9th GRADE
EMPOWERMENT
PACKET
The Journey Starts HERE… The Journey Starts NOW!
School Counseling Department
Deltona High School
Class of 2019
School Counseling Department
DELTONA HIGH SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL
Ms. Carolyn Carbonell
Assistant Principals
Ms. J. Baxter
Dr. J. Hughes
Ms. C. Lapnow
Mr. R. Smith
SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
Phone: 386-575-4153 / Fax: 386-968-0014
Mr. J. Rivera-Navarro, Director; ext. 44095
Grade Level Assignments
Assignment
Counselor
Extension
Class of 2016 – 12th Grade
A–Z
Mr. Rivera-Navarro
44095
Class of 2017 – 11th Grade
A–Z
Ms. Snyder
44108
Class of 2018 – 10th Grade
A–Z
Ms. Estelhomme
44105
Class of 2019 – 09th Grade
A–Z
Ms. Schweizer
44104
School Counseling Department Support Staff
Title
Name
Extension
Registrar
Ms. Dalik
44087
Secretary
Ms. Keefer
44397
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
KEYS TO SUCCESS .......................................................................................................................... 3
WHAT IS SO DIFFERENT ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL? .............................................................. 4
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................... 5
PICKING THE RIGHT COURSES ................................................................................................. 6
GRADE POINT AVERAGE ............................................................................................................. 7
WHAT’S IN A TRANSCRIPT? ....................................................................................................... 8
TESTING INFORMATION ............................................................................................................. 9
GRADUATION & PROGRAM OPTIONS................................................................................. 10
BRIGHT FUTURES – CLASS OF 2019......................................................................................... 11
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – 9TH GRADE ............................................................... 14
HELPFUL WEB SITES..................................................................................................................... 15
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KEYS TO SUCCESS
The transition to high school can be an overwhelming experience full of new challenges and
responsibilities. We hope that this planner will help you in your journey.
The key to your success at Deltona High School is to stay informed and ask questions when
you do not know or understand something. The following pages will provide you with the
basic information necessary to begin your journey at Deltona High School and be
successful. We will discuss graduation requirements in detail so that you can have a clear
picture of where you are headed.
Graduation might seem like a far off event, but it is not. Your graduation from high school
begins the first day that you enter our school. Everything you do will have a direct impact
on whether or not you graduate. The good news is that YOU ARE IN CONTROL! You
have complete control over the choices that you make and the path that you will follow. We
are sure you have heard the following expressions before: “Knowledge is power” and
“With great power comes great responsibility”. Think about each quote and how it
applies to you. As you read the following pages, think about how you will acquire the
knowledge necessary to achieve your goals.
By the end of your journey at Deltona High, we hope that you will graduate with the
knowledge that will empower you to become a life-long learner. It is then your
responsibility to use that knowledge to become a productive citizen in our community.
This is a great responsibility, but we know that you are up to the challenge.
WE WELCOME YOU TO THE WOLF PACK!
Sincerely,
Abaco Schweizer
School Counselor
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WHAT IS SO DIFFERENT ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
High school is very different from middle school in many ways. You have more choices,
independence and responsibilities. The most dramatic change you will encounter at the
high school level is the use of credits to progress from one grade level to another. The
following chart shows the minimum number of credits that you must earn in order to move
from one grade level to another. The following is an example of a 9th grade schedule.
9th GRADE YEAR
1st Semester
2nd Semester
1
English 1
1
English 1
2
Building Construction
2
Building Construction
3
Earth Space Science
3
Earth Space Science
4
Personal Fitness
4
Recreation
5
Algebra 1
5
Algebra 1
6
Criminal Justice 1
6
Criminal Justice 1
7
Creating 2D Art
7
Creating 3D Art
The most important difference between high school and middle school is that it is a new
beginning! It does not matter what happened at the middle school level, high school gives
you the opportunity to start all over again or continue the successes that you had before.
This is your chance to define who you are as a student.
GRADE LEVEL
To be a freshman
To be a sophomore
To be a junior
To be a senior
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED
Promotion from 8th grade
5-7 credits
11-14 credits
17-21 credits
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow
belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
- Author Unknown
4
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Graduation requirements can vary from one year to another. Your graduation requirements
are different from students who began high school just a couple of years before you. It is
important that you become familiar with your graduation requirements to ensure that you
get the most out of your high school experience. Below you will find a detailed description
of the 24 credits necessary for graduation.
