaureate Diploma Years Programme IB High Schools offer the last two years of the Middle Years Programme (grades 9-10) and the Diploma Programme (grades 11-12). INFO SESSION DATE Rising Freshman Expo/Magnet Open House on January 22nd at 6:30 pm
Millbrook High School Curriculum: International Baccalaureate Diploma Years Programme IB High Schools offer the last two years of the Middle Years Programme (grades 9-10) and the Diploma Programme (grades 11-12). November 19, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., Magnet Open House at 6:30 p.m. December 4, at 8:00 a.m. December 11, at 9:00 a.m. December 17 at 1:00 p.m. January 9 at 8:00 a.m. January 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Southeast Raleigh High School Center for Leadership & Technology November 19, 2013 December 3, 2013 January 9, 2014 January 28, 2014 February 6, 2014 Tours will begin at 8:00 am.
Questions?
HomeBase Parent Portal With MariaRosa Rangel
Career Pathways
11:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Visit with the MS/HS Counselors and Informational Booths 12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. Panel Discussion