9th Grade Classroom Guidance

MRS. WINSHIP 9TH AND 11TH GRADE COUNSELOR

HEATHER.WINSHIP@SCCBOE.ORG

Freshmen:Follow the following steps to receive text messages from REMIND:

1. Send a text message to this number (205)417-2047

2. Type this in the message box @moody2018

3. Then, follow the prompt

Guidance Information• INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

• POST-GRADUATE AND COLLEGE PLANNING

• CAREER EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION

• CRISIS INTERVENTION

• ACADEMIC SUPPORT/MONITORING

• PARENT INFORMATION

• STUDENT SCHEDULING

• TESTING ADMINISTRATION AND INTERPRETATION

• GUIDANCE COUNSELOR WEBSITE

FRESHMAN SUCCESSHOW TO SUCCEED IN HIGH SCHOOL✓ Make good first impressions, especially on teachers✓ Find a GROUP OF PEOPLE that are a good influence on you✓ Do not procrastinate. Stay on top and ahead of schoolwork (every year counts!)✓ Try making NEW Friends✓ Stay POSITIVE✓ Join a CLUB✓ Accept change✓ Join a sports team✓ STUDY!! (Every day...even if you don’t have that class the next day!)✓ Be ORGANIZED - Keep a calendar and TO DO LIST✓ Know your counselor✓ Be yourself✓ Use study time effectively✓ Show your school sprit! Attend EVENTS✓ Show your spirit at Pep Rallies…Support MHS!

Study Skills Survey:_____1. I have a study schedule.

_____2. I have a quiet place to study.

_____3. I write down my assignments daily.

_____4. I prioritize and do the urgent assignments first.

_____5. I take advantage of the tutoring programs and other opportunities for help in

my school.

_____6. I have a study buddy or study group.

_____7. I am honest with myself about why I didn’t prepare well for a test.

_____8. I use a method like SPQ3R or some other method when reading texts. (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review)

_____9. I try to concentrate and take good notes.

_____10. I rewrite my notes or reorganize them before a test.

_____11. I have the fortitude to turn the TV off when I have to.

_____12. I read my notes and I review the text before each test.

_____13. I ask for clarification from teachers when I need it.

_____14. I can work without distractions in the place that I usually study.

_____15. I budget enough time each week to study well.

9th Grade High School Diploma Requirements *Need 26 credits*

Alabama High School Diploma Requirements (Standard or Regular)

4 Credits English

4 Credits Math- must include Alg I (Alg IA and IB) and Geometry, Alg II or Alg. II w/ Trig or equivalent course

4 Credits Science- must include Biology and a Physical Science

4 Credits Social Studies- World HY, US HY I, US HY II, Gov/Economics

1 Credit LIFE PE or other approved course (ex. Marching Band)

0.5 Credit Health

1 Credit Career Preparedness

3 Credits in Career Tech Education, Arts Ed, and/or Foreign Language

All remaining credits earned count toward elective credit requirement

Online Experience-provided through Career Preparedness

Endorsement Options:Advanced Academic Endorsement Requirements (Advanced)

Math-one course must be above and beyond Alg II w/ Trig.

2 credits Foreign Language (same)

3 credits of AP and/or Dual Enrollment (any combination of 3 credits)

Career Technical Endorsement Requirements- may be added to any of the above diplomas.

3 Career Tech. Education credits in sequenced cluster

Or 2 Career Tech. Education credits in a pathway plus 1 related other course and 1 Career Technical Education Credential

Why think about GPA, College Admissions, ACT, etc……

•College Admissions and other post-secondary programs are much more competitive than 5 or 10 years ago.

•Decisions and actions now lead to future success….NOW if not before is when you must develop good study habits, organize, prioritize, develop leadership, be involved!

