Rising Freshmen
What Every Rising 9th Grade
Wildcat Needs to Know
Administration
Mr. Jeff Johnson – Principal
Mrs. Donna Weingand – Assistant Principal for
Instruction
Mrs. Elizabeth Haskins – Last Names A – G
Ms. Andrea Barnett – Last Names: H – O
Mr. Bryan Carter – Last Names: P - Z
Counselors
Mrs. Kelly Lenhart– Counseling Director
Mrs. Karen Simmons –Last Names: A-Co
Ms. Melissa Suter– Last Names: Cp-Ha
Counselors
Also in the Counseling Suite
Mr. Kelly, ACCESS Advisor
Mr. Youmans, TCC Career Coach
More Choices,
More Freedom,
and More Responsibility
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Academics
Shorter grading periods
Cell Phones
Lockers
Lunch
No Teams (mix of grade
levels)
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Tardy Table
9 absences per class
Time Recovery
Clubs and activities
Tutoring on Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday
Drive to school
Advocate for yourself
COME TO SCHOOL!
Attendance Matters!
 Students may have up to 9 absences per class, and
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still earn credit
If students have more than 9 absences, they must
attend time recovery
If, after making up time, students are still over the 9
absence limit, they must submit an application for
extenuating circumstances
A committee meets to determine who is granted
extenuating circumstances
No matter what your grade is, if you are not here,
you may not get credit.
Clubs/Activities
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Academic/Scholastic Challenge
Amateur Radio Club
Anchor Club
Bridgetown Scroll
Ceramics/Art Club
Chess and Strategic Games Club
Colon Crazies
Crew Team
Debate Team
Do Something Club
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of
America)
• FCCLA
• French Club
• Forensics
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Future Teachers of America
Green Team
Key Club
Model United Nations
Operation Smile
Rachel’s Challenge
Robotics Club
Rockcats
Rotary Interact Club
TADA (Teens Against Drugs and
Alcohol)
• Technology Student Association
• Theatre Company
• World Languages Club
Athletic Eligibility
• To play sports in high school students must be eligible
• To be Eligible for ANY sport in the 9th grade students
need to:
pass 6 out of 7 classes from 8th grade &
earn at least a 2.0 (C average)
Virginia High School League:
Reminders for Athletes
 Overall 2.0 GPA or 2.0 for the
previous semester
 3 new classes each semester
 Consider Registering with NCAA
Clearinghouse if you may play in
college
4 X 4 Block Schedule
2 Semesters=1 School Year
4 Courses 1st Semester: September - January
4 New Courses 2nd Semester: February - June
Classes are 90 minutes in length
Students have the opportunity to receive 4
credits per semester/8 credits per year
SOLs are in January and May
Grades
• Final Grades= GPA
• Each semester course
has 4 marking periods
plus an exam grade=
final grade
• Each are 20%
**If you wish to
use grade
forgiveness in
middle school
(math, foreign
language) you
MUST complete
the audit status
form in June.**
SCHEDULING PROCESS
 Rising 9th Graders - Current teachers will make
recommendations for courses in English, Math,
Science, and Social Studies
 Select electives that match your interests and goals
 Students will take the registration paper home and have
a parent/guardian sign and return to the middle school
 Course request verification forms will be available in
March
 Take your classes, SOL tests, and SRI testing seriously:
results will be used to help with placement in high
school classes
High School Courses
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Every course is a credit
Specific credits are required to earn a
diploma
• Some courses carry weight:
- Honors (.025)
- AP (.05)
- Dual enrollment (.05)
9th Grade Schedule without music
Fall
Spring
English 9
World History I
Robotic Design
PE 9
Earth Science
Keyboarding
Algebra I Part A
Algebra I Part B
9th Grade Schedule with music
Fall
Spring
English 9
World History I
Earth Science
Keyboarding
Algebra I Part A
Algebra I Part B
