Sophomores Moving Forward

1. SophomoresMoving Forward Sandra Day O’Connor High School

2. Graduation Requirements Graduation Arizona University Admission • 4 credits (units) Language Arts/English • 4 credits Mathematics • 3 credits Science • ½ credit Health • ½ credit PE (Team Sports/Fitness Center) • 1 credit World History • 1 credit American/Arizona History • ½ credit American/Arizona Government • ½ credit Economics • 1 credit Fine Arts OR Career & Technical Ed • 6 credits electives • 22 Total • 4 credits (units) Language Arts/English • 4 credits Mathematics • 3 credits Science • ½ credit Health • ½ credit PE (Team Sports/Fitness Center) • 1 credit World History • 1 credit American/Arizona History • ½ credit American/Arizona Government • ½ credit Economics • 1 credit Fine/Performing Arts • 2 credits foreign language • 4 credits electives • 22 Total

3. Grade Point Average (GPA) / CLASS RANK GPA CLASS RANK • Each letter grade is given a point value each semester (A=4, B=3, etc) • Honors/AP classes are given an extra point for A, B, C (A=5, B=4, C=3) • University Admissions will often unweight GPA when reviewing transcripts • Deer Valley Unified School District uses the weighted points for the following classes: • 4 English • 4 Math • 4 Science • 3 Social Studies • Many universities use class rank to help determine scholarships awards/honors program admission

4. Dual Enrollment/AP Courses • Dual Enrollment • Earn both High School and College credit (through Rio Salado Community College when students earn C or better) • Requires tuition (paid to Rio Salado), SDOHS provides books • Grade points are not weighted (except Pre-Calc MAT 187) • Must meet Rio Salado admission requirements • Advanced Placement (AP) • Most rigorous courses on campus • Requires payment for AP Exam at the end of the semester (exam is optional) • May earn college credit for certain scores on AP Exams (to be determined by the university you attend) • Grade points are weighted, may help class rank

5. Scholarships • AIMS Tuition Waiver Scholarship—25% Tuition • B” or better in the 16 Core Competency Courses (required for university admission) • 3.5 unweighted GPA in the 16 Core Competency Courses • EXCEED in three areas of AIMS (Reading, Writing, Math) by end of Junior Year • ACT =28 or higher, SAT Reasoning=1300 or higher • Community Service • Leadership • Clubs/Activities • Workplace Scholarships • Website (research early) Scholarship Page—click here

6. College and Career Planning Education Career Action Plan • All students have Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP) • Go to: azcis.intocareers.org • Login: school login • Password: student ID #

7. Coming Up… • Earn best grades possible • Join Clubs, Community Service, Leadership • AIMS test in Spring of Sophomore Year • Summer—end of Sophomore and Junior Year • Summer Programs- Counseling website link (click here) • Plan College visits when possible • PSAT in October of Junior Year • Schedule ACT/SAT near the end of Junior Year • Attend Parent Nights Junior and Senior Year • Begin College Applications—summer between Jr/Sr

8. Counseling Department • Saroj Jagernauth – M, N, R, V • Department Coordinator • Kathleen Giacini – A, B, Academy of American Studies • Chris Harmonson – E, F, G, H, I • Debbie Harmonson – J, P, Q, S, Y • Jennifer Miller – D, K, L, O, U, Z • Jenny Cramer – C, T, W • Beth Fisher – Counseling Secretary • Website: http://www.dvusd.org/Page/1670

9. Parent Survey • Click on link for a short survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B8K38M9 OR • Scan the QR Code below