Mrs. Jaime Walker School Counselor, West Morris Mendham High School September 26, 2011

* School total population * Length of class/schedule rotation * Significance of grades & attendance * Expectations * Amount of homework * Grading

* WMM=regional high school  meet new people * Many opportunities to get involved * More freedom/responsibilities * LUNCH! * Many resources for academic and personal assistance * College & career-related resources [Naviance]

* Various course levels * Course descriptions online/Program of Studies * Levels can be changed within the school year and/or from year to year * Grades monitored through Power School by WMM staff and families * In-class support

* Guidance presentation to all 9 th graders * Guest speaker—class assembly * Tips from 9 th grade teachers (who receive special training for note taking and study skills) * Change study habits, as needed * Limit distractions/technology

* Using separate binders for each subject * Using (school-provided) student agenda books * Checking teacher websites for deadlines, assignments, contact info * Monitor grades and attendance on Power School * Teacher-provided assignment calendars—get ahead when possible * Rotating class schedule

* Teachers—after school * Teachers—every period of the school day * Peer Tutors—upper class students available at lunch (by request) * Private tutor list available * Guidance Counselors, Student Assistance Counselor * Child Study Team * Administrators * Encourage children to take advantage of these resources REGULARLY!

* Tremendous variety—something for everyone * Get involved…but not too involved! * Activities Fair—late September during lunch * Keep track of activities for college purposes * Community, service, religious, work experiences also important

* DO HOMEWORK!—everything counts * Get extra help—sooner rather than later * STUDY!!! * Get involved * Meet new people

* Enroll in challenging courses that lead into possible career interests * Choose friends wisely * Get plenty of sleep * Have a social life * Think about the future, plan ahead [college & career] * Learn note-taking skills and test taking strategies * Ask questions * Keep up with assignments * Time management—don’t procrastinate * Have family members proofread assignments * Find a quiet place to do HW and study * Maintain a positive attitude

* Start doing work now! * Teachers’ recommendations based on current grades * Group scheduling session with counselor [no individual conferences this year] * Become familiar with school website * Summer reading/assignments * Previews Program—August * Freshman Orientation—August/September * Attend classes on first day of school to learn teachers’ recommended supplies

* Promote self-advocacy * If necessary, assist with organization, study skills * Monitor grades and homework on PowerSchool * Proofread major assignments * Encourage your child to seek extra help NOW and take advantage of the middle school’s resources * Ask questions

* “My teachers are going to choose all of my courses for me.” * “Study hall is dangerous, a waste of time.” * “Students must take all honors classes [including Calculus] to get into college.” * “Students must participate in every extra- curricular activity to get into college.”

* QUESTIONS?