9 th Grade Parent Night “On the Road to Graduation & Beyond” February 22, 2010

1. 9thGrade Parent Night“On the Road to Graduation & Beyond”February 22, 2010 A-C Julia Taylor E- J Cheryl Chenet K-O Rebecca Andrews R-U Eric Chancy D,P,Q,V – ZMelissa Schwartz John Hayden, Dean of Students Barbie Green, Counseling Intern* Michelle Pittelli, SAP Tony Wilson, IC* *not pictured

2. I. GRADUATION PROCESS Requirements Promotion GPA, etc.

3. HS GraduationRequirements Successfully complete Future Ready Core requirements with stated credit distribution: 26 credits required for class of 2013 Pass 5 EOC assessments *Algebra I*Biology*English 1 *Civics & Econ *US History

4. Future-Ready Core Requirements Courses Credits • English: English I, II, III, IV 4 • Math: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II 4 4th Math Course to be aligned with post high school plans • Science:Earth/Environmental Science , Biology, and physical science3 physical science, chemistry, or physics • Social Studies: World History, Civics & Economics, US History 3 • Foreign Language: (2 credits required to meet minimum admission requirements 0 for UNC system.) • Health/Physical Education 1 • Electives: 2 Elective credits of any combination from either:6 • Career and Technical Education • Arts Education • Second Languages 4 Elective credits strongly recommended • Career and Technical Education • Arts Education (e.g. dance, music) • Any other subject area (e.g. math, science) Total 26

5. PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS To go to 10th grade: Complete 6 credits English I 2 out of 3 in Math, Science, or Social Studies 3 additional credits What if a 9th grader fails a required course? (English, math, science, or social studies?) It must be retaken before graduation. Summer options exist that are free.

6. The GPA What does GPA stand for? What are quality points? How do I calculate it?

7. Quality Points Grade Standard Honors AP (Regular) (Advanced) (Advanced Placement) A 4 5 6 B 3 4 5 C 2 3 4 D 1 2 3 F 0 0 0

8. Calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA) • Add the number of quality points earned for the final grade in each course • Divide the total number of quality points by the number of courses taken • The result is the grade point average—GPA

9. Athletic Requirements • 85% Attendance required during the semester prior. • Under 19 on or before October 16th • Must have passed 3 of 4 courses during the previous semester • Must maintain overall 1.5 GPA • Must not be convicted of a felony • Must live in the school district and enroll no later than the 15th day of the present semester

10. II. REGISTRATION PROCESS Course Offerings Timeline

11. English II Civics and Economics Math Science Math sequence is changing –Geometry will be taken before Algebra II 10th Grade Core Classes

12. Lenguas Extranjeras • German • Spanish • Spanish for Native Speakers • Students should register for Level I & II during the same year

13. Second Languages • The UNC college systemrequires a minimum of 2 credits in the same foreign language. 3 credits are recommended. (Honors credit is earned for Level III and above). Level III is an immersion class. • Levels I and II are taken the same year • Unless students are continuing the study of a language from middle school, or wish to take second language each year of high school, they are advised to wait until Grade 10 or 11 to begin their foreign language sequence.

14. Apex High School Fine Arts Program Visual Arts Music (Vocal or Instrumental) Theatre Arts (Performance or Tech Theatre)

15. Apex High School CTE Program Areas Business & Information Technology Education Commercial & Artistic Production Technologies Construction Technologies Transportation Technologies Health Occupations Engineering Technologies Family & Consumer Sciences Education

16. Elective Concentrations • The Future Ready Core Course of Study recommends that students earn 4 credits in a subject area concentration • To earn the designation as a CTE completer, students must have 4 CTE credits, one of which is an advanced class in the same program area

17. About Course Qualifiers • Courses for specific grade levels • Courses with prerequisites • Courses requiring applications ( due Feb. 24 ) • The Program Planning Guide ( online ) • Course Offerings ( online & in student folder received in classroom presentation)

18. REGISTRATION TIMELINE February 23 – 25 - classroom presentations March 8 – students can go on SPAN to register for courses for 2010-2011 *students will receive instructions in homeroom March 19 – signed registration form is due to current math teacher or Mrs. Salpietro April 28 – students check course verification on SPAN -- 8 primary courses and 3 alternates; changes can be made June 23 – last day to make changes

19. III. GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE Required Tests Useful Websites

20. PSAT PSAT-previously released SAT test Given at AHS in October Free to all sophomores $15 for juniors who sign up Students receive a test booklet, a profile sheet with the correct answers, the student’s answers, and suggestions for improvement

21. SAT or ACT ? • Critical Reading, Math, & Writing • www.collegeboard.com • Check with the individual schools to see if they have a preference • Interested in a 4 yr school? Good idea to take one by the end of junior year English, Reading, Math, Science Reasoning, & Writing (optional) www.ACT.org

22. Looking ahead:What do colleges look at? Grade Point Average (GPA) Difficulty of Course Load SAT/ACT scores Class Rank HS and community activities, involvement Recommendations Writing -- Essay

23. Take Note • For the class of 2013, the GPA required for a NC university entry is 2.5 . • The minimum SAT combined Critical Reading & Mathematics score required for a NC university is 800. • The minimum ACT composite score is 17. • It’s time to start thinking colleges and careers! • There are many universities and community colleges---find the one that fits you!

24. Spring College and Post Secondary Opportunities Fair  Saturday, March 6, 2010 Panther Creek HS 6770 McCrimmon Pkwy Cary, NC 27519 10:00-11:30am for students from: Panther Creek HS, Green Hope HS, Middle Creek HS, & Apex HS • Representatives from NC public & independent colleges/universities & community colleges will be available to answer questions from parents and students. • Special presentation, “College 101– Tips for College Admission,” by Dave Meredith, Assistant Director of Admissions at UNC Chapel Hill. (10:30am/12:00pm in PCHS auditorium)

25. www.collegeboard.com Question of the day Research careers & majors Research schools—sizes, costs, test scores, majors, requirements My college Quick Start (uses PSAT results)

26. www.CFNC.org College Foundation of North Carolina Every current 9th grader should have an account Research any North Carolina 2 or 4 yr school Common college application possibilities Take career surveys, SAT & ACT practice, college funding information, high school planner

27. Communication(communication) www.apexhigh.com Cougar Notes Phone Master Follow us on Twitter @apexcounselors Teacher e-mails 3 week interims every quarter Student Parent Access Network (SPAN) For 2010 – 2011 all teachers will use SPAN

28. Reminders • Use CFNC– “High School Planner” • Test Scores Awards Received • Offices Held Activities & Honors • Volunteer Work Courses Taken& Grades • Graduation Plan • Research Colleges, Practice SAT questions • Student Services will be here to support you. • There are all kinds of jobs, community colleges, and colleges out there. It’s about finding the shoe that fits you.

29. Remaining Program • Q & A • Please fill out Evaluations & place them in boxes in the lobby.