Program of Studies – 9th Grade Course Selection 2012-2013 Loudoun County High School

Useful resources LCHS Guidance Website Program of Studies 9th grade course selection sheet

Typical 9th Grade Schedule English 9 Math Science – Earth Science Social Studies – World History/Geo I Health/PE Foreign Language Raider Rally Elective

Levels of Classes Honors – Course content is rapidly paced with additional depth. Lessons are often designed to be complex, abstract, and open ended. Academic – Course content and expected student performance require additional reading and writing at a rigorous level.

Raider Rally Study Hall Remediation Tutoring Activities

Know your diploma options In Virginia, diploma options available to all students: Advanced Studies Diploma Advanced Technical Diploma Standard Diploma Standard Technical Diploma Modified Standard Diploma IEP Diploma

Standard Diploma Academic Areas Credits SOL Verified Credits English 4 2 Social Studies 3 1 Mathematics Laboratory Science Health and Physical Education Foreign Language, Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education Economics and Personal Finance Electives (Must include 2 sequential electives.) Student Selected Verified Credit Total 22 6

Credits Earned A standard unit of credit is earned by passing a course with a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction. A verified unit of credit is earned by passing a course and its related end-of-course Standards of Learning test where an end-of-course test is required.

Advanced Studies Diploma Academic Areas Credits SOL Verified Credits English 4 2 Social Studies Mathematics Science Foreign Language 3 or 4 Health and Physical Education Fine or Career and Technical Education 1 Economics and Personal Finance Electives 3 Student Selected Verified Credit Total 26 9

Teacher Recommendations By now teachers should have talked to your students about their recommendations on what course they should take next year. Please consider their recommendation when selecting your child’s courses for next year. Balance

Course Selection Process Course Selection Changes: Please be in contact with the Middle School to make any changes. Subject Load: Student are expected to be enrolled in seven credit subjects. Once school starts in the fall – it is very difficult to change a student’s schedule. Please take the course selection process seriously.

Other Notes Get Involved 350 students (Simpson, Private, ROTC) Private school students – sols Math is not a race! “A” Day – “B” Day Academic Programs – AOS and Monroe Use the PSAT results

Activity & Athletic Participation In order to be eligible to participate in any Virginia High School League competition, a student must be currently enrolled in five subjects for credit or the equivalent, and have passed five subjects for credit or the equivalent the previous semester. If a passed course is being repeated, that course may not be counted as one of the five subjects for credit. Students who are planning to participate in Division I and II interscholastic sports in college should see their school counselor and/or athletic directors to learn about NCAA regulations.

What Colleges Expect Strong academic record Students who have completed the most challenging course of study appropriate for their abilities, including a rigorous senior year schedule Improvement over the high school years Solid standardized test performance (SAT & ACT) Extracurricular, Athletic, and Community Involvement Colleges are seeking well-rounded students who demonstrate a variety of interests and a connection to the world around them “Quality vs. Quantity” Well-prepared application package – required demographic forms, essays/personal statements, and teacher/counselor recommendations Stress the importance of your son or daughter getting to know his/her teachers/counselors in high school

Expunging Expunges grade from student’s transcript Applies to high school credit courses only Forms will come from the Middle School Return form to high school Due date is very important Cannot be reversed

Quiz Explain Raider Rally. What is a weighted class? What percentages of the seniors go on to two or four year colleges? How many credits do students need to graduate from LCHS? What is a verified credit?

TIMELINE February 13th & 14th – Pre scheduling @ JLS February 15th – Parent Information Night February 23rd – return course selection forms Middle School students visit LCHS during the day – April 12th Freshman Athletic Orientation – June 6th High School 101 – August 14th Freshman Parent Orientation Night -August 23rd Freshman Orientation Picnic – August 24th