8th grade parent_night_2011-12

Welcome to 8th Grade Parent Night!

Academics: Planning the Next Four YearsPractical Tips for SuccessCo-Curricular Activities

Course Selection Book2011-2012

• The updated course selection book is available online at http://www.howellschools.com

(follow the links to the High School Guidance Department).

• Copies will be available to use at the guidance office and media center.

The Course Selection Book Has Helpful Info…

• Course descriptions• Information on prerequisites• Graduation requirements• Testing-out procedures• Dual Enrollment• Career Pathways / 4-year plan (EDP)• Co-op• Out of District classes• Co-Curricular Activities• And much, much, more!

Credits for Graduation

• To earn a diploma, a student must earn at least 22 credits.

• Each year, a student can earn 6 credits.

• A student can earn 24 credits during four years of high school.

Promotion Guidelines

Freshman students must accumulate at least 5 credits to be promoted to

10th grade.

What is a Personal Curriculum Modification ?

• This is a documented process that modifies certain requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum (graduation requirements).

• Modification is allowed for only two reasons:– A student wishes to go beyond the academic

credit requirements by adding more math, science, or English.

– A student with an IEP needs to modify the credit requirements based on his or her disability.

When would I be able to request a Personal Curriculum Modification?

• Students are not able to request a modification of graduation requirements until his/her junior year.

• At this time he/she needs to have either an EDP (Educational Development Plan) or an IEP (Individualized Education Program)

Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

MATHEMATICS

Requirement Specifics4 credits Algebra I 1 credit

Geometry 1 creditAlgebra II 1 credit

1 additional credit, such as:Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry (FST), Intro. to

Probability and Stats, Building Wealth.

1 credit must be earned in the senior year

Mathematics (continued)A math class must be successfully completed

in the senior year, with no exceptions.

Earning four credits prior to the senior year, including 8th grade, does not satisfy the

requirement of having to take a math class in the senior year.

Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

Requirement Example4 credits English 9 1

creditEnglish 10 1

creditAdvanced Amer. Lit. 1

creditAdvanced Comp. 1

credit

Personal Curriculum ModificationNo modification allowed.

Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

SCIENCERequirement Specifics3 credits Biology 1 credit

Chemistry or Physics 1 creditAdditional Sci. Credit 1 credit

Personal Curriculum ModificationNo modification allowed.

General Notes:Colleges strongly encourage 4 credits of science.

Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

SOCIAL STUDIESRequirement Specifics3 credits World History 1

creditU.S. History 1

creditGovernment/Civics 0.5

creditEconomics 0.5

Personal Curriculum Modification• No modification of Government• Modifications only if student has earned 2

credits and takes additional credit(s) beyond the required credits in English, Math, Science.

Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Requirement Specifics1 credit Health 0.5 credit

Physical Education 0.5 credit

Personal Curriculum ModificationModification only if the student takes additional credit(s) beyond the required credits in English, Math, Science.

Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

VISUAL, PERFORMING, OR APPLIED ARTS

Requirement Specifics1 credit 1 credit in any

combination of these categories.

Personal Curriculum ModificationModification only if the student takes additional credit(s) beyond the required credits in English, Math, Science.

Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCERequirement SpecificsTranscript Requirement may be fulfilled Notation in an online course, online

learning experience, or integrated online learning in required

graduation credit courses.

Personal Curriculum ModificationNo modification allowed.

What classes will provide the online learning requirement?

These are some examples, however, other classes will offer the opportunity to meet this

requirement, as well, through online classroom activities.

• 608 Introduction to TV/Video Production• 501 Introduction to Business• 505 Computer Applications• 506 Computer Applications II• 504 Entrepreneurship• 509 Introduction to Web Page Design• 510 Advanced Web Page Design

Review of Graduation Requirements

• English 4 Credits (8 semesters)• World History 1 Credit (2

semesters)• U. S. History 1 Credit (2

semesters)• Government ½ Credit (1 semester)• Economics ½ Credit (1 semester)• Math 4 Credits (8

semesters)– Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Additional Math or Math Related Credit

• Science 3 Credits (6 semesters)– Biology, Chemistry or Physics, Additional Science Credit

• Health ½ Credit (1 semester) • PE ½ Credit (1 semester)• Visual, Performing, Applied Arts 1 credit (2 semesters)• Online Learning Experience

(Total = 16 required)

• Plus 6.0 Credits (12 semesters) Electives• Total for Graduation = minimum of 22 credits

Students Must Also Take the MME (Michigan Merit Exam) to Graduate• The MME is the state assessment

administered in March of a student’s junior year.

