Leander High SchoolPRIDE Night8th Grade

Parent/Student Night

Senior Class of 2019(2015 Freshman)

Welcome

Tiffany Spicer – Principal

@LeanderHS@Tiffany_Spicer

@lhsROAR

Introductions

• Shandalyn Porter – Dean of Instruction• Counselors:• Julie Cooper (Lead Counselor/IB Coordinator)• Brent Parsons (Last Names A – F)•Deborah McKenna (Last Names G – J, AVID)•Duane Teets (Last Names K – Q)•Marsha Simmons (Last Names R – Z)

•Melissa Wood – Transition Coordinator

Tonight’s Topics• Credits and GPA

• Top 10%- Automatic Admissions

• FAFSA/TASFA

• Graduation Requirements

• Freshman Curriculum

• Athletics

• Fine Arts

• Advanced Program options

• Endorsements

• Performance Acknowledgements

• Student Success

A/B Block ScheduleMONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

A B A B A

HOLIDAY B A B A

B A B A B

A Day B Day

1. PE 5. Elective

2. English 1 6. Biology

3. Prof. Comm. 7. Elective

4. Algebra 1 8. W Geography

A Day B Day

1. Football/Band 5. Football/Band

2. English 1 6. Biology

3. Prof. Comm. 7. Elective

4. Algebra 1 8. W Geography

Sample ScheduleAthletics or Band Sample Schedule

Credits & Grade Point Average

•26 credits are required for graduation

• Credits are earned when you pass (70 or higher) a class. • 1 semester grade = .5 Credit• Fall semester + Spring semester = 1 creditStudent must have 90% attendance to get credit for class, so student cannot miss more than 4 class meetings

• You have the possibility to earn 7- 8 credits per year depending on double blocked courses like band and athletics.

• GPA • Based on a 6 point weighted scale• Begins the first day of 9th grade•More information is available in course catalog

(26 CREDITS)

English 4 Credits – English 1, 2, 3, 4

Math 4 Credits – Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, 4th Math

Science 4 Credits – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 4th Science

Social Studies 4 Credits – World Geo., W. Hist., US Hist., Government & Economics

Foreign Language 3 Credits – same language

PE 1 credit* - Band/Cheer/ROTC/Athletics/Dance

Professional Communications or AVID

1 credit

Fine Arts 1 credit

Electives 4 credits

Endorsement Credit requirements specific to at least one endorsement

Graduation Plans•Available Graduation Plans:

1. Foundation with Endorsements2. Distinguished Level of Achievement3. LISD Distinguished with Honors

•All students will enter 9th grade on the LISD Distinguished with Honors Graduation plan. •Other options are available after the student’s sophomore year or through ARD committee decisions.

Distinguished Level of Achievement

•Allows you to compete for Top 10% Automatic Admission eligibility at any Texas public university.•May allow you to be eligible for the Texas Grant (if you qualify financially).•Ensures you as a more competitive applicant at the most selective colleges & universities, since it:•Requires more Math & Science than the Foundation High School Program•4 Math credits (Including Algebra 2)•4 Science credits•Successful completion of 1 or more Endorsements

Top 10% Automatic Admission Policy

•Any student ranked in the Top 10% of their graduating high school class, after completing their junior year OR during their senior year • Who will graduate under the Distinguished Level of Achievement graduation plan (or above) • Is eligible for automatic admission into ANY Texas state college/ university (with the exception of the University of Texas at Austin).

• Class of 2015- Top 7%/ Class of 2016- Top 8%

•Example: 520 in the senior class……. #1-52 would be eligible for automatic admission

What is the FAFSA?•Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) •The form that must be filled out (based on your income and/ or tax information) during your child’s Senior year in high school.•Qualifies students for federal student loans, grants, the work-study program, scholarships and student/ parent loans (subsidized & unsubsidized). •Many universities require the FAFSA be filled out, in order to be eligible for scholarships. •The FAFSA should be completed if you are a:• U.S. Citizen• Permanent U.S. resident with an Alien Registration Card (I-551)• Conditional permanent U.S. resident with visa type I-551C• Eligible noncitizen with an Arrival/Departure Record (I-94) showing

you as a :(a) Refugee (b) Asylum granted (c) Parolee (d) Cuban-Haitian entrant

What is the TASFA?

•The TASFA is the Texas Application for State Financial Aid. •If you're an undocumented student in Texas wondering about your college prospects, keep this in mind: Texas allows undocumented students to apply for state financial aid and state tuition under certain conditions.

• To be filled out during the Senior year in high school• Is currently only available in paper form•See your counselor for additional information

Endorsement Areas•Arts & Humanities•Business & Industry•Multi-disciplinary Studies*•Public Service•STEM

*All students will begin freshman year with the Multi-disciplinary Studies Endorsement and may change/add endorsements as desired.

Endorsements are earned by successfully completing at least one of the Programs of Study listed below:

Performance Acknowledgements

•Passing Dual-Credit/ Articulated Classes•Being Bilingual or Bi-literate•Earning Qualifying Scores on a College Board Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam•Specific Scores Achieved on the PSAT, ACT-PLAN, SAT or ACT •Earning a Nationally or Internationally Recognized Business or Industry Certification and/or License

One more requirement...