Weighted CreditsHonors or Pre-AP (Advanced Placement) courses or math courses meeting or exceeding requirements for Algebra II with Trigonometry and/ or Pre-Calculus will be awarded 0.5 extra quality point. (Example: A grade of 90 A will earn a student 4.5 quality points instead of 4.0)

Current MHS courses in this category

•Pre-AP English 9 and Pre-AP English 10

•Pre-AP Geometry, Alg. II with Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus

•Pre-AP Biology and Pre-AP Chemistry

AP (Advanced Placement) or Dual Enrollment courses will be awarded one (1) additional quality point. (Example: A grade of 90 A will earn a student 5.0 quality points instead of 4.0)

Current MHS courses in this category:

•AP English Language, AP English Literature, and Dual Enrollment English 101/102

•AP Biology and AP Chemistry

•AP Music Theory

•Dual Enrollment History 201/202

•Dual Enrollment Psychology 200/210

•Dual Enrollment Speech 106/107

Promotion & Graduation Requirements

Promotion Requirements

Most high school subjects are worth 1 credit each

6 credits to become a sophomore

12 total credits to become a junior

18 total credits to become a senior

Graduation Requirements

26 total credits required

GPA - How to Figure Grade Point Averages 1. Count the number of A’s. (Count a ½ credit course as .5 and a 1½ credit course as 1.5)* Multiply the number of A’s by 4.2. Count the number of B’s and multiply the number by 3.3. Count the number of C’s and multiply the number by 2.4. Count the number of D’s and multiply the number by 1.5. F grades receive no points.6. Add the numbers from above (steps 1 – 5).

Count the number of honor points for Honors and AP courses. (Count 1 for a 1 credit course, .5 for a ½ credit course, etc.) Add the total number of honor points to the total (step 6) above.

Divide the total (step 7) by the number of credits attempted. (If including courses from only one semester, be sure to count them as only .5 when adding up the total number of credits.)

*If you are figuring in a semester average, count each grade in a 1 credit course as .5, in a 1½ credit course as .75, in a year-long ½ credit course (meets only ½ period all year long) as .25.

Calculate GPAPractice

Attendance

• Regular school attendance contributes to academic achievement and facilitates the student’s ability to succeed. Alabama law requires all children between the ages of 6 and 17 to attend school.

• In order for an absence to be “excused”, parents/guardians must present to the school principal or designee a written explanation of a student’s absence within three (3) days of the absence. Failure to present a written explanation (within the “Excused Absences” guidelines, below) will cause the absence to be recorded as unexcused.

• Schoolwork missed due to excused absences may be made up, and a grade shall be awarded. It is the responsibility of the student to request makeup work the day the student returns to school and return the make-up work on the deadline day. Once a student has returned to school and requested the make-up work, the student shall have two (2) days for each day of excused absence to complete and return make-up work once the student has been given the assignment(s) by the teacher.

Attendance & Tardy Policy All absences require a parent/guardian note. After the 10th excused absence during a marking period, students are required to bring in a valid professional note (i.e. doctor) to excuse the absence.

After 3 unexcused, refer to Early Warning program.

After 5 unexcused, 2nd referral to Early Warning.

After 7 unexcused, Juvenile Court referral.

Excessive Tardies- May result in sanctions. This might include ISS, detention, Saturday School or other sanctions as deemed necessary by administrator. In high schools, excessive check-ins, check-outs and/or tardies may warrant revocation of driving privileges.

Factors that are important in College Admissions are:

1. Academic Record

2. GPA and Class Rank

3. ACT and/or SAT scores

* Colleges also want bright, motivated, high achieving, diverse backgrounds, people who give of themselves.

When you apply to colleges, they will receive a copy of your official transcript featuring your current cumulative GPA. Colleges use this number to measure your overall performance in school and compare you to other perspective students. Your GPA is important for your future because:

1. Even before college, your GPA can determine whether or not you are eligible to take Honors, AP or Dual Enrollment courses during your junior and senior years of high school.

2. For admission, perspective colleges consider both your GPA and your class rank, which is determined by your GPA. So the higher your GPA, the better your chances are of getting into the college of your choice.

