The Hike to High School

1. The Hike to High School Presenters: Ms. Nembhard & Mr. Langley 9th Grade Counselors at Garner Magnet High School

2. So…what’s so different about High School??? Do I really have to pass my classes to be promoted? Are classes that much harder? Freedom Independence “Students should know that high school is the beginning of advanced study. That is, students should come prepared to be in charge of their success and /or failure. Students need to know that the expectations in high school are much higher than they are at the middle school level.” – Anonymous high school teacher Responsibility Does it matter what electives I take? Does homework really count?

3. What’s new about High School? • More expectations • Higher demands • More homework • More students • More freedom/independence/responsibility • More class choices • More requirements to be promoted

4. Freedom No more walking in lines No more teams “Transitioning to high school is about becoming more self-sufficient.”

5. To be successful in high school you need to know how to…. Manage Your Time Keep yourself organized “I guess I would say I have seen a lot of students who don’t know how to keep their notebooks and folders organized. That is, if they even have a notebook or folder.” Take notes “Taking good notes is critical. They give you something to look back on when you are doing your homework or studying for a test or quiz.”

6. To be successful in high school you need to know how to…. Study… really study “…before a test, they shouldn’t just look over their notes, but actually work out questions again off homework and notes.” Take responsibility for your success Learn the school policies and expectations of teachers

7. Attendance • Attendance is taken during each period • If you have to be absent you must turn a note in to the attendance office within two days of your return to school. • When you are absent, it is your responsibility to make up any missing work, quizzes, or tests. Most teachers will expect you to do so before school, during lunch, or after school.

8. Attendance • Wake County policy dictates that a student absent for more than 10 days in a semester class or 20 days in a yearlong class can be assigned a grade of FF indicating failure due to excessive absences. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. • 1 absence in a block scheduled class is like missing 2 days of learning. • Talk to your teachers and counselor about extenuating circumstances that will lead to over 10 absences.

9. High School is designed to be more rigorous than middle school. It is extremely important that you choose your classes wisely. Changing courses after school has started can be very difficult. If you do not agree with the recommendation that your teacher made about a class, talk with them about it to find out why they made that recommendation.

10. GMHS Middle Years Program • GMHS has a whole-school IB Middle Years Program. All 9th and 10th graders are IB MYP students. • In general, 9th grade students should register for the following courses: Language A (English I), Humanities (World History), Mathematics, Science, Health/PE, Language B (French or Spanish), Technology (a CTE course), and an Arts course. These course selections may vary based on teacher recommendation and course availability.

11. What does it take to be promoted to the 10th grade? • English I • Two credits out of Math, Science, or Social Studies • Three additional credits • Total: 6 Credits

12. How many classes do I need to promote to the next grade? 10th grade English I, two credits in the areas of math, social studies, or science, and three additional 6 credits (Students who fail English I are automatically retained in 9th grade) 11th grade English II, one credit in math, one in social studies, one in science, and two additional12 credits 12th grade English III and enrollment in a program which, if successfully accomplished, will result in the completion of graduation requirements 18 credits*

14. End of Course Tests • The following courses have an EOC: • Algebra I or Alg I Part II • Biology • English II • EOCs count as 25% of the final course grade! • Students must score a level 3 or higher on the EOC test to meet graduation requirements in: Algebra I, Biology, and English II

15. How do you make good grades? • STUDY • Take Notes • Participate in Class • Stay Organized • Keep Up so you don’t have to Catch Up • Get Extra Help • Ask Questions!! • TRY!!!

16. Academic Rigor! Honors, AP, and IB-DP courses are three different options GMHS provides for academic rigor

17. What to Expect • Independent learning • Discussions where you are prepared and participate • Nightly outside preparation whether it’s assigned or not • Summer reading/assignments • Responsible for using agenda to keep track of assignments and due dates • Fewer assignments with greater weight/depth • AP/IB- DB courses are college-level • Emphasis on critical thinking skills • Emphasis on college level reading and writing

18. Benefits of Honors, AP, and IB Diploma Programme Courses • Personal and academic growth • Rigorous courses look favorable for college admissions • Rigorous work helps improve SAT/ACT scores • Potential to earn college credit in HS with AP exams • Potential to earn college credit in HS with IB-DP internal assessments and exams • Students are exposed to college-level work with HS support • Transitions are easier from HS to 1st year of college • Weighted credit for final course grade

19. GPA & Quality Points: Honors vs. Academic Courses

20. Common Myths about Honors Students

21. Characteristics of an Honors/AP/IB-DP Student • Self-motivated • Independent learner • Responsible about completing tasks on-time without a reminder • Organized • Not afraid to ask questions • Will advocate for oneself • Intellectual curiosity • Respectful of classmates and teacher’s opinions • Desire to achieve • Desire to attend a four-year university • Willing to take on these characteristics to SUCCEED!

22. Differences Between Honors, AP, & IB Diploma Programme Courses

23. IB Programme • Students wishing to enter the IB Programme in the 11th and 12th grades, must have a 3.5 weighted GPA by the end of their sophomore year. Also, students should have completed up to Algebra II, all three sciences, and at least two semesters in a foreign language by the end of their sophomore year. • If you think you may be interested in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for the 11th and 12th grades, please submit an Intent Form at the start of your freshman year. • For more information about the IB Programme visit the GMHS webpage and click on “International Baccalaureate Programme” or contact Mrs. Cheryl Biconish at (919)661-5443 or cbiconish@wcpss.net.