• The MME consists of three major components: – The ACT college entrance exam – Work Keys job skills assessments in reading

and math – Michigan assessments in math, science, social

studies, and persuasive writing. • The combined MME assessment measures

student learning in the Michigan high school standards, benchmarks, and core content expectations.

Curriculum Howell High School

Science Sequencing Options

9th Grade Biology BiologyChemistry

(pre-req. Algebra I)

10th Grade

Physics(pre-req.

Biology & Algebra I)

Chemistry(pre-req. Algebra I)

AP Biology(pre-req. Chemistry)

11th Grade

Chemistry(pre-req.

Algebra I)AP Biology orAP Chemistry

AP Chemistry(pre-req. Chemistry)

12th Grade AP Science AP Physics AP Physics

  = 1 AP Class = 2 AP Classes = 3 AP ClassesAP Physics B ( non – science majors )pre-req: Chemistryco-req: FSTAP Physics C ( science majors )pre-req: Chemistry, FSTco-req: AP Calculus

Math Sequencing• Algebra• Geometry• Algebra II• Functions Statistics and Trig. or Trig. &

Stats.• Pre-Calculus and Discrete Math• AP Statistics • AP Calculus

• Additional Math Classes– Consumer Math– Building Wealth

English Sequence OptionsGeneral Advanced

9th9th Grade English

9th Grade Englishor

9th Grade English Accelerated

10th10th Grade English

10th Grade English Acceleratedor

World Literature

11th11th Grade English Advanced American Literature

12th Senior Englishor

Advanced Newspaper Journalism

Advanced Compositionor AP English

or British Literatureor Humanities

or Advanced Newspaper Journalism

Social Studies9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

World History US History or

AP US History

Government 0.5 credit and

Economics 0.5 credit

orAP Government

1.0 credit and Economics 0.5

credit

Social Studies Elective

ELECTIVES• 9th grade Band• 9th grade Choir• Drawing• Photography I• Digital Imaging• French I (1)• German I (1)• Spanish I (1)Required Elective in 9th grade• Health Education• Basic Physical Education/Swimming or Basic

Aerobics/Swimming

Scheduling• Students will meet with a guidance

counselor to select classes for next year.

• Students select a total of 6 credits and 4 alternate classes.

• Students who have demonstrated a need for assistance (MEAP SCORES, SRI, course grades) in Math and/or English, will be scheduled for additional support during the school day.

FOUR-YEAR PLANComponent of Educational Development Plan (EDP)

Grade English SocialStudies

Math Science Elective Elective

9th

10th

11th

12th

SAMPLE: FOUR-YEAR PLANComponent of Educational Development Plan (EDP)

Grade English SocialStudies

Math Science Elective Elective

9th 9th Grade English

WorldHistory

Alg. 1 Biology ForeignLanguage

HealthGym

10th US Hist. Geometry

Physics ForeignLanguage

11th Adv.Amer. Lit.

Gov. &Econ.

Alg. II Chemistry

12th Adv. Comp.

SocialStudies Elective

FST Sci. Electiveor AP

10 GradeEnglish

AP Classes Available at Howell High School

• AP Calculus• AP Statistics• AP Biology• AP Physics B• AP Physics C• AP Chemistry• AP Computer

Science

• AP English• AP European

History• AP U.S. History• AP Government• AP Comparative

Gov. and Politics• AP Psychology

Out-Of-District Applied Tech Education Programs

●Great opportunities for hands-on learning!

• Programs are offered at an out-of-district site (Brighton, Hartland or Pinckney High Schools).

• Transportation is not provided.• See Course Selection Book for more detailed

information on classes.• Counselors can provide additional information

regarding registration procedures.

