SEHS Freshman Academy Parent Night January 4, 2011

SEHS Freshman AcademyParent NightJanuary 4, 2011AgendaWelcomeFreshman AcademyParent InformationSemester OverviewTeacher Discussions

Freshman AcademyWhat is the Freshman Academy?

Helps students adjust to high school.Students linked to core teachers in LA, Math, SS & ScienceSmaller learning community.Creates a sense of community for the students.

MissionThe South Effingham High School creates a caring and supportive environment that eases the transition into high school while encourages students to value academics, themselves, others and life-long learning.TransitioningReality hits and future begins

Laying the foundation

Students begin to see the path towards Graduation

Training the students for success

9th grade Transition ChallengesStudents attitudes and thoughts about school and themselves

Root cause for poor student performance has more to do with attitude than it has do with ability

Students dont believe3 Essentials for Student SuccessStudents must believe that they can learn the subject matter

Students must believe that the system is there for them.

Students must believe life is and can be good.Successful Student QualitiesPositive AttitudesPositive OutlookOrganizedStructuredIndependent LearnersIndependent ThinkersFollow ThroughAccountableResponsibleDo not fear FailureThe Role of FailureFailure happens for 2 reasonsNot trying (unacceptable)Tried and fell short

We can learn from our failures

Failure is a necessary step in success

Freshman Failures=Zeroes, an essential skill for freshman is understand the impact of a zero.

First 9 week failures164 Total104 Individuals

Second 9 week failures @ progress reports316 Total175 Individuals

Failure ReportsZero Policy Scenario (2-100%) (1-Zero)Averaged out would be a 67%

Success is overcoming failure. Learning from failure and then doing better the next time. If a student never turns in an assignment, then Zero is the appropriate Grade.Scott Habeeb 2008

Grading Policy Grades=reflection of students performance on content standards

Math IELAHomework=10%Homework=10Classwork=30%Classwork=20%Test=60%Test=45%Quizzes=25%

BiologySSHomework=5%Homework=10%Tests=50%Tests=50%Labs=25%Classwork=40%Classwork=10%Quiz=10%Office of Instruction and Technology

My teacher doesnt like me!Failure ReportsFirst 9 week failures164 Total104 Individuals

Second 9 week failures @ progress reports316 Total175 Individuals

First semester failures94 total 58 Individuals

Encourage Independent Problem SolvingIts very important that high school students learn how to take care of their own affairs. Getting their own questions answered and their own problems resolved helps students gain confidence and become more independent which provides a sense of empowerment.

Independence increases as students move in and through HSHelp Your Student Set Academic Goals:

Help your student determine what grade he/she should be able to earn in each course.

Students need specific goals to work towards.

Parent/Student Portal

Sign up today!Insist on Daily Attendance:

#1 School Success Factor!

They miss lectures, notes, class discussions, assignments, quizzes and tests.Deal Effectively With Homework:

Students are responsible for keeping track of accurately completing, and turning in homework on time.

Unintentionally, parents often turn the completion of homework into their problem.

Homework is the students responsibility, and if not complete, the students problem. Students who consistently use their SEHS planners are typically more successful academically.

Homework & class work policies need to be enforced violators will receive the grade earnedUsing Rewards & Consequences:

Rewards can be very motivating for some students.

Doing well in school is reward in itself and a sense of personal accomplishment.

Students need to understand consequences for poor performance and/or bad behavior.

Parent approval and reinforcement for rewards and consequences are very important.

Be a Good Listener:

Talk to your student about whats happening in school.

Pay attention not only to the words your student uses, but also to your students body language and attitude.

Be Aware and Be Informed:

Get to know your students friends.

Social networking through the Internet can lead to activities that are wrong or harmful. Bullying on Facebook & MySpaceMonitor your students internet usageListen to your instincts and take action.

Stand firm with rules and limitsSet Limits and Boundaries:

Adolescents need their parents to make rules and set limits. Students need to know that they will be held accountable for their actions and their behaviors. Even though they may complain about parental rules and restrictions, knowing that they have a parent who cares enough to make sure that they stay on track gives adolescents a much needed sense of security.

Be a Good Role Model:

Parental words and actions Influences the way children view and interact with the world around them.

External Factors/Influences

C areer developmentO rientations for Freshman AcademyU nderstands students needsN ever ending Academic development S ocial/personal developmentE nthusiastic about educational opportunitiesL iason for students, teachers and administrationO rganizer of parent/teacher conferencesR eferrals: Abuse, conflict resolutions, academic failure, etc.Keep This Date

February 1, 20117:00pm