High School 101: Understanding Classes, Credits and Grades Pleasanton High School High School 101: Understanding Classes, Credits and Grades Mrs. Guajardo will open and introduce administrators and counselors.

What is an Endorsement? A broad area of study that encompasses multiple related pathways Endorsement can be in the career area a student wishes to pursue after high school or in an area of activities in which the student will participate in high school All students entering the 9th grade must choose an endorsement and complete a personal graduation plan when planning for high school Evans presents

5 Endorsements Arts and Humanities Business and Industry Public Service STEM Multidisciplinary Evans presents

Endorsements Each endorsement has several pathways of study Endorsement requires 4 courses Student may list only 1 endorsement on their Personal Graduation Plan, but may take courses from other areas as long as they meet their graduation requirements Evans presents – hand over to Hardy

Graduation Requirements Students must: Complete either the Foundation with Endorsement or Distinguished plan Pass all Five STAAR/EOC tests Hardy presents

Graduation Plans Must graduate on the distinguished plan to be in the TOP 10% of your class. Top 10% = Automatic college entrance to public universities in Texas (currently UT Austin is top 6%) Hardy presents-hands over to Leach

How many credits are needed to graduate? Foundation with Endorsement, and Distinguished must have 26 credits to graduate Credits must be earned: Each full year class that is passed = 1 credit Each semester class that is passed = ½ credit Leach presents

Foundation with Endorsement – Required Credits (26) English (4 credits): English 1, 2, 3, and 4 Math (4 credits): Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2 Advanced Math Science (4 credits): Biology Chemistry Physics or Advanced Science Advanced Science Social Studies (4 credits): World Geography World History U. S. History Government/Economics Leach presents – hand over to Downs + 2 credits in Spanish + 1 credit Fine Arts + 1 credit in PE + 1 credit Prin of Info. Technology + .5 credit in Prof Comm (Speech) + .5 Interpersonal Studies + 4 Endorsement Courses

EOC / STAAR Assessments Five Tests Algebra I (9th) Biology (9th) ELA I (9th) ELA II (10th) U.S. History (11th) Downs presents – hand over to Macias

Grade Classification Grade classification is based on credits: 9th grade: 0 – 5.5 credits 10th grade: 6.0 – 12.5 credits 11th grade: 13.0 – 18.5 credits 12th grade: 19.0 + credits Macias presents

Attendance and Credits (by class period) State Law says that you must be at school at least 90% of the days per semester. If you have too many absences you will be denied credit even if you pass the class. Example: 100 days in a semester and you miss 12 –you will not receive credit for the class and will have to take it again. Macias presents – hand over to Brito

What can I expect my 9th grader to take? Your student will be enrolled in the following courses: English I (Pre-AP or Regular) Algebra 1 (Pre-AP or Regular) OR Geometry (Pre-AP or Regular) if Algebra 1 was completed at PJHS Biology (Pre-AP or Regular) World Geography (Pre-AP or Regular) Brito presents

What can I expect my 9th grader to take? Technology—Principles of Technology PE - PE, Athletics, JROTC, Band (Fall semester) Spanish 1 or Fine Arts (or Spanish 2 if your child is currently in Spanish 1(Pre-AP or Regular) Endorsement Course focused on chosen endorsement Brito presents – hands over to Grose

Pre – AP Classes Steps when signing up for Pre-AP classes: Students need to be sure they are prepared for the rigor of these courses. Parents/Guardians need to be supportive and monitor that students stay on target with course requirements. One determining factor for Pre-AP classes is a passing score on the STAAR test for that subject area. Grose presents – hand over to Evans

Dual Credit Program & Advanced Placement Academic & Workforce dual credit—students eligible their Sophomore, Junior or Senior year, depending on course Dual Credit Partners Delmar College * UTPB * Coastal Bend Advanced Placement Every Core Department Electives: Spanish, Art, and Music Evans presents

Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) The PGP lists the student’s chosen endorsement, future plans, and courses for each grade. HB5 law requires that all parents review and sign their student’s Personal Graduation Plan their freshman year. If we do not have this approved plan on file with your signature, we will not be able to process a 9th grade schedule for your student. Evans presents

Scheduling Timeline 2/1 – 8th graders will view endorsement videos during enrichment 2/2 – student will complete their PGPs during enrichment 2/5-2/9 and 2/16 – HS counselors will meet individually with 8th graders during athletic, PE, or elective time (last period) to go over PGPs/9th grade course selections 2/20-2/23 – Copies of PGPs will be sent home this week; please review and sign 2/23 – Signed PGP is due back to student’s enrichment teacher 4/1 – Copy of course selections (not final schedule) will be mailed home for review Evans presents

Need More Information This presentation and presentations viewed by 8th graders along with other information about high school is available online at http://www.pisd.us click on Schools then click High School click on Academics then Counseling and Guidance click on Class of 2022 high school registration Evans presents – hand over to Guajardo

Contact Information Mrs. Twila M. Guajardo, Principal tmguajardo@pisd.us Mrs. Stacy Downs, Academic Dean sdowns@pisd.us Mr. Alberto L. Macias, Asst Principal: A-K almacias@pisd.us Mrs. Eileen C. Grose, Asst Principal: L-Z ecgrose@pisd.us Pleasanton High School: (830) 569-1250 For questions about class scheduling and endorsements contact your student’s counselor (divided by last names) Mrs. Amanda Hardy: A – D ahardy@pisd.us ; (830) 569-1254 Mrs. Sarah Evans: E – K sdevans@pisd.us; (830) 569-1383 Mrs. Marsha Leach: L – Ra mdleach@pisd.us; (830) 569-1255 Mr. Steve Brito: Re – Z sbrito@pisd.us; (830) 569-1256 Mrs. Guajardo will close