1. Welcome Class of 2021 Incoming 9th Grade Orientation
If you would like translation in Cantonese, Mandarin or Spanish, please go to the lobby and receive a headset. Thank you.
Si desea traducción en español o cantonés, por favor venga al vestibulo a recibir un auricular. Gracias.
如果您需要西班牙語，粵語，或國語的翻譯， 請到劇院的大堂借取接收耳機。謝謝！
March 16