9th & 10th Grade Parent Night Chattahoochee High School August 27, 2013

A Tradition of Excellence… Graduation Rate in 2013: 94% Ranked #136 in Newsweek Magazine’s Top 500 High Schools in USA (Ranked #1 High School in North Fulton County) 24 AP courses offered Over 90 clubs & sports Check out our website! www.chattcougar.com (Email Addresses; Edmodo; Upcoming Events; Home Access Center)

Meet the CHS Admin Team! Principal Mr. Tim Duncan Assistant Principals are assigned to students based on the first letter of their last name. Counselors and Assistant Principals serve the same caseload of students and should be paired with your student for the duration of their high school career. Please take a moment to identify your Assistant Principal. A - Fe Mrs. Debra Bryant Fi - Ko Dr. Gladys Peoples Kr - Rh Mrs. Camille Christopher Ri - Z Mr. Tim Corrigan

Meet the Counseling Office Staff!! Counselors A - Fe Ms. Lauren Corbett Fi - Ko Ms. Julie Gracey Kr - Rh Ms. Deborah Blount Ri - Z Ms. Ebony Payno _______________________________________________________________ Support Staff Graduation Coach Ms. Rebbie Lichliter Records Coordinator Ms. Jan Turner Professional Assistant Ms. Rita Jensen School Social Worker Ms. Alicia McClung Bilingual Parent Liaison Ms. Christina Kim Cluster Nurse Ms. Rose Moro Note that the administrative team is broken down by the same alphabet as the counselors Transcript/records request go to Ms. Turner. You may also print a transcript using Home Access.

What happens in the Counseling office? Individual Student Planning Academic Planning; College/Career Planning; Problem Solving; Goal Setting; Recommendation Letters; Transcript Requests; Graduation Status Tracking; Transition Planning; College Visits Classroom Guidance What you need to know as a freshman; Study Skills & Test Taking Tips; Signs of Suicide; Career Awareness; Postsecondary Planning; College Application Timeline; Financial Aid Planning; Scholarship Searching Responsive Services Individual & Small Group Counseling; Peer Mediation; Crisis Intervention; Consultation/Collaboration with parents, teachers, administrators; Referrals to outside agencies System Support New student enrollments; Withdrawals; Academic Placement & Scheduling; Standardized Test Coordination & Interpretation; Special Programs (GHP, Honors Night, National Merit, Parent Nights, Nominated Scholarships, Freshman Advisory, Graduation)

Freshman Advisory Program The Freshman Advisory program involves all freshmen students at CHS Facilitates a sense of community and assists in building cohesiveness as all three middle schools merge into our Hooch Family! Weekly Lessons / Team Building Activities delivered by Chattahoochee’s Junior Advisors

Freshman Advisory Program Each Junior Advisor was recommended as a Sophomore by Chattahoochee staff members Each Freshman homeroom is paired with 3 - 4 Junior Advisors (Monday - Thursday) Junior Advisors deliver lessons and team-building activities, provide tutoring, and serve as mentors Lessons address a multitude of academic and social issues which many students have questions about during the sometimes difficult transition to high school

Freshman Advisory Program Sample Lesson Topics Who’s who at Chattahoochee Managing homework Getting involved Goal -setting Effective organization Bullying Learning styles Working with your teachers Time management Stress management Test-taking tips Peer pressure Tardy – being late in the real world! Understanding progress reports

HOME ACCESS CENTER Home Access Center is a web-based home-to-school collaboration resource that allows parents/guardians to examine up-to-date information on their child’s grades, attendance, discipline, unofficial transcripts, and more through a secure online link to school records. You will use the same login and password for the Home Access Center each year as long as your have at least one child active in Fulton County Schools Parents/Guardians can pick up log-in and password information by a showing photo ID in the main office. Home Access Center can be found at www.fultonschools.org -> Parents -> Home Access Center

Edmodo! Students obtain student code from their teacher Parents obtain parent code from their student’s profile

Stay Connected! Find us on Facebook and like our official page! https://www.facebook.com/chattcougar Follow us on Twitter @HoochHappenings Sign up for important reminders and notifications via text with Remind101. Every teacher has a blog with a current syllabus, weekly assignments, and other key information.

What is Remind101 & Why is it Safe? Remind101 is a one-way text messaging and email system. With Remind101, all personal information remains completely confidential. Teachers/Staff will never see your phone number, nor will you ever see theirs. Visit www.remind101.com to learn more To receive Chattahoochee messages via text, text “@chattah” to (678) 293-7443. You can opt-out of messages at anytime by replying, “unsubscribe @chattah”. To receive messages via email, send an email to chattah@mail.remind101.com. To unsubscribe, reply with “unsubscribe” in the subject line. Every teacher has a blog with a current syllabus, weekly assignments, and other key information.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Class of 2016 & Class of 2017 English 4 credits Mathematics 4 credits Science 4 credits Social Studies 3 credits Health/Personal Fitness 0.5 credit ea. World Language/Fine Arts/Career Tech 3 credits Electives 4 credits Semester-long class= 0.5 credits; Year-long class= 1.0 credit **23 total credits required to graduate** Foreign Language is no longer a requirement for graduation; however, almost all 4 year colleges will require at least 2 years of the same language

Track your student’s graduation status! A copy of this graduation status report is included at the back of your packet. This will allow you to keep up with your child’s graduation status from home.

