Counseling and Honors

Who is our Counselor? Karen Nosbusch Amanda Vega de Garcia Student Services Technician Parents of students new to the district need to see Mrs. Vega de Garcia to enroll.

What do counselors do? Personal, social, and academic problems Parent conferences Promotion status Community referrals Crisis intervention Classroom guidance lessons Extended Learning Time (ELT), no sign up necessary, just attend Information on CJSF, School Service Award, and Academic Talent Search

California Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF) Free statewide honors club Qualified students must reapply each trimester –Any 2 trimesters during 7 th grade and first 2 trimesters during 8 th grade are required What’s the benefit? –Practice for high school level of CSF which helps with college applications and leadership opportunities –Recognition in promotion ceremony program

School Service Award (CJSF with Distinction Award for CJSF members) 20 hours of school service required –Recycling program, Esperanza birthday club, ELT tutoring, music tutoring –Students get the applications from their counselor, Ms. Nosbusch

Grades Online Sign up for grades online now and your login will rollover from year to year. If you don’t sign up now, you’ll have to wait until Back-to- School night in October to get the codes to sign up and check your child’s grades in 7 th grade. Ask your elementary school for the directions and codes to sign up. Students will need access to grades online (with their own address and password or use of a parent’s address and password) to register for their 8 th grade electives at the end of 7 th grade (and to track their own progress).

Honors *7 th grade – Heterogeneous (Lessons are differentiated) *8 th grade – Honors and/or heterogeneous Students should be critical thinkers, skilled writers, and read two years above grade level.

Transitioning from Elementary to Secondary The emphasis in honors level classes now shifts from student learning potential to a student’s actual academic performance. The emphasis in honors level classes now shifts from student learning potential to a student’s actual academic performance.

 No late work is accepted from honor students.  Satisfactory – Outstanding Work Habits and Citizenship  Outstanding organizational skills  Leadership qualities: contribute positively to classroom discussions and activities  The most successful honor students are intrinsically motivated. Expectations in Honors Classes:

 Advanced reading skills with high interest in reading*  Advanced writing skills  Analytical writing versus creative writing  * Since honors students read at a higher level, they may choose to read material with more mature content. Reading - Writing

All 7 th grade students take Pre-algebra Ability levels are mixed within each class and each community Honors level work available to all students Special projects and challenge problems available to all students All students have the opportunity to move to algebra in 8 th grade

Pre - Algebra Algebra 1 Intro to Algebra Grade of A or B AND Good work habits Grade of C, D, F OR Work habits need improvement 7 th Grade8 th Grade

Algebra 1 Geometry Honors Algebra 1 Repeat Grade of A or B+ AND Excellent work habits Grade of B, C, D, F OR Work habits need improvement 7 th Grade Special case through testing and invitation only. 8 th Grade

Honors Science  Positive behavior is required and necessary because of the use of chemicals during labs

Requirements to Enter 8 th Grade Honors Science  Earn an “A” grade each trimester of 7 th grade  Be responsible and turn in all assignments  Be in Algebra or Geometry as an 8 th grader  Be outstanding or satisfactory in citizenship

9 th Grade Science  Earth Science is for regular students Biology is for honors science students  Requirements for Biology (honors track)  Must earn an “A” all three trimesters of eighth grade science  Must have at least a “B+” in algebra or geometry during all of 8 th grade  An outstanding or satisfactory in both citizenship and work habits.

Questions?