Transitioning from Middle School to High

School

Point Isabel ISD Port Isabel Junior High – Port Isabel High School

Welcome & Congratulations!

You are about to move from 8th grade PIJH to 9th grade PIHS!

Lots of changes to learn about. Lots of help and support for you during

your transition. Let’s look at some of the things we should

consider.

From Middle School to High School

Changes to expect

More freedoms

New challenges

New peer group and friends

New program of Study (includes academies, advanced coursework, post-secondary plans)

Things to do to Prepare for change:

Develop decision-making and organizational skills

Learn as much as possible about the new school’s expectations

Visit before the first day, and/or participate in FISH Camp

Organize notebooks, planners, etc. –get help as needed

Preparing . . . Continued

Identify support systems and people within the school

Blend, look around, fit in

Trial and error works, but know you may ask for help

Making choices …

Academic choices

Career and Technical Class Choices

Dual/AP/Pre-AP choices

Elective choices

Extra-curricular activities (clubs, sports, community service, work)

Peer groups

High school courses taken in middle school

FISH Camp This program provides upcoming 9th grade

students with a head start on their high school career by learning what their freshmen year is all about before it begins. Students will have an opportunity to meet with fellow classmates, peer mentors, administrators, teachers, and counselors. They will also participate in campus tours and explore extracurricular activities. Check with PIHS for specific dates!

Senior High School Credits for Junior High Students in Port Isabel

Algebra I

Speech

Spanish I

3 High School Graduation Options

Minimum 22-credit program

Recommended 26-credit program

Distinguished 26-credit program + a combination of FOUR advanced measures (AP tests; National Merit Recognition on the PSAT; dual credit courses with grades of 80% or better)

Recommended High School Program of Study

4 years English/Language Arts* 4 years Mathematics* 4 years Social Sciences* 4 years Science* 2 years of a foreign language (same language)* 1 credit of Performing Fine Arts* 1 credit Physical Education * ½ credit Speech/Professional Communications* Electives *

Total: 26 credits required

*There are specific course requirements to meet for all graduation plans and scholarship eligibility. The state of Texas and most Universities require students to follow the recommended plan for admission to their college or university.

Career Clusters

Cluster #1: Principals of Information Technology & Principals of Arts and Audio Visual Technology*

Cluster #2: Principals of Business, Marketing and Finance & Principals of Human Services*

Cluster #3: Principals of Manufacturing & Principals of Architecture and Construction*

*Students choose one career cluster to follow throughout their high school career. This helps to determine career paths and elective courses.

Freshman Course Listings

Things to consider throughout middle grades and high school

Educational and/or career goals

Senior high school options (Careers, Dual classes, AP classes, Pre-AP classes, Testing, colleges and universities and more)

Developing interests and/or talents

High school graduation options

Things to consider in choosing a graduation option

What are my educational and/or career goals?

Will I be ready for a job or to enter college after high school?

Will I meet admissions requirements for a college or career outside of Florida?

Will I meet eligibility for a scholarship? (test scores, GPA, community service)

Will I meet NCAA eligibility requirements? How about athletic/talent eligibility?

Who Can Help with Questions and Concerns in Middle/High School?

School Counselor

School Principal

School Assistant Principals

Parent Involvement Specialists

College Advisors

Teachers

Tools to Monitor Progress Student/Parent Portal

Report Card

Progress Report

Career Portfolio/ePEP/Bright Futures Eligibility

Student History By Subject Area

Standardized Test Score Reports

(FCAT, PSAT, PLAN, ACT, SAT)

Schools now also have student dashboards with individualized test score analysis.

Tools for Success

Student Planner/Agenda

Subject Area Notebooks

Daily Schedule

Graduation Checklist

Research (Media Center, Internet, local library)

Review Classwork/notes Daily

READ, READ, READ!

Other Things to Consider…

The transition to middle or high school tends to cause worry and stress in many students

look for answers on how to develop a new identity by getting involved in things at Port Isabel High

High School environment tend to be more mature and demanding

Seek guidance from teachers, school counselors and administrators in finding opportunities, etc

Remember, you CAN do it and you WILL succeed!