Orchestra (A day)
PE 9 (B day)
Standard Diploma
English
Math (Part A of Algebra & Geometry are elective credits)
Science
History and Social Science
Health and PE
Foreign Language, Fine Arts, or Career/Technical Education
Economics & Personal Finance
Electives
TOTAL
*Must complete an online course and must earn an industry
credential
4
3
3
3
2
2
1
4
22
Advanced Studies Diploma
English
Mathematics
Science
History and Social Science
Foreign Language
Health and PE
Fine Arts or Career/Technical Education
Economics & Personal Finance
Electives
*Must complete an online course
4
4
4
4
3/4
2
1
1
3
TOTAL 26
Advanced
Standard
26 credits
22 credits
Foreign Language required
More elective credits
1 more math, science, and
history credit
Must earn a credential
through taking a CTE course
Pass an online course
Pass an online course
9 verified credits
6 verified credits
Verified Credits
Pass the course and SOL test
to earn a verified credit
English 11: Reading
English 11: Writing
Earth Science
Biology
Chemistry
World History I
World History II
U.S. History
Algebra I
Algebra II
Geometry
 Auto Body, Collision
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Repair
Automotive Technology
Computer Systems
Technology
Cosmetology
EMT
Health Care Technology
(Nurse Aide)
HVAC
 Greenhouse Management
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(Horticulture)
Nail Technician
Practical Nursing (LPN)
Firefighting
Radio Communications
Television and Media
Productions
Welding
College and Career Pathways
 Allows high school students to work towards a TCC degree
or certificate while earning a high school diploma
 You may pursue one pathway, one will take specific classes
 There are currently three options:
 General Studies Certificate
 Social Sciences Transfer Degree
 Mechatronics Certificate
General Studies Certificate
 The following slide shows the basic 4 year plan for this
program.
 This 4 year plan would be for a student working
towards an Advanced Studies Diploma and the
General Studies Certificate
 Some modifications can be made to when classes are
taken as long as all classes are taken.
College and Career Pathway
High School Curriculum
Grade 9
1st Semester
Honors English 9
Honors Biology
Algebra I
Elective
Grade 10
1st Semester
Honors Chemistry
Algebra 2
AP European History
Foreign Language 2
Grade 11
1st Semester
Honors English 11
AP Biology
AP US History
Trig
Grade 12
1st Semester
DE English
Physics
Government
Elective
General Studies Certificate
2nd Semester
Honors World History I
Geometry
Health and PE
Foreign Language I
Summer after Freshman Year
None (most students not of age)
2nd Semester
Honors English 10
Foreign Language 3
AP European History (6)
Health and PE
Summer after Sophomore Year
TCC - SDV 100 (1)
2nd Semester
AP Art History (6)
AP Biology (8)
AP US History (6)
Elective
Summer after Junior Year
TCC – Math 152 or 163 (3)
2nd Semester
DE English (6)
EPF
Fine Art or Career/Tech Ed
Elective
Summer after Senior Year
N/A
General Studies Certificate
 What do I get?
 If you take the right classes and earn the appropriate scores on the
AP exams, you will get a certificate that says you completed the
program
 Is this different than just simply taking AP classes in high
school?
 This option says you are attempting and hopefully completing a set
curriculum to earn this certificate.
 If I don’t do this program, can I still earn college credits while
still in high school?
 Yes. Students have been earning college credits while still in high
school for years.
General Studies Certificate
Highlights
 Total costs would approximately be $814* during the 4 years of high
school.
 9th Grade –
Student should complete Algebra 1 AND
Geometry and should be taking Honors
Biology.
 10th Grade – Student should be completing the 3rd year
of foreign language and taking Honors
Chemistry and AP European History. Student
will take one class at TCC during summer, after 10th grade.
 11th Grade – Student will take 3 AP classes. Student will
take one class at TCC during the year and/or
in the summertime.
