“ A tradition of excellence, knowledge, creativity, strength and leadership.”

1. 9th Grade Orientation Welcome to the Middletown High School Class of 2016 “A tradition of excellence, knowledge, creativity, strength and leadership.”

2. Welcome and Introductions • Mrs. Daphne Gabb • Mrs. Sue Blair • Mr. Brad George • Mrs. Paula Langley • Mr. Jim Zimmer • Staff • Mrs. Lee Jeffrey • Mr. Mike Watson • Ms. Denise Fargo-Devine

3. MHS PTSA President Daphne Gabb Vice-President Dan Rudakevych Secretary Karen Considine Treasurer Debbie Reichelt Teacher Rep Nancy vomLehn

4. MHS PTSA • Committees: • Membership Janice Spiegel • Ways & Means Jennie Mettert-Young • Baccalaureate Agnesanne Danehey • Hospitality Sabrina Williams • Publicity/Website Robin Maliszewskyj • Scholarship Sabrina Williams • Student Committee Lauren Bowlin • County Council Reps Terri Green & Monica Morehouse • Volunteer Coordinator Karen Considine • We need a Teacher Appreciation chair and Reflections chair at a minimum • Mission • Goals • Programs

5. High School is a Different Experience! High School Middle School Recess or lunch activities Students have round-table time for tutoring and make-up work Most courses do not carry a credit Homeroom or Homebase • No outdoor recreation time • No “pull-outs” for make-up work or for other classes, assistance is after school • Every course carries a credit • School starts with block one; announcements are made in block two • School starts at 7:30 AM

6. High School is a Different Experience! High School Middle School Some classes are held longer and some are held on alternating days Most classes, lunch and areas of the building are separated by grade level • Four classes every day for eighty-eight minutes • No grade level separation • Classes can have students from varying grade levels • Lunch shifts are based on block three subject • Locker rooms are used by all physical education classes

7. Communication & Information! High School Middle School Questions or issues can often be handled with one point of contact – the grade-level team leader • Technology first-School website for Web Pages and MHS Calendar, Pinnacle, FOF • Academic/Grades • Start with the teacher • Athletics/Clubs • Start with the coach/advisor • General • Guidance • Assistant principal

8. The Student Transcript! • Listed each year: Grade point average, days absent, your rank • Every course counts for credit • Transcripts represent you and will be analyzed for challenge and rigor-choose classes wisely • Every assignment counts and has point value • There is a huge difference between a failing grade and a zero • “Criticality” of year one • Make up all missing work in a timely manner

9. High School Effort > Middle School Effort = Expected Grade

10. Push The Right Person! Effort = Performance

11. Who is your counselor? Mrs. Blair Grades 9 - 12 Last Names A - F Mrs. Langley Grades 9 - 12 Last Names N - Z Mr. George Grades 9 - 12 Last Names G - M

12. The minimum graduation requirement of 25 credits should not be confused with college readiness requirements or post high school job preparation.

13. Minimum Graduation Requirements

14. HSA Exams Minimum competency exams Administered in January and May of each year Students retake the exams until they earn a passing score High School Assessments • HSA courses with exams • Algebra • Government • English 10 • Biology

15. Schedule Change Requests Reasons for Schedule Changes: • Errors in student schedules • Less than a full schedule • Sequence error (e.g. Spanish 2 before Spanish 1) • Level error • Class where credit was already earned • Missing required course

16. Completers • FCPS has 3 Completers. • Each student must select at least one Completer. • Students need to complete specific credits in the Completers they select.

17. 3 Completers These are Minimum Requirements! • University System Completer: • 2 credits in the same World Language credit be earned at the high school level. • 1 credit in Algebra 2 or beyond. • CTE completer ( CTC, Work Study, Child Development, Agriculture, etc…) • # of credits depends on the CTE program • USM + CTE Completer • 1 credit in Algebra 2 or beyond • 2 credits in the same World Language

18. 6 Career Pathways • Arts and Communications • Business Management Systems • Health Services • Human Services • Industrial Engineering and Technology • Natural Resources and Agriculture * Review the course guide book and talk with a counselor. Be sure to experience a variety of courses.

19. High School Options • Academic Levels: Merit, Honors, Advanced Placement (grade 10-12) • Academies- located all high school (MHS=APEX) • Career Technology Center-located next to the FCC campus Note: Be sure to consider your interests and start planning. Don’t miss opportunities to enhance your experiences and develop your skills.

20. Frederick County Virtual School • Online learning as an alternative means of education when traditional avenues are not available. • Variety of courses and levels. Note: See your counselor for additional information.

