Let’s Start Planning For Your Future! A program for Hazlet 8 th graders to plan their high school future

Mrs. Teri Bates 9 th Grade Freshman Transition Guidance Counselor x1014

Freshman Academy You will be part of Raritan High School’s Freshman Academy. Homeroom, English, Social Studies, some Science, Math, PE, Electives, and lunch will be located downstairs. World Language and some Science classes will be located upstairs.

Why do we have a Freshman Academy ?? Grouping freshman classes reduces travel time avoiding tardiness to class. The Small Learning Community model aids in adjustment to RHS. Research supports effectiveness of 1 st year transition programs. Freshman grouping assists with planning and implementing programs geared specifically to the 9 th grade.

Things to know about your 9 th grade schedule… 1. You will follow a 4-period day. 2. Your classes will meet every other day. 3. Most of your classes will last all year. 4. Your classes will be 86 minutes long. 5. Lunch is 30 minutes long.

More details! 8 classes per year English World Language 2 Electives to meet graduation requirements 40 Credits Per Year PE/Health History Math Science

9 th Grade Sample Schedule “A” Day Period 1: Math Period 2: Spanish 1 Lunch Period 3: Elective Period 4: English “ B” Day Period 1:World History Period 2: PE/Health Period 3: Elective 2 Lunch Period 4: Lab Biology

What are high school credits? In the United States, high school students earn credits for the successful completion of each course for each academic year. The state sets the minimum number of credits required to graduate.

More about credits… At RHS, where all courses are the same number of hours and meet every other day, students earn 5 credits for a course that lasts all year, or 2 ½ credit per course per semester. Earning credits is a function of having both passing grades and sufficient attendance!

Graduation Requirements: The state of NJ requires a specific number of credits for graduation. If you fail a course, or if you exceed absence limits, you lose credit for that course. There is NO PARTIAL CREDIT !

But what about… Sickness?Family Emergencies? Parents can write a letter of appeal, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Possible consequences for losing credit Not graduating on time Class rank is impacted Having to attend summer credit restoration

What are my 9 th Grade requirements? English History Math Science World Language Physical Education Health Financial Literacy and Other Electives

4 Years of English20 Credits 2 Credit Years History10 Credits 1 Credit Year World History5 Credits 1 Credit Year Physical Education & Health for Each Year in School20 Credits 3 Credit Years of Mathematics15 Credits 3 Credit Years of Science15 Credits 1 Credit Year of Visual or Performing Art5 Credits 2 Credit Years of World Language10 Credits.5 Credit Year of Financial Literacy2.5 Credits 1 Credit Year Career or Vocational Education5 Credits Electives52.5 Credits New Jersey Graduation RequirementMinimum of 125 Credits Requirements for Graduation

Academic Level Placement is based on: Teacher recommendations Standardized test results Report card grades Examples of Level Placements: One Teacher, Large class OOne Teacher, Small class Two Teachers, Large class Honors Level

Graduation Requirement: Financial Literacy Elective Economics or Personal Finance (half-year courses) OR Introduction to Business (full year course) If you take a half-year course, you will be scheduled for another half year course to complete your schedule

Raritan High School 9 th Grade Electives Practical Arts: 5 Credits are required for graduation! (*Asterisk indicates semester course) TV Production CAD 1 Tech Ed 1 (Wood) Child Development Principles of Career Planning* Journalism Nutrition and Culinary Arts

Other Interesting Electives Current US Issues* American Legal System* (*Asterisk indicates semester course )

Raritan High School 9 th Grade Electives Visual and Performing Arts 5 Credits are required for graduation! Art 1 Band Concert Choir History Rock/Pop Theatre/Drama 1

AP Classes open to 9 th Graders Advanced Placement classes offer students an opportunity to earn college credits for high school classes! AP World History AP Art History AP Human Geography

Course Selection Sheets Return to Guidance Office by Friday, February 1, Complete the entire sheet neatly! You and your parent/guardian must sign. Parents/guardians must include cellphone and contact info.

What if my dog eats the sheet? Your parents can print out another copy. It is posted on the website and also on the parent portal.

Scheduling Meetings Begin on Tuesday, February 18, and will last a few weeks Ten minutes long During class time Teachers will know You will be provided with a pass

What we will discuss… Choice of World Language PE vs. Dance Choice of electives Alternative selections Current placement levels

9 th Grade Schedule Timeline Course requests will be posted on the parent portal on April 15, 2014 Schedules will be posted on the parent portal by August 25, 2014 Lunch WILL NOT appear on your schedule Lunch periods will be assigned on the first day of 9 th grade

Getting involved at RHS Volunteer work counts: Colleges, Scholarships, National Honor Society School Activities count: Colleges, Employers, Scholarships Helping feels good. You’ll get better grades!

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENIOR, JUNIOR, SOPHOMORE, FRESHMAN CLASSES STUDENT COUNCIL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY ITALIAN CLUB SPANISH CLUB INTERACT SCIENCE LEAGUE DRAMA CLUB ATHLETIC TRAINING CLUB PALS-PEER ASSISTANT LEADERS TI-TEEN INSTITUTE TATU-TEENS AGAINST TOBACCO USE ODYSSEY OF THE MIND T.E.A.M. (PEER MEDIATORS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CLUB KEY CLUB LATIN CLUB CHESS CLUB SADD – STUDENTS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS YEARBOOK MATH LEAGUE DANCE TROUPE MARCHING BAND COLOR GUARD BOWLING CLUB JAZZ BAND ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE

Get thinking – Get planning! School Subjects + Interests + Activities + Personal Qualities + Learning Style = Future plans

Naviance: Remember this name! It will open doors you never imagined! You will be given a username and password to create your own future- planning site through Naviance.

Counseling Services Guidance Counselors and Student Assistance Counselor offer a full array of services including: Individual, Group, and Class lessons Career and College Planning Transition planning Student Assistance Counselor Intervention and Referral Services

Communication-Information Click on RHS Click on Guidance Click on link for Mrs. Bates Also, each teacher maintains a web page

We are here to help you! The Guidance Office is located directly across from the Main Office. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Mrs. Bates! No problem is too big or too small!