Getting Ready for High School
Presented by: Anthony Giaconia, Toby
Sorge, Joanne Werner, Christina Korines,
Maria Garcia and Sherri Rinckhoff
The Process
 October : 8th grade students and their parents visit
Northern Valley Demarest High School for a night tour.
 October: 8th grade students take a second tour of the high
school during the school day.
 January: The high school mails home a registration
packet to all incoming 9th graders.
 January: All 8th graders get a course schedule book listing
all high school course descriptions.
The Process Continued
 January: 8th grade teachers submit placements for high school
schedule.
 January: Placements and transition conference date and time
are mailed home.
 Late January / Early February: High School transition
conferences occur in the middle school guidance office.
Students, Parents, a high school counselor and Mrs. Rinckhoff
attend. For students with IEP’s, a High School Child Study
Team member and Dr. Terzini-Hollar will attend the meeting.
 Late March: All placements and elective selections are
finalized, and changes are sent to the high school.
Schedule
 English (Some students have a HSPA Review in addition)
 Math
 History
 Science
 World Language
 PE
 Possible 2 electives (some students have 1 and some could have
0)
 The Northern Valley High School District has specific programs
for special education students. For more information, contact
Dr. Terzini- Hollar.
Things to Remember
 Enjoy the high school tour. It may seem overwhelming, but
relax and take in all the high school has to offer. It is truly a
great place!
 Look for the registration packet mailed from the high school.
Please fill out packet completely, and be sure to bring it to the
high school transition meeting. The packet will also list items
needed for proof of residency. Please be sure to bring originals
and copies for the high school to keep.
 Keep in mind all courses at the high school are challenging and
will enlighten your child. The teachers follow the criteria set by
the high school to place your child. Proper placement will
ensure a successful high school career.
Freshman Spanish Classes
 Spanish I
 Spanish II
 Spanish II Honors
Spanish II Honors Criteria
 Students MUST:
 Demonstrate a solid work ethic
 Exhibit strong motivation
 Be an independent worker
 Participate fully in class discussions and activities
Students must also have a minimum A- average in marking
periods 1 & 2 of 8th Grade World Language
Spanish II Honors Criteria
 In addition, students must meet ONE of the following
criteria
 Active oral participation
 A minimum score of 90% on the World Language CRT
Assessment
Freshman Math Classes
 Fundamentals of Algebra I
 Algebra I (4 x or 3 x )
 Geometry
 Honors Geometry
Geometry Honors Criteria
9th Grade Geometry Honors
All students recommended for Honors placement must have the
recommendation of the elementary district selection committee and:
(a) demonstrate a solid work ethic; (b)exhibit strong motivation; (c) be
independent workers; and (d) participate fully in class discussions and
activities.
Students must also have:
•An average of A- or better for each of the first two marking periods of
Algebra I;
In addition, students must meet the following criteria:
•Advanced Proficient in Math on the New Jersey State Assessment, grade
7
•A minimum score of 90% on the Algebra I mid-year examination
Freshman Science Class
 Life Science
 General Biology
 Biology 1
 Biology 1 Honors
Biology Honors Criteria
All students recommended for Honors placement must
have the recommendation of the elementary district
committee and:
A. demonstrate a solid work ethic;
B. exhibit strong motivation
C. be independent workers
D. participate fully in class discussions and activities.

 Students must also have an A-average for 7th grade
Science and an A-average during marking periods 1 and 2
of 8th grade Science
Biology Honors Criteria (Cont.)
 In addition students must meet three of the
following criteria:
1. Advanced Proficient (as determined by the Northern
Valley) in Science on the New Jersey State assessment,
grade 7.
2. NJ ASK 7 Advanced Proficient in both Language Arts
Literacy AND Mathematics;
3. A minimum score of 90% on the grade 7 Science
CRT;
4. Pre-Algebra grade should be a B or higher in grade 7
and a B or higher for marking period 1 and 2 of Algebra
in 8th grade
Freshman English Classes
 ESL English
 English I
 English I Honors
English Honors Criteria
 Student MUST: demonstrate solid work ethic; exhibit
strong motivation; be an independent worker; participate
fully in class discussions and activities
 Student MUST have an A- average in 7th grade English and
an A- average in marking period I & II of 8th grade English
 Student MUST have achieved a score of Advanced
Proficiency (250 or higher) on the LA Literacy section of
the NJASK7
Freshman Social Studies Classes
 ESL US History II
 World Civilizations
 World Civilizations Honors
World Civ. Honors Criteria
 Student MUST: demonstrate solid work ethic; exhibit
strong motivation; be an independent worker; participate
fully in class discussions and activities
 Student MUST have an A- average in 7th grade Social
Studies and an A- average in marking period I & II of 8th
grade Social Studies
 Student MUST have achieved a score of Advanced
Proficiency (250 or higher) on the LA Literacy section of
the NJASK7 & be recommended for English Honors