Belle Chasse High School 9

th

and 10th

Grade Counselor Newsletter

September 2015

Freshmen Fest & Parent Night

Freshmen (9th Grade) parents are encouraged to attend the Parent Information Night on Monday, September 14, from 5:30-7:00 PM in the Band Hall.

Dates to Remember

9/4/2015 Counselor class presentation for 9th grade in Mrs. Mire’s classes 9/8/2015 Holy Cross College Presentation during FLEX (sign up in the Counselors’ Office by 9/3/2015) 9/11/2015 Interim reports issued 9/14/2015 Counselor class presentation for 9th grade in Mrs. Andrews’ classes 9/18/2015 FRESHMEN Night, BCHS Football 9/22/2015 Education Career Presentation during FLEX (sign up by 9/17/2015 in the Counselors’ office) 9/22/2015 FRESHMEN Fest and 9th Grade Parent Information Night, 5:30-7:00 PM 9/24/2015 Counselor class presentation for 10th grade in Ms. Lemay’s classes 9/25/2015 Counselor class presentation for 10th grade in Ms. Ambrose’s classes 9/29/2015 Education Career Discussion during FLEX (sign up in the Counselors’ office by 9/24/2015)

TOPS TECH CORE COURSES 4 English Credits – English I, II, III, and IV or equivalent to Business English 4 Math Credits – Algebra I and three additional math from the following: Geometry, Math Essentials, Financial Math, Algebra II, Advanced Math or higher 2 Science Credits – Biology I and one additional science from the following: Physical Science, Chemistry I, Environmental Science, Agriscience I and Agriscience II (both for one unit). 2 Social Studies Credits – Civics and US History 9 Elective Credits – Jump Start course sequences, workplace-based learning experiences, and courses specific to the credentials

Total Credits Counted for TOPS Tech = 21 Credits

TOPS CORE COURSES 4 English Credits – English I, II, III, and IV 4 Math Credits – Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and Advanced Math or higher 4 Science Credits – Biology I, Chemistry I, and two additional sciences 4 Social Studies Credits – Civics, US History, World Geography or AP Human Geography, and World History or AP World History 2 Foreign Language Credits – two credits of the same language 1 Fine Arts Credit – Fine Arts Survey, Theater, Art, Band, or both Speech III & IV Total Credits Counted for TOPS = 19 Credits

TOPS TECH

2.5 GPA in Core Courses w/ a

17 or above on ACT

Three Types of TOPS

* TOPS Opportunity 2.5 GPA

in core classes and ACT 20

* TOPS Performance 3.0 GPA

in core classes and ACT 23

* TOPS Honors 3.0 GPA in

core classes and ACT 27

TOPS REQUIREMENTS

Test Date Registration Deadline

October 24, 2015 September 18, 2015

December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015

February 6, 2016 January 8, 2016

April 9, 2016 March 4, 2 016

June 11, 20156 May 6, 2016

Students will take the ACT in 11th and 12 grade. However, taking

the ACT before then is a great way to be prepared for what lies

ahead. Students are encouraged to take the ACT in the

spring/summer of their 10th grade year. You will find resources

such as, practice tests, commonly asked questions, national

statistics, and more by going to www.actstudent.org.

Why Take the PSAT?? Many students take the PSAT not only as preparation for the SAT, but also to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Taking the PSAT as a 10th grader will give students a better idea of what to expect if they take the test as an 11th grader. The student’s PSAT score as a junior (11th grade) is the score considered for the scholarship. (See www.sat.org) Sophomores (10th graders) may sign up in the Counselors’ Office by 9/25/2015 to for the October 14 test. The cost is $14.00.

Get extra help from your teachers during Focus period, and study or do your homework during Flex.

Each month, The Counselors’ Office will spotlight a career-path. During the month of September, the focus will be on Education. Please contact the Counselors’ Office for more information and details on the scheduled presentations.

AN EDUCATOR

Is a person who is instrumental in the education of our youth.

WHY BE AN EDUCATOR? A person with a degree in education has made a worthwhile investment in the future! The demand for qualified educators is on the rise and this trend is not likely to change any time soon. Whether you are a person interested in working as a College Professor or an Elementary School Teacher, a Special Ed Instructor or a Counselor, you are sure to find a career in education extremely rewarding.

What are some of the different types of Educators? There is a variety of fields open to someone interested in an education degree. For instance, did you know that an Intervention Specialist is an educator? Or have you heard of a Para-Professional? What about a Superintendent? The educators of today aren’t just teachers anymore. Although most people in education are elementary and high school teachers, further advancement in education can open the door to more career options.

Here are a few of the many more jobs in the field of Education to consider….

Librarians Curriculum Developers Principals Band Directors Counselors

Human Resource Directors Special Education Teachers Registrars Assistant Principals

College Professors Media Specialists Second Language Teachers Speech Pathologists

Early Childhood Educators Athletic Directors Dean of Students

* Stop by the Counselors’ Office or check out the World of Work at www.planstudent.org for a list of average salaries based on specialty.

How to become an Educator:

Step 1: Receive a High School Diploma

It may seem like an obvious one, but the first step toward becoming a teacher is to complete high school. A high school diploma is necessary for college

admission, and in some cases, it may be enough for entry-level jobs in preschools.

Step 2: Enroll in College

To teach in a public school, one must complete a bachelor's degree program. Individuals who teach at the grade school level typically major in education

and minor in another area, such as science or mathematics. Aspiring high school teachers, in most cases, will need to major in the subject they wish to teach

and supplement their degrees with additional courses in education. Preschool teachers may opt for a 2-year degree program in early childhood development

or a related area.

Step 3: Complete a Teacher Certification Program

Most academic programs in education include the courses necessary to apply for state teacher certification. Those who majored in a non-education area but

want to teach later in their careers can pursue alternative certification programs set by their states. Alternative certification programs vary, but they generally

require students to select the subject area they plan to teach and complete coursework in that area and in general pedagogy. All teacher certification

programs include a student teaching experience, and after completing a certification program, individuals are eligible to apply for licensure.

Step 4: Advance in the Field

Teachers can often further their careers by joining professional organizations and adding voluntary certification credentials to their resumes. Individuals can

gain such certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which offers certification in a variety of subjects, from math to music.

Additionally, teachers often pursue graduate-level education in the form of a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or another advanced degree.

Fun Facts About Educators… Most Educators get a LONG Summer vacation and the major holidays off! A typical Work Day comes

to an end by 3:00 or 4:00! Educators are everyday HEROS. They have the POWER to educate! PPSB Educators receive at least 30 hours of

Professional Development a year. They are students, too Teachers teach for the love of education, not for the $$$$$