1. Sophomore Class Meeting Sept. 2009 – Class of 2012 Counselor Assignment: Mrs. RademakerA - G Mrs. Ripka H – M Mrs. Barra N– Z

2. Agenda 1. Preparing for your future—what can I do now to make sure I get into the college of my choice? 2. MHS information 3. Testing information

3. As a sophomore, what should I be doing now? 1. Exploring careers www.careercruising.com 2. Begin exploring schools 3. Consider this— 1. Cost 2. Location 3. Size 4. Do they offer the programs/major that I need?

4. Applying for College Without exception, below are the top 3 factors used in gaining admissions to college—in order of importance: 1. Classes taken in high school— strength of schedule 2. Grades 3. Standardized tests—ACT, SAT

5. College visits should begin during your junior year! Do your research now! -what do you want to major in? -do you want to attend college in a big city or small town? -are you interested in special programs? ROTC? -would a technical school fulfill your needs? -are you taking the right courses and earning the right grades to get into the schools you are researching?

6. Future ● College Information: www.careercruising.com www.careercruising.com ● NCAA Eligibility: www.ncaaclearinghouse.com ● Military / Service Academics in your future? www.militarycareers.com

7. MHS Schedule Changes ● Before 5 th week (Sept. 23) – No notation on transcript – May only drop for a study hall ● 6 th week through 10 th week (Oct. 28) – WP = Withdraw passing / WF= Withdraw failing – May only drop for a study hall ● After 10 th week will not be allowed to drop

8. MHS Grading System ● Numerical grading system: ● Weighted grading system: – Every class carries weight – Standard vs. Honors 93-100A 85-92B 77-84C 70-76D 69 and belowF

9. MHS Grading System ● Nine-week grading system – Only semester grades are permanent grades ● Semester grades and Semester Final Exams – Nine-week grade = 40%, 40% – Semester Final Exam grade = 20% ● Must pass 8 semesters of core classes to be eligible for Dr. Ed (PE does NOT count)

10. “Unweighting” a Class ● Weighted points affect class rank. ● Cannot be a required course ● You must carry 4 weighted classes ● If you declare a 5 th or 6 th class for no weighted points: – Your grade won't be included in your weighted point average for class rank. – You will still get a credit towards graduation. – You must complete the form before the end of the fifth week of the semester (September 23 rd ).

11. TESTING INFORMATION ● PLAN Test – Tuesday, April 27 at 8:00 AM – In the West Gym (“Big Gym”) – FREE! No registration needed! – All sophomores will take this test Why take the PLAN? – Free career assessment – Free practice ACT practice – Improve test taking skills

12. TESTING INFORMATION PSAT/NMSQT At MHS, October 14 th during 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd hours. – $17.00 fee, checks payable to Morton High School – Register by Friday, September 18 th – No late registrations! Who should take the PSAT? – Sophomores in the top 25% of their class – Anyone who needs SAT/ACT practice

13. Opportunities Peer Helpers – Interested in working with younger students or peers? – Are you academically strong in one or more subjects? – Opportunities to travel to the elementary schools or junior high. – Looks GREAT on a college application! – See Mrs. Rademaker for details.

14. This presentation has been posted on: www.morton709.org

15. Questions?

16. Sophomore Class Officers Pres: Austin Bradford VP: Justina Risinger ● Let’s talk about Homecoming….