Incoming 9th
Grade Parent
Meeting
Counseling Office
Agenda
• Contacting the Counselors
• Graduation Requirements and HSA
• Registration Process
– Procedures
– Placements/Appeals Process
– Electives
• Academic Eligibility
• Attendance Information
COUNSELING OFFICE
Counselors:
A – Ba
Be – E
F – Kh
Ki – O
P–S
T– Z
Mr. Peelman
Mr. Higgins
Mrs. Djouha
Mr. Smith
Mrs. Poker
Mrs. Fischer
COUNSELING OFFICE
• Registrar (301) 253-7041
- Mrs. Cathy Carey
• Counseling Office (301) 253-7037
- Mrs. Kris Nelson
• Career Center (301) 253-7045
- Mr. Ed Martin
Graduation Requirements
• 4 credits in English
• 3 credits in Social Studies (U.S. History, NSL
Government, Modern World History)
• 4 credits in Math (Algebra, Geometry)
• 3 credits in Science (Physical Science &
Biology)
• 1 credit in Physical Education
Graduation Requirements
(continued)
•
•
•
•
.5 credit in Health (10th Grade)
1 credit in Fine Arts
1 credit in Technology
One of the following:
- 2 credits in a Foreign Language
- 2 credits in Advanced Technology
- 4 credits in a Career Completer
Graduation Requirements
(continued)
• 22 Total credits
• 75 hours of Student Service Learning
Hours
• Students must pass the Maryland High
School Assessments in English 10
(396), Algebra 1 (412), Biology (400),
and NSL (394).
The passing score is a total of 1602.
Registration Information
DAMASCUS HIGH SCHOOL
Registration Procedures for Students
REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR INCOMING 9TH GRADE STUDENTS
1. Students will be given registration cards and course information during the week
of February 13-16, 2007. The middle schools have placed on the cards the course
level recommendations for the student. Students must register for the course level
that is recommended by their teacher.
2. Students of parents who have a question about a particular recommendation are
encouraged to contact the student’s current teacher to inquire about it. This needs
to be done by February 23. If a parent wants to request a change of the level of a
course that is recommended, the procedure is to write a letter to the resource
counselor at Damascus High School (Mr. Peelman) requesting an appeal of the
recommendation. Please include in your appeal why you are appealing. The
deadline for course level appeals is March 2nd.
3. Students are to take their registration card, DHS course offerings information, the
MCPS course bulletin, and this information sheet home to review with their
parents/guardians. If there are any questions about the courses at Damascus High
School, please call the counseling office at 301-253-7037.
4. THE DUE DATE FOR STUDENTS TO RETURN THEIR COMPLETED
REGISTRATION CARD BACK TO THEIR MIDDLE SCHOOL
TEACHER IS FEBRUARY 20 FOR BAKER M.S. AND FEBRUARY 20
FOR ROCKY HILL M.S. Registration cards must be completely filled out.
Students must schedule themselves for a total of 14 courses (7 for the fall, 7 for
the spring). Students also need to schedule themselves into three alternative
courses in case they can not get into any requested electives. If a student does not
request any alternative courses and they can not be scheduled into a requested
course, then the counselor will schedule in a course without their input. A
completed registration card must have the parent’s/guardian’s signature.
Damascus High School counselors will review the completed registration cards
for accuracy and completeness.
5. Our education program offers two levels of courses for 9th graders in Matter and
Energy, US History, and English 9: Honors and On-Level. A recommendation
for honors level is based on many factors: mastery of the course prerequisites,
parent request, standardized test scores, willingness of the student to complete
challenging assignments, teacher recommendations, and work samples.
Additionally, Honors Physics is also available to 9 th graders who are taking
Algebra 2 or higher. Middle school teachers will make their recommendations
based on the student’s first semester performance.
Registration Process
• Procedures
- Registration procedures, card, and course
information distributed Feb 2-4.
- Students sign up for 14 courses and up to four
alternates
- Student and parent must sign card
- Due date for returned cards is February 7 for
Baker MS and February 9 for Rocky Hill MS
- Students receive their schedules in early
August by mail
Registration Process
• Placements and Appeals
- Two levels offered in English, Social Studies,
and Science: Honors and On-Level
- On-Level WS, S: On-Level with supports
- Math and Foreign Language Placements
- Placements made by middle school
- Placements adjustments occur
- Appeals due by February 25 to Damascus High
School: ATTN: Mr. Peelman
Electives: select at least three alternates
9th Grade Courses
Damascus High School
Courses Available for Ninth Graders
English
- 4 credits of English required for
gradution
- All English courses have a yearly
fee of $8.00 for writing book
Foreign Language
- Minimum of two credits of
foreign language required for
admission to most four-year
colleges
- All Foreign Language courses
have a yearly $15.00 course fee
Mathematics
- 4 credits of Mathematics
required for graduation
131304
131404
131100
131200
131103
131203
131113
131213
161100
162100
185100
185200
171100
172100
171200
172200
171300
172300
173304
174304
177700
177800
323150
311150
2007-2008
Honors English 9A
Honors English 9B
English 9A
English 9B
English 9A S
English 9B S
English 9A S+
English 9B S+
French 1A
French 1B
Russian 1A
Russian 1B
Spanish 1A
Spanish 1B
Spanish 2A
Spanish 2B
Spanish 3A
Spanish 3B
Honors Spanish 3A
Honors Spanish 3B
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1A
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1B
Related Math A (Two Year Algebra 1)
Algebra 1A
311100 Algebra 1A (Single period)
311200 Algebra 1B (Single period)
311101
311201
323101
323201
Algebra 1A (Double Period)
Algebra 1B (Double Period)
Related Math A (taken with Algebra 1A)
Related Math B (taken with Algebra 1B)
311103
311203
323103
323203
Algebra 1A S or S+ (Double Period)
Algebra 1B S or S+ (Double Period)
Related Math A (taken with Algebra 1A S or S+)
Related Math B (taken with Algebra 1B S or S+)
320100
320200
320304
320404
330100
330200
331004
331104
Geometry A
Geometry B
Honors Geometry A
Honors Geometry B
Algebra 2A
Algebra 2B
Honors Algebra 2A
Honors Algebra 2B
9th Grade Courses
• English 9: Honors or on-level
• Science: Honors Physics, Honors Matter
& Energy, Physical Science
• Social Studies: Honors or on-level U.S.
