1. High School 101: The Journey Begins
Presented by: The Cambridge Counseling Department

2. Program Overview Who's Who Overview of Cambridge Counseling
Academic Requirements
Testing Requirements
Retention & Recovery
GPA & HOPE Scholarship
Tips for Parents
Communication
COMPASS Center
Upcoming

3. Cambridge Administrators: Assigned to students by grade level
Principal: Dr. Edward Spurka
9th Grade Administrator: Mr. Chris Bennett
10th Grade Administrator: Mr. Forti
11th Grade Administrator/ Assistant Principal: Mrs. Latoya Gray
12th Grade Administrator/ Curriculum Assistant Principal: Mrs. Amy Price
Associate Administrator: Mrs. Kim Premoli

4. Cambridge Counseling Staff: Assigned to students by the first letter(s) of their last name.
A-E: Mrs. Leigh Popp
F-Lal: Mrs. Bonnie Schechter
Lam- Ri: Mrs. Gwen Danner
Rj-Z: Mrs. Samiah Garcia
Graduation Coach: Mr. Chip Flemmer
Social Worker: Mrs. Stephanie Schuette
Counseling Secretary: Mrs. Tammy Speer
Records Coordinator: Mrs. Nancy Sheridan

5. What is Cambridge Counseling?
Individual Student Planning:
Academic planning; College/Career Planning; Goal Setting; Problem Solving; Recommendation Letters; Transcript Requests; Graduation Status Tracking; Transition Planning; College Visits.
Classroom Guidance: What You Need to Know as a Freshman; PSAT Planning.
Responsive Services: As needed.
Individual and Small Group Counseling; Crisis Intervention; Consultation and Collaboration with Parents, Teachers, Administrators; Referrals to Outside Agencies.
New Student Enrollments; Withdrawals, Academic Placement & Scheduling; Standardized Test Coordination & Interpretation; Special Programs (Honors Night, National Merit, Parent Information Nights, Nominated Scholarships).

6. Counseling Procedures:
Appointment Requests (student vs. parent)
Student Enrollment/Withdrawals
Student Records

7. Credit Requirements English: 4 Credits Mathematics: 4 Credits
Science: 4 Credits
Social Studies: 3 Credits
World Language/Fine Arts/Career Tech: 3 credits
Electives: 4 Credits
Health/ Personal Fitness: 1 Credit
*Semester long classes= .5 credits
*Year long classes= 1 credit
*23 credits are required to graduate

8. American Government (.5)
Sample 4-Year Plan
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
English
9th Lit/Comp H
10th Lit/Comp H
11th Lit/Comp H
AP Literature
Math
CCGPS Algebra
GPS Geometry
GPS Adv Algebra
GPS Pre-Calculus
Science
Biology *
Phys Science *
Chemistry
Earth Systems
Social Studies
American Government (.5)
World History
US History
Economics (.5)
World Language
Spanish 2 H
Spanish 3 H
Spanish 4 H
AP Spanish
Elective
Band
General Health is often paired with American Gov. in 9th grade.
Personal Fitness is also required and can be taken at the student's leisure anytime during the four years.

9. How do Honors Points Work?
An additional 7 points is added on to the final grade for any Honors, College or AP course.
*A passing grade of at least 70 must be earned in order to receive the 7 points.
Example: PR Transcript/RC
9th Lit H
Biology H

10. Retention Policy Retention Policy: 5 credits= 10th grade promotion
23 credits= GRADUATION!

11. Recovery Policy In schedule PLATO (Not accepted by NCAA)
Fulton Virtual School (FVS)
GA Virtual School (GAVS
Summer School

12. No Pass, No Play
To participate in sports, students must have passed FIVE classes from the previous semester.
AND
Must be on track to graduate (Not retained in a lower grade).

13. Testing Requirements
Students entering ninth grade on or after July 1, 2011 no longer must take or pass the GHSGT to receive a high school diploma.
End-of-course tests (EOCT) account for 20% of a student’s final grade.
Classes with EOCT's include: Algebra, Geometry, 9th Lit,, 11th Lit, Biology, Physical Science, US History, Economics.
Every student must take and pass the Georgia High School Writing Test (GHSWT).