In addition to earning the required number of

credits, each student must pass the required STAAR assessments to

graduate!

Graduation Requirements and STAAR

• In addition to earning the required number of credits, each student must achieve the necessary score on the STAAR Assessment System to graduate.

•Students will take the STAAR tests for:• English I and II, Algebra I, Biology, and US History.

•Students will have the opportunity to retest in any subject area where they do not meet the passing standard.

What Classes do Freshman Take?

9th Grade Required Courses:•4 Academic Courses *• (English, Math, Social Studies & Science)

•Professional Communications or AVID•PE or equivalent course•Fine Arts/Endorsement Elective•Elective/ Foreign Language

*Students have the opportunity to take a Pre-AP/AP/ or Pre-IB course for these subjects.

Course Suggestions- 4 Academic Courses

•English•Math•Science•Social Studies

•Based on data points•Parents will be given paperwork showing how the recommendation was made when verification forms go out.

If a course is not “Suggested” for your child, please look at the data points to determine “WHY?”. However, please note that Parents/ Guardians ALWAYS have the option to self-select courses and override what was suggested.

English

• If QUEST, recommend Pre-AP QUEST English I• If not QUEST,

– 7thSTAAR Reading ≥ Final Level II– 7thSTAAR Writing ≥ Final Level II– 8thReadistep Reading ≥ College Ready Benchmark– 8thReadistep Writing ≥ College Ready Benchmark– 8thELA Course Advanced course– 8thELA Sem1 Grade ≥ 75 (≥ 85 if on-level)– 8thSem1 Attendance ≤ 6 absences

• 4 out of 7 in the above areas (or ≥ 50%) => suggest Pre-AP English I

• Less than 4 (or <50%) => suggest English I

Social Studies• All Social Studies Students:

– 7thSTAAR Reading ≥ Final Level II– 7thSTAAR Writing ≥ Final Level II– 8thReadistep Reading ≥ College Ready Benchmark– 8thReadistep Writing ≥ College Ready Benchmark– 8thELA Course Advanced– 8thSS Sem1 Grade ≥ 85– 8thSem1 Attendance ≤ 6 absences

• 5 out of 7 in the above areas (or ≥ 70%) => suggest AP Human Geography (only 9thgrade AP academic course)

• Less than 5 (or < 70%) => suggest World Geography

Math• I f current course is Grade 8 Math, suggest Algebra I

• I f current course is Pre-AP Algebra I ,– Most recent STAAR Math ≥ Final Level I I– 8th Readistep Math ≥ College Ready Benchmark– 8th Math Sem1 Grade ≥ 75– 8th Sem1 Attendance ≤ 6 absences

• 2out of 4 in the above areas (or ≥ 50%) => suggest Pre-AP Geometry

• Less than 2(or < 50%) => suggest Geometry• I f current is Pre-AP Geometry or above, suggest

Pre-AP of next course

Science• All Science Students:

– 7th STAAR Reading ≥ Final Level I I

– 7th STAAR Math ≥ Final Level I I

– 8th Readistep Reading ≥ College Ready Benchmark– 8th Readistep Math ≥ College Ready Benchmark

– 8th Science Sem1 Grade ≥ 85– 8th Sem1 Attendance ≤ 6 absences

• 3out of 6 in the above areas (or ≥ 50%) => suggest Pre-AP Biology

• Less than 3 (or < 50%) => suggest Biology

Data Points Used for 4 Academic Course Suggestions:

English Suggestions:

•English 1•English 1 Pre-AP•English 1 Pre-IB•English 1 QUEST Pre-AP/IB

Math Suggestions:

If in 8th grade Math= Algebra 1

If in Algebra 1= Geometry Pre-AP/IB

If in Geometry= Algebra 2 Pre-AP/IB

Biology Suggestions:

•Biology 1•Biology 1 Pre-AP•Biology 1 Pre-IB

Geography Suggestions:

•World Geography•AP Human Geography

Students taking AP Human Geography should feel comfortable with challenging college prep curriculum.

.

Foreign Language Options•Students need 2 years of the same foreign language for ALL graduation plans under the Foundation Program.

•Students need 3 years of the same foreign language for the LISD Distinguished with Honors Graduation Plan.

•Students who take and pass Spanish 1 in 8th grade should take Spanish 2 in 9th grade.

•Students are not required to take a foreign language in 9th grade. A student can begin in 10th grade.

•Foreign Language Choices include:•American Sign Language •French•Latin•Spanish

• Lee Bridges – Boys Athletic Coordinator

• Jonathon Lamb – Girls Athletic Coordinator

• See LHS Athletics Webpage for more information regarding specific sport

PE or Equivalent Course

• PE• Band• Dance• Dance Team Prep• ROTC• Girls Basketball• Girls Volleyball• Girls Soccer• Girls Softball

• Boys Football• Boys Basketball• Boys Soccer• Boys Baseball• Cross Country• Golf• Swimming• Tennis• Wrestling• Sports Medicine

Students may choose from the following courses: (Band and Athletics meet every day, so they count as 2 classes.)