 12th Grade – Student will take Dual Enrollment English 12
at home school.
General Studies Certificate
 Could student do band all four years?
 Probably – need to adjust 4 year plan
 Could student go to Governor’s School for the Arts?
 Probably not – not enough room
 Could student be in IB program or Academy?
 Probably not – not enough room
 Could student take electives like ROTC or Drama?
 Yes – but elective credits would be limited
 Could student be in Academic Support classes?
 Probably not. This program is very rigorous.
 What kind of grades should my child be making this year in
order to pursue this program?
 Ideally this student would be a solid A/B student in classes
Social Sciences Transfer Degree
 What do I get?
 If you take the right classes and earn the appropriate scores on the AP
exams, you will get a degree that says you completed the program
(comparable to the first two years of college)
 Is this different than just simply taking AP classes in high school?
 This option says you are attempting and hopefully completing a set
curriculum to earn this degree.
 If I don’t do this program, can I still earn college credits while still in
high school?
 Yes. Students have been earning college credits while still in high
school for years.
College and Career Pathway
High School Curriculum
Grade 9
1st Semester
Honors English 9
Honors Biology
Algebra II
Foreign Language 2
Grade 10
1st Semester
Honors World History II
Math Analysis
AP Biology
Foreign Language 3
Grade 11
1st Semester
Honors English 11
Physics
AP US History
AP Psychology (3)
Grade 12
1st Semester
DE English
AP US Gov. & Politics (3)
TCC – SOC 201 (3)
TCC – ECO 201 (3)
Social Sciences Transfer Degree
2nd Semester
Honors World History I
Honors Chemistry
Health and PE
Trig
Summer after Freshman Year
None (most students not of age)
2nd Semester
Honors English 10
AP Statistics (3)
AP Biology (8)
Health and PE
Summer after Sophomore Year
CPS - EPF
TCC – MTH 152 or 163 (3)
TCC - SDV 100 (1)
2nd Semester
AP Art History (6)
Fine Art or Career/ Tech Ed
AP US History (6)
AP Human Geography (3)
Summer after Junior Year
TCC – PED Elective (1)
TCC - Elective (3)
TCC - CST 100 (3) * or taken during the school year
2nd Semester
DE English (6)
Elective at the HS or TCC - CST 100
Summer after Senior Year
N/A
TCC – SOC 202 (3)
TCC – ECO 202 (3)
Social Science Transfer Degree
Highlights
 The approximate cost of all of the Dual Enrollment classes at TCC
would be $1,305*. AP test would cost $637. Total of $1,942.
 9th Grade –
Student should be scheduled for Algebra 2
and Trig and Honors Biology and Honors
Chemistry
 10th Grade – Student will take 2 AP classes and will
need to look at the possibility of classes at
TCC in the summertime and/or taking a
Chesapeake class in summer school.
 11th Grade – Student will take several AP classes during
this year and possibly TCC classes in the
summer.
 12th Grade – Student will take Dual Enrollment and AP
classes at home school and will take several
classes at TCC.
Social Science Transfer Degree
 Everyone says this program will save my child money
in college. Is that correct?
 If a student successfully completes this degree, he/she
may be able to start college as a junior. It would be
possible to finish a 4 year college in 2 years.
 So if a student wants to graduate from college in less
than 4 years, this program will save you money
 If you want to be in college for four years, this program
may or may not save you money
 Some colleges charge by the credit hour, and some
charge by the semester (no matter how many classes
he/she takes)
AP Scores
 Student earn a 3 or higher score on the AP exams
to earn the credits to earn the certificate or degree.
 Just taking the AP exams doesn’t mean the student
will earn the certificate or degree.
 Note that in the senior year, the student is taking
AP Government. We won’t get the AP scores until
July after the senior year. The student would not
be awarded the Social Sciences Transfer Degree
until AFTER high school graduation.
WHAT IS MECHATRONICS?
