Information Night for Parents of Rising Freshmen Briar Woods Guidance Department Dave Royhab, Director

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

Diplomas Standard Diploma Advanced Studies Diploma

Standard Diploma Academic AreasCreditsSOL Verified Credits English42 Social Studies31 Mathematics31 Science31 Foreign Language00 Health/Physical Education20 Fine or Practical Art10 Electives60 Student Selected Verified Credit01 Total226

Advanced Studies Diploma Academic AreasCreditsSOL Verified Credits English42 Social Studies42 Mathematics42 Science42 Foreign Language3 or 40 Health/Physical Education20 Fine or Practical Art10 Electives1 or 20 Student Selected Verified Credit01 Total249

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

Scheduling Process BWHS counselors will be visiting the middle schools this week: February 10 & 11: Stone Hill February 11 & 12: Eagle Ridge

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

Scheduling Process English Social Studies Science Math Health & Physical Education Elective

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 will review 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  Students will bring home a print-out of these courses for your final approval

Scheduling Process at Eagle Ridge BWHS counselors will review course options with students and help students pick their electives On 2/18/09 ERMS counselors will mail home a course selection form for your final approval. The form will include core course recommendations and elective choices Please sign the form and send it in with your child

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, 2009

Scheduling Process After June 30 th schedule changes may not be possible After school begins, students who receive the elective selections they requested will not be permitted to make changes

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. Basic Course content may be adapted to the performance level of students with special needs.

Freshman Science Earth Science  Honors  Academic  General/Basic Biology  Honors

“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!

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

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