Brien McMahon High School

1. Brien McMahon High School High School 101 The 9th Grade Program

2. 9th Grade Counselors • Ms. Amaker (A – Hik) amakerk@norwalkps.org, extension 11299 • Ms. Leeds (Hil – Vel) leedsd@norwalkps.org, extension 11317 • Mr. Southerland (Vem – ZZZ & CGS In-District) southerlandc@norwalkps.org, extension 11307 • Mr. Castelluzzo (CGS Out-of-District only) castelluzzoj@norwalkps.org, extension 11297

3. Guidance Services • Developmental Guidance Program • Includes classroom visits to provide ongoing support and further orient students to high school. Topics: time management, decision making, self awareness, goal setting, college and career exploration, educational planning. • Individual Meetings • Meetings with the student’s assigned counselor to develop goals and begin college/career planning. • Early College Awareness Program • Includes trip to local college/university in the spring. Open to students in good academic standing. Participation in college information sessions led by admissions personnel. • Career/College Planning • Use of Naviance/Family Connection to research careers of interest. Emphasis will be on developing career goals and matching high school preparation to career.

4. Graduation Requirements20 Credits • English 4 credits • Math 3 credits • Science (includes one lab science in Biology, Chemistry or Physics) 3 credits • History/Social Studies 3 credits (includesUS History and Civics) • Arts (Arts, Business Technology, 1 credit Technology Education, Music, and/or Family and Consumer Sciences) • Physical Education 1 credit • Health Education 0.5 credits • Computer Literacy 0.5 credits • Electives 4 credits

5. Course/Credit Requirements Students must earn a minimum of 5 credits to move from grade 9 to grade 10 • Grade 9 – minimum 6.5 credits • Grade 10 – minimum 6 credits • Grade 11 – minimum 6 credits • Grade 12 – minimum 5.5 credits Most students graduate BMHS with more than 20 credits!

6. Grading Scale GPA A = 4.0 A- = 3.7 B+ = 3.3 B = 3.0 B- = 2.7 C+ = 2.3 C = 2.0 C- = 1.7 Grading System A = 90 - 100 B = 80 – 89 C = 70 – 79

7. 9th Grade Counts! • College planning begins in 9th grade! • College admissions officers review the ENTIRE transcript. Military and company recruiters will also request the student’s transcript. • Freshman year comprises 1/3 of the college admissions decision. 1st quarter senior year grades are also included in the admissions decision. • Grades and rigor of the academic program factor into the admissions decision. Honors and AP courses are the goal. • Good grades equate to a strong GPA and class rank!

8. Clubs and Activities • Build your college resume now! Join clubs and athletic programs. • Contact Ms. Prescott or Stabach, Class Advisors, to learn about 9th grade specific activities. • Participate in a Club Fair to learn about the various BMHS clubs. • Start a club of your own!

9. Communication • Visit the school’s website often, specifically the Guidance Department page (www.norwalkpublicschools.org). • Post dates of interim and report card distribution and review with your student. • Contact teachers directly via email or phone (email: last name first initial @norwalkps.org, phone: place a 1 in front of the room number). • Contact your child’s counselor as needed. • Attend High School 101 meetings throughout the year.

10. Ladder of Referral If you have a question or concern regarding your child’s progress or well being within the school program, we encourage you to follow the Ladder of Referral! • The Teacher (program, classroom policies, homework) • The Counselor, Psychologist, or Social Worker (adjustment problems, academic problems, chronic attendance issues) • The Housemaster (discipline) • The Principal (policies and regulations)

11. Again, Welcome! We look forward to working with you and your child to ensure a successful and rewarding school year!