3. Your GPA is a major consideration for both academic and athletic college scholarships as well as financial aid. Make a list of “reach”, “possible” and “likely” schools.

University of Alabama- 21 ACT and 3.0 Overall GPA- unconditional admittance

FOUR YEAR INSTITUTIONS: Alabama A&M University 256-372-5245 18 ACT and 2.0 overall GPA. Algebra II is not required. Foreign Language is not required. Minimums to qualify for scholarships are 20 ACT and 3.1 overall GPA. Alabama State University 800-253-5037 Minimums are 2.0 GPA and 18 ACT and high school graduation exam. You may be accepted with a lower ACT but higher GPA. Algebra II not required. 1 yr Foreign Language OR Computer is required. Minimums to qualify for scholarships are 16 ACT and 2.5 GPA. Auburn University 800-282-8769 Applicants are reviewed on an individual basis. The average GPA for students admitted to the 2010 freshman class was a 3.8 and the average ACT score was 26.9. Writing portion of ACT is required. Students are welcome to discuss their credentials with the admissions counselor. Minimums for automatic scholarships are 28 ACT (or comparable SAT) and 3.5 GPA. Scholarship deadline is December 1. Jacksonville State University 800-231-5291 High School diploma or GED certificate required with no specific GPA. 20 or over ACT-unconditional acceptance; 17-19 on ACT - student must take LS 104 Learning Skills class for remediation. Algebra II not required for admission, but recommended. Foreign Language not required. Scholarship deadline is March 1 and minimums to qualify are 22 ACT for automatic scholarships and 20 ACT and 2.5 GPA for Leadership Scholarships. Students must apply for admission and pay application fee before applying for scholarships or housing. Samford University 726-3673 Application components include: application, teacher recommendation, official ACT/SAT score, high school GPA, leadership resume, and personal essay. The average for admission is a 3.5 GPA and 26 ACT. Algebra II is required. Foreign Language is recommended, but not required. The application committee values test scores and GPA, but takes a holistic view in considering a student’s resume and personal essay. There is no separate scholarship application and all who apply before December 31 will be considered and notified of scholarships they qualify for with the more competitive scholarships being awarded to students with higher test scores, GPA, and overall quality of application. Troy University 334-670-3188 Unconditional admittance given with a 20 ACT and a 2.0 overall GPA. Conditional admittance is given with a 17-19 ACT and 2.5 GPA. Algebra II is not required for admission. Foreign Language is not required for admission. Minimums to qualify for scholarships are 22 ACT and 3.0 GPA. University of Alabama 800-933-2262 21 minimum ACT with 3.0 OVERALL GPA, however all applications are considered on an individual basis. Writing portion of ACT is required. Algebra II required for admission. 1 yr Foreign Language required for admission. No paper applications available for 2011. Must apply online or download forms. Minimums to qualify for merit scholarships are 27 ACT and 3.5 GPA. Scholarship deadline is December 1. UAB 975-7518 20 ACT & 2.25 overall GPA. 17 core credits required with 4 yrs English, 3 yrs Social Science, 3 yrs Science (including 2 labs), 3 yrs math (Algebra I & higher), 1 yr foreign language, and 3 additional academic courses. Priority deadline for admission and scholarships is December 1. Minimums to qualify for scholarships are 24 ACT and 3.0 overall GPA. Scholarship deadline is December 1. Honors Academy deadline is December 15. UAHuntsville (University of Alabama in Huntsville) 800-UAH-CALL 20 ACT and a 3.0 are the minimum requirements for admissions. Engineering requires a minimum a 21 composite on the ACT. Foreign Language is not required. A 26 on the ACT and 3.0 GPA are the minimum for MERIT BASED Scholarships (awarded to those students that fill out the scholarship application by June 1 of their senior year). University of Montevallo 665-6030 20 ACT and 2.5 overall GPA. Algebra II not required for admission, but recommended. Foreign Language not required for admission, but recommended. Minimums to qualify for scholarships are 24 ACT and 3.0 GPA. University of North Alabama (UNA) 800-825-5862 Unconditional admittance requires an 18 or above on ACT and GPA of “C” or 2.00 on academic core with a total of 13 core units. Conditional admission can occur when the following requirements are met: 16 or above on ACT, at least 11 core units (4 English, 2 Math, 2 Natural or Physical Science, 3 Social Studies), and GPA is at least 1.75 on academic core. Algebra II is not required for admission. Foreign Language is not required for admission. Minimums to qualify for ACADEMIC scholarships are 25 ACT and 3.00 GPA. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TWO YEAR INSTITUTIONS: Jefferson State Community College 856-7775 (Freshman Admissions) 856-8509 (Financial Aid) High School diploma or GED certificate required. No minimum GPA. If ACT is not taken, a placement test will be administered. Minimum to qualify for scholarships is 3.0 GPA. Shelton State Community College 205-391-2214 HS Diploma or GED certificate required. Minimum to qualify for scholarships is 20 ACT and some are available with a 2.0 GPA and also 2.0 GPA for Technical. Southern Union Community College 256-395-2211 HS diploma or GED certificate. If ACT is lower than 20 on English, Reading, Math, then placement tests will be given. Those with Occupational Diploma from regular classes need a 16 on the ACT. Minimum to quality for scholarships is 3.0 core GPA.

