WHS Ninth Grade Parent Night

1. WHS Ninth Grade Parent Night Alexandra Purchase (A-F) Tiffany Sapienza (G-Ld) Sara Ackelson (Le-Q) Tania Barricklow (R-Z) Philip Drasner (Student Support Counselor)

2. Unique Challenges of the 9th Grade • Transition • Larger campus • New social groups • Organization - Longer, more involved assignments • Long Term planning - College

3. The Counselor’s Role • Academic • College • Career • Personal/social

4. How do I contact my counselor? • Your student can sign up for an appointment in the Counseling Office or drop by at lunch (except Thursdays) or after school • Call or email to schedule an appointment or a phone conference: • apurchase@tusd.org or x7610 (A-F) • tsapienza@tusd.org or x7609 (G-Ld) • Sackelson@tusd.org or x7611 (Le-Q) • Tbarricklow@tusd.org or x7612 (R-Z) • Pdrasner@tusd.org or x7702 (Student Support)

5. How do I find out how my student is doing in class? • Contacting the teacher directly • Parent Connect (instructions were mailed home the week of November 5th) • Quarterly and semester report cards • Progress reports - from teacher sent every 5th week if student is receiving a D or F, or a U in Citizenship. • Grade checks by counselor per parent request • Weekly Progress Reports - Student picks up on a Friday from the Counseling Office, also available on West High’s website.

6. What do I do if my student is having difficulty? • Student can get help from teacher • Parent-Teacher Conference • Tutorial Center: • Wednesday at Lunch in Room 5106 • Tues, Wed, and Thurs After School from 3-4pm in the Library

7. Communication • Grade level Parent Nights • Back-to-school Night • College Night - in October • The Counseling Office Bulletin (COB) • Principal’s and PTSA newsletter • College Fair - District College Fair at WHS on February 23rd from 11am – 2 pm • West High website: www.whs.tusd.org

8. Parent – Teacher Communication • Why? Questions or concerns regarding your student’s progress in class. • How? By phone or e-mail (Contact information on WHS website) • When? Anytime. The call will go directly to voicemail and the teacher will return the message as soon as possible.

9. Student Involvement on Campus • Freshman Focus • Athletic Teams • Clubs

10. Freshman Focus • Juniors and Seniors visit freshman classes during the Fall (once per month) to inform students about activities, clubs, ASB, athletics and other ways of getting involved on campus.

11. Athletic Teams • All athletes meet with their team during 6th period. Students must tryout for most teams prior to the season and maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory citizenship.

12. Clubs • There are approximately 50 clubs on our campus. Students are encouraged to find a few clubs of interest and maintain involvement throughout high school. See handout for list of clubs and their sponsors.

13. High School Graduation Requirements • 220 total credits in the required subjects. An average of 60 credits per year. • Six semesters of excellent or satisfactory citizenship • Students also need to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).

14. Graduation Requirements • English 40 credits • Social Science 30 credits including: World History 10; US History 10; Govt/Econ 10 • Mathematics 20 credits: Algebra minimum • Science 20 credits (physical and biological) • Health 5 credits • Foreign Language/ V P Arts 10 credits • Physical Education 20 credits • Electives 75 credits

15. What if my student falls behind? • Summer School is recommended if a student fails a required class during his/her freshman year. • Hamilton Adult School (16 years old or a Junior) • SCROC - elective credit only (15 years old or a sophomore)

16. Summer School Options • West High (TUSD) - for students who failed a core class or earned a “D”grade. • Marymount College - for advancement or to make up a D or F grade. This is tuition-based for subjects not offered in TUSD summer school (approx. $190/5credits) • El Camino College – open to 11th and 12th grade students. • BYU Online • Laurel Springs

17. School Policies • Tardies - 4 or more per quarter = U in citizenship • Truancies • Academic Honesty Policy - automatic U in citizenship and 0 on assignment. • Cheating referrals may affect local scholarships in senior year.

18. Attendance Procedures • Anytime a student is absent from school he/she must have a note stating the reason, date of absence and a contact number. • When returning to school after an absence students are required to bring a valid ID to the Attendance Office and receive an official readmit to class. • If parent does not notify school of a reason by note or phone, student is given truancy.

19. Attendance Procedures (cont.) • You will receive an automatic phone call when your student is absent for any reason. • An off campus pass is needed when a student needs to leave school during the school day. A note from parent including a phone number to verify information is needed.

20. Tips for Success • Aim for a high GPA. • Take challenging courses • Take the PSAT in October • Get Organized! Obtain a student planner or personal organizer. Available in Student Activities office for $5 (Rm 4139). • Create a personal resume file. • Get to know your teachers and counselor.

21. Community College • High School diploma or 18 years of age • Local, inexpensive option to continue schooling. • Wide choice of programs to enter vocational fields, or transfer to a four-year university. • TAG – Transfer Agreement Guarantee

22. Public Universities UC www.universityofcalifornia.edu Cal State University www.csumentor.edu Out of State Private Universities Numerous choices throughout the U.S. www.aiccu.edu 4-Year Colleges and Universities

23. A-G Requirements for College Entrance • A. History and Social Science (2 years) • B. English (4 years) • C. Mathematics (3 years, 4 years recommended) • D. Science (2 year Lab Science, 3 years recommended) • E. Foreign Language (2 years, 3 years recommended) • F. Visual/Performing Arts (1 year) • G. College Prep Elective (1 year)

24. Other Requirements and Tips for College Entrance • SAT Reasoning or ACT (with writing) • SAT Subject Tests • Choose challenging and rigorous courses • Community Service • No “D” grades accepted • Repeated grades will be calculated into GPA

25. Other Post Secondary Options • Vocational Training • Military • Workforce

26. Questions?

27. Thank you for coming… HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!