FRESHMEN BASICS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

Unique Challenges of the 9th Grade

Transition- Larger campus- New social groups Organization

- Longer, more involved assignments

Long Term planning

- College

The Counselor’s Role

Academic College Career Personal/Social

How do I contact my counselor? Your student can sign up for an appointment in the

Counseling Office or drop by at lunch (except Thursdays) or after school

Call to schedule an appointment or a phone conference: 310-533-4299

Mrs. Sramek (A-He) tsramek@tusd.org x7609Ms. Lau (Hi-Ne) llau@tusd.org x7611

Mrs. Barricklow (Ng-Z) tbarricklow@tusd.org x7612

Counseling Services

Naviance College Representative Visits Grade Level Informational Nights Referrals to Community Agencies Career Speakers

How do I find out how my student is doing in class?

Parent Connect Quarterly and semester report cards Progress Reports – Posted on Parent

Connect every 5th week Contacting the teacher by email or phone

What do I do if my student is having difficulty?

Student can get help from teacher

Parent-Teacher Conference

Tutorial CenterOpen Monday-Thursday at Lunch and After School from 3-4pm in the Library.

Communication

Naviance: http://connection.naviance.com/westhigh

West High website: www.whs.tusd.org

Teacher Websites Grade Level Information Nights Back-to-School Night Principal’s and PTSA Newsletter

School Policies

Tardies - 4 or more per quarter = U in citizenship

Truancies Academic Honesty Policy

- Automatic U in citizenship and 0 on assignment

- Cheating referrals may affect local scholarships in senior year

Attendance Procedures

All absences must be cleared either by note or phone call within 48 hours. The note must clearly state the reason for the absence, date of the absence, and a contact phone number.

Absences not cleared within 48 hours will result in a truant and a Saturday detention.

Attendance Procedures (cont.)

You will receive an automatic phone call when your student is absent for any reason.

An off campus pass is needed when a student needs to leave school during the school day. A note from a parent/guardian including a phone number to verify information is required.

Student Involvement on Campus

Freshman Focus

Athletic Teams

Clubs

Freshman Focus

Juniors and Seniors visit freshman classes during the Fall to inform students about activities, clubs, ASB, athletics and other ways of getting involved on campus.

Athletic Teams

All athletes meet with their team during 6th period. Students must tryout for most teams prior to the season and maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory citizenship.

Clubs

There are approximately 50 clubs on our campus. Students are encouraged to find a few clubs of interest and maintain involvement throughout high school. See club list on WHS website.

Club Rush took place today at lunch

High School Graduation Requirements

220 total credits in the required subjects. An average of 60 credits per year

Six semesters of Excellent or Satisfactory Citizenship

Students also need to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE – English and Math)

Graduation Requirements

English 40 credits Social Science 30 credits including:

World History 10; US History 10; Govt 5; Econ 5

Mathematics 20 credits Science 20 credits including:

Physical 10; Biological 10

Health 5 credits Foreign Language or VPA 10 credits Physical Education 20 credits Electives 75 credits

What if my student falls behind?

Summer School Hamilton Adult School

(16 years old or a Junior)

SoCal ROC – elective credit only (15 years old or a Sophomore)

Online Options Community College

Summer School Options

South Bay Enrichment Academy (SBEA)Tuition based program for enrichment or to make up a D or F grade

Community CollegeOpen to 11th and 12th grade students

Online ClassesTuition basedMust obtain counselor approval priorto enrolling (No VPA or Science courses)

Tips for Success

Aim for a high GPA

Take challenging courses

Take the PSAT on October 15th

Get Organized! Obtain a student planner or personal organizer. Available in the Student Activities office for $10 (Rm 4139)

Create a personal resume file on Naviance

Get to know your teachers and counselor

Post-Secondary Options

Community College

High School diploma or 18 years of age To prepare to transfer to a four-year college or

university Wide choice of programs to enter a career or

technical field Local, inexpensive option to continue education The SAT or ACT is not required for admission Placement Tests in Math and English

4-Year Colleges and Universities

Public Universities

UC www.universityofcalifornia.edu

Cal State Universitywww.csumentor.edu

Out of State

Private Universities

Numerous choices throughout the U.S.

Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities: www.aiccu.edu

A-G Requirements for College Entrance

A. History and Social Science (2 years) B. English (4 years) C. Mathematics (3 years, 4 years recommended)

Algebra 2 minimum requirement D. Science (2 years Lab Science, 3 years

recommended) E. Foreign Language (2 years, 3 years

recommended of the same language) F. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year) G. College Prep Elective (1 year)

Other Requirements and Tips for College Entrance

SAT Reasoning or ACT with Writing SAT Subject Tests

(no longer required for UC admission)

Choose challenging and rigorous courses Community Service / Employment No “D” grades accepted Repeated grades will be calculated into GPA

Other Post Secondary Options

Career & Technical Education

Military

Workforce

Questions?