21. Grades • Remember, the very first grades you earn in 9th grade are a part of your college application. • In order to participate in athletics and other extra curricular activities, you must maintain academic eligibility. • Remember to check grades frequently through your access to Pinnacle.

22. Online Resources • MyRoad – What do you want to do after high school? Take this personality inventory to learn about college majors and career fields based on your answers. Counselors will provide additional information. • MHS School Counseling Website: http://mhs.sites.fcps.org/counseling or Visit MHS Website  Staff  School Counseling

23. Who is your administrator? Mr. Watson Assistant Principal Grades 9-12 Last Names A - K Ms. Jeffrey Assistant Principal Grades 9 - 12 Last Names L - Z Ms. Fargo-Devine Principal

24. Communication How does MHS communicate with parents? • Monthly Newsletter-also on website • Teacher webpages • Website: http://mhs.sites.fcps.org/ • Website Calendar • Find Out First-it sends texts too! • Pinnacle • Student Planner • FCPS Calendar Handbook

25. Communication Who should I call? Course related- start with the Teacher and then School Counselor Athletics related- start with the Coach and then the Athletic Director Health related- School Nurse Social/Emotional Progress- School Counselor Career/College Planning- School Counselor Opportunities in FCPS outside of MHS- School Counselor Building level concerns- Assistant Principal Discipline policy concerns- Assistant Principal

26. MorningArrival • Ride the bus or walk if possible to avoid traffic. The building is open at 6:45 AM. • Leave home so that you arrive at school by 7:15 a.m. Arriving at 7:31 AM is late. • Parent drop off for students is in the first parking lot at a cross walk or the back of the school near the cafeteria. • Do not drop off at stop signs or along the side walk near the tennis court. • There are 30 + busses dropping off students. Do not drop off in the front of the school in the bus lane. • Do not stop traffic to drop off students.

27. DailySchedule • Arrival: Students report to the cafeteria before 7:15 am. Classrooms open at 7:15 am. • Students report to classrooms before the 7:30 AM bell, 7:31 is late. • Students arriving after 7:30, for any reason- lawful or unlawful, must report to the attendance office to get an admit slip. • Lunch:Students report and are assigned to the cafeteria. They may go to classrooms if they have a teacher pass. Students may go to the media center (food not permitted). • Outside tables for Seniors • Use cafeteria restrooms • Deliveries: For reasons of safety and time, deliveries to students are prohibited and will be declined (flowers, balloons, food, etc.) • After School: Students must exit building by 2:25 pm or wait for parent in front lobby. Exception: Students under the supervision of an adult for sports, tutoring, play practice, etc. • Restroom use:During class exchange.

28. Attendance • Is reported each year on the student transcript. Target 95% = no more than 9 days per year • Maryland requires: written parent/doctor note within 2 days of absence. No note = illegal absence. • Students must request make-up work from teachers within 2 days. Due dates are established by the teacher. • More than 5 days illegal = term failure (5.5 days) • More than 10 illegal = semester failure

29. Attendance • Vacations/college visits, website form. FCPS allows for no more than 5 days of vacation per year. • Tardiness – 2 warnings, ASD, 2-hr ASD, Saturday School • Legal absences versus illegal absences…

30. Attendance Lawful Absences and Late Arrivals: • A note is required within two days of the absence • Lawful reasons can be found in the calendar handbook and in the student agenda Unlawful Absences and Late Arrivals: • Work may not be made up for credit for an unlawful absence • Unlawful absences and late arrivals can result in failing a course • More than 5 days: Fail the term • More than 10 days: Fail the course • Absences from school for “skip” days are coded unlawful

31. Leaving School Early Leaving Early/Arriving Late: • Submit a parent/guardian note to attendance in the morning • Sign out through attendance when you leave • Sign in through attendance when you return • Leaving the school building without staff authority is a referral for cutting class • Leaving school due to illness must go through health room.

32. Lockers • All students receive a pre- assigned locker and lock in one of the hallways. • $5 replacement fee if lost • 1st block teachers will distribute locker assignments on Monday August 27th. Students will be provided time to go their lockers during an extended class exchange • P.E. Students receive a gym locker and lock. • Do not bring valuable items to school. Secure valuable items. • Sharing lockers is not permitted

33. Health Room/Medications • Health Room Visits • Use student planner and get permission from your teacher. • Health Tech will evaluate and call home. • Do not call/text home before visiting the Health Room (We will let you call home from the office) • Medications • Students may not transport medications of any kind (including over-the-counter) to school. Parents must bring all medicines to the health suite. • Once registered with the Health suite, students may carry inhalers. • Medicine must be taken in the presence of the school nurse or health technician. • Students may never share any medications with another student

