WELCOME TO SOPHOMORE PARENT NIGHT POINTS TO PONDER…… Everything COUNTS Concentrate on academic preparation Continue to develop basic skills and co-curricular interests Begin Career Exploration KEYS TO SUCCESS Focus on academics Get involved in clubs and/or organizations Start long-term planning Be prepared by taking standardized tests Know the details Use your resources ACTIVITIES Students should be keeping an updated resume of all activities, especially awards received or volunteer/community service hours logged. SPORTS CLUBS VOLUNTEER TIME COMMUNITY SERVICE CHURCH YOUTH GROUPS LONG - RANGE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Begin to make college visits, if you haven’t already, for students that want to continue their education. Take advantage of Fall Break and long weekends. ATTENTION TO DETAIL Students are classified sophomores, etc. in August only and are not reclassified until the beginning of the next school year. In order to become a junior, a student MUST HAVE 10 credits. ATTENTION TO DETAIL Credits are awarded at the end of each semester; ½ credit for each class in December and again in May. Combining Grades Policy If failed 1st semester, but passed 2nd semester, then combine (ex. 1st = 60, 2nd = 80, combine to equal 70 – student receives full credit) If passed the 1st semester, but failed 2nd semester, do not combine (ex. 1st = 80, 2nd = 60, do not combine – Student only receives 1st semester credit) ATTENTION TO DETAIL Your students MUST HAVE all required classes AND 22 credits total in order to graduate. There is a difference between Graduation Requirements and Pre-College Curriculum It is imperative that you be involved and informed regarding your student’s grades and credits. Infinite Campus www.etown.k12.ky.us Click on “Parent Information” link Click on “Parent Portal” link Username = Student Number Password = initials birthdate (ex. mb042395) Click on “schedule” Click on name of class to see grades Make sure you click in correct grading period. We are in Q2 right now. KEES – KY Educational Excellence Scholarship KEES is a scholarship program that rewards students who earn C+ or better grades with scholarship money to attend one of Kentucky’s colleges or Technical schools. The higher the grades the student makes the more money that he/she earns. A bonus award for the highest ACT (15 or higher) composite or SAT scores can also be earned. Over the 4-year high school period students could earn as much as $2500 to apply toward their postsecondary education each year for up to four years of post-secondary school. That is $10,000 for a 4-year program and $5000 for a two-year program. There are GPA requirements for the renewal of the scholarship each year. Students and parents can visit www.kheaa.com to see a complete listing of post-secondary schools that can accept the KEES scholarship and to find more information. Students are encouraged to create an account and check their KEES accounts at the end of each year. KEES – Base Award GPA Amount 2.5 $125 2.6 150 2.7 175 2.75 187 2.8 200 2.9 225 3.0 250 3.1 275 3.2 300 3.25 312 3.3 325 3.4 350 3.5 375 3.6 400 3.7 425 3.75 437 3.8 450 3.9 475 4.0 500 KEES – Bonus Award Act Score Bonus 15 $36 16 71 17 107 18 143 19 179 20 214 21 250 22 286 23 321 24 357 25 393 26 428 27 464 28+ 500 EXAMS: ENTRANCE AND OTHERS Encourage your Students to take standardized tests. (required 10th) PSAT/NMSQT (should take 10th and 11th) ACT (required 11th) SAT (should take 11th and 12th) PLAN PLAN TEST DAY Tuesday, September 27th 8:00 – 11:00 am ALL Sophomores will take the PLAN. There is no charge for the test. PLAN test scores are a predictor of ACT scores. ACT scores are placed on the official high school transcript. PLAN includes: Tests in English, math, reading, and science – just like the ACT A career interest inventory that can help find the best career choices for the student A guide that explains what the student’s scores mean and how you can use them To learn more about the PLAN test visit www.planstudent.org PSAT/NMSQT College-bound 10th & 11th graders Wednesday, October 12th Measures critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills. The best preparation for the SAT Test. ***The only way for students to enter the National Merit Scholarship Competition ACT Required Assessment in Spring of Junior Year (this one is FREE) Make take multiple times Must register online – NEW! 4 areas: English, Science, Mathematics, and Reading Fee - $34.00 (Fee Waiver available) Optional Writing Test (add $15.50) www.actstudent .org for more information & Practice Tests ACT Test Dates September October December February June Registration must be completed online at www.actstudent.org SAT REASONING TEST Junior/Senior Year 3 areas: Reading, Math, and Writing Subject Tests also available Fee - $49 (Fee Waiver available) www.collegeboard.com for more information Test Dates: November December January March May June End of Course Assessments – New! English 2, Algebra 2, Biology, & US History May 2012 Will count as 20% of yearly grade for class. More information to come later On-Demand Writing – New! Writing Prompt May 2012 More information to come later. Junior Programs Governor’s School for the Arts Available for 10th and 11th On-line GSA Summer Program applications available beginning Oct. 1st Provides hands-on-arts opportunity for the states talented high school students who are dancers, actors, instrumental and vocal musicians, creative writers, future architects or visual artists. Primary component includes a three week summer residential program, regional arts workshops and master classes, college and career day and an artistic roster of performing and visual artists made up of GSA Alumni. Deadline is Dec. 31st For more info go to http://www.kentuckygsa.com Governor’s Scholars Program Stimulating, five-week, residential summer program for outstanding Kentucky students completing their junior year in high school. Provides academic and personal growth in a challenging, non-traditional experience that balances a strong liberal arts program with a full co-curricular and residential life experience. Must have a standardized test score (PSAT, ACT, or SAT) – need to take either 10th or Early Fall of Junior year October - Applications sent to guidance counselors' offices. Applications due before finals start in December Decision made in January For more info http://www.kygsp.org/ Other Junior Programs Hardin County Youth Leadership Girls and Boys State Nolin RECC Youth Tour APES (American Private Enterprise System) Seminar Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky Each year, the Gatton Academy admits 60 Kentucky students who apply during their sophomore year and are awarded admission based on ACT/SAT scores, grades, responses to essay questions, recommendations, and personal interviews. