What Every freshman
(parent) should know
High School Basics
to Help Your child
Succeed!
KNOW YOUR STUDENT’S COUNSELOR
A - Dea
Mrs. Heather Rains
Deb – Ji
Ms. Cally Fallenstein
Jo – Med
Mrs. Sarah Brandl, Head Counselor
Mee – Sam Mr. Chris Mank
San – Z
Ms. Jody Kissin
Freshman Year

All grades, courses, and credits count towards
graduation

Pass ALL classes first time aroundno Summer School at PLHS, options may be limited

G.P.A for graduation is determined by 9-12 grades.

College preparation starts now!
Graduation Requirements:
• All students must earn a 2.0 GPA in both
academics and citizenship
• Earn a total of 44 credits by the end of senior year.
• Pass all required classes
• Pass the CAHSEE (California High School Exit
Exam) English and Math (Tenative)
Required Classes (a-g)
a.
Social Studies – 6 semesters
= World (AP or regular) or AP Euro, U.S. History (AP or regular),
& Government/Economics or Political Science
b.
English – 8 semesters
= English ½, English ¾, American Lit. or AP English Lang,
& Writer’s Workshop, Expos. Reading & Writing or AP English Lit.
c.
Math – 6 semesters required (8 semesters highly recommended)
= Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, & Integrated Math III
Upper division courses include: Functions, Pre Calc, AP Stats, Discrete Math, etc.
d.
Science – 6 semesters (8 semesters highly recommended)
= Biology, Chemistry or Physics & 1 other UC approved science
course (ex. Earth Science, Physiology, Principles Bio Med, etc.)
Upper division courses include: AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics, & AP Envirn. Science
e. World Language– 4 semesters (6 semesters highly recommended)
= Mandarin Chinese, Spanish or French
f. Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) – 2 semesters (Must be of the same course)
= Art, Band, Ceramics, AP Art History, etc.
Encourage your child to get involved in
extracurricular activities, clubs and sports
.
Get Involved!
Point Loma serves a wide variety of student interests.
Clubs include: Aaron Price Fellows, Academic League, ASB, AVID, Band,
California Scholastic Federation, Cesar Chavez Service Club, Cheer, Clean
Wave Co-Op, Dance Team, Drama Club, Film Club, Fostering Smiles Club,
Fundraising Activities, Interact Club, Kiwanis International (Key Club), Math
League, MEChA, Naval Junior ROTC, NCT, Speech and Debate, Surf Team
(Club), UMOJA, Water Uganda Do?, and Yearbook
Athletics include: Cross Country, Basketball, Badminton, Women’s Field
Hockey, Soccer, Baseball, Football, Water Polo, Golf, Wrestling, Softball,
Tennis, Swim Team, Volleyball, Track and Field, Lacrosse and Surf
How to Help your Freshman
succeed!

Use PowerSchool to monitor attendance, grades and assignments

Look at pointlomahigh.com for important dates

Sign up for the eblast! (from the website)

Know your child’s schedule and email teachers

Get help from teachers and Link Leaders during Advisory period

Take advantage of FREE afterschool tutoring in the Library
How to Help your Freshman
succeed!

Research College costs and begin talking
about options to pay for college

Log on to Naviance and begin to explore!


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Colleges
Scholarships
Interest Surveys
Pop Quiz!
1. How many credits are needed to graduate?
A) 12
B) 54
C) 44
D) 40
2. What is the minimum GPA needed to graduate, play sports, go to
prom…?
A) 3.0
B) 2.0
C) 3.5
D) 2.5
3. What is the minimum amount of credits needed to move on to 10th
grade?
A) 10
B) 12
C) 6
D) 14
4. Your child needs to have which of the following to be eligible to
graduate high school?
A) Passed the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam)
B) 2.0 in academics and 2.0 in citizenship
C) 44 credits
D) All of the above
Thank you for joining us!
Any Questions for the Counselors?