34. Cell Phones and Electronic Devices • Phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight unless permission granted for instruction by teacher. • 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. • Taking unauthorized photos is prohibited • Recording without authorization is prohibited • The device will be taken and placed in the safe for parent pick up • 1st offense: confiscated /returned /contract • 2nd offense: confiscated /returned /contract • 3rd offense: confiscated /ASD /parent pickup • 4th offense: confiscated /Saturday School/ ISS

35. Dress Code • No revealing clothing • Underwear should not be visible • Watch the length of shorts/ skirts • No muscle shirts with open sides/spaghetti straps/open back • No slogans referencing alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex, profanity, vulgarities, weapons, violence, social offensive or derogatory statements, etc. • No hats, head coverings (includes bandanas) Please remove hats as soon as you enter the building Confiscated hats will be returned at the end of the day • 1st offense: confiscated/returned/contract • 2nd offense: confiscated/returned/contract • 3rd offense: confiscated/ASD/parent pickup • 4th offense: confiscated/ Sat.School/ISS

36. Safety and Security • All MHS exterior doors are locked throughout the day. Visitors will need to press the entry buzzer located at the front door. • Do not open exterior doors for anyone. • All visitors must enter through the front door of the school and register in the front office. • All employees and visitors must have a badge visible. • Students are to exit the building by 2:25pm. Students will be asked to wait for rides in the lobby. Students should also not remain on middle or elementary school properties.

37. Transportation • Visit www.fcps.org and click on the Bus Stop Information link on the left. • Use the crosswalks • No bus passes • AM Drop off in upper or lower lots only

38. What is ELO? • Extended Learning Opportunity • After school tutoring for students taking any of the three HSA classes and additional help in content areas. • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday starting September 4 in the media center

39. ELO Schedule 2:20 – 3:25 PM Days • English: Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Headley & Ms. Reickel • Science: Mr. Hodos & Mrs. Steger • Math: Mr. DeGrange & Mr. Frey • How to Sign-Up • Drop in • Teacher recommendation • Parent contact

40. Athletics • See flyer and website for detailed information • Students must be eligible (all 9th grade are eligible term 1) • Physical form is required each year • Must be in MHS district

41. Sportsmanship Conduct&Audience Conduct • Give all athletes, performers, and each other positive encouragement and support. • Participation in any unsportsmanlike conduct (booing, taunting, (“go home” etc.) inappropriate signs, foul language or physical contact) will result in removal from the premises and appropriate disciplinary action.

42. Sportsmanship ConductAudience Conduct • Dispose of waste material in the appropriate container • NO food or drink in the gym bleachers or auditorium • NO food or drink brought in through the ticket gate at the gym, stadium, and auditorium events. • Horseplay at stadium events is prohibited. • Avoid sitting on ends of rows so that people don’t have to climb over you to get to a seat.

43. Regulation 400-48: Bullying and Harassment • Use resources in the school to reach a peaceful solution. • Retaliation is not self-defense. • “All school employees who observe, receive reports of, overhear, or otherwise witness unlawful discrimination, bullying, harassment shall take prompt appropriate action.” • Refer Bullying and Harassment to Guidance immediately • Investigation • Intervention • Referral to Administration • Encourage parents to report incidents to Guidance or to complete a report. • Report forms are available in Guidance, the front office or at the end of the regulation. http://apps.fcps.org/dept/legal/400-48.pdf

44. Clubs • See club brochure and website in September for detailed information • Students must be eligible (all 9th grade are eligible term 1) • Some clubs will accept new members at the start of 2nd semester.

45. Plan for a GREAT year! • Get involved: go out for the team, join a club, volunteer, or audition for the play, etc. • Keep up with homework and school work. • Arrive on time to school and to class. • Stay off the discipline radar. • Meet with your counselor to make sure you have all credits. • Apply early: College, Military, Trade Schools, Jobs • Monitor what you share about yourself Electronically (Facebook, Twitter, and the pictures and words you text)… Colleges and Employers are looking.

46. What questions do you still have? Please use the index card and pencil to write your question and leave it on the table as you exit

47. What’s Next? • Club/Athletic information • Attendance • Discipline information • Computer Use form • For Session 1: Go to Cafeteria: Pick up YOUR Bag containing: • Schedule • Confidential Pinnacle Log-in • Forms/brochures • FOF registration information • Self-guided classroom tour • Visit media center- Mr. Zimmer-Student Service Hours, Bus transportation on FCPS website, Pinnacle login

48. Have a Great Year! • A HUGE thank you to the PTSA for their support with the preparations for this evening! • Thank you to the SGA student guides! • Thank you to the FFA for refreshments!