Parkwood High School 9th Grade Classroom Guidance

1. Parkwood High School 9th Grade Classroom Guidance Making Your High School Experience a Success Guidance Staff Ms. Adams � Students with last names A-D Ms. Grexa � Students with last names E-K Ms. Whitecar � Students with last names L-Q Ms. Yando - Students with last names R-Z Ms. Bigham � Guidance Secretary

2. Objectives To increase understanding of the role of school counselors To increase knowledge of graduation requirements To create excitement about your future

3. School Counselor Academic scheduling, course selection, study skills, graduation requirements� Career career exploration, college & scholarship information, job search and interview skills, resume writing Personal/Social Peer pressure, stress, time management, conflict resolution

4. Graduation Requirements Earn 28 credits Pass 5 EOC exams (Level III or IV) Algebra I, Biology, English I, Civics and Economics, U.S. History You must meet the requirements for the future ready course of study.

5. Future Core Ready Requirements English 4 Credits I, II, III, IV Mathematics 4 Credits Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Higher level Math (Adv. Functions, Discrete or Pre Cal) Science 3 Credits Earth & Environmental, Biology, A Physical Science Course Social Studies 3 Credits World Hist., Civics, US Hist. Health & PE 1 Credit Health and Physical Education

6. Future Core Ready Requirements Elective Credits totaling 13 2 credits of any combination from either: Career and Technical Education, Arts Education or Second Language Important, Important, Important, Important There is no specific second language requirement for graduation; however, two levels of a second language is a minimum requirement for the UNC system and for most four year schools. Guidance recommends at least three levels with one being taken in your senior year.

7. What should you do academically beyond the minimum requirements? Take Honors Courses Take AP Courses (Jr. and Sr. year) You can may be able to college credit You will demonstrate that you can do college level work You can increase your GPA Take challenging electives Again�take at least three levels of a second language

8. Typical 9th Grade Schedule English I World History Algebra (in 1 semester or 2) Earth Science PE 2 or 3 Electives You will earn 8 credits!

9. What should 9th grade students be doing now? Earn the best grades you can. Your ninth grade marks will be included in your Grade Point Average (GPA). Get involved in extracurricular activities to build a resume for college applications. Do your best on the Algebra I and English I EOC � remember, you need to score a level III or IV. Begin researching careers. Ask questions about careers and jobs you may be interested in & conduct online research.

10. What is a GPA?Grade Point Average Each class is awarded quality points based on the grade that you earn. Your GPA is included on your high school transcript and is considered by college admissions counselors in their decision making process The quality points vary based on whether the class is a regular class, an honor class, or an AP class.

11. Quality Points Regular Honor AP A = 4 A = 5 A = 6 B = 3 B = 4 B = 5 C = 2 C = 3 C = 4 D = 1 D = 2 D = 3

12. GPA Class Grade Quality Pts. Honors Earth Sci. A 5 World History A 4 English I A 4 Algebra A 4 GPA 5+4+4+4=17 17/4 = 4.25

13. Grading System Grade Numerical Value A 93-100 B 85-92 C 77-84 D 70-76 F 0-69 (no credit is awarded)

14. Important Points to Remember To be promoted to 10th grade you need 6 credits with one credit being English. You must score a level 3 or 4 to meet the Exit Exam standard in English I and Algebra I. Students do not receive credit for a class if they miss 8 or more days. Students must pass three out of four classes to be eligible to take Drivers Education. You must pass 3 out or 4 classes & be in attendance at least 85% from the previous semester to be eligible to play sports. You can earn college credits in H.S. through UNCG iSchool and dual enrollment.

15. College Admissions: Classes taken during H.S. GPA Class rank SAT or ACT scores Extracurricular Activities Senior year schedule

16. College Entrance Exams PSAT -A practice test for the SAT. Taken in your sophomore year SAT Assesses Reading, Writing & Mathematics Taken in your junior Year ACT Covers English, Reading, Science and Mathematics Taken in your junior year

17. Average Annual Earnings for College Graduates and Non-Graduates Average Annual Earnings Professional Degree $109,600 Doctoral Degree $89,400 Master's Degree $62,300 Bachelor's Degree $52,200 Associate's Degree $38,200 Some College $36,800 High School Graduate $30,400 Some High School $23,400  Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Surveys, March 1998, 1999, and 2000. http://www.cfnc.org/ - (Research occupations, salaries and more)

18. Fastest Growing CareersIn North Carolina Network and Computer Systems Administrators Computer Software Engineers Special Education Teachers History Teachers Database Administrators Respiratory Therapists Speech-Language Pathologists Elementary School Teachers Occupational Therapist Assistants Medical Records & Health Information Technicians Dental Hygienist

19. CFNC.org www.cfnc.org Have you set up an account??? Use this website to: Conduct career research Complete college application Find information on scholarships Find out how to pay for college etc�

20. Helpful Resources Parkwood High School Website http://pwhs.ucps.k12.nc.us/Guidance/ College Foundation of North Carolina (High School, College and Career Planning) http://www.cfnc.org/ Exit Standard Information http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/secondary/exitstandardsguidehs.pdf College Entrance Exams http://www.collegeboard.com/ http://www.actstudent.org/ Career Research http://www.bls.gov/oco/ http://www.careervoyages.gov/