Welcome to Colonial Beach High School’s Freshman Parent Night!

1. Welcome to Colonial Beach High School’s Freshman Parent Night! Hosted by Michelle Wells, School Counselor

2. Agenda • Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2017 • New Graduation Requirements • Attendance Policies • G.P.A. (Grade Point Average) Explained • The Importance of Your G.P.A. • Study Tips • Extra Curricular Activities • The Role of the School Counselor • Mrs. Wells’swebpage • Virginia Wizard • Tasks for Freshman Year • Presentation Evaluation

3. Standard Diploma Credits SOL Verified Credits English – 2 Mathematics – 1 Science – 1 Social Studies – 1 Student Choice –1 TOTAL = 6 English – 4 Mathematics – 3 Science – 3 Social Studies – 3 PE/Health – 2 Foreign Language/Fine Art/Career or Technical Credit – 2 Economics – 1 Electives – 4 TOTAL = 22 Credits

4. Advanced Studies Diploma Credits SOL Verified Credits English – 2 Mathematics – 2 Science – 2 Social Studies – 2 Student Choice – 1 TOTAL = 9 English – 4 Mathematics – 4 Science – 4 Social Studies – 4 PE/Health – 2 Foreign Lang.–3 Fine Art– 1 Economics – 1 Electives – 3 TOTAL = 26 Credits

5. New Requirement #1 Board Certified Credential Examples Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) IC3 Certification Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) National Career Readiness Certificate Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Examination Travel and Tourism Assessment • A credential is defined as: • a complete industry certification program; • a pathway examination that leads to a completed industry certification; • a state-issued professional license(NNRTC programs) • an occupational competency examination.

6. New Requirement #2 • All students must complete a virtual class experience prior to graduation. • Virtual Virginia • APEX Learning

7. Attendance Policy • All students are required to be present in each class, every day. Students should not be absent, except for documented medical excuses. • In accordance with VA law: a phone call will be made automatically for each day a student is absent for first block. A letter will be sent home after a student misses 4 days of school. A parent conference will be requested after 8 absences. A petition will be filed after 10 absences.

8. What’s a GPA? • A GPA is your grade point average; the average of all the grades you’ve earned divided by the number of credits you have taken. • A = 4.0 • B = 3.0 • C = 2.0 • D = 1.0 • F = 0.0 If you earn these grades for example: A, C, C, B • Add 4 + 2 + 2 + 3 (it equals 11) • Then divide by 4 • That means your GPA for that semester is a 2.75 Your GPA is CUMULATIVE, which means your final senior GPA includes grades from freshman year or earlier.

9. The Importance of Your GPA • A GPA is the single most important factorthat colleges look at for admissions. • A high GPA can make you eligible for more scholarships and for college honors programs. • A low GPA can make you ineligible to play sports both in high school and in college.

10. Weighted Courses Honors Dual Enrollment Advanced Placement College prep or college level. Course requires much more work; assignments, homework, papers, projects, Course is worth more to your GPA (5 points) Course may be counted as high school AND college credit. Courses do cost money (college fees, exam fees, etc.) • Course requires more work; assignments, homework, papers, projects, etc. • Course is worth more to your GPA (4.5 points)

11. Study Tips • Attend class every day • Use your Student Agenda daily! • Have a designated study area set up at home away from distractions • Schedule study times • Check teacher website often • Create flashcards or other study aids • Have a partner quiz you • Ask questions about anything you don’t understand • Get a good night’s sleep (8-9 hours) • When testing, check your answers!

12. Extra Curricular Activities Benefits of Participation Some Activity Opportunities Sports (football, volleyball, basketball, softball, cheerleading) Academics (honor society, academic team, science club, etc.) Special Interests (yearbook, newspaper, business clubs, etc.) • Build leadership skills • Develop teamwork and collaboration skills • Connection to the community • Build self confidence • School pride • Contribute to the community • Discover new talents

13. School Counseling Personal/Social Academic/Career Classroom Guidance Academic planning Career exploration Post-secondary options Academic support Transcripts • Individual counseling sessions • Classroom Guidance • School-wide Initiatives • Responsive services

14. Mrs. Wells’s Webpage • Class level updates • Test prep links • Link to this presentation • Transcript request • Graduation requirements • Contact Me • http://cbschoolshs.sharpschool.net/staff_directory/mrs__wells/freshmen/ • www.cbschools.net

15. Virginia Wizard https://www.vawizard.org/vccs/Main.action • Career, Skill, and Value assessments. • Results are matched with career pathways and individual career options • Explore career pathways and Virginia colleges • Education required, average salaries, occupation outlook, etc. • Resume help • Interview tips • College search and planning tools • Cost calculator and financial aid help • Parent Section

16. Freshman Year Tasks • Get involved! Join clubs, sports, and/or community programs that interest you. • Earn a high GPA; set reasonable yet challenging goals • Start learning about college and careers https://www.vawizard.org/, www.princetonreview.com, www.cappex.com, www.ecampustours.com • Keep track of your involvement and accomplishments • MAKE SUMMER COUNT: summer is your chance to get ahead by volunteering, enrolling in summer programs, participating in work shadowing, taking courses, etc.

17. Thanks for coming! If you have additional questions, please call 224-0040 to schedule a meetingor email me at mwells@cbschools.net