FRESHMEN BASICS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

Unique Challenges of the 9th Grade Transition - Larger campus - New social groups Organization -Longer, more involved assignments Long Term planning - College

The Counselor’s Role Academic College Career Personal/Social

How do I contact my counselor? Your student can sign up for an appointment in the Counseling Office or drop by at lunch (except Thursdays) or after school Call to schedule an appointment or a phone conference: Mrs. Sramek Ms. Lau Mrs. Barricklow

Counseling Services Naviance College Representative Visits Grade Level Informational Nights Referrals to Community Agencies Career Speakers

How do I find out how my student is doing in class? Parent Connect Quarterly and semester report cards Progress Reports – Posted on Parent Connect every 5th week Contacting the teacher by or phone

What do I do if my student is having difficulty? Student can get help from teacher Parent-Teacher Conference Tutorial Center Open Monday-Thursday at Lunch and After School from 3-4pm in the Library.

Communication Naviance: West High website: Teacher Websites Grade Level Information Nights Back-to-School Night Principal’s and PTSA Newsletter

School Policies Tardies - 4 or more per quarter = U in citizenship Truancies Academic Honesty Policy - Automatic U in citizenship and 0 on assignment - Cheating referrals may affect local scholarships in senior year

Attendance Procedures All absences must be cleared either by note or phone call within 48 hours. The note must clearly state the reason for the absence, date of the absence, and a contact phone number. Absences not cleared within 48 hours will result in a truant and a Saturday detention.

Attendance Procedures (cont.) You will receive an automatic phone call when your student is absent for any reason. An off campus pass is needed when a student needs to leave school during the school day. A note from a parent/guardian including a phone number to verify information is required.

Student Involvement on Campus Freshman Focus Athletic Teams Clubs

Freshman Focus Juniors and Seniors visit freshman classes during the Fall to inform students about activities, clubs, ASB, athletics and other ways of getting involved on campus.

Athletic Teams All athletes meet with their team during 6 th period. Students must tryout for most teams prior to the season and maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory citizenship.

Clubs There are approximately 50 clubs on our campus. Students are encouraged to find a few clubs of interest and maintain involvement throughout high school. See club list on WHS website. Club Rush took place today at lunch

High School Graduation Requirements 220 total credits in the required subjects. An average of 60 credits per year Six semesters of Excellent or Satisfactory Citizenship Students also need to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE – English and Math)

Graduation Requirements English 40 credits Social Science 30 credits including: World History 10; US History 10; Govt 5; Econ 5 Mathematics 20 credits Science 20 credits including: Physical 10; Biological 10 Health 5 credits Foreign Language or VPA 10 credits Physical Education 20 credits Electives 75 credits

What if my student falls behind? Summer School Hamilton Adult School (16 years old or a Junior) SoCal ROC – elective credit only (15 years old or a Sophomore) Online Options Community College

Summer School Options South Bay Enrichment Academy (SBEA) Tuition based program for enrichment or to make up a D or F grade Community College Open to 11 th and 12 th grade students Online Classes Tuition based Must obtain counselor approval prior to enrolling (No VPA or Science courses)

Tips for Success  Aim for a high GPA  Take challenging courses  Take the PSAT on October 15 th  Get Organized! Obtain a student planner or personal organizer. Available in the Student Activities office for $10 (Rm 4139)  Create a personal resume file on Naviance  Get to know your teachers and counselor

Post-Secondary Options

Community College High School diploma or 18 years of age To prepare to transfer to a four-year college or university Wide choice of programs to enter a career or technical field Local, inexpensive option to continue education The SAT or ACT is not required for admission Placement Tests in Math and English

4-Year Colleges and Universities Public Universities UC Cal State University Out of State Private Universities Numerous choices throughout the U.S. Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities:

A-G Requirements for College Entrance A. History and Social Science (2 years) B. English (4 years) C. Mathematics (3 years, 4 years recommended) Algebra 2 minimum requirement D. Science (2 years Lab Science, 3 years recommended) E. Foreign Language (2 years, 3 years recommended of the same language) F. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year) G. College Prep Elective (1 year)

Other Requirements and Tips for College Entrance SAT Reasoning or ACT with Writing SAT Subject Tests (no longer required for UC admission) Choose challenging and rigorous courses Community Service / Employment No “D” grades accepted Repeated grades will be calculated into GPA

Other Post Secondary Options Career & Technical Education Military Workforce

Questions?