Fine Arts Choices• Art 1 General – Beginning Art 1 class• Art 1 Studio – Experienced Art 1 class, this student is planning to take more Art 1 classes and planning to do Art in college.• Band – Band directors will come to middle school for tryouts• Choir – Choir director will come to middle school for tryouts• Dance 1 – PE/Fine Arts credit, survey of dance class• Dance 1 Team Prep – prepares to try-out for Blue Belles• Theater 1 - Acting• Theater Tech – Building sets, lighting, etc.

Leander HS Choir

• All 9th grade students can participate in choir. No audition or prior musical experience needed.

• Minimal amount of before/after school mandatory requirements.

• Private voice lessons available during the school day.

• Focus on how to become a better singer and how to read music.

• Opportunity to sing a wide variety of musical styles and genres.

• Travel to renowned musical destinations around the U.S.

• Questions?

• spencer.wiley@leanderisd.org• (512) 570-1039

Professional Communications The freshman course that serves as a freshman orientation and includes:• Knowledge of self in relation to college and career readiness

• Academic skills like note taking, binder organization, time management, and goal setting

• Research and planning for high school course selection, endorsements and four year plan development

• Communication and presentation skills

• PSAT preparation

• Student-led conference/portfolio

• Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Speech course

…Or AVID

•If your student is currently in AVID they can sign up for AVID.

•Students not currently in AVID must complete an application, and interview process. See your 8th grade counselor or AVID teacher.

Elective OptionsFreshman will take either one or two electives, depending on whether

or not the student participates in band or athletics.

Art 1 General

Art 1 Studio

Theater Arts 1

Tech Theater 1

Girls Choir

Boys Choir

OR any Endorsement Level I course

Principles of Ag, Food, and Natural Resources

Principles of Business, Marketing and Finance

Business Information Management 1 (BIM 1)

Principles of Human Services

Principles of Biomedical Sciences

Intro. to Engineering Design

Journalism/Analysis of Visual Media

Computer Science 1 Pre-AP (student must also be taking Geometry Pre-AP/IB concurrently)

4 Year Plans•Your child will complete a 4 year plan this spring, and Middle School counselors will meet with each 8th grade student (by the end of the school year), to review their 4 year plan and answer any questions they may have.

• It is a GUIDE for courses to be taken….with the end in mind!!• It is a FLUID document!• It will be REVIEWED & UPDATED yearly!•Courses and Endorsement Areas can be CHANGED!

• NOTHING IS PERMANENT!!!

High School - Four Short Years

“The single most important factor in determining college success is the academic challenge of the courses

taken in high school.”

David T. Conley,College Knowledge 2005.

Advanced Programs Options in Leander ISD

Advanced Placement (AP)Shandalyn Porter, Dean of Instruction

International Baccalaureate (IB)Julie Cooper, IB Coordinator/Lead Counselor

IB Information MeetingFebruary 5, 2015

6:00 pmLeander High School

Little Theater

Julie Cooper, IB Coordinator/Lead CounselorJulie.cooper@leanderisd.org

Students interested in participating in the LHS IB Diploma Program should…

• Be prepared to take 4 years of the same language (French, Latin or Spanish)

• Take Pre-IB/AP classes in all 4 core subject areas both freshman and sophomore years to prepare for the rigor of IB courses junior and senior year.• English• Math – It is recommended that Algebra 1 be completed in 8th grade.• Science• History

IB Transfer Policy• Any student in LISD may transfer to LHS for

the IB Diploma Program.

• Students are encouraged to transfer as 9th graders to enable them to participate in extracurricular programs available at LHS.

• Transportation is provided.

• Complete the online transfer form on the LISD website beginning _______. Applicants must complete the following:1. LISD Online transfer form2. IB Application3. LHS Course Choice Sheet

Advanced Placement (AP)

Shandalyn Porter, Dean of InstructionShandalyn.porter@leanderisd.org

LHS Advanced Programs NightApril 14, 2015

5:30 p.m.Leander High School

How Can my Student be Successful in High School?

•Come to school every day and make sure that you pick up your assignments when you are absent.•Do your homework and then turn it in. Create a time and a place at home to study.•Use a planner!•Go to tutorials.•Communicate with teachers and your counselor.

Middle School Registration Schedule• LHS Counselors will be at middle schools on the following days to do schedules with your incoming LHS Freshman.

• Leander Middle School • January 29th and January 30th

•Running Brushy Middle School• February 5th and 6th

•Transfer Students for IB from other Middle Schools•Will fill out the Course Request available online.

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Links to Important Information:• LISD Course Guide

• http://www.leanderisd.org/users/0001/docs/HScourseCat1516.pdf

• LISD College and Career Readiness Website• http://classroom.leanderisd.org/default.aspx?CollegeandCareerReadiness

Thank you for coming.