1. Ninth Grade Advisement Sponsored by the Stockbridge High School Counseling Department

2. The Beginning of the Journey  Ninth grade is the beginning of a student’s high school career.  It is vital that the student take high school very seriously.  Ninth grade serves as the foundation to obtain good study skills and good grades.

3. Fast Facts for 9 th grade  Over the course of a student’s high school career he/she will need to earn 22 credits in order to graduate.  There are two major diploma types. The students will choose either a college prep diploma or technical diploma.

4. Decisions decisions decisions  Your student’s interest will have a great determination on what diploma type as well as career cluster the student will participate in at SHS.  At SHS we have some invaluable tools that will help make this choice a little easier.

5. College Prep Diploma Requirements  4 units of English  4 units of Math  3 units of Science  3 units of Social Studies  2 units of Foreign Language  1 unit of Health and PE – ½ unit of each  1 unit of Computer Tech, Career Tech, NJROTC, Fine Arts, or Foreign Language  4 Units of Electives  Total units = 22

6. Vocational/Tech Prep Diploma Requirements  4 units of English  3 units of Math  3 units of Science  3 units of Social Studies  1 unit of Health and PE – ½ unit of each  4 units of Computer Tech, Career Tech, NJROTC, Fine Arts, or Foreign Language *must be 3 units in one career cluster  3 Units of Electives  Total units = 22

7. Vocational/Tech Prep vs. College Prep Vocational/Tech Prep vs. College Prep  The college prep diploma consists of core requirements + foreign language.  The students who obtain a college prep diploma are most interested in attending a four-year university upon graduation.  The vocational/tech prep diploma is for those students most interested in attending a 2 year technical or vocational school upon graduation.

8. The Career Clusters at SHS  Stockbridge High School currently offers 7 career clusters.  The students may choose from the following:  Business and Information Management  Fine Arts  Military Science  Health and Human Services Training  Technical and Engineering  Work-Based Learning/ Apprenticeship  Public Safety

9. What are your student’s future plans?  As ninth graders students have many questions to answer.  Three vital questions to ponder.  Who am I?  Where am I going?  How am I going to get there?

10. Job and Career Interest  Vocational/Technical School  On-Job Training/Apprenticeship  Two year College  Four year University  Military  Undecided

11. Career Planning Process  Discover your interests, abilities, and things that are important to you.  Think about what you want in a career, based on self-discovery.  Talk to your parents, teachers and counselors about your dreams for the future.

12. Freshman Year 101  Take the most challenging courses you can.  Join clubs and activities at SHS. Get involved.  Obtain and actively utilize EDLINE  Take Health/PE during your freshman year. Pass the ADAP test (Drug and Alcohol Awareness Test) which is administered in Health class.

13. Freshman Year 10, continued.  Participate in Career Cruising determine a career interest.  Learn and Practice Study Skills.  Seek Tutoring when necessary.  Maintain and Record Freshman Resume.

14. Freshman Resume  Extracurricular Activities ( Clubs, Organizations, Scholastic Competitions)  Offices & Leadership Positions/Responsibilities  Honors & Awards Received  Sports (School and Community)  Community Activities

15. PSAT  The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT, which is often a required entrance exam by most colleges and universities.  The test is based on critical thinking, reasoning skills and math skills.  The PSAT will be offered on October 17 th for a cost of $13.00. Cash or checks payments accepted.  www.collegeboard.com

16. PLAN  The PLAN is a practice test for the ACT.  The ACT is also a required entrance test for colleges and universities.  The test is based on current high school state curriculum.  The PLAN will be offered on November 8 th and is $10.00. Cash or check payments accepted.  www.actstudent.org

17. PSAT AND PLAN  The advantage for freshmen is that this is the time to begin the process of becoming familiar with these exams.  If for some reason the students are unable to take these practice tests this year, he/she will have another opportunity their sophomore and junior years of high school.

18. Helpful Websites  www.edline.net – access grades  www.collegeboard.com – PSAT/SAT Prep and Info  www.act.org – PLAN/ACT Prep and Info school code 112-830  www.careercruising.com user id – shs password tigers www.careercruising.com  www.ga411.org – GA. Information on colleges www.ga411.org  www.howtostudy.com – study skills www.howtostudy.com  www.dol.state.ga.us/labor - career info www.dol.state.ga.us/labor  www.myfuture.com – planning www.myfuture.com  www.petersons.com – career planning www.petersons.com  www.careerbuilder.com – career planning www.careerbuilder.com

19. Ninth Grade Team  Eric Watson – Principal  Kim Norwood – 9 TH Grade Administrator  Yolandria Wyche – 9 th Grade Counselor  Melissa Bell – Ninth Grade Coordinator/Graduation Coach  Tanya Costa – Assistant – Ninth Grade Coordinator/Graduation Coach

20. The journey begins with you!!!  Make smart choices and wise decisions  Focus, focus, focus!!!  Strive to make the best grades.  Prepare for the future.  STRIVE FOR THE BEST!!!