14. GPA & HOPE Scholarship How do you calculate a GPA?
There are many different ways. A few of the most common ways include:
Cumulative Numeric Average: Example 83.5%
Fulton County reports CNA.
All courses on the transcript are included in the average, including failing grades.
Grade Point Average: 3.21 Cum.; Example: 3.02 Core (On a 4.0 scale)
Used by many college and scholarship programs.
The grades included depend on the type of calculation needed.
Cumulative: ALL grades converted to a point scale.
Core: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Language grades converted to a point scale.

15. HOPE Eligibility
Eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship requires students to earn a 3.0 GPA.
All grades earned in core classes are included.
The additional 7 points that FC awards for honors, AP or college courses are removed and grades are converted to a 4.0 scale.
AP courses receive an additional .5 weight up to 4.0
Zell Miller Scholarship
3.7 GPA
Calculated the same as HOPE
Also a test score requirement (1200 SAT combined score in critical reading and math. 26 ACT composite score).
HOPE Grant
Students working toward a certificate or diploma at an eligible college or university
No specific high school GPA required
Postsecondary cumulative GPA of 2.0
Visit for award and rigor details

16. Additional HOPE Requirements
Students Graduating after May 1, 2017 Must Have Four Full Academic Credits From Courses Listed Below:
Advanced Math
Advanced Science
AP in a core subject
Advanced Foreign Language
Core subjects taken at USG Institution
List of courses:

17. College Admissions: What do colleges look for?
GPA – Typically average in academic core on a 4.0 scale (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language)
Course Selection (rigor; difficulty level) – Selective colleges are looking at the strength or rigor of courses throughout high school, including the senior year
Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT)- Plan taking during 11th grade year
Class Rank – Based on overall numeric weighted average
Extracurricular Activities – Leadership and participation in clubs, service organizations and sports can be particularly important to colleges
College Application Essays – Required essays on the college application are important because they demonstrate writing ability and give the college more information about the student.
Letters of Recommendation -Usually two letters from teachers and one from counselor is needed
Resumes – Contains academic info., honors & awards, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experience, etc.
Interviews- May be required

18. 2013 Freshman Profile

19. Tips for Parents
Provide a proper study setting (free from distraction).
Plan a regular time for studying each day
Ask to see your child's homework and agenda frequently.
Check Home Access Center
Communicate with teachers
Proper sleep, diet, and exercise will help with alertness
Be sensitive to your child's frustrations about school.

20. Communication
If your student is struggling in a class: The policy is to contact and work with the teacher. We do not change classes or teachers.
Questions about TAG, contact: Dahlia Restler at
Questions about a 504, contact: Chip Flemmer at
Questions about sport eligibility, contact: Wayne Smith at

21. Upcoming Find more upcoming events at: www.cambridgeguidance.com
October 16: PSAT
October 21: 9th Grade Advisement begins
October 28: Bridge Bill activities begin on GCIS
Find more upcoming events at:

22. Georgia Career Information Systems (GCIS)
Assessments
Exploration
4-Year High School Plans
College Planning
Educational, college and career management.

23. This is a resource for ALL Students and Parents!
The COMPASS Center
IS OPEN!
This is a resource for ALL Students and Parents!
COLLEGE & CAREER SEARCH RESOURCES
CAREER EXPLORATION & INTEREST PROFILE TOOLS
MOCK INTERVIEW PRACTICE
RESUME ASSISTANCE
ESSAY WRITING RESOURCES
SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL AID ASSISTANCE
CEO PROGRAM (Career Exploration/Job Shadow)
ACT & SAT PREP RESOURCES
NCAA ELIGIBILTIY RESOURCES
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES & INTERNSHIPS
The Cambridge Guidance Handbook-A CHS-specific, pdf-docu-book on the CHS website will be the guide utilized as a starting point
PARENT INFORMATION WORKSHOPS
COLLEGE RECRUITER VISITS & “COLLEGE VISIT MINUTES”
COLLEGE FAIR AT CHS & AWARENESS OF EVENTS IN COMMUNITY
Resources for students that need Accommodations
Resources & contacts for educational & career options with Selective Service recruitment
The Compass Center will provide many services including but not limited to:
The Compass Center is located in room #2503.
*Students must request a Pass from Study Hall or lunch Cafeteria (3rd,4th, 5th periods) or during PAWS (Tues/Thurs)