Other plans after High School may include: Need to have good grades to show that you are intelligent, hardworking, and responsible………………………………….

2 year or 4 year college

Technical or vocational school

Military

Police Academy

Employment

Military Disqualifying Factors

No Tattoos that are visible. No tattoos on face, hands, or wrists.

No Tattoos on extremities that are larger than hand…hand has to be able to cover it. Can file a waiver but may take 6 months to a year for approval.

No piercings, must be removed if female or male.

Can not have gauges. If ear lobe has been stretched then will have to be surgically corrected.

Absolutely no drugs in your system at the time of screening.

Need High School diploma!! Only exception is if you have GED must have at least 15 hours of college credit. Specific courses must be completed.

Will need to take ASVAB. You may do this by contacting a military branch representative. See information in the guidance office.

Get Involved!!

As a freshman student, it is important to get involved in extra-curricular activities during your first year. It is a terrific opportunity for you to grow socially, physically, academically, and spiritually, and it is the foundation for building an impressive college and scholarship resume.

Clubs & Activities

• ART CLUB

• BAND

• CHEERLEADING

• CHESS CLUB

• CHOIR

• DANCE TEAM

• DRAMA CLUB

• BETA CLUB

• FBLA

• FCA

• FCCLA

• FIRST PRIORITY

• FFA

Eden Career Technical Center Majority of student begin attending ECTC their junior year.

Programs that are offered include: Automotive Service, Building Construction, Business/Marketing/Multimedia, Collision Repair, Cosmetology, Health Science, Information Technology, JROTC, and Welding.

The cost to attend is at least $30 per semester plus $15 for club dues for a total of $75 per year. Cosmetology costs more because the student must purchase a kit for $160 (first year only)

If you attend trade school in the morning, you will have to complete one credit via Apex as the travel time does not allow you to return to MHS to attend a 4th period class.

Standardized TestingCollege Admission Requirements

PSAT 10th &11th GRADES*Not Mandatory*

Must register in the counseling office $15

Predicts performance on SAT and is also the means of entry into the National Merit Scholarship Competition in 11th grade.

Measures critical reading skills, math problem solving skills, and writing skills.

Receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses focus preparation on those areas of weakness.

See how your performance compares with that of others applying for college.

ACT plus Writing 11th Grade students will be taking the ACT plus writing on April 28th at Moody High School

There are 4 content areas on the ACT- English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning. Each area contains questions that offer either four or five answer choices.