Out of District LATEC Courses for School year 2011-2012

• Advanced Automotive/Brakes & Electronic Systems (FHS 3 credits)

• Cisco Networking (PHS 3 credits)• Graphic Communications (BHS 3

credits)• Network Administrator (Cleary

University 2 credits) • Robotics and Industrial Automation

I and II (PHS 3 credits)

Career Pathways• A career pathway is a plan determined

by a student’s interests and abilities that ensures that what he/she learns in school connects to his/her long term goals.

• Encourage your son/daughter to choose classes that support his/her career pathway.

Career Pathways• Arts and Communications• Business, Management, Marketing and

Technology• Engineering / Manufacturing and

Industrial Technology• Health Sciences• Human Services• Natural Resources and Agriscience

Getting the Most Out of High School

The Key to Success in High School…

Study Skills

Understanding the Difference Between Homework and

Studying

• Homework – completing an assignment

• Studying – outlining a chapter, rewriting notes, or making flashcards.

Homework Use a planner everyday!

Set up a study space free from distractions

Determine what time of day is best to study

Turn off the TV and phone

Organize – use three-ring binders and homework folders

Go to tutoring if struggling

Make up missed assignments right away

On Taking Notes In Class…• Write key points (i.e. names, dates, terms)

• Write information teacher repeats or emphasizes

• Copy what teacher writes on board or overheads

• Rewrite notes• Write questions on material

On Studying for Tests…• Prepared students perform better • Cramming for tests is never best!• Review notes, highlight important points• Create flash cards (review frequently)• Review quizzes and homework from same unit

– look up correct answers to missed questions • Read chapter summaries• Take notes and make outline from reading• Study with a buddy!• Quiz your student

If Your Student is Not Successful in Class

• Require use of a planner • Make arrangements to meet with

teacher(s) before or after school • Communicate with teachers via email• Check PowerSchool frequently• Expect that your student make up

missed assignments• Monitor student’s attendance record

Attendance Policy

• Parents call attendance office for explained absence.

• The attendance policy is most effective if parents call the absence in within two days.

Attendance Continued…

Tardies and Lateness

Parent will receive a phone call from the automated system (ParentLink) for each occurrence.

Lates, tardies, and unexcused absences may affect student grades.

Progression of consequences are: Warning Detention Saturday School Out-of-School

Student ConcernsWhere to go for help…

• Academic Assistance– Meet with teachers after school– NHS tutoring Tuesday and Thursdays after school– Talk to counselors/administrators

• Student Issues & Concerns– Parents– Teachers– Guidance counselors– Safety Team (hall monitors)– Assistant Principal/Principal

Information• Daily Announcements • PowerSchool• School web page @ www.howellschools.com• ParentLink • Staff• Principal’s View Blog

Testing

Testing Sequence9th Grade: MEAP (Oct.) – Social

Studies PSAT* (Oct.) –

practice ($15) Explore – pre-ACT

(March)

10th Grade: PSAT* - practice PLAN *– pre-ACT

11th Grade:PSAT* – qualifying

test for National Merit Scholarship

ACT – ($28/42) required for college admissions

SAT – ($41.50) may be required for some college admissions

MME/ACT required for graduation and to receive state money for college*Necessary scores for dual-enrollment in 11th or 12th grade

PSATPreliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

• 9th and 10th grade students are strongly encouraged to take the PSAT

• 11th grade students compete for scholarships through PSAT test score

• Administered 3rd Saturday of October• Cost = $15• Students register in Guidance Office• Counselors review scores with

students

EXPLORE TestPractice ACT

• Excellent predictor of ACT scores• EXPLORE is designed for 9th grade

students• Taken during ACT/MME testing

window early March• PLAN test taken as 10th grade

student

ACT or SAT?National Testing Companies

• Test scores are part of the college application process

• 90-95% of colleges, nationwide, accept the ACT

• Most colleges accept either test score• Which test is required? Check resources in

Guidance Office• Scores are listed on high school transcript• ACT website: www.act.org• SAT website: www.collegeboard.com

Can a student take the ACT more than once?

