1. GKHS 8th Grade Parent Information Night
Class of 2021

2. Counselor Contact Information
Danielle Melvin
A - COL
Brad Hostak
COM - G
Megan Wardle
H - LA
Jennie Colgan
LE - O
Jodi GreyEyes
P - SL
Mike Stallman
SM - Z

3. Soar Like an Eagle We believe all GKHS students have a future!
Student Goals
Take an academically challenging course or Advanced Placement course prior to graduation.
Be involved in at least one extra-curricular or co-curricular activity.
Connect with at least one adult at GKHS.

4. Soar Like an Eagle Extra Support Opportunities
Study Support four days a week during the school day
After school math help
After school science help
Schedule after school appointments with teachers
Mini grade conferences in Careers class at each grading period

5. Soar Like an Eagle Orange & Blue Starts with YOU
Your personal best everyday
Own your future
Understand we are one

6. Advice to Parents Characteristics of Successful Students
Dedicated study time at home
Students ask questions in class
Organization skills are emerging
Investment in school
Open to exploring different interests
Professionally persistent in navigating a large system

7. Family Access Verify/report attendance
Monitor student academic progress
teachers
Updated on the 1st and 15th of each month

8. Graduation Requirements
Subject
Graduation Requirements
English Language Arts (ELA) 4
Math 3
Science
3 (2 labs)
Social Studies
Career and Technical Education (CTE) 1
Health
0.5
Physical Education
1.5
Arts (or 1 Personal Pathways Requirement)
2 (1 can be PPR)
World Language or PPR
2 (both can be PPR)
General Electives
Total Credits 24
Go through requirements
Explanation of PPR is on next slide

9. Personalized Pathway Requirement (PPR)
PPR’s allow flexibility for students
PPR’s may be any course that aligns with the student’s career path
Plan of study (High School and Beyond Plan) should reflect PPR’s
To use PPR option students will complete a PPR request form
Freshman are encouraged to fill schedule with required courses
PPR’s are best used during junior and senior year
PPR allows some flexibility in course selection so students may select courses in their career path
PPR can be any course a student chooses that fits within their career path
Freshman are encouraged to fill schedule with their required courses
Encourage students/parents to request PPR’s in their junior/senior year

10. Two for One Requirements
CTE courses may count for one other requirement in addition to the CTE requirement.
EXAMPLES
Course
Requirement 1
Requirement 2
JROTC
CTE
Physical Fitness
Nutrition and Fitness
Physical Fitness or Health
Principals of Bio-Med
Lab Science or Health
Explain how some CTE courses may be counted as a CTE requirement as well as a second requirement as outlined in the course catalog.
Course may only count for two requirements. One of the requirements must be CTE.

11. Careers Class A class to help students
Develop study skills to achieve academic success
Navigate though their high school years
Explore and prepare for post-secondary options
Chart and prepare for their post-high school journey
Prepare their online portfolio
Prepare for their Student Led Conference

12. 4-Year College Entrance Requirements
College Academic Distribution Requirement (CADR)
Credits
English 4
Mathematics
3 (Algebra 1, Geometry, Adv Algebra)
Senior Year Math-Based Quantitative Course 1
Science
2 lab (one credit Algebra based: Chemistry or Physics)
Social Studies 3
Arts
World Language 2
2.0 Minimum GPA
ACT or SAT Score

13. Testing Information PSAT – Preliminary SAT. Great practice for SAT
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) – Military placement test
COMPASS/ACCUPLACER – Community/Technical college placement test; Running Start placement test
SBAC – Required for graduation. College placement test for colleges in Washington State
ACT – Take spring of junior year (act.org)
SAT – Take spring of junior year (collegeboard.org)

14. Future Options at GK: Dual Credit & College in the High School
Earn college credit by taking CTE courses at GKHS (9th – 12th grades).
Free college credit!
College in the High School
Opportunity to take college level classes in high school (10th & 12th grades)
Earn college credit from the University of Washington.
Classes:
The Biology of Addiction and the Brain
Computer Science
Get Ready:
Study and do well in 9th & 10th grade courses
Save money for course enrollment fee.

15. Future Options at GK: Advanced Placement (AP)
Opportunity to take college level classes in high school (starting in 10th grade).
AP Courses
World History, Psychology, US History, US Government & Politics, Microeconomics, Language & Composition, Literature & Composition, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Calculus, Studio Art, Music Theory
Get Ready
Study and do well in 9th grade courses.
Save money for AP exams.
Take honors classes at GK.

16. Future Options at GK: Running Start
Eligible 11th/12th grade students enroll in college classes to earn college AND high school credit.
Eligibility determined spring of 10th grade by taking ACCUPLACER (college placement test).
Get Ready:
Study and do well in 9th and 10th grade classes.
Save money for college text books.
Earn Physical Education credits in 9th& 10th grades.

17. Future Options at GK: Pierce County Skills Center Junior/Senior Year
Aerospace Composites
Aerospace Machining/Fabrication
Automotive Technology
Construction Trades
Cosmetology
Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
DigiPen Video Game Development
Fire Science & Emergency Services
Medical Careers
PC Networking & Hardware Repair
Pre-Pharmacy Technology
Pre-Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Pre-Veterinary Technology

18. 9th Grade Recommended Course of Study
1st Semester
2nd Semester
English Language Arts (ELA)
Math
Physical Science (or Biology**)
Intro to Health & Fitness
Digitools
Elective
This is the recommended course of study for 9th grade students. If students want to make significant changes, they need to schedule an appointment with their counselor.
** Physical Science or Biology – Students indicating an advanced science track may choose to take Biology in 9th grade.

19. Course Descriptions Located in Career Cruising Check Grade Level
Pre-requisites
Credit Area

20. Course Selection in Career Cruising
Students select courses in the Course Planner section of Career Cruising.
Make sure to choose alternate courses.
Read and sign Course Selection Signature form.
Course Selection Signature forms are due & students will submit course requests in Career Cruising:
LMS students – February 13
FMS students – February 14

21. Counselor Contact Information
Danielle Melvin
A - COL
Brad Hostak
COM - G
Megan Wardle
H - LA
Jennie Colgan
LE - O
Jodi GreyEyes
P - SL
Mike Stallman
SM - Z