CATEGORIES
CREDITS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS I, II, III, IV
4
MATHEMATICS
 1 credit in Algebra I*
 1 credit in Geometry*
 2 credits in any additional math courses**
4
SCIENCE
 1 credit in Biology*

1 credit in a physical science course
(Earth/Space Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics)
 1 credit in an equally rigorous science course
SOCIAL STUDIES
 1 credit in World History
 1 credit in United States History*
 ½ credit in Economics with Financial Literacy
 ½ credit in United States Government
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
 ½ credit in Personal Fitness
 ½ credit in any other PE course
3
PERFORMING FINE ARTS
1
ELECTIVES
8
TOTAL
3
1
24 Credits
Other Graduation Requirements:
 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
 One course must be taken on-line
 Passing score on the Grade 10 ELA or concordant scores on ACT/SAT
 Passing score on the Algebra 1 EOC or comparative score on the PERT
* Student must participate in the EOC Assessment and their performance on the
EOC constitutes 30% of the final course grade.
** If student enrolls in Algebra 2, then performance on the EOC constitutes 30% of
the final course grade.
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PICKING THE RIGHT COURSES
One of the biggest challenges facing you for the next four years is choosing the right classes
to meet your goals. Electives are not just courses to fill your schedule. The electives you
pick can make a difference between a good high school experience and a great one. The
electives you choose should be aligned with your overall academic and career goals. Below
is a sample four-year plan, use this as a guide as you are developing your own four-year
plan.
9TH GRADE YEAR
Semester
2nd Semester
English 1
1 English 1
Communication
Communication
2
Tech 1
Teach 1
Earth Space Science
3 Earth Space Science
Personal Fitness
4 Recreation
Algebra 1
5 Algebra 1
World Cultural
World Cultural
6
Geography
Geography
1
10TH GRADE YEAR
Quarter
4th Quarter
English 2
1 English 2
2
World History
2
World History
3
4
5
Biology
Drawing I
Geometry
3
4
5
Biology
Drawing 1
Geometry
6
Spanish 1
6
Spanish 1
7
Communication
Tech 2
7
Communication
Tech 2
1st
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Creating Art 2D
1
2
3
4
5
6
11TH GRADE YEAR
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
English 3
1 English 3
US History
2 US History
Chemistry
3 Chemistry
Spanish 2
4 Spanish 2
Algebra 2
5 Algebra 2
Spanish 3
6 Spanish 3
Communication
Communication
7
Tech 3
Tech 3
7
7
Creating Art 3D
3rd
1
2
3
4
5
6
12TH GRADE YEAR
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
English 4
1 English 4
US Government
2 Economics
Physics
3 Physics
Spanish 3
4 Spanish 3
Pre-Calculus
5 Pre-Calculus
Spanish 4
6 Spanish 4
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AP Psychology
“Choose your electives wisely.
They can be a launch pad into
your future.”
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7
AP Psychology
GRADE POINT AVERAGE
The next graduation requirement that we will look more closely is your grade point average
(GPA). You must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average in order to receive your
diploma. Your GPA says a great deal about your efforts in school. Parents, colleges, and
employers look at your GPA as a measure of the effort you have put forth during your time
in school Your GPA is also used to qualify you for scholarships and awards so you should
take good care of it.
How Is My GPA Calculated?
Your grade point average is calculated by dividing your total quality points (QP) by the
total of credits attempted (CA). Each letter grade is given the following quality point value:
A - 4, B - 3, C - 2, D - 1, F - 0. Keep in mind that Honor level courses will give you an extra .5
quality points and Advance Placement courses will give you a full extra quality point.
What would your GPA be if you earn 24 credits, attempt 24 credits, and earn a grade of C in
each course?
A) 4.00
B) 2.66
C) 2.00
D) 0.75
F) 0.00
Your GPA would be: _________
Use the following chart to keep track of your GPA throughout your high school years.
Un-weighted
Weighted
My overall 9th Grade GPA is:
_________
_________
My overall 10th Grade GPA is:
My overall 11th Grade GPA is:
_________
_________
_________
_________
My overall 12th Grade GPA is:
_________
_________
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WHAT’S IN A TRANSCRIPT?
Your transcript is your calling card when it comes to college admissions, scholarship
searches. This is the document that individuals who do not know you will use to make the
decision of whether or not to accept you into their university or reward your hard work
with scholarship money. Keep in mind that colleges will initially base their admissions
decision based on your first three years in high school. It is up to you to distinguish
yourself from your peers by taking as rigorous a curriculum as possible.
Transcripts contain your entire academic history since you started high school. In addition
to your academic history, your transcript also includes the following critical information:
 Attendance
 Class rank
 Final grades for all courses taken
 Grade point average (GPA)
 Tests scores (FSA, EOC, PERT, PSAT, SAT, and ACT)
 Volunteer hours
Let’s take a closer look at some of the items included in your transcript:
 Attendance: This portion will show the number of days present and the days absent
for each academic year.
 Class Rank: The class rank is a numerical designation assigned to each student in
your graduating class based on the grade point average (GPA). The class rank is
computed using your weighted cumulative GPA.
