Getting to the Point

1. Getting to the Point Prairie Point 9th Grade Academy Class of 2015

2. Welcome Purpose of tonight’s meeting • Familiarize you with Prairie Point 9th Grade Academy • Prepare you to make the transition to 9th grade and high school • Explain the course offerings and graduation expectations • Answer questions about programs for next year

3. Prairie Point Academy: • A blended step between middle school and the high school • An opportunity for our 9th grade students to grow emotionally and academically more mature • A smaller learning community intent on helping 9th graders successfully achieve as well as earncredits toward graduation from Prairie HS

4. Rigorous, Relevant, and Accessible Curriculum taught by 9th grade staff • Required Courses • Accessible Electives • Year long Math, Science, English (same teacher) • Year long PE/Health class (same teacher) • Semester required Social Studies

5. Personalized Learning Community • Team of teachers dedicated to teaching 9th grade students • Smaller class sizes in many classes • Continuity of teachers in year long courses • Advisory (Homeroom) • Each student will have a designated adult advocate

6. Graduation Requirements for 2015 Minimum credits: 24

7. Basic Academic Skills Certificate (MAP)Successful Completion Scores • Math: 241 • Reading: 230 • Language Arts 230 • College Ready Scores: Reading/LA 235 Math 250

8. Required Courses • English 9 • Physical Science • Math (Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra, Pre-calculus) • Topics in Global Social Issues (Semester) • Health and Fitness • Reading 9 (selected students)

9. Elective Courses • Art • BIMM (Business/Information/Management/Marketing • English • FACS (Family and Consumer Science) • Industrial Technology • Music • Social Studies • World Language

10. Electives into Career Pathways Arts and Communications • Band and or Choir (year long) • German 1 (year long) • Spanish 1 (year long) • Introduction to Digital Arts • Introduction to Drawing • Introduction to Painting • Introduction to Ceramics and Sculpture • Literature through Drama

11. Engineering/Industrial Tech • Introduction to Engineering Design -- Project Lead the Way (year long) • Introduction to Industrial Tech

12. Family and Human Services • Exploring Life and Careers • Explore the FACS (Family and Consumer Science) • Street Law

13. Business Information Management and Marketing • Introduction to Business • Information Technology Essentials

14. Possible Course Schedules

15. Possible Course Schedules

16. Supports toward Success • Learning Resource Center (LRC) • Academic support • Credit Recovery • Outreach

17. Activities • Iowa High School Athletic Association • Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union *No PASS No Play • NCAA Clearinghouse Information and requirements

18. Athletics • Football, Volleyball, and Boys & Girls Basketball will have separate 9th grade teams that will practice and compete at Prairie Point. • Golf, Cross Country, Wrestling, Tennis, Track & Field, Soccer, Bowling, Softball, and Baseball will continue to practice and compete at/with the high school.

19. Activities • Student Council, 9th Memory Book, FCCLA, Spanish Club, Math Counts, STEM, Art Club, Lego League, Competitive Speech, Writing Club, Book Club • Cheerleading • Jazz Band, Cantabile (select Women’s Choir), A Few Good Men (select Men’s Choir), Fall Play, Spring Musical, Large Group/Individual Speech Musical Theater

20. Planning for the Future • Four Year Plan – I Have A Plan Iowa (on-line through www.PrairiePride.org; select Point)

21. Planning for the Future • Four Year Plan with required courses Math Sequence: Algebra, Geometry, Adv. Algebra, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus

22. Planning for the Future • Four Year Plan with most rigorous program Typical Math Sequence: Algebra, Geometry, Adv. Algebra, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus

23. Planning for the Future • PREPARING FOR LIFE: Admission Requirements to the Regent Schools (University of Iowa; Iowa State University; University of Northern Iowa) • Regent Admission Index (RAI) • Students from Iowa high schools planning to begin their studies in Fall, 2009 or later must have a Regent Admission Index score of at least 245 and take the minimum number of required high school courses to qualify for automatic admission to Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa. Students who achieve a score of less than 245 will be considered for admission on an individual basis. • The index combines four factors that strongly predict success at regent universities: ACT or SAT test score, high school rank, high school cumulative grade-point average, and the number of completed high school core courses. Regent Admission Index Formula (2 x ACT composite score) + (1 x high school rank) + (20 x high school grade-point average) + (5 x number of high school courses completed in the core subject areas) = Score • Website: http://www2.state.ia.us/regents/RAI/

24. Maximize your Strengths • Being competitive in the global economy • What does this mean for our youth and their futures? • Take the most challenging courses to better prepare for post secondary choices

25. IMPORTANT DATES Wednesday, Feb. 16: Registration sheets returned to A/A March 1-11: Student Led Conferences. Finalize registration and Four Year Plan (sign)

26. Questions??? • Thank you for coming tonight. • Please let us know if you need any additional information. • Guidance Office 848-5510