History
• Math: Algebra1, Honors or on-level
Geometry, Honors or on-level Algebra 2
• Foreign Language: Spanish 1, 2, or 3 (onlevel or Honors for level 3); French 1 and 2
9th Grade Courses
• Physical Education: General P.E.
• Electives:
- Fine Arts: Art, Ceramics,
Guitar, Chorus, Band, Theatre, Music
Theory, Digital Photo
- Technology: Foundations of Technology
and Intro to Engineering Design (must
have completed Algebra 1)
9th Grade Courses
• Other Electives:
-Software Applications, Web Site
Development, Computer Programming,
Microcomputer Tech, Foundations of
Horticulture, Food Trends, Television
Production (with M.S. experience)
Registration Card
Card Due: ___/___/___
DAMASCUS HIGH SCHOOL
Student Course Registration
2007-08 GRADE 9
FOR OFFICE USE:
___ IEP, ___ 504, ___LFI
____________________________
Counselor Name
PLEASE PRINT WITH PENCIL
If not attending DHS, check here ____ and indicate where you plan on attending: _______________________________
Student Information
Student Name: __________________________________
(Last, First, M.)
Student ID#: ______________ DOB: ____/____/_____
Home Phone #: ____ - ____ - _____________
Cell Phone #:
____ - ____ - _____________
E-mail Address: ________________________
Parent Information
Mother’s Name: _________________________________________
(Last, First, M.)
Father’s Name: __________________________________________
(Last, First, M.)
Work/Cell Phone #: ____ - ____ - _________
Work/Cell Phone #: ____ - ____ - _________
E-mail Address: ________________________
**** REGISTER FOR 7 COURSES – SEMESTERS 1 & 2 ****
COURSE SELECTIONS
COURSE SELECTIONS
TEACHER
Semester 1
Semester 2
RECOMMENDATION
Course # Course Name
Course # Course Name
English 9A
U.S. History A
English 9B
U.S. History B
Course Title
Course Title
Math A
Science A
For. Lang. A
PE A
Math B
Science B
For. Lang. B
PE A
1) Elective A
2) Elective A
3) Elective A
Elective B
Elective B
Elective B
Alternative Choice For Electives
Alternative A
Alternative B
1)
2)
3)
COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS IN HONORS & ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CLASSES
Success in honors and advanced placement classes requires an extraordinary commitment of time and effort. I realize that the quality of my effort
will determine my success in these classes. I am prepared to make my best efforts and to work to the best of my abilities in order to attain the goal of
success.
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
___/___/___
Date
___________________________________
Student Signature
Parent/Student Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
___/___/___
Date
___________________________________
Student Signature
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
COURSES
English:
A.P. Language
A.P. Literature
Foreigh Languages:
A.P. Spanish
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
COURSES
Math:
A.P. Calculus AB
A.P. Calculus BC
A.P. Statistics
Science:
A.P. Biology (Double Period)
Science:
A.P. Chemistry (Double Period)
A.P. Physics
A.P. Environmental Science
Social Studies:
A.P. NSL Government (10th grade)
A.P. World History (11th grade)
A.P. U.S. History
A.P. European History
A.P. Psychology
Arts and Technology
A.P. Studio Art
A.P. Programming 2
Academic Eligibility
• Eligibility is determined each quarter
• Must achieve a minimum of 2.0 for the quarter;
no more than one E
• Ineligibility remains in effect until the next quarter
report card is distributed
• All incoming 9th graders are eligible
Attendance and LC
• Must turn in absence notes within three school days of
absence
Success in 9th Grade
• Homework and study time is important to
enforce NOW
• Attendance is a KEY factor to Success
• Follow-up on student’s academic performance:
– Each quarter: progress report, interim, progress
report, report card
– Initiate contact with teachers for any concerns
– Students should keep track of their grades and
check Ed-Line.
Success in 9th Grade
• Get involved in extra activities
• Get enough sleep; eat nutritious food
• Know the internet is a tool; not a life
University of Maryland
Undergraduate Admissions Info
• Report on last year’s admitted students
from Damascus High School:
•
90 students applied
•
49 admitted for fall; 15 for spring
•
Average admitted data:
- Fall:
WGPA: 4.32; SAT: 1293
- Spring: WGPA: 3.92; SAT: 1191