 Grade Point Average (GPA): Your grade point average is calculated by dividing
your total quality points by the total of credits attempted. Each letter grade is given
the following quality point value: A - 4, B - 3, C - 2, D - 1, F - 0. Keep in mind that
Honor level courses will give you an extra .5 quality points and Advance Placement
courses will give you a full extra quality point.
 Test scores: Your scores in the FSA, EOC, PERT< PSAT, and SAT or ACT are
included in this section. Every test administration that is recorded in you file is
displayed in this section of your transcript.
 Volunteer Hours: All volunteer hours that you have logged with our VIPS
Coordinator. If you have not done so, you should attend a volunteer hour workshop
to be eligible to log your hours.
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TESTING INFORMATION
GRADE 10 ELA – FLORIDA STANDARDS ASSESSMENT
The new English Language Arts assessment (ELA) is replacing the FCAT 2.0 Reading
assessment. The Grade 10 ELA is the state’s assessment used to determine if you have
mastered the minimum achievement standards necessary to earn a standard high school
diploma. Students who do not pass the Grade 10 ELA will be able to retake the test during
the Fall and Spring test administration of their junior year.
END OF COURSE EXAMS
The End of Course Exams or EOCs are course specific test that you will take towards the
end of the spring semester. You will test in the Spring semester of the year you take the
course. If you do not achieve a passing score, you will have an opportunity to retest until
you gain a qualifying score. At this point, you will have an EOC for Algebra 1, Geometry,
Biology and United States History equal to 30% of the final course grade. All students
must pass the Algebra 1 EOC at an achievement level of 3 or higher. Students who enroll in
Algebra 2 will take the Algebra 2 EOC and the result will constitute 30% of their final course
grade.
PSAT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a
program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation
(NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT®. It also gives
you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career
planning tools. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving
skills and writing skills. You will take this test during the Fall semester of your
Sophomore year. You can retake the test during your Junior year for a small fee.
ACT & SAT
These tests are standardized entrance exams for many colleges and universities. The tests
are also intended to assess a student's readiness for college. We encourage you to begin
your testing cycle in the Spring semester of your Junior year. Keep in mind that students
who qualify for free/reduce lunch are eligible for two free test administrations for each
exam.
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GRADUATION & PROGRAM OPTIONS
SUPERINTENDENT’S DIPLOMA OF DISTINCTION
 In addition to meeting all requirements for a standard diploma, students must
successfully complete four (4) Advanced Placement courses to include at least two (2)
subject areas and score 3 or higher on at least three (3) Advanced Placement exams.
 Maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative weighted grade point average and a 3.0
weighted grade point average in Advanced Placement courses
 Complete 100 hours of community service.
 Participate in ACT or SAT during Junior and Senior years. The second year test may
be waived with an appropriate SAT or ACT.
SCHOLAR DESIGNATION
Students must meet these additional requirements as well as the standard high school
graduation requirements.
 Pass the ELA 11 grade statewide assessment;
 Earn one credit in Algebra 2 and pass the EOC;
 Pass the Geometry EOC;
 Earn one credit in statistics or an equally rigorous math course;
 Pass the Biology EOC;
 Earn one credit in Chemistry or Physics;
 Earn one credit in an equally rigorous science course to Chemistry or Physics
 Pass the US History EOC;
 Earn two credits in the same World Language; and
 Earn one credit in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual
Enrollment course
o Must take the respective AP or IB exam and earn the minimum score to earn
college credit
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MERIT DESIGNATION
Students must meet these additional requirements as well as the standard high school
graduation requirements.
 Attain one or more industry certifications.