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students are dually-enrolled at the Gatton Academy and live in a uniquely dedicated residence hall. Taking courses offered by WKU, students earn at least 60 college credit hours in addition to completing high school. Housing, tuition, and meals are all paid for through funding by the Kentucky General Assembly in order to make this opportunity available to all qualifying students. Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky Academy representatives will host Community Information Sessions across the state. A full list of session dates, locations, and times is available at the following link: http://www.wku.edu/academy/inform ation_sessions.php Visit their website www.wku.edu/academy for more details. Contact Corey Alderdice at 270.745.2971 for more information ECTC/SEEK Program Must have completed the junior year of high school & have all credits up-to-date Submit the following to ECTC: Application for admission ACT/COMPASS scores Letter of recommendation High School transcript through the junior year An interview with the Dean of Student Affairs or the College Admissions Committee may be required Contact Bryan Smith for further information Ambern.Roberts@kctcs.edu (270) 706 - 8631 ECTC SEEK Program Requirements: Be on track to graduate Must have completed & passed the following courses: English 1, 2, & 3 Survey, World Civ, & US History Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra 2 Biology, Intro to Science, & Chemistry History & Appreciation of the Arts Health & PE Have no major discipline infractions Have a decent attendance record Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA ECTC SEEK Program Requirements: Be interested in one of the eleven technical programs Air Conditioning Technology Automotive Technology Construction Technology (Carpentry) Computer Aided Drafting and Design Culinary Arts Diesel Technology Engineering Technology Electrical Technology Information Technology Machine Tool Technology Welding Technology Have the appropriate test scores for the program you are interested in SHORT-TERM PLANNING FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE You and your student are the people most affected by your student’s success. Be knowledgeable about how to bring about that success. Be responsible for important information and details. RESOURCES CLASSROOM TEACHERS GUIDANCE COUNSELORS PRINCIPAL BJ Henry Dean of Students Steve Smallwood Assistant Principal Melissa Butler (K-Z) & Lisa Mudd (A-J) Doug Barnes FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER Karen Skees (765–7649) Websites for Information 1. www.collegeboard.com - Information on SAT, online registration, college planning, financial aid 2. www.act.org and/or www.actstudent.org - Information on ACT, online registration, college planning, financial aid 3. www.kheaa.com - Access KEES account, virtual campus tours, financial aid & scholarship information 4. www.gohigherky.org - Virtual campus tours, college planning, choosing a college, paying for college 5. www.petersons.com - Information on college choices, scholarships, standardized test prep, etc. 6. www.fastweb.com- Find college financial aid, search for scholarships and get money for college 7. www.fafsa.ed.gov - Electronically submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 8. www.finaid.org - Comprehensive, free financial aid, testing, & college admissions info 9. www.college-scholarships.com - Information on college scholarships and financial aid, free college scholarship search Websites for Information 10.www.mapping-your-future.org One-stop site for information on financial strategies, career options, and college planning. The site is sponsored by a group of guaranty agencies who participate in the Federal Education Loan Program (FELP). 11. www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm The Occupational Outlook Handbook is an invaluable tool. This site is very user friendly and has lots of information about every career imaginable. There is also labor market trend information. 12. www.myfuture.com The Work Interest Quiz on this site is a free and anonymous career inventory. 13. www.knowhow2go.org This site helps students look at what they need to do to prepare for college. 14. www.acinet.org Included on this site is career information, information about the job market in each state, and career videos. The videos are brief but informative. 15. www.vaview.vt.edu There is a wealth of information on this site for all grade levels. There are activities, printable newsletters, and tips for parents, etc. 16. www.tryengineering.org If you have students interested in engineering this site has lots of possibilities. 17. http://educationusa.state.gov/ For students who are not US citizens and plan to pursue their college education in this country. CONTACT INFORMATION Melissa Butler (Last name K-Z) Melissa.Butler@etown.kyschools.us Lisa Mudd (Last name A-J) Lisa.Mudd@etown.kyschools.us EHS Guidance Website: http://etown.kyschools.us/EHS_Guidance/coun selor/ Phone Number: 769–3381 Office Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM