Ninth Grade Parent and Student Orientation Program 2013-2014
WELCOME CLASS OF 2017
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Presentation for students and parents
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Students leave to explore building, find classes and
locker; open and practice opening locker
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Parents remain in auditorium for Q and A.
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By announcement; students and parents re-unite in
cafeteria for popsicles.
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Thank you to our NHS student volunteers who are
here tonight to help our incoming ninth graders.
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Mr. Heath Hanley; High School Principal
Mr. Matt Zebrowski; MS/HS Assistant Principal
Mr. Terence Nash; Athletic Director
Mr. Theodore Nugent; Transportation Director
Ms. Carly Meade; Educational Technologist/CIO
Ms. Jess Pray; School Counselor, Grade 9
Ms. Dawn Essex; School Counselor, Grades 10-12 (A-K)
Ms. Angela Zumbolo; School Counselor, Grades 10-12
(L-Z)
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Ms. Abbie Breen;
High School Nurse
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Our Vision: Coxsackie-Athens inspires
learners to achieve extraordinary success.
Our Mission: The Coxsackie-Athens
community works collaboratively to create
personalized learning opportunities. We
develop self-directed college and career
ready students who are prepared to succeed
in our global society.
“Preparing Today’s Youth for
Tomorrow’s Possibilities.”
This Mission is for every one of our
students; not just some of them!
What might your possibilities look
like?
Graduation Rate:
◦ At least 93% of students will graduate*
◦ 100% of students will have a plan for college and career
Mastery and Passing:
◦ The overall proficiency rate on the NYS grades 3-8 tests and Regents exams will be
either 90% or increase by 15% from 2013 performance levels.
◦ The overall mastery rate on NYS grades 3-8 and Regents exams will increase by 12%
from 2013 performance levels.
Participation:
◦ 100% of students will participate each year in at least one community service activity.
College and Career Ready:
◦ At least 90% of K-4 students will at or above grade level in reading, as measured by
Fountas and Pinnell.*
◦ 100% of 8th graders will enter high school with a plan for success.
◦ 100% of graduates will have earned three college credits or a career technical
endorsement.
* Though our current goals are not 100% we are and will be constantly striving to have
ALL of our students reading at grade level and graduating .
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The total amount of students passing and
achieving mastery on Regents exams will
increase 6%, from 78% passing in 2013 to 84%
passing in 2014; and achieving mastery 29% in
2013 to 35% in 2014.
The total number of students passing and
achieving mastery for their final course averages
will increase 6%; from 84% passing in 2013 to
90% passing in 2014; and 55% achieving mastery
in three or more of their courses in 2013 to 61%
in 2014.
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Highly effective faculty and staff that is focused on teaching and learning and high
expectations for all students.
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Every student counts; everyday!
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Working together with students and their parents and guardians.
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Innovative programs that meet the needs of all of our students:
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Rti labs for struggling learners
“Blocked” classes for Sciences, Algebra, and Trig
Distance Learning…Mandarin Chinese, ASL
Online Learning…credit recovery and accrual
Integration of Technology…ipads, mobile laptops carts
Power Lunches/Career Exploration
CTE opportunities
Expanding College-credit bearing courses via AP, CGCC, and SUNY
Increasing communication with students and parents about scheduling and college planning
Integration and implementation of formative benchmark assessments aligned with State
assessments
Tighter Attendance and Tardy practices
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In high school, in order to graduate, you
must:
 Earn Course Credits…22 minimum in specific areas.
(Courses have pre-requisites)
 Pass State Exams (NYS Regents Exams)…5 to 9 depending
on diploma type.
****All of this culminates in the development of an official
transcript…beginning on the first day of ninth grade!
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Exams and Credits are two different things
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Until senior year, there are no exemptions
from final exams at the end of the year
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There is no such thing as “social promotion”
at the high school level
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There is a significant difference between
“passing” and “career and/or college” ready.
Regents Diploma
Advanced Regents Diploma
Math (3 credits)
English (4 credits)
Social Studies (4 credits)
Science (3 credits)
Art/Music (1 credit)
Health (0.5 credits)
Physical Education (2 credits)
LOTE (1 credit)
Electives (3.5 credits)
Math (Alg., Geom., Alg2/Trig)
(3 credits)
English (4 credits)
Social Studies (4 credits)
Lab-based Science (3 credits)
Art/Music (1 credit)
Health (0.5 credits)
Physical Education (2 credits)
LOTE (3 credits)*
Electives (1.5 credits)
TOTAL CREDITS: 22
TOTAL CREDITS: 22
Regents Diploma
Advanced Regents
Diploma**
Total of 5 exams, with a
grade of 65% or higher:
Total of 9 exams, with a
grade of 65% or higher:
Algebra
English
Global Studies
US History
One Science
Math (Algebra, Geometry,
& Algebra 2/Trig)
English
Global Studies
US History
Two Sciences
LOTE (Checkpoint B
equivalent)
5 exams
9 exams
Guide to Program Planning
Code of Conduct
Student/Parent Handbook
All located on the HS website under
QUICKLINKS
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Daily Routine:
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7:30-7:45 Arrival: All students in the cafeteria.
7:45-7:55 Transition to first period.
Bell Schedule the same as the middle school.
Daily Announcements during Period 1 (on website)
All classes are 42 minutes long (except blocked
courses)
Lunches are 30 minutes
2:26: General Dismissal…first buses
2:30-3:10: Period 9; Extra help with teachers
3:25: Second round of buses
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Actively contribute to a culture of mutual respect
Ask for permission and a pass before leaving a classroom.
Do not text during class time (both parents and students)
Come to class on time with materials
Communicate with your teachers. We are here because we want
to help!
All 9th grade teachers expect headings on assignments:
First and Last Name
◦ Date
◦ Class Period
◦ Assignment
All 9th grade teachers require binders. Keep your notes
organized, you'll need them in June.
All 9th grade teachers allow you to earn points back on exams if
you complete test corrections.
Mr. Theodore Nugent
Ms. Carly Meade
Educational Technologist and CIO
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Monitor your child’s academic progress.
Check attendance.
Disciplinary records.
Add eschool to your SMART phone for progress
monitoring on the go!
Come visit me tonight at HS Computer Lab #183
and I will assist you with logging onto the parent
portal.
Mr. Matthew Zebrowski
MS/HS Assistant Principal
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We are committed to…
Come to school motivated to learn.
Give our best effort each and every day.
Collaborate with our peers in learning.
Provide service to our community and make
connections to our global society.
◦ Demonstrate respect and pride in self, others,
school and community.
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Electronic Devices- changed to reflect true
spirit of the practice
Late/Tardy Policy- 3 strikes; You’re out◦ LUNCH DETENTION
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No Pass List
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Additional hall presence
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Be where you are supposed to be, when you’re
supposed to be there.
Stay out of the hallways during instructional
times.
Do not accept everything anyone says as FACT!
(this leads to conflict).
Support and Collaborate with One Another!
Ms. Abbie Breen
Mr. Terence Nash
 Academics
First
 Stay organized
 Ask for help and use resources
 NO DRAMA!
 Get involved
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Grades 9-11 Picture Day
◦ Tuesday, Sept 11th
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Parents’ Night/Open House
◦ Tuesday, Sept 24th 6:30 pm
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Spirit Week
◦ Monday, Sept 16th – Friday, Sept 20th
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Homecoming Game
◦ Friday evening, Sept 20th
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Homecoming Dance
◦ Saturday, Sept 21st 7-10pm in HS cafeteria
Drama Club
GSA (Gay –Straight Alliance Club)
High School Yearbook
Interact Club
Language Club
Library Club
Mock Trial
National Honor Society
Newspaper Club
Prom Committee
Quiz Bowl
SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving)
Select Choir
Student Council
World of Difference
And More……if you are interested in creating a club, you can!!!
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Take your schedule; go out and explore the
building: find your locker, make sure you can
open it, and find each of your classes.
At the next announcement, we will all meet in
the cafeteria for popsicles and to re-unite
with you parents/guardians.
HAVE FUN!
What else do you need to know for the first
few days of school, and beyond?
What’s on YOUR mind?
Let’s rejoin our students in the cafeteria for a
popsicle before we go home! Listen for an
announcement for this to occur.