2.  Every 9 th Grader will have an individual session with their counselor to discuss and create their Four Year Plan  Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate in this session  Other important information will be shared: Graduation PlansAttendance Academy/Endorsement College Searching Extra Curricular ActivitiesCareer Searching Credit Information GPA /Class Rank

3.  The following slides will help you to navigate and plan for the next four years here at RRHS.  We will discuss this information more in your Four Year Plan Meeting  Bring your questions to the meeting!

4.  Make a file of important high school documents  Report cards  Test results (PSAT, ACT, SAT…)  4 year plans and schedules  Letters of recommendation  Records of service hours

5.  Attendance Policy  6 absences per class = no credit  Verification of Enrollment (VOE) for Driving Permits/License  Request from Mrs. Bunnell in the 140 Office  24 hour turn around time once requested  Student must sign when it is picked up

6.  Each year-long class earns 1 credit  Each semester course earns.5 credit  Credits are a numerical representation of the classes you have mastered while in high school.  To receive credit in a class, you must pass with at least a 70 & meet attendance requirements

7.  A total Grade Point Average is calculated using an un-weighted 4.0 scale.  90 -100 = A = 4.0  80 - 89 = B = 3.0  75 - 79 = C = 2.0  70 - 74 = D = 1.0  <70 = F = 0.0  The GPA is a cumulative average of ALL semester grades earned in high school, beginning with the freshman year. It is reported to colleges when you apply.

8.  TIP: The harder you work, and the higher your grades are in the beginning, the better off you will be. Your freshman year may be the most important in your high school career!  GPA’s are only calculated at the end of the school year.  Standard level courses are calculated based on a 5.0 scale.  Pre-AP, AP, & TAG courses are calculated based on a 6.0 scale.

9. 5.0 Scale Regular courses in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Languages other than English: 1005.0 994.9 984.8 974.7 964.6 954.5 944.4 6.0 Scale Honors Pre-AP, AP, & TAG courses in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, & Languages other than English: 1006.0 995.9 985.8 975.7 965.6 955.5 945.4

10.  Class Rank indicates a student’s academic standing relative to his/her peers.  An exact rank is reported for each student.  It is determined by the 5.0 GPA.  It is determined by semester grades earned in core courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) and in Languages Other Than English.  Pre-AP, AP, and TAG courses receive an extra point.  Colleges also want to know a student’s class rank.  See the course catalog online (link below) for a complete list of courses included in the class ranking. https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0ByDbfMafTyNdck JzbW12RHBKMkk&usp=sharing

11.  Local Credit is awarded by our school district, but not by the state.  Some examples of Local Credit are:  Algebra Lab  Student Aide  Cheerleading (Spring Semester)  Athletic Study Hall

12.  Career and Technical Education courses allow students to gain preliminary information regarding careers. Some also provide opportunities for articulated college credits and business and industry certifications.  Articulated College Credits-Courses taken in high school that based on the agreement with the participating college, once a student enrolls and begins classes at that college the student could receive college credit for the course taken in high school.  Possible Certifications are available in:  Photoshop  Microsoft Word  PowerPoint  Excel  QuickBooks

13.  The Academy of Business and Industry  3D Animation & Game Design  Automotive Technology  Business Management & Administration  Culinary Arts  Digital and Interactive Multimedia  Finance  Graphic Design & Illustration  Journalism: Newspaper  Journalism: Yearbook  Marketing  The Academy of Health Science  Biomedical Sciences  Health Science: Theory & Practice  The Academy of Public Services  Education & Training  Marine Junior ROTC  Law Enforcement  The Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)  Computer Science  Engineering  The Academy of Visual and Performing Arts  Band  Choir  Dance  Music  Orchestra  Theatre  Visual Art

14.  It’s not too early to start planning ahead for college  Regularly review your 4 year plan and academy choice – become familiar with the class requirements for your academy  Think about career & college options and research them  Consider ACC classes  You may begin taking classes at ACC the summer after your Sophomore year.  Dual Credit classes…See complete list of courses available in the course catalog (link below) https://docs.google.com/a/roundrockisd.org/file/d/0ByDbfMa fTyNdRVVBQjZqaVhnMFU/edit

15.  Did you know that colleges want “well-rounded” applicants? What you are involved in may be as important as your grades.  Extra-curricular activities  Sports  Volunteer – Dragon Force = 80 volunteer hours (not required for graduation, but students are recognized)  Part time job  Internship  Clubs and organizations (RRHS link below) http://rrhs.roundrockisd.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_9304/File/Staff%20Documents/RRHS/parents /Clubs,%20Teams%20&%20Organizations.pdf  Leadership opportunities  Religious affiliations, youth groups

16.  A career is more than just a job.  What do you want to be when you grow up?  What are your interests?  Which subjects do you like best?  Where do you want to live?  What schools have caught your attention?  What are your dreams/goals?

17.  I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up.  Talk to people. Find out what they do. Ask them what their favorite part of the job is and what the worst part is.  Take online interest surveys and personality tests. Examples: Career Cruising, ASVAB  Research online. There are more career choices than you can imagine.  Career Cruising: http://public.careercruising.com/us/en http://public.careercruising.com/us/en Username: rrhsPassword: roundrock

18.  Take your blank Four Year Plan home to begin talking about it with your parents.  Helpful information is on the 9 th Grade counselors’ websites (on RRHS website, under Staff, Counselors, find your counselor’s name) including Graduation Plan, Academy/ Endorsement, etc.  Have your parents go to the link for your counselor below to sign up for a date and time for your Four Year Plan Meeting: Ms. Short (A-C) https://rachelshort.youcanbook.mehttps://rachelshort.youcanbook.me Mrs. Brooks (D-Ma) https://melissabrooks.youcanbook.me https://melissabrooks.youcanbook.me Mrs. Barnes (Mc-Z) https://malisabarnes.youcanbook.mehttps://malisabarnes.youcanbook.me