Normal West Counselors Class of 2020 Brooke BollmannA-C Marty TarmannD-H Corey OstlingI-Mh Debbie Sondgeroth Mi- Se Carrie Hoffman Sf-Z

What does a HS counselor do? Course selection/scheduling for students Career counseling, including Career Cruising College and vocational counseling Registration of new students Individual counseling Academic counseling Communication with parents Collaboration with outside agencies as needed Test administration Assist with college applications, recommendations, and scholarships Group counseling

How is high school different? Much bigger school Year in school is determined by credits No teams 6 to 7 classes Teachers organized by subject (departments) Different students in each class More independence and responsibility of student (missing assignments)

Credits determine Class

Graduation Requirements English4.0 credits Math3.0 credits –Algebra 1 Science 2.0 credits Social Science2.0 credits (US History/Constitution Test/Civics) Health/PE3.5 credits Consumer Ed.5 credits Electives9.0 credits ________ 24 Total Credits

Should I Take Honors or Not?? Definition of Honors: “Honors courses are enriched; they offer the same material in greater depth and with a faster pace… Honors courses emphasize critical and independent thinking to produce creative application of ideas… Motivation is the main quality that characterizes an honors student.” (Wikipedia) **Examples: Independent reading, 3-4 page essays

English English I or Honors English I Recommended MAP score of 235 or higher for Honors English

MATH Pre Algebra Algebra 1 Geometry (Honors) Algebra 2 (Honors) **Determined by 8 th grade math teacher and 8 th grade class grades

Physical Education Drivers Ed/Swim (Semester) Health (Semester) Foundations of Fitness (Semester) Advanced Aquatics (Semester) Lifestyle Management (Year Long) Water and Land Activities (Semester) Freshmen/Sophomores will take one minimum quarter of swimming Course Birthdate Guidelines DRV111/PHY111 Student turns 15 before July 31 st 2016 DRV102/PHY102 Student turns 15 between August 1 st 2016 and October 15 th 2016 DRV112/PHY112 *Must pass 8 classes in previous 2 grading periods Student turns 15 between October 16 th 2016 and December 31 st 2016 Drivers Ed Sophomore Year Student turns 15 January 1 st 2017 & After

Highly Recommended Courses Science Biology Honors Biology (A in 8 th grade math/science) Social Studies Regional World Studies

Level Changes May request within 6 first weeks of semester When moving down a level, must show interventions have been utilized. Students must fill out form that is provided in counseling office. Courses with different levels: English Biology Math

6 versus 7courses Course Title 1.Algebra (.5) 2. Study Hall (no credit) 3. Health (.5) 4. Regional World Studies (.5) 5. Biology (.5) 6. English 1 (.5) 7. French (.5) Total: 3.0 credits earned Course Title 1. Algebra(.5) 2. English I (.5) 3. Foundations of Fitness (.5) 4. Regional World Studies (.5) 5. Biology (.5) 6. Culinary Arts (.5) 7. French (.5) Total: 3.5 credits earned A credit can only be earned for a grade of D or higher.

How to Read the Course Description Book? SCI 101/102 BIOLOGY I (Yearly 1 Credit) (9, 10, 11, 12) Students will study life and all of its complexities and interactions…. MAT 601/602 HONORS GEOMETRY (Yearly 1 Credit) (9,10) (Honors Level) Prerequisite: “A” in 8 th grade Algebra; “A” in Algebra 1 with Teacher recommendation Students will enhance logical reasoning and spatial …. ART 051/052 CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS (Semester ½ Credit) (9,10, 11, 12) Contemporary crafts is designed for students to learn basic art skills….

Freshmen Electives Agriculture Art Business Family and Consumer Science Foreign Language Math Music Technology

What’s Next? January 6-16 – Middle School Counselors meet with students to select their freshman classes (USING CAREER CRUISING) March 2 nd – Copy of course request can be viewed on skyward

Course Selection Changes March 18, 2016: Last day to make a change in a student’s course selection Questions??? Before spring break contact middle school counselor Questions after spring break should be referred to high school counselor

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A WILDCAT!!