Transcript Information Night for Parents of Rising Freshmen

Information Night for Parents
of Rising Freshmen
Briar Woods Guidance Department
Dave Royhab, Director
Agenda
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Graduation & SOL Requirements
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Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Process
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Course Options for Rising 9th Grade Students
Diplomas

Standard Diploma
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Advanced Studies Diploma
Standard Diploma
Academic Areas
Credits
SOL Verified Credits
English
4
2
Social Studies
3
1
Mathematics
3
1
Science
3
1
Foreign Language
0
0
Health/Physical Education
2
0
Fine or Practical Art
1
0
Electives
6
0
Student Selected Verified Credit
0
1
Total
22
6
Advanced Studies Diploma
Academic Areas
Credits
SOL Verified Credits
English
4
2
Social Studies
4
2
Mathematics
4
2
Science
4
2
3 or 4
0
Health/Physical Education
2
0
Fine or Practical Art
1
0
1 or 2
0
Student Selected Verified Credit
0
1
Total
24
9
Foreign Language
Electives
SOL Courses
Reading (Eng. 11)
Writing (Eng. 11)
Earth Science
Biology
Chemistry
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
World History 1
World History 2
US History
Scheduling Process
BWHS counselors will be visiting the middle
schools this week:
February 10 & 11: Stone Hill
February 11 & 12: Eagle Ridge
Scheduling Process
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Students will receive the 2009-2010 Program
of Studies & course selection information
Counselors will review:
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Transitioning to high school
Graduation requirements
The high school schedule
Advanced Placement courses
Activities & sports
Classes for next year
Scheduling Process
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English
Social Studies
Science
Math
Health & Physical Education
Elective
Elective
Scheduling Process
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There is a different process for scheduling at
each middle school
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The end result is the same: Students and
parents will select their courses with the input
and assistance of their counselors and
teachers
Scheduling Process at Stone Hill
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BWHS counselors will review course options
with students
Students will meet with SHMS counselors
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SHMS counselors will present students with their
core course recommendations
SHMS counselors will help students pick their
electives
Students will bring home a print-out of these
courses for your final approval
Scheduling Process at Eagle Ridge
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BWHS counselors will review course options
with students and help students pick their
electives
On 2/18/09 ERMS counselors will mail home
a course selection form for your final
approval. The form will include core course
recommendations and elective choices
Please sign the form and send it in with your
child
Scheduling Process
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If you would like to change your child’s
selections, you should write a note and have
your child return it with the form
If you disagree or do not understand why a
level was recommended – please consider
contacting your middle school counselor or
teacher
Changes can be made until June 30, 2009
Scheduling Process

After June 30th schedule changes may not be
possible
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After school begins, students who receive the
elective selections they requested will not be
permitted to make changes
Course Levels
Honors and Pre-Advanced Placement
Course content is rapidly paced with additional
depth. Lessons are often designed to be
complex, abstract, and open-ended.
Course Levels
Academic
Course content and expected student
performance require additional reading and
writing at a rigorous level.
Academic is a “college-bound” level.
Course Levels
General
Course content and student performance are
commensurate with the student’s grade level.
Basic
Course content may be adapted to the
performance level of students with special
needs.
Freshman Science
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Earth Science
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Honors
Academic
General/Basic
Biology
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Honors
“Lesson in Balance”
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Challenge the student vs. Overloading the
student
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Finding balance in the students course load
“Lesson in Balance”
Take the most challenging classes you
can handle.
“Lesson in Balance”
Take the most challenging classes you
can reasonably handle.
“Lesson in Balance”
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How much time do you have available to
study and do homework?
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Do you play sports?
Are you involved in activities?
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What does your track-record indicate?
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How committed and disciplined are you?
“Lesson in Balance”
Think long-term:
It’s easier to improve your schedule each year
by taking more challenging classes…
than it is to improve a damaged GPA!
“Lesson in Balance”
Don’t forget to consider the student’s
interests when determining his/her
course load.
Review
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Graduation & SOL Requirements

Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Process

Course Options for Rising 9th Grade Students