24. 8th Grade Planning 9th Grade Planning Information obtained from CFNC.ORG

25. College Planning? In the 9th grade!?!? • IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO START COLLEGE PLANNING IN 9THGRADE • Start thinking about which colleges and careers suit your interests. • College Admission Offices pay careful attention to the following: • Grade Point Average (GPA) • Class rank • Difficulty of course load • SAT/ACT scores • High school and community activities • Recommendations

26. What else can I do in the 9th grade? • MEET YOUR HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR! • Make sure you are on schedule to meet graduation and college entrance requirements. • Visit college campuses in the area and tour colleges online by visiting their websites. • Choose programs, summer workshops and camps that relate to possible career interests. • Please visit collegeboard.com or CFNC.org for high school planning timelines

27. Need College Info? • Research potential future colleges and universities at: www.cfnc.org • Visit colleges/universities on open house days • Visit the Student Services BlackBoard page: • Go to the GMHS website and click “Student Services” • Ask your counselor!

28. Access Your Account Welcome to the new CFNC.org Watch a brief video to learn more about the new look of CFNC.org Hot Topics Access Your Account Username:   Password:   FORGOT YOURUSERNAME ORPASSWORD?CREATE MY CFNC ACCOUNT • Hot Topics • Apply to College • You can apply for admissions online to 110 NC colleges and universities, AND request your official electronic high school transcript. Get started today! • SAT? ACT? Test Prep Help • Need to get ready for the SAT or ACT? Use our free Test Prep tool to practice your test-taking skills. It's easy on CFNC! • September is College Check It Out Financial Aid Primer eLearningNC.gov Financial Literacy My CFNC Story CFNC Events Webinars, Seminars, and Training Classes on a Variety of Subjects. Learn More/Register Featured Resources News & Notes College Board Study Praises CFNC CFNC Wins National 'Best Practices' Award For Electronic High School Transcripts System NC 529 Plan Offers New Federally-Insured Deposit Account Option GEAR UP North Carolina GEAR UP North Carolina is committed to helping students reach their full potential and go to college! NC 529 Plan North Carolina's 529 plan can help make college more affordable. Paws in Jobland Join PAWS for a fun way to learn about jobs

29. Common Myths/Questions about High School If a student is in Algebra I in 9th grade, the student is behind in math. • Students must have the following math to be eligible for college/university: Algebra I/Common Core Math I, Geometry,Algebra II, and a course higher than Algebra II A student who starts Algebra I in 10th grade, still has enough time to complete all required math courses. • If a student completes some of the required math in middle school, then the student will not have to take math all four years in high school. • Some students start 9th grade with 1 – 3 math courses already completed, which means the student only needs one to three more math(s) to meet the graduation requirement; however, colleges/ universities expect students to take math each year in high school.

30. You must start a second language in Grade 9. • For students attending a block schedule school. It may be in their best interest to wait to start the language. Colleges/universities require students to have two years of the same language and expect that one year of the language will be in the senior year. Students will have the opportunity to complete Levels I – IV of a language by starting in 10th or 11th grade. • Students at a modified A/B day block school or an 8 period day school, it may be beneficial to start the language in Grade 9 so the student can take 4 years of the same language. However, if the student does not want to take four years of the language, then the student can wait and begin in grade 10 or 11. • If a student has been in a language in middle school, the student may be better off to continue the language in grade 9. 9th graders should take the SAT. • Success on the SAT/ ACT is based on the level of course work. Students should take the PSAT in the fall of Grade 10 ,and again in the fall of grade 11. The student should then register to take the SAT or ACT in the Spring of Grade 11 (twice is recommended) and one time in the Fall of Grade 12.

31. Conferences with teachers How do I meet with high school teachers? At GMHS, counselors schedule parent-teacher conferences. • IF you want to meet with all teachers , group conferences will be held before school at 7am or after school at 2:30 pm. Typically, conferences last about 30 minutes. • The student should plan to attend all teacher/parent conferences. 9th grade is the time for me to be less involved as a parent so my child can be more independent Please, stay involved! Adolescence is one of the most difficult and important times of your child’s life. Add in the academic pressure, the social pressure, and everything else that comes with the transition to high school and it’s easy to see why 9th graders need so much positive support at home.

32. Keep in touch • Maintaining communication with the school is very important for your child’s success. • Make sure the school always has updated contact information for you • Know when progress reports and report cards come out • Email teachers when you have questions • Many teachers have websites/Blackboard accounts with important class information, including daily homework assignments, posted • If needed, schedule a parent-teacher conference through a guidance counselor • Get a SPAN account and use it

33. Other Tips… • Other things you can do to help your child transition • Listen • Be an advocate • Be supportive and encouraging • Be an example/ emphasize the importance of education • Help out with homework • Come out to Open Houses, games, and other school events with your student. • Expose them to different career options • Know your child’s friends • Teach them how to be safe on the internet

34. Get Involved One of the most important factors in being successful in high school is finding a place to fit in.

35. Athletic Eligibility: • All incoming freshmen are eligible for athletics fall semester of their freshman year. • After first semester of their freshman year, students are eligible if they pass three of their four classes during the semester previous to the sport they wish to play, have at least a 1.5 GPA (or 2.0 in previous semester), and attended school at least 85% of the days in the past semester.

36. Eastwood, Clint Students should use SPAN to check grades and attendance regularly.

37. Student Services Blackboard page • Go to the GMHS webpage • Click on “Student Services” • Check out information about: • Promotion and Graduation • Grade Level Information • Academic Links/Tutoring • Announcements • Summer Programs • College Planning and more

38. TROJAN TRANSITION 2012(Freshman Camp) Thursday, August 2, 2012 OR Friday, August 3, 2012 Deadline to register is July 23,2012 REGISTER TODAY!

39. QUESTIONS