Information Night for Parents of Rising Freshmen Briar Woods High School

The Class of % are attending 4-year colleges 20% are attending 2-year school 2% are in the military and other post- secondary training/schools 6.5% went directly into the work force

The Class of 2009 Earned over 2.3 million dollars in scholarships and grant (274 seniors) Almost 70% enrolled in one or more Advanced Placement classes while in high school

College & University Attendance Our students have been accepted by 252 colleges and universities. Our graduates attend school in 27 different states and three countries outside the United States

College & University Attendance Notable schools outside of Virginia: DukeBoston University M.I.T.UCLA Wake ForestWashington University NorthwesternVanderbilt The Air Force AcademyUniv. of Southern Cal UNC - Chapel HillYale NYUTemple CornellNYC Fashion Institute ElonUniv. of Chicago

Upcoming Meetings April: Athletics & Activities EXPO May: Sports meeting for parents  See BWHSports.org Week before school begins  Freshman Orientation  Parent Meeting First week of school  Freshman meeting Monitor our website and look-out for our newsletter!

Agenda Rising 9 th Grade Scheduling Process Diploma Types & Graduation Requirements Course Options for Rising 9 th Grade Students

Scheduling Process BWHS counselors visited the middle schools: February 19 & 22: Eagle Ridge February 22 & 23: Stone Hill

Scheduling Process Students received the Program of Studies & course selection information Counselors reviewed:  Transitioning to high school  Graduation requirements  The high school schedule  Advanced Placement courses  Activities & sports  Classes for next year

Scheduling Process There is a different process for scheduling at each middle school The end result is the same: Students and parents will select their courses with the input and assistance of their counselors and teachers

Scheduling Process at Stone Hill BWHS counselors reviewed course options with students Students will meet with SHMS counselors  SHMS counselors will present students with their core course recommendations  SHMS counselors will help students pick their electives using Family Connection  Students will bring home a print-out of these courses for your final approval

Scheduling Process at Eagle Ridge ERMS will provide students with recommendations for their core courses On February 19 & 22, BWHS counselors met with students in their science classes to review core courses and help students select their electives Students will bring their course selection forms home for your approval and signature Please sign the form and send it in with your child – along with any changes if necessary

Scheduling for Students New to LCPS New students usually begin enrolling in May The information and materials needed to enroll an new student can be found on the BWHS and LCPS websites New students and their parents will select their courses with a BWHS counselor when they enroll

Scheduling Process If you would like to change your child’s selections, you should write a note and have your child return it with the form If you disagree or do not understand why a level was recommended – please consider contacting your middle school counselor or teacher Changes can be made until June 30, 2010

Scheduling Process Changes can be made until June 30, 2010 After June 30 th schedule changes may not be possible!

Diplomas Standard Diploma Advanced Studies Diploma Standard Technical Diploma Advanced Technical Diploma

Standard Diploma Academic AreasCreditsSOL Verified Credits English42 Social Studies31 Mathematics31 Science31 Health/Physical Education2 Foreign Language, Fine Arts, or Career & Technical Education 2 Economics and Personal Finance1 Electives4 Student Selected Verified Credit1 Total226

Advanced Studies Diploma Academic AreasCreditsSOL Verified Credits English42 Social Studies42 Mathematics42 Science42 Foreign Language3-4 Health/Physical Education2 Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education1 Economics and Personal Finance1 Electives3 Student Selected Verified Credit1 Total269

Standard Technical Diploma Academic AreasCreditsSOL Verified Credits English42 Social Studies31 Mathematics31 Science31 Health/Physical Education2 Foreign Language or Fine Arts1 Economics and Personal Finance1 Career and Technical Education4 Electives1 Student Selected Verified Credit1 Total226

Advanced Technical Diploma Academic AreasCreditsSOL Verified Credits English42 Social Studies42 Mathematics42 Science42 Foreign Language3-4 Health/Physical Education2 Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education1 Career & Technical Education3 Economics and Personal Finance1 Student Selected Verified Credit1 Total269

SOL Courses Reading (Eng. 11)Earth Science Writing (Eng. 11)Biology Chemistry Algebra 1World History 1 GeometryWorld History 2 Algebra 2US History

Course Options for Freshmen English Social Studies Science Math Health & Physical Education Elective

Course Levels Honors and Pre-Advanced Placement Course content is rapidly paced with additional depth. Lessons are often designed to be complex, abstract, and open-ended.

Course Levels Academic Course content and expected student performance require additional reading and writing at a rigorous level. Academic is a “college-bound” level.

Course Levels General Course content and student performance are commensurate with the student’s grade level.

Course Options for Freshmen English Social Studies Science Math Health & Physical Education Elective

“Lesson in Balance” Challenge the student vs. Overloading the student Finding balance in the students course load

“Lesson in Balance” Take the most challenging classes you can handle.

“Lesson in Balance” Take the most challenging classes you can reasonably handle.

“Lesson in Balance” How much time do you have available to study and do homework?  Do you play sports?  Are you involved in activities? What does your track-record indicate? How committed and disciplined are you?

“Lesson in Balance” Think long-term: It’s easier to improve your schedule each year by taking more challenging classes… than it is to improve a damaged GPA!

Student Example 1 Grade 9:Grade 10: English C2EnglishB3 HistoryC2HistoryA4 MathD1MathC2 ScienceD1ScienceB3 HPEB3HPEA4 ElectiveC2ElectiveA4 Cumulative GPA = 1.86 Cumulative GPA = 2.64 Grade 11:Grade 12: English B3EnglishA4 HistoryB3HistoryA4 MathB3MathB3 ScienceB3ScienceB3 HPEA4HPEA4 ElectiveA4ElectiveA4 Cumulative GPA = 2.76 Cumulative GPA = 2.89

Student Example 2 Grade 9:Grade 10: English B3EnglishB3 HistoryB3HistoryA4 MathB3MathC2 ScienceC2ScienceB3 HPEA4HPEA4 ElectiveA4ElectiveA4 Cumulative GPA = 3.29 Cumulative GPA = 3.36 Grade 11:Grade 12: English B3EnglishA4 HistoryB3HistoryA4 MathB3MathB3 ScienceB3ScienceB3 HPEA4HPEA4 ElectiveA4ElectiveA4 Cumulative GPA = 3.38 Cumulative GPA = 3.46

The Importance of the Freshman Year The difference between a 2.89 GPA and a 3.46 GPA can be the ninth grade year!!!

“Lesson in Balance” Don’t forget to consider the student’s interests when determining his/her course load!

Reminder… Changes can be made until June 30, 2010 After June 30 th schedule changes may not be possible!

Review Rising 9 th Grade Scheduling Process Graduation & SOL Requirements Course Options for Rising 9 th Grade Students