24. Student has demonstrated good attendance, no excessive absences.
The COMPASS CENTER at Cambridge HS is proud to announce a new service for students:  Cambridge CEO Program (Career Exploration Opportunities) Discover interests, learn about careers, experience careers before going to college  
The CEO program is a Career & Job shadowing program for Cambridge High School students to
explore careers in a variety of professions and businesses. Through these experiences, students gain
the knowledge and confidence needed for making future career decisions. The program encompasses
many different aspects, all designed to educate the students on career directions and choices.
PREREQUISITES:
Student must be in good standing. This means student has maintained grades of "C" and above in all academic course work, is not on probation nor has there been a pattern of being on and off probation.
Student has demonstrated good attendance, no excessive absences.
Student has demonstrated a level of responsibility.
Getting Started: Stop by the COMPASS CENTER (Room 2503) for forms or print copies by accessing our link on the Guidance website.
STEP ONE: Complete a Career Interest Profile –This tool (obtained via COMPASS CENTER) helps students identify areas best suited to them as individuals.
STEP TWO: Submit a completed Cambridge CEO Application.  
STEP THREE: Submit a Teacher “CEO Recommendation” form.
STEP FOUR: Submit a Resume & participate in one Mock Interview Session at the Compass Center.
After all prerequisites are met & four steps above are complete, the student will be contacted to set up a personal appointment to be
matched with a career professional!

25. Career Professions available for Job Shadows:
Cambridge CEO Program (CONTINUED) Discover interests, learn about careers, experience careers before going to college
Career Professions available for Job Shadows:
Different professions will be added as available.  If you do not see a
particular area of interest on the list, please discuss this during your appointment.
Physician (various fields) Biologist Physical Therapist Political service
Biomedical Engineer Law enforcement Marketing Executive   Actuary
Mechanical Engineer      Ophthalmologist Financial Analyst Food Scientist Executive Chef Apparel Marketing Speech Therapist Technology
Sales Executive Veterinary Medicine Architect
Chiropractor  Interior Design Management Lawyer /Justice
Advertising Executive Public Relations Software Engineer Computer  Science           
Physical Therapist Social Worker Athletic Trainer Occupational Therapist
Psychology Investment Banking Stock Analyst Film/Production Nursing Broadcasting Nutrition/Dietitian  Dentistry  Many more....
ATTENTION BUSINESS PARTNERS/PROFESSIONALS: If you are interested in participating as one of our professional mentors for our career shadowing or internship opportunities, PLEASE contact us at

26. What is Naviance Family Connection
What is Naviance Family Connection? Naviance Family Connection is a web-based platform subscribed to by schools to provide students and families with a single, centralized, online resource for college and career planning and post-secondary preparation. The tools included in the program allow convenient communication with guidance counselors and school staff allowing a streamlined approach to collaborate on college and career readiness activities. What can your student do in Family Connection? Students can identify interests, explore careers, research colleges, scholarships, enrichment programs and potential courses in one location. They can create individual plans resulting in a personalized portfolio that can be linked to college and career readiness. Students can directly link career interests to educational programs to aid the college search process while also identifying scholarship opportunities. During the college application process, students can electronically request transcripts and letters of recommendations as well as directly submit their college applications through the program. Students can also build their resume and create goals and track associated tasks and activities.
View updates and links from your school
Read and send messages to school staff
Access the document library
View your course records
Create a course plan
Reflect on course options and choices
View course plan comments and recommendations from counselors, teachers and parents
Research colleges, enrichment programs and scholarships
Build your Colleges I'm Thinking About list and Colleges I'm Applying To list
Request teacher recommendations and transcripts for college applications
Home page
Courses tab
Colleges tab
Complete personality and interests assessments
Research careers
Build favorite career list
Take surveys
Create a resume
View your test scores, GPA and rank
View documents posted by the school
Create journal enties to record reflections and track progress
Set academic and personal goals
Create personal task lists
View and complete school-assigned tasks
Careers tab
About Me tab
My Planner tab

27. Questions?