Typical 9th Grade Schedule 9th Literature or 9th Literature H (1.0) CCGPS Coordinate Algebra or CCGPS Accelerated Coordinate Algebra H (1.0) Biology or Biology H (1.0) American Government (one semester) (0.5) * General Health (one semester) (0.5) World Language (1.0) Elective (1.0) *designates AP Gov’t (1.0) as an alternative ** Some 9th grade students were recommended for AP Gov’t by their Middle School teachers.

Typical 10th Grade Schedule 10th Literature or 10th Literature H (1.0) CCGPS Analytic Geom or CCGPS Accelerated Analytic Geom H (1.0) Chemistry / Chemistry H / Physical Science (1.0) World History or AP World History (1.0) World Language (1.0) Elective (1.0)

Typical 11th Grade Schedule 11th Literature / 11th Literature H / AP Language (1.0) CCGPS Advanced Algebra or CCGPS Accelerated Pre-Calc H (1.0) 3rd Science option (examples are Environmental Science, Physics, AP Chemistry) (1.0) US History or AP US History (1.0) World Language (1.0) Elective (1.0)

Typical 12th Grade Schedule World Lit & Multicultural Lit (0.5 credit each, 1.0 total) / AP Literature (1.0) / College English (2.0) Advanced Math Decision Making / CCGPS Pre-calculus / AP Statistics / AP Calculus AB / AP Calculus BC (all 1.0 each) or GA Tech Distance Calculus (by application and GA Tech admission only) (2.0 total) 4th Science option (examples are AP Science, Astronomy, Human Anatomy H, Earth Systems) (1.0) Economics (0.5) Personal Fitness (0.5) World Language or Elective (1.0) Elective (1.0)

What if a class is failed? Retention Policy 5 credits to be promoted to the 10th grade 11 credits to be promoted to the 11th grade 17 credits to be promoted to the 12th grade Making Up Failed Courses In schedule PLATO Georgia Virtual School Fulton Virtual School Summer School Each school year, students earn a maximum of 6 credits. This means if a student doesn’t earn at least 5 credits in 9th grade, he/she will be retained in a 9th grade homeroom next year. However, these students will still progress into other 10th grade classes. Failed classes must be made up at some point before graduation. Students need to see their counselor to sign up for night school, FVS, GVS, or summer school.

No Pass, No Play To participate in sports, students must have passed FIVE classes the previous semester Must be on track to graduate (Not retained in a lower grade) Summer School does combine with Spring semester for Fall sports eligibility

How do Honors Points work? Course Base Grade Grade on Transcript 9th Lit/Comp H 90 97 CCGPS Algebra 90 90 Biology H 90 97 American Gov’t 90 90 Intro to Art 90 90 Spanish 1 90 90 Total 540 554 Grade Average 90.0 92.3 *Must earn a 70 or above in an Honors or AP course to receive the 7 Honors points!

Career Technology Elective Pathways Healthcare Science Financial Management/Accounting Business Graphic Communications Marketing Engineering Drafting/Architecture Transportation (Automotive) For course descriptions, please visit chattcougar.com.

TESTING EOCT! SAT! GHSWT! ACT! PSAT!

End of Course Tests (EOCT) As of December 2003, the Georgia Department of Education requires students to take an End of Course Test (EOCT) in certain courses. 9th grade courses with EOCT’s 10th grade courses with EOCT’s 9th Grade Lit/Comp CCGPS Analytic Geometry CCGPS Coordinate Algebra Physical Science Biology Other courses with EOCT’s: 11th Am Lit/Comp, US History, Economics Counts 20% of final course grade Students who take the courses listed above in Summer School or online must take the End of Course Test as well. http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/curriculum/testing/eoct.asp EOCTs are state-wide final exams. So, every student in Georgia taking Biology will take the same exam at the end of the year.

Georgia High School Writing Test (GHSWT) Every student must take and pass the Georgia High School Writing Test (GHSWT) in order to graduate from high school. The test helps to ensure students are prepared to meet the challenges of further education or successful transition into their working career. Results are part of students’ permanent records but do not appear on their transcripts. First administration of GHSWT is in September of 11th grade. Repeat administrations are in February of 11th grade, Summer between 11th and 12th grades, and September and February of 12th grade.

