information night for parents of rising freshmen
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Information Night for Parents of Rising Freshmen. Briar Woods High School. Agenda. Accomplishments and Expectations Rising 9 th Grade Scheduling Process Diploma Types & Graduation Requirements Selecting Courses for Next Year. This Information is Online!. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Information Night for Parents of Rising Freshmen
Briar Woods High School
Agenda
Accomplishments and Expectations
Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Process
Diploma Types & Graduation Requirements
Selecting Courses for Next Year
This Information is Online! BWHS School Counseling >>> Student
Scheduling for 2014-2015 Tonight’s parent presentation – key points will be
titled in red Students’ presentation 2014-2015 Program of Studies Rising freshman course selection worksheet –
lists 9th grade academic courses and electives
LCPS Course Curriculum information
Accomplishments and Expectations
The Class of 2013
76% are attending 4-year colleges
17% are attending 2-year school
5% are in the military or other post-secondary training/schools
2% went directly into the work force
The Class of 2013
Earned over 4.9 million dollars in scholarships and grants (453 graduates)
Approximately 80% enrolled in one or more Advanced Placement classes while in high school
College & University Attendance To date, accepted by approximately 484
different colleges and universities and are currently on approximately 260 different campuses
Attend school in over 25 different states and four countries
BWHS Updates
Currently: 2169 total students 618 freshmen
Next Year, projections 1971 total students 375 freshmen
Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Process
Scheduling Process
There is a different process for scheduling at each middle school
The end result is the same: Students and parents will select their courses using information from the high school counselors, and with the input and assistance of their current middle school counselors
Scheduling Process at Stone Hill Late January – SHMS counselor reviewed 6-year plans
and course options for next year February 4 – BWHS counselors will meet with students in
large groups to share information Week of February 10 – Students will meet with SHMS
counselor in smaller groups: The SHMS counselor will guide students through the selection
of their courses for next year using Family Connection Parents can log onto Family Connection to review and make
changes until February 28, 2014 After February 28, 2014, parents may contact their SHMS
counselor, Ms. Bryan, to make changes through June 13
Scheduling Process at Eagle Ridge February 18 & 19 – BWHS counselors will meet
with students in their science classes to select courses using Family Connection Student will receive a letter which will provide their
parents with instructions to log onto Family Connection Parents can log onto Family Connection to review and
make changes until March 14, 2014 After March 14, parents may contact Mrs. Mostero to make
changes. The last day to make changes through Mrs. Mostero is June 13, 2014
The ERMS counselor will review academic plans with students
Students New to LCPS
New students usually begin enrolling in mid-April
The information and materials needed to enroll an new student can be found on the BWHS and LCPS websites
New students and their parents will select their courses with a BWHS counselor when they enroll
Enrollments are by appointment
Diploma Types & Graduation Requirements
Diplomas
Standard Diploma Advanced Studies Diploma
Diplomas
Diplomas are based on:
Standard Units of Credit – 140 clock hours of instruction & passing grade
Verified Units of Credit – Standard unit of credit plus passing the end-of-course SOL associated with that class
Standard DiplomaAcademic Areas Credits SOL Verified Credits
English 4 2
Social Studies 3 1
Mathematics 3 1
Science 3 1
Health/Physical Education 2
Foreign Language, Fine Arts, or Career & Technical Education
2
Economics and Personal Finance 1
Electives 4
Student Selected Verified Credit 1
Total 22 6
Advanced Studies Diploma
Academic Areas Credits SOL Verified Credits
English 4 2
Social Studies 4 2
Mathematics 4 2
Science 4 2
Foreign Language 3-4
Health/Physical Education 2
Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education 1
Economics and Personal Finance 1
Electives 3
Student Selected Verified Credit 1
Total 26 9
SOL Courses = Verified Credits
Reading (Eng. 11) Earth Science
Writing (Eng. 11) Biology
Chemistry
Algebra 1 World History 1
Geometry World History 2
Algebra 2 US History
Additional Requirements
See the Program of Studies for the “fine print” details
Additional Requirements
VA Department of Education: All students must receive online instruction while in high school
There is an online instructional component within the required “Personal Finance” class which satisfies this requirement
Additional Requirements
VA Department of Education: Standard Diploma students must pass a board-approved “technical education credential”
There is a credential component within the required “Personal Finance” class
Selecting Courses for Next Year (and beyond)
Course Options for Freshmen1. English 9: Honors or Academic
2. World History 1: Pre-AP (Honors) or Academic
3. Earth Science *: Honors, Academic, or General
4. Math: Follows sequence
5. Health & Physical Education 9
6. Elective – usually a foreign language
7. Elective
Course Levels
General – science only
Course content and student performance are commensurate with the student’s grade level.
Middle school personnel will speak to parents directly if a general-level course is
recommended.
Course Levels
Academic
Course content and expected student performance require additional reading and
writing at a rigorous level.
Academic is a “college-bound” level.
Course Levels
Honors and Pre-Advanced Placement
Course content is rapidly paced with additional depth. Lessons are often designed to be
complex, abstract, and open-ended.
Course Options for Freshmen1. English 9: Honors or Academic
2. World History 1: Pre-AP (Honors) or Academic
3. Earth Science *: Honors, Academic, or General
4. Math: Follows sequence
5. Health & Physical Education 9
6. Elective – usually a foreign language
7. Elective
Math Sequence
See Program of Studies, page 33
Algebra 1 >>> Geometry Geometry >>> Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 w/Trig
Post Algebra 2/Algebra 2 w/Trig: Advanced Functions and Modeling Advanced Algebra/Precalculus Math Analysis
* Freshman Science
Earth Science Honors Academic General/Basic
Biology Honors
* Freshman Science Earth Science Honors or Biology Honors
Skipping Earth Science is not recommended by LCPS or BWHS
Biology is a tenth grade course. A small percentage of freshmen opted to take this course
Students who skip freshman Earth Science will miss important science content
Honors Biology has a strong research component; students first learn the research process through Earth Science
AOS students receive Earth Science instruction and take the Earth Science SOL
Electives Available to Freshmen
Course Requests
Requests for changes should be directed to the middle school until the last day of school, June 13
Between June 13 and June 20, requests for changes should be directed to BWHS.