Course Title
Advanced Technology Applications
Agritechnology 2
Communications Technology 1
Communications Technology 2
Communications Technology 3
Culinary Arts 3
Culinary Arts 3
Culinary Arts 4
Culinary Arts 4
Digital Design 3
Digital Design 3
Digital Design 3
Digital Media/Multimedia Foundations 1
Digital Media/Multimedia Foundations 1
Digital Media/Multimedia Foundations 2
Digital Media/Multimedia Foundations 2
Digital Media/Multimedia Foundations 2
Digital Video Production 1
Digital Video Production 2
Digital Video Production 2
Emergency Medical Responder 3
Food Science Applications 2
Food Science Applications 3
Health Science 1
Television Production 3
Television Production 3
Television Production 4
Television Production 4
Industry Certification Name
Adobe Certified Associate (Photoshop)
Agricultural Technician Certification
Adobe Certified Associate (InDesign)
Adobe Certified Associate (Illustrator)
Adobe Certified Associate (InDesign)
Certified Food Protection Manager (ServSafe)
National ProStart Certificate of Achievement
Certified Food Protection Manager (ServSafe)
National ProStart Certificate of Achievement
Adobe Certified Associate (Illustrator)
Adobe Certified Associate (InDesign)
Adobe Certified Associate (Photoshop)
Adobe Certified Associate (Illustrator)
Adobe Certified Associate (Photoshop)
Adobe Certified Associate (Illustrator)
Adobe Certified Associate (InDesign)
Adobe Certified Associate (Photoshop)
Adobe Certified Associate (Premiere Pro)
Adobe Certified Associate (Flash)
Adobe Certified Associate (Premiere Pro)
Certified Patient Care Technician
Certified Professional Food Manager (ServSafe)
Certified Professional Food Manager (ServSafe)
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
Adobe Certified Associate (Flash)
Adobe Certified Associate (Premiere Pro)
Adobe Certified Associate (Flash)
Adobe Certified Associate (Premiere Pro)
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FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIPS
FLORIDA ACADEMIC SCHOLARS AWARD (FAS)
3.5 weighted GPA
Courses must include 16 credits of college preparatory academic courses. May use up to 3
additional credits to raise GPA (see BF’s website)
4
4
3
3
2
English (3 with substantial writing)
Mathematics (Algebra I level and above)
Natural Science (2 with substantial lab)
Social Science
Foreign Language (in the same language)
100 Community Service Hours
Test Scores-Best composite score of 1290 SAT (does not include new writing score) or 29
ACT (ACT scores are rounded up for scores with .5 and higher; SAT scores do not require
rounding.)
FLORIDA MEDALLION SCHOLARS AWARD (FMS)
3.0 weighted GPA
Courses must include 16 credits of college preparatory academic courses. May use up to 3
additional credits to raise GPA (see BF’s website)
4
4
3
3
2
English (3 with substantial writing)
Mathematics (Algebra I level and above)
Natural Science (2 with substantial lab)
Social Science
Foreign Language (in the same language)
75 Community Service Hours
Test Scores-Best composite score of 1170 SAT (does not include new writing score) or 26
ACT (ACT scores are rounded up for scores with .5 and higher; SAT scores do not require
rounding.)
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FLORIDA GOLD SEAL VOCATIONAL SCHOLARS AWARD (GSV)
3.0 weighted GPA using the 16 credits listed below for a 4-year Diploma and a 3.5
unweighted GPA in a minimum of 3 vocational credits in one vocational program,
combined with the test scores listed below.
4-year Diploma
Credits must include 16 core credits required for high school graduation.
4
English
4
Mathematics (including Algebra I)
3
Natural Science
3
Social Science (Am. Hist., World Hist., Am. Govt., and Economics)
1
Practical Arts OR 1 Performing Arts OR .5 credit in each
.5
Personal Fitness
.5
Physical Education
30 Community Service Hours
Students must earn the minimum score on each section of the PERT or SAT or ACT.
Sections of different test types may not be combined.
PERT:
Reading 106
Writing 103
Math 114
ACT:
English 17
Reading 19
Math 19
SAT:
Critical Reading 440
Math 440
NOTES:
**8th grade Algebra & Foreign Language may be used.
13
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – 9TH GRADE
How many credits I need to pass to 10th grade?
You must earn a minimum of 5 credits to be promoted to 10th grade. The good news is that
you have a chance to earn a total of 7 credits each year.
Where do I go if I want to find out about a career interest that I have?
Our career center is the place to go! You can make an appointment with our volunteer
Career Center Coordinator or your school counselor who will take you through some
interest inventories and informational web sites to help you gain more knowledge about
your career interests. The career connections website (www.career-connection.org) is a
great website that you can visit on your own to do some research about careers and
colleges.
Do I need volunteer hours to graduate?
NO. There is no volunteer hour requirement for graduation. Volunteer hours are required
to qualify for some Bright Futures scholarship money and other types of scholarships.
Volunteer hours show up in your transcripts and colleges look more favorably at students
who give back to their communities.
How can I make-up courses that I have failed?
There are a number of ways to make-up courses. First, Odyssey Lab is a computer based
system available during school or after school.
Second, Volusia Virtual School
(www.volusiaonlinelearning.com ) is our district’s on-line option (by application). Florida
Virtual School (www.flvs.net) is an internet based system in which you can make-up
courses or take courses for acceleration.
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HELPFUL WEB SITES
 Volusia County Schools – (www.myvolusiaschools.org)
 Florida Department of Education – (www.fldoe.org)
 Volusia Virtual School – (www.volusiaonlinelearning.com)
 Florida Virtual School – (www.flvs.net)
 Career Connection – (www.career-connection.org)
 Florida Shines – ( www.floridashines.org)
 Florida Students Resources – (www.floridastudents.org)
 Khan Academy – (www.khanacademy.org/sat)
 ACT – (www.actstudent.org)
 SAT – (www.collegeboard.org)
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