Go to ww.actstudent.org/testprep for ACT test preparation materials, including ACT Online Prep, The Real ACT Prep Guide, sample questions, and the Question of the Day.

Stop by the Guidance office for more information.

Five Year Trends- ACT Avg. Score

School State

19.7 20.3

19.9 20.3

19.6 20.3

20.2 20.4

20.3 20.6

Are Students Ready for College?

While students will pursue a variety of paths after high school, all students should be prepared for college and work. Through collaborative research with postsecondary institutions nationwide, ACT has established the following as college readiness benchmark scores for designated college courses.

A benchmark score is the minimum score needed on an ACT subject area test to indicate a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college courses.

English Composition: 18 on ACT English Test 2013- avg 20.2

Algebra: 22 on ACT Mathematics Test 2013- avg 18.6

Social Science: 22 on ACT Reading Test 2013- avg 21.3

Biology: 23 on ACT Science Test 2013- avg 20.6

NCAA Eligibility Center WebsiteReview Sliding Scale

Q & A

Questions and Answers

What is High School Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students usually juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses for credit prior to high school graduation. College credits earned through dual enrollment can be simultaneously applied toward high school and college graduation and can be transferred to other colleges and universities.

What does school work have to do with the real world?

You never know exactly what career path you will follow. By working hard in all the core subject areas, you will be prepared to make better choices about a career. Students who take challenging courses and study smart in high school tend to have better jobs and make more money in their careers.

Why are honesty and integrity in the classroom important?

Honesty and integrity are important traits to have in your academic and professional life. In school, good student-teacher relationships come from mutual respect and trust, and those relationships can lead to great references and recommendations. Failing to adhere to your school’s honor code can negatively impact your chances of gaining admission to your top college or career choice.

Why should I participate in honors courses?

Because admission to college is becoming more competitive every day, it is imperative that you have an academic record that will make you stand out. Taking honors courses will help give you that competitive edge. Example PreAP and AP courses.

Colleges look at high school courses and look for consistency.

Tough courses give you knowledge and skills for college.

Higher college admissions test scores.

More options for college

Less likely to need remediation courses in college.

Why should I try and improve my writing skills?

The ability to write well is one of the most important skills to acquire during your high school years. Not only will you need to write well for your high school and college classes, but once you move into the workforce, having good writing skills is a must. Use the following tips to sharpen your writing skills….

Read often- variety, vocabulary

Practice Writing- different formats-emails, letters, essays, poetry, short stories.

Write rough drafts- let thoughts flow.

Proofread- so reader will take you seriously

General College Information Websites:

All About College-http://www.allaboutcollege.com

CollegeNET-http://collegenet.com

College Confidential-http://collegeconfidential.com

GoCollege-http://gocollege.com

National Association for College Admission Counseling-www.nacac.com

National College Fairs-http://www.nacad.com/fairs.html

US News Online College Search- www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/cosearch.htm

The College Guide-http://www.mycollegeguide.org

CollegeView-http://collegeview.com

Educaid-http://www.educaid.com

Websites for Exploring College Options and Financial Aid

Virtual Campus Tours

http://www.campustours.com

http://www.ecampustours.com

http://wwwcollegiatechoice.com

Standardized Tests

MHS High School Code#012112

ACT-http://www.act.org

SAT-http://www.collegeboard.com

Test Prep $$

http://www.testpreview.com

www.number2.com

www.petersons.com/testprep

http://www.satprepplan.com

http://www.vocabulary.com

www.eurekareview.com

APPS that are free on your phone

It is never too early to plan for the future!

Build strong academic, language, mathematics and critical thinking skills by taking challenging courses.

Study hard and get excellent grades.

Strengthen your vocabulary by increasing your reading

Become involved in extra-curricular activities.

Browse through college literature or surf the Web to get an idea of what kinds of schools may be of interest to you.

Check out what high school courses colleges require.

Know NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) requirements if you want to play sports in college.

Research career possibilities

Begin saving or thinking about how you will fund your postsecondary education.