1. Brien McMahon High School
The 9th Grade Program

2. 9th Grade Counselors Ms. Amaker (A – Hik)
extension 11299
Ms. Leeds (Hil – Vel)
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Mr. Southerland (Vem – ZZZ & CGS In-District)
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Mr. Castelluzzo (CGS Out-of-District only)
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3. Guidance Services Developmental Guidance Program Individual Meetings
Includes classroom visits to provide ongoing support and further orient students to high school. Topics: time management, decision making, self awareness, goal setting, college and career exploration, educational planning.
Individual Meetings
Meetings with the student’s assigned counselor to develop goals and begin college/career planning.
Early College Awareness Program
Includes trip to local college/university in the spring. Open to students in good academic standing. Participation in college information sessions led by admissions personnel.
Career/College Planning
Use of Naviance/Family Connection to research careers of interest. Emphasis will be on developing career goals and matching high school preparation to career.

4. Graduation Requirements 20 Credits
English credits
Math credits
Science (includes one lab science in Biology,
Chemistry or Physics) 3 credits
History/Social Studies 3 credits
(includes US History and Civics)
Arts (Arts, Business Technology, 1 credit
Technology Education, Music,
and/or Family and Consumer Sciences)
Physical Education credit
Health Education credits
Computer Literacy credits
Electives credits

5. Course/Credit Requirements
Students must earn a minimum of 5 credits to move from grade 9 to grade 10
Grade 9 – minimum 6.5 credits
Grade 10 – minimum 6 credits
Grade 11 – minimum 6 credits
Grade 12 – minimum 5.5 credits
Most students graduate BMHS with more than 20 credits!

6. Grading Scale Grading System A = 90 - 100 B = 80 – 89 C = 70 – 79 GPA

7. 9th Grade Counts! College planning begins in 9th grade!
College admissions officers review the ENTIRE transcript. Military and company recruiters will also request the student’s transcript.
Freshman year comprises 1/3 of the college admissions decision. 1st quarter senior year grades are also included in the admissions decision.
Grades and rigor of the academic program factor into the admissions decision. Honors and AP courses are the goal.
Good grades equate to a strong GPA and class rank!

8. Clubs and Activities
Build your college resume now! Join clubs and athletic programs.
Contact Ms. Prescott or Stabach, Class Advisors, to learn about 9th grade specific activities.
Participate in a Club Fair to learn about the various BMHS clubs.
Start a club of your own!

9. Communication
Visit the school’s website often, specifically the Guidance Department page (
Post dates of interim and report card distribution and review with your student.
Contact teachers directly via or phone ( last name first phone: place a 1 in front of the room number).
Contact your child’s counselor as needed.
Attend High School 101 meetings throughout the year.

10. Ladder of Referral
If you have a question or concern regarding your child’s progress or well being within the school program, we encourage you to follow the Ladder of Referral!
The Teacher (program, classroom policies, homework)
The Counselor, Psychologist, or Social Worker (adjustment
problems, academic problems, chronic attendance issues)
The Housemaster (discipline)
The Principal (policies and regulations)

11. Again, Welcome! We look forward to working with you
and your child to ensure a successful
and rewarding school year!