Welcome to High School! We are your Counselors Ms. Reger A–G Mr. Nolen H–N Mr. Carey O–Z Interns Mrs. Pasquale & Ms. Michalczuk SUCCESS … …happens one day at a time! The truth about success… It doesn’t just happen! It is CREATED… by you! Counseling Services Academic Personal Support Groups Crisis Career How can I see my counselor? Each counselor has a sign-up book on the counter in the guidance office. Your counselor will send a pass for you. Confidentiality … We will not share the content of our discussions unless you give us permission. We are required by law and ethical standards to break confidentiality for these reasons: 1. If we believe you are a danger to yourself or others. 2. If we suspect you are being harmed. 3. If we are ordered by a court of law. Conflict… is a part of life. You will experience conflict in high school. How you deal with it will determine the outcome. If handled constructively, conflict –Helps you develop new skills –Creates relationships built on respect –Encourages you to find new ways to solve a problem If left unsolved or poorly handled, conflict Can escalate a small problem into a major incident Can cause extra stress May lead to violence Credit How much credit is one class worth in one semester? 1/2 How many credits can a student earn in a semester? 3 How many credits can a student earn in four years? 24 Credits for Graduation How many credits must a student earn to graduate? 23 Graduation Requirements English 4 Credits (8 sem) English 9, 10, 11, 12 or advanced level english class World History U. S. History Government Economics 1 Credit 1 Credit ½ Credit ½ Credit (2 sem) (2 sem) (1 sem) (1 sem) Graduation Requirements Algebra I 1 Credit Geometry 1 Credit Algebra II 1 Credit Mandatory Math Elective (2 sem) (2 sem) (2 sem) (2 sem) Biology 1 Credit Chemistry or Physics Additional Science Credit (2 sem) (2 sem) (2 sem) Graduation Requirements Health PE VAPA ½ Credit (1 sem) ½ Credit (1 sem) 1.0 Credit MME is a college entrance exam and a scholarship opportunity Testing Sequence 9th Grade: Social Studies MEAP 10th Grade: PLAN *– pre-ACT PSAT *– pre-SAT 11th Grade: PSAT *– qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship MI Merit Exam ACT – college admissions test (part of MME) SAT – college admissions test 12th Grade: ACT October or December *Necessary scores for dual-enrollment in 11th or 12th grade Grade 9th 10th English English 9 or Adv. English 9 English 10 or Adv. English 10 11th English 11 or Adv. English 11 Social Studies World History Math Science Intro Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Biology or Honors Biology American Hist Or AP American Hist Algebra Concepts or Geometry or College Geometry Physical Science Physics & Physical Science Chemistry Or Honors Chemistry Economics & Government or AP Government Geometry College Geometry Algebra 2 A Algebra 2 B College Algebra 2 Trigonometry Prob & Stats Analysis Calculus Chemistry Physics Honors Physics Honors Chemistry AP Biology AP Chemistry 12th English 12 or AP English Math Elective Elective Health Physical Education .5 VPA Computer Applications .5 VPA Grade Point Average Grade Point Average How do I get Help Tutoring every Monday & Wednesday Sign up with Mrs. Culver Talk to your teacher and see how they can help you or how you can do things different See your counselor Talk to your parent/guardian Tips for Talking With Teachers Make an appointment to talk - Think through what you want to say, make a list of items you want to cover. Use “I” statements “I am having a difficult time understanding the material.” Don’t expect the teacher to come up with all the answers - Be prepared to make suggestions. Be respectful - A teacher is more likely to be responsive if the purpose of your meeting is conversation, not confrontation. YOU MUST ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF The difference between doing your homework and studying… Homework – completing an assignment, i.e. math problems on pages 36-38. Study – outlining a science chapter, rewriting notes, or making flashcards. Recommended Guidelines You should be spending a minimum of 20 minutes of homework / study time per academic subject each day (5 days a week). 