 This certificate will allow a student to take more classes in
high school that focus on careers that require electronic,
mechanical, computer and control skills. These kinds of
jobs include robot installation and maintenance,
automation equipment installation, troubleshooting and
maintenance and PLC programming. You will learn how to
install, maintain, and repair the mechanical, controls, fluid
power systems, electrical and electronic equipment found
in various fields. Your mechatronics training will equip you
to make sure HVAC, mechanical, electrical and computerdriven systems run.
Mechatronics Certificate
 What do I get?
 If you take the right classes and, you will get a certificate that says you
completed the program
 You will be a part of an internship program.
 Is there a benefit to this program?
 Yes. If you are specifically interested in this career, you will be taking more
classes that will directly relate to what you want to do when you graduate high
school.
 If you successfully complete this program, you could go to TCC and possibly
earn an Associate’s Degree in 18 months.
 If I do this program, can I still go to college?
 Yes, but remember that you are probably pursuing a Standard Diploma -not an
Advanced Studies Diploma.
 You should check specific college requirements for schools you may apply to
before senior year
College and Career Pathway
Standard Diploma with Mechatronics Certificate
9th grade
English 9
Algebra I
PE 9
Earth Science
10th grade
English 10
Elective
Elec. Tech I (910) (ELE 150 – A.C. and D.C. Circuit
Fundamentals) DE 3Cr.
Physics for Technology I
11th grade
English 11
Algebra 2
ELE 146 (Electric Motor Control) 4Cr.
12th grade
English 12
Government
INS 230 (Instrumentation I)3Cr.
World History I
Biology
Fine Art
Technology of Robotics Design (899)
Geometry
PE 10
Elec. Tech II (907) (ETR 281 – Digital Systems) DE 3Cr.
Physics for Technology II
US History
Economics and Personal Finance
ELE 233 (Programmable Logics Controller Systems I)3Cr.
ELE 234 (Programmable Logics Controller Systems II)3Cr.
INS 233 (Process Control Integration)4Cr.
MEC 268 (Fluid Power Hydraulic) OR
MEC269 (Fluid Power Pneumatic) 3Cr.
ELE 246 (Industrial Robotics Programming) 3Cr. FULL YEAR COURSE
Mechatronics Certificate
Highlights
 Students pursuing this Certificate will be typically be working
towards a Standard Diploma – not an Advanced Studies
Diploma.
 Total fee of approximately $1,305* Scholarships are available.
 9th Grade – Must complete Algebra 1 and must take
Technology of Robotics Design
 10th Grade – Must take Electronics 1 and 2 at GBHS as a
Dual Enrollment Class – students must
pass the TCC placement test.
 11th Grade – Must take 2 classes at TCC during the
school day
 12th Grade – Student will spend the entire 2nd
semester at TCC
Why Consider a Career
Pathway?
 What are the benefits of these (all three) programs?
 Allows a student to be challenged by more than a typical high
school curriculum
 Allows a student to spend time during the junior and/or
senior year at TCC instead of at the high school
 Would allow a student to highlight this on a college
application that he/she is pursuing a special type of degree or
certificate
 For mechatronics certificate – student will take focused
classes and participate in an internship that will enable
him/her to be better qualified after high school for certain
types of jobs
 Students may earn a certificate or TCC transfer degree that
says they completed this program
A Few Things to Consider:
 Dual Enrollment Classes and AP exams cost money – it’s
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expensive
You have to earn the AP scores – not just take the classes
Students taking classes at TCC may miss out on school events
Students who have other interests (sports, leadership roles, etc.)
may have a difficult time fitting everything in
While these programs are new, high school students have been
earning college credits while in high school for the past 20 plus
years – you don’t have to do these programs to earn college
credits
Following the suggested four year plan for some of these
programs may push students too hard or may limit their choices
Different colleges require minimum AP scores to earn the college
credit
WE ARE HERE TO
HELP!
QUESTIONS?