When to take the SAT/ACT… We typically recommend that students take the SAT and/or ACT for the first time in the Spring of the 11th grade (after they have reviewed their 11th grade PSAT results) 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students take the PSAT each October (this year: October 16th) For now, sign up for the “SAT Question of the Day” at www.collegeboard.com

An overview of… the ACT: the SAT: Structure of Test Critical Reading section Math section: Algebra, Geometry, and Advanced Algebra Writing section Penalty for Wrong Answers? YES Score Range 600-2400 Structure of Test Math section: through Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry English section Reading section Science section Writing section Penalty for Wrong Answers? NO Score Range 1-36

Preparation & Registration for the SAT www.collegeboard.com

Preparation & Registration for the ACT www.actstudent.org

HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships Eligible students receive financial assistance covering tuition and HOPE-approved mandatory fees. Qualifications: Be a U.S. citizen and legal resident of Georgia Be a graduate of an eligible high school

HOPE/Zell Miller Rigor Requirements for the Classes of 2016 and 2017 Students in the graduating class of 2016 (current Sophomores) must pass at least 3 courses from the following list: Advanced Math (ex. Advanced Algebra or higher) Advanced Science (ex. Chemistry, Physics, or higher) Advanced Foreign Language (ex. level 2 and above) Advanced Placement (AP) in core subjects Core subjects taken at a University System of Georgia (USG) Institution Students in the graduating class of 2017 (current Freshmen) must pass at least 4 courses from the list.

HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships GPA’s are calculated by the GA Student Finance Commission Final calculations are done after the student graduates from high school ALL academic classes (English, math, science, social studies, and world language) are used for the calculation Conversion: Remove all honors points Convert to 4.0 scale 90 – 100 = 4.0 80 – 89 = 3.0 70 – 79 = 2.0 0 – 69 = 0.0 (failing grades are included in calculation) Add 0.5 to only AP courses (up to 4.0) Divide by the total number of grades

HOPE Scholarship Must earn a 3.0 cumulative academic GPA (2.9999 does not round up!) Beginning Fall 2011, the HOPE award will pay a percentage amount of the standard tuition charges from the previous year. Recently, it has been about 87%. Mandatory fees are covered, but institutional fees must be paid by the student/parent. *HOPE Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout college

Zell Miller Scholarship (1) Graduate as the Valedictorian or Salutatorian OR (2) Earn a 3.7 GPA in high school, AND either Earn a 1200 combined score of Reading and Math on a single administration of the SAT, or Earn a composite score of 26 on a single administration of the ACT by your graduation date. *Zell Miller Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.3 GPA throughout college. *If a student’s GPA falls below a 3.3, they remain eligible for the HOPE Scholarship if their GPA is above a 3.0.

Dual Enrollment Admission Requirements: A rising Junior or Senior Minimum GPA of 3.0 in core classes on a 4.0 scale Minimum SAT I score of 970 total (Critical Reading 480 and Math 440) OR Minimum ACT score of 20 Composite (English 20 and Math 18) Most students take College English 1101 and 1102 at Chattahoochee taught by a GA Perimeter College professor; however, accepted students are also eligible to take college classes on the college campus.

GA Tech Distance Calculus Complete GA Tech Calculus II & III for high school and college credit Minimum Admission Requirements: A rising Junior or Senior Score of 4 or 5 on AP Calculus AB exam OR score of 3, 4 or 5 on AP Calculus BC exam Overall GPA of 3.5 and Math GPA of 3.5 on Georgia Tech's recalculated scale Competitive Ranges (based on 2012-2013 admitted students): Mid 50% SAT: 2000-2250 Mid 50% ACT: 30-33 Mid 50% GPA: 3.9-4.2

Early College Planning: What are colleges looking for? Academic GPA Rigor of courses taken (difficulty level) Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT) Class Rank Extracurricular Activities College Application Essays Letters of Recommendation Interviews/portfolios

College Planning Checklist Freshman/Sophomore Year   Take challenging courses Attend the PROBE college fair (September/October) Join clubs and volunteer for activities related to your interests Visit college websites; talk to classmates, parents, teachers, and recent graduates to learn about colleges Take the PSAT in October to practice for the SAT Keep your grades up Talk with your parents about colleges that interest you Start/update your resume highlighting your academic achievements, awards, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, special skills, and talents Review PSAT score results to target areas for improvement. Explore summer activities related to your career goals

What Resources Are Available in the College & Career Center? Information regarding careers, options for after high school, scholarships, and summer opportunities The virtual Georgia Career Information System (GCIS) is available for research in the above areas SAT/ACT information and study guides www.GACOLLEGE411.org

Georgia Career Information System (GCIS) www.gcic.peachnet.edu User name: chattahoocheehs Password: gcis458

GAcollege411.org

Tips for Parents Improving Your Child’s Study Habits Provide a proper study setting (free from distractions) Plan a regular time for studying each day (1 ½ hrs/day) Ask to see your child’s homework and/or agenda frequently Check Home Access Center and/or contact teachers if needed (email addresses available on www.chattcougar.com) Help your child with organizational skills Encourage your child to talk with you about school Proper sleep, diet, and exercise with help with alertness Be sensitive to your child’s frustrations about schoolwork

Important Facts about School Attendance Georgia’s Compulsory Attendance law states that children between the ages of 6-16 years old must attend school on a regular basis 5 unexcused absences within a school year is considered a violation of the law Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Act A note from home or the doctor must be received in the attendance office within 3 days of the absence

"I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.” Frank Lloyd Wright, American architect Thank you for coming!!!