5 academic subjects = 100 minutes (or 1 hr., 40 min.) of study time daily How do you learn? Visual Learner – learns best from videos, TV, pictures, reading, and demonstrations. When you study you should: Take notes Use flash cards, charts, and diagrams Form pictures in your mind Make use of color in your notes Auditory Learner – learns best from lectures, discussions, TV, videos, and music. When you study you should: Read aloud Have discussions Listen to tapes Review information out loud Use memory tricks involving rhythm and rhyme Kinesthetic Learner – learns best from role-playing, labs, and handson activities. When you study you should: Try moving around while you study Use tools and objects whenever possible Write or type notes Role play ideas and concepts A Few Study Tips to Get You Started Reading Assignments Read the summary or chapter review first Read the chapter questions Skim the chapter – topics to be discussed Read the notes in the margins Read the captions for the pictures / graphs Read the chapter Answer chapter questions Write your own chapter summary Taking Good Notes in Class… Write down key points Names, dates, terms Write down information your teacher repeats or emphasizes! Write down what the teacher writes on the board or overhead. Make flash cards for definitions Review them frequently! Preparing for tests Cramming for tests never pays off. The more prepared you are the better you will perform. Read over your notes. Highlight or underline important notes. Go over quizzes and homework from the same unit. Look up answers to problems you got wrong. Read chapter summaries. Take notes and make an outline from your reading. Put stars next to things you need to review. Have someone quiz you. Are you doing all that you can to get the grades that you want? Use the key below to circle your answers, then review and determine which positive study habits you may want to incorporate into your routine. A = Always S = Sometimes N = Never I have a positive attitude about myself and believe I can reach my goals. A S N I get enough sleep and eat a good breakfast. A S N I have a quiet homework area with good lighting and the supplies I need. A S N Homework is part of my daily routine. A S N I spend a minimum of 20 min. of homework/study time for each academic class. A S N I get organized before I go to bed, putting completed homework in the appropriate folder. A S N I use a 3-ring binder to organize my class notes because it is easy to insert missed notes. A S N I have a different colored pocket folder for each class where I keep returned work/tests. A S N I use my planner everyday to keep track of all of my assignments. A S N I have a phone number for at least one person in each class. A S N I keep my locker and backpack neat (no loose papers or papers folded up in a book). A S N I walk into class prepared. I have my book, paper and pen/pencil. A S N I use the time my teachers gives me in class to start on homework, ask questions, or get help. A S N I turn my assignments in on time, completed. A S N I ask for missed assignments when I am absent. A S N I take advantage of any extra credit assignment my teacher may give. A S N I participate in class and try to answer questions. A S N I take notes in class. A S N My notes are neat and easy to read. A S N I number and date the pages of my notes. A S N I go over my notes as soon as possible while the information is still fresh in my mind. A S N I write out 5 or 10 questions from my notes and then answer them. A S N I make flashcards for all of the vocab. and key words in all of my academic classes. A S N If I am absent, I get copies of class notes. A S N most important. A S N If I have a big assignment I break it down into smaller parts. A S N When I study I take short breaks between subjects (every 20 minutes). A S N I review my notes every couple of days. A S N I stay after school for extra help when I need it. A S N I use acronyms to help me memorize (i.e. HOMES for the Great Lakes). A S N Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto). A S N I ask a friend or family member to edit my papers before I turn them in. A S N I save old tests and quizzes to study from. A S N When I read a chapter I take notes on it, jotting down major points. A S N I study at least one week in advance for a test and do the chapter reviews in my book. A S N I prioritize my work in order to make sure that I have enough time for the things that are the I use the first letter of words I want to remember to make up a stupid or silly sentence (i.e. “My very elegant mother just scooped up nine piglets” for the 9 planets It is important to get involved in high school and to maintain a sense of balance. Clubs are a great way to be involved! Quiz Bowl Metro league Math Science competition DECA Anime Game Club Robotics Marching Band Student Council NHS Key club SADD Project One Drama/Thespians PWC Science Olympiad Smithsonian Project Exchange students Thank You! Thank you for your time and consideration today. We look forward to getting to know you!