2. WHS Ninth Grade Parent Night

3. Unique Challenges of the 9th Grade Transition - Larger campus - New social groups Organization -Longer, more involved assignments Long Term planning - College

4. The Counselor’s Role Academic College Career Personal/Social

5. How do I contact my counselor? Your student can sign up for an appointment in the Counseling Office or drop by at lunch (except Thursdays) or after school Call to schedule an appointment or a phone conference: 310-533-4299 Mrs. Garcia (A-He)tgarcia@tusd.orgx7609tgarcia@tusd.org Mr. Drasner (Hi-Ne)pdrasner@tusd.orgx7702 Mrs. Barricklow (Ng-Z)tbarricklow@tusd.orgx7612pdrasner@tusd.orgtbarricklow@tusd.org

6. Counseling Services Naviance Torrance Juvenile Diversion Counseling Career Speakers College Representative Visits Grade Level Parent Nights

7. How do I find out how my student is doing in class? Contacting the teacher by email or phone Parent Connect Quarterly and semester report cards Progress Reports – Posted on Parent Connect every 5th week if student is receiving a D or F grade or a U in citizenship. Weekly Progress Reports (student generated) *Available in the Counseling Office and on WHS website.

8. What do I do if my student is having difficulty? Student can get help from teacher Parent-Teacher Conference Tutorial Center Open Monday-Thursday at Lunch and After School from 3-4pm in the Library.

9. Communication Naviance: http://connection.naviance.com/westhigh http://connection.naviance.com/westhigh West High website: www.whs.tusd.org www.whs.tusd.org Teacher Websites Grade Level Parent Nights Back-to-School Night Principal’s and PTSA Newsletter College Fair – District College Fair at North High on February 26 th from 10am – 2 pm

10. Parent – Teacher Communication Why? Questions or concerns regarding your student’s progress in class. How? By email or phone (contact information on WHS website) When? As soon as you have a concern – do not wait!

11. School Policies Tardies - 4 or more per quarter = U in citizenship Truancies Academic Honesty Policy - Automatic U in citizenship and 0 on assignment - Cheating referrals may affect local scholarships in senior year

12. Attendance Procedures All absences must be cleared either by note or phone call within 48 hours. The note must clearly state the reason for the absence, date of the absence, and a contact phone number. Absences not cleared within 48 hours will result in a truant and a Saturday detention.

13. Attendance Procedures (cont.) You will receive an automatic phone call when your student is absent for any reason. An off campus pass is needed when a student needs to leave school during the school day. A note from a parent/guardian including a phone number to verify information is required.

14. Student Involvement on Campus Freshman Focus Athletic Teams Clubs

15. Freshman Focus Juniors and Seniors visit freshman classes during the Fall (once per month) to inform students about activities, clubs, ASB, athletics and other ways of getting involved on campus.

16. Athletic Teams All athletes meet with their team during 6 th period. Students must tryout for most teams prior to the season and maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory citizenship.

17. Clubs There are approximately 50 clubs on our campus. Students are encouraged to find a few clubs of interest and maintain involvement throughout high school. See club list on WHS website. Club Rush took place today at lunch

18. High School Graduation Requirements 220 total credits in the required subjects. An average of 60 credits per year Six semesters of excellent or satisfactory citizenship Students also need to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE – English and Math)

19. Graduation Requirements English 40 credits Social Science 30 credits including: World History 10; US History 10; Gov’t 5; Econ 5 Mathematics 20 credits Science 20 credits including: Physical 10; Biological 10 Health 5 credits Foreign Language or VPA 10 credits Physical Education 20 credits Electives 75 credits

20. What if my student falls behind? Summer School Hamilton Adult School (16 years old or a Junior) SoCal ROC – elective credit only (15 years old or a sophomore) Online Options Community College

21. Summer School Options South Bay Enrichment Academy (SBEA) Tuition based program for enrichment or to make up a D or F grade Community College Open to 11 th and 12 th grade students (permission needed if younger) Online Classes Tuition based Must obtain counselor approval prior to enrolling

22. Tips for Success  Aim for a high GPA  Take challenging courses  Take the PSAT on October 16 th  Get Organized! Obtain a student planner or personal organizer. Available in the Student Activities office for $10 (Rm 4139)  Create a personal resume file on Naviance  Get to know your teachers and counselor

23. Community College High School diploma or 18 years of age To prepare to transfer to a four-year college or university Wide choice of programs to enter a career or technical field Local, inexpensive option to continue education The SAT or ACT is not required for admission

24. 4-Year Colleges and Universities Public Universities UC www.universityofcalifornia.edu www.universityofcalifornia.edu Cal State University www.csumentor.edu Out of State Private Universities Numerous choices throughout the U.S. Association of Independent California of Colleges and University: www.aiccu.eduwww.aiccu.edu

25. A-G Requirements for College Entrance A. History and Social Science (2 years) B. English (4 years) C. Mathematics (2 years, 3 years recommended) D. Science (2 year Lab Science, 3 years recommended) E. Foreign Language (2 years, 3 years recommended) F. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year) G. College Prep Elective (1 year)

26. Other Requirements and Tips for College Entrance SAT Reasoning or ACT with Writing SAT Subject Tests (no longer required for UC admission) Choose challenging and rigorous courses Community Service No “D” grades accepted Repeated grades will be calculated into GPA

27. Other Post Secondary Options Career & Technical Education Military Workforce

28. Questions?