• YES!• Statistics show scores rise 1-4 points• Future classes may be required to take

writing portion; check requirements for specific college

• ACT Registration includes: completed ACT packet from Guidance Office, pay fees and mail to ACT. Online registration available, too, at www.actstudent.org

Preparation for National TestsACT & SAT

• KAPLAN Test Prep• Practice tests available for both tests• MSU, U of M and other colleges offer

ACT and SAT prep workshops• CD-ROM from ACT – “ACTive Prep”• Private Test Prep Companies• Practice books available at bookstores

Dual Enrollment• Allows a student to enroll in postsecondary for high

school credit, or postsecondary credit, or both.• Eligibility:

– Must be enrolled in at least one high school class.– Must take the PSAT or PLAN in 10th grade to dual

enroll in 11th grade (qualifying scores are required; see course selection book pg. 6)

– If student decides not to take HHS’s AP same subject course, he/she does so at own expense.

• 3 - 4 credit college courses transfer to HHS as 1.0 credit.

• 1 - 2 credit college courses transfer to HHS as 0.5 credit.

Qualifying Scores for Dual Enrollment

• PLAN Test (or ACT) – Minimum Scores Required• Mathematics 18• Reading 17• Science 19• English 21

• PSAT Test – Minimum Scores Required• Reading 44• Writing 49• Mathematics 45

Testing Out Procedures• High School credit may be

earned in any course offered by the school by testing out. This applies to all HHS courses (except courses lower in sequence of those already passed).

• Student must attain a 77% or above on the semester exam.

Testing Out Timelines• Sign Up:

– Guidance Office (each building) 4th quarter

• Pick Up Materials: – Media Center (each building) first two weeks after

school is out for Summer

• Test Out Dates: (Located at 10-12 Building)– Aug 8th - PE in AM, Health in PM: – Aug 9 Math in AM, ELA in PM, – Aug 10 Science in AM, Soc. Stud in PM

• Exact Times and Room numbers to follow.

Athletics & Co-Curricular At HHS

Athletics and Co-Curricular Eligibility

1. Must maintain a 2.0 GPA• Student must have earned this 2.0 GPA in the quarter or

semester immediately preceding the beginning of the sport or activity.

• GPA must be maintained throughout the period of continuous involvement in the co-curricular program.

2. Must have passed five out of six classes in the quarter or semester (or six of seven) immediately preceding the beginning of the sport or activity.

• The student must continue to pass five (or more) classes through the period of continuous involvement in the co-curricular program.

• A PHYSICAL MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO TRY-OUTS FOR ANY TEAM

• THE PHYSICAL MUST BE DATED APRIL 15, 2011 OR AFTER.• A PHYSICAL IS REQUIRED ANNUALLY• ATHLETIC OFFICE HOURS DAILY 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM• SUMMER HOURS TUESDAY/THURSDAY 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM • 2.0 GRADE POINT AVERAGE PASSING 5 OUT OF 6 CLASSES

IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE ON AN ATHLETIC TEAM

Athletic Director: Dan Hutcheson 517 540-8335

FALL SPORTS • Cross Country (B/G)• Equestrian** (B/G)• Football• Golf (G)• Soccer* (B)

• Swimming (G)• Tennis (B)• Volleyball*• Cheerleading*

*TRY-OUTS REQUIRED**Not a Michigan High School Athletic Association recognized sport

WINTER SPORTS• Basketball* (B/G)• Bowling (B/G)• Competitive Cheer*• Gymnastics• Hockey*• Inline Hockey• Skiing• Swimming (B)• Wrestling

*TRY-OUTS REQUIRED

SPRING SPORTS• Baseball* (B)• Golf* (B)• Inline Hockey• Lacrosse (B)• Soccer* (G)• Softball* (G –V)• Softball* (G – JV)• Tennis (G)• Track (B/G)

* TRY-OUTS REQUIRED

It is important to get involved in high school, balancing academics and extra-curricular activities. The following are great ways to

be involved! Quiz Bowl Anime Club Free Thinking Club National Honors Society (NHS) Band Yearbook Culinary Arts & Catering Engineering Club Robotics / Engineering Fellowship of Christian Athletes

(FCA) We the People Choir Classicality, Chorale D.E.C.A.

Bible Study Interact School Musical School Play Environmental Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Destination Imagination Band Auxiliary Groups Main Four Student Newspaper Student Council Diversity Club Friends Network FCCLA Health Occupation Students of

America (HOSA) Drama

Thank You!