We cannot make changes to course requests after the deadline of June 20, 2014. You have 4 months to change your mind!
Reminders A rising freshman course selection worksheet is online
The 2014-2015 Program of Studies is online
Course curriculum information can be found on the LCPS website
The middle school counselors and teachers are a great resource when making these decisions
“Lesson in Balance”
Challenge the student vs. Overloading the student
Finding balance in the students course load
If you figure out the formula for this, create an app! You’ll make millions!
“Lesson in Balance”
Take the most challenging classes you can handle.
“Lesson in Balance”
Take the most challenging classes you can reasonably handle.
“Lesson in Balance”
How much time do you have available to study and do homework? Do you play sports? Are you involved in activities?
What does your track-record indicate?
How committed and disciplined are you?
“Lesson in Balance”
Think long-term:
It’s easier to improve your schedule each year by taking more challenging classes…
than it is to improve a damaged GPA!
Johnny LateStarter
Grade 9: Grade 10:
English C 2 English B 3
History C 2 History A 4
Math D 1 Math C 2
Science D 1 Science B 3
HPE B 3 HPE A 4
Elective C 2 Elective A 4
Elective C 2 Elective A 4
Cumulative GPA = 1.86 Cumulative GPA = 2.64
Grade 11: Grade 12:
English B 3 English A 4
History B 3 History A 4
Math B 3 Math B 3
Science B 3 Science B 3
HPE A 4 HPE A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Cumulative GPA = 2.90 Cumulative GPA = 3.12
Sara StudyHard
Grade 9: Grade 10:
English B 3 English B 3
History B 3 History A 4
Math B 3 Math C 2
Science C 2 Science B 3
HPE A 4 HPE A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Cumulative GPA = 3.29 Cumulative GPA = 3.36
Grade 11: Grade 12:
English B 3 English A 4
History B 3 History A 4
Math B 3 Math B 3
Science B 3 Science B 3
HPE A 4 HPE A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Cumulative GPA = 3.38 Cumulative GPA = 3.46
The Importance of the Freshman Year The difference between a 3.12 GPA and a 3.46
GPA can be the ninth grade year!!!
When they apply to college they will use their junior year GPA: 2.90 vs 3.38
The student with the “Slow Start” would have to earn straight A’s in grades 10, 11, and 12 just to equal the student who had a stronger freshman year.
Johnny LateStarter
Grade 9: Grade 10:
English C 2 English A 4
History C 2 History A 4
Math D 1 Math A 4
Science D 1 Science A 4
HPE B 3 HPE A 4
Elective C 2 Elective A 4
Elective C 2 Elective A 4
Cumulative GPA = 1.86 Cumulative GPA = 2.92
Grade 11: Grade 12:
English A 4 English A 4
History A 4 History A 4
Math A 4 Math A 4
Science A 4 Science A 4
HPE A 4 HPE A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Cumulative GPA = 3.28 Cumulative GPA = 3.46
Sara StudyHard
Grade 9: Grade 10:
English A 4 English A 4
History A 4 History A 4
Math A 4 Math A 4
Science A 4 Science A 4
HPE A 4 HPE A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Cumulative GPA = 4.00 Cumulative GPA = 4.00
Grade 11: Grade 12:
English A 4 English A 4
History A 4 History A 4
Math A 4 Math A 4
Science A 4 Science A 4
HPE A 4 HPE A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Elective A 4 Elective A 4
Cumulative GPA = 4.00 Cumulative GPA = 4.00
The Importance of the Freshman Year With a “complete turnaround” vs. straight A’s
scenario, the final GPA is a 3.46 vs. 4.00
When they apply to college, they will be using their junior year cumulative GPA: 3.28 vs. 4.00
The Importance of the Freshman Year
These examples are not meant to scare you!
“Lesson in Balance”
How much time do you have available to study and do homework? Do you play sports? Are you involved in activities?
What does your track-record indicate?
How committed and disciplined are you?
Looking Beyond the Freshman Year Students a not stuck on an honors or
academic “track”
Student often mix and match honors-level classes
They can move “up” or “down” from year-to-year in most subjects (notable exceptions are math and foreign language)
“Lesson in Balance”
Don’t forget to consider the student’s interests when determining his/her
course load!
Reminder
Requests for changes should be directed to the middle school until the last day of school, June 13
Between June 13 and June 20, requests for changes should be directed to BWHS.
We cannot make changes to course requests after the deadline of June 20, 2014
After the School Year Begins Elective changes will not be possible
Academic level changes Level change decisions are made case-by-case Input from a variety of sources will be needed We may implement level-change windows A class that is “difficult” for a student is not the
same as a class that is “too difficult” for a student! Changing a level often disrupts the student’s entire
schedule!
Agenda
Accomplishments and Expectations
Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Process
Diploma Types & Graduation Requirements
Selecting Courses for Next Year
Upcoming Events April 28: BWHS Activities EXPO (private &
homeschool students are welcome! Adult must supervise)
May: Athletics meeting for parents See BWHSports.org for details
Special education meeting – date TBA Week before school begins
Freshman Student Orientation Freshman Parent Meeting
First week of school – meeting with freshmen Monitor our website and look for our newsletter!