INFORMATION for PARENTS of INCOMING FRESHMEN STUDENTS Freshmen Orientation INFORMATION for PARENTS of INCOMING FRESHMEN STUDENTS

MTHS SCHOOL COUNSELORS ROLE of the SCHOOL COUNSELOR Academic Counseling College/Career Counseling Crisis Counseling and Referrals Personal/Social Counseling District Supervisor of Guidance: Dr. Michele Critelli Counselors: Mrs. Nicole Cruz Mrs. Damaris Dominguez Mr. Anthony Gambino Ms. Cathy Ielpi Mrs. Lauren Mironov Mrs. Diane Peterson Mrs. Brooke Yudell

THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE COUNSELING PROGRAM at MTHS Ms THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE COUNSELING PROGRAM at MTHS Ms. Doreen Mullarney Student Assistance Counselor Providing counseling and referral services to students regarding substance abuse and mental health related problems. Individual and Group Counseling services for all students. Serving as an information resource for substance abuse prevention, curriculum development and instruction. Providing families with the necessary referral resources regarding substance abuse and mental health.

Role of the Anti-Bullying Specialists: Cathy Ielpi and Doreen Mullarney As part of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights enacted in January 2011 and effective as of September 1, 2011: The ANTI-BULLYING SPECIALIST: Conducts all Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (“HIB”) school investigations. Provides counseling and mediation for students dealing with HIB issues. Provides opportunities for students to take proactive measures in creating a more peaceful and respectful school environment.

Proactive Peace Projects Challenge Day Cyber-bullying Assemblies Week of Respect Upstander Workshops for elementary schools Peace Ambassadors: Freshmen Orientation, New Student Welcome Committee, Peace Days in the Cafeteria Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA): Safe Zone project, Ally Week project, Positive Diversity Messages project

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS In order to graduate from Monroe Township High School, a student must obtain a minimum of 130 credits in grades 9-12. In addition, the successful completion of certain subjects is required as follows: 5 Credits Health and Physical Education for Each School Year Enrolled 20 Credits Language Arts 20 Credits Mathematics * 5 Credits Technology or Fourth Year of Science 15 Credits Science ** 15 Credits Social Studies 10 Credits Performing, Practical or Visual Arts 10 Credits World Languages 2.5 Credits Economics 2.5 Credits Personal Finance * The fourth year of Mathematics may be fulfilled by taking a computer course in either the Business or Math Departments or an Accounting course. ** The requirement is a year of Biology, a year of Chemistry, and a year of Physics.

Scheduling for 9th Grade Current 8th Grade teachers have made recommendations for course placement. January 2017 – Counselors visited GMB and MTMS to review the scheduling and elective process. March 2017 – Counselors will visit MTMS and GMB to meet with all 8th Grade students to review and finalize course selections. Deadline for all elective changes is June 15th.

Program of Studies Can be found on the MTHS website: http://www.monroe.k12.nj.us/Domain/113 Includes information on every course offered at MTHS by department: *Grade Level *Prerequisites *Course description

Program of Studies

Course Waiver 8th grade teachers made recommendations. Recommendations are based on how a student is performing in 8th grade. Summer classes for advancement or graduation credit are not permitted to be taken for incoming 9th graders.

Monroe Township Academies Freshman Academy Structured Career Academy Business Law and Government Communications and the Arts STEM – Science Technology Engineering and Math Avid Academy

GET INVOLVED SPORTS ELIGIBILITY Freshmen entering MTHS do not need credits from 8th grade to participate during 1st semester. However, to be eligible to participate during 2nd semester freshmen must earn at least 15 credits by the end of the 1st semester. To be eligible for 1st semester as a sophomore, student must earn 30 Credits by the end of freshmen year. Keep the grades up!

STAY INVOLVED CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES There are many opportunities for students to get involved in the MTHS community. Open link to Clubs on the CCCC website.

Your Freshman Still Needs Your Involvement! Basic Strategies to Review with Your Child: 1. Stay Organized and Keep a Schedule- Some students still need assistance organizing binders and folders on their iPads, checking teacher websites, creating to-do lists, setting reminders, etc. 2. Communication- review his/her academic progress in parent connect, reach out to the teacher regarding graded assignments. 3. Attend extra help sessions- encourage your child to attend extra help when he/she has questions or experience difficulty with subject matter. 4. Goal setting-ask your son/daughter about his/her short term and long term goals. Senior year will be here before you know it! 5. Reach out to your child’s school counselor with questions or concerns.

NAVIANCE Naviance is an online college & career planning tool currently used at MTMS & MTHS. High School use will include: CCCC updates via email & news bulletins Learning Style & Personality Type Surveys Career exploration & Inventory Quizzes College research including MTHS acceptance history College Representative Visits Resume builder

Naviance

PLEASE CHECK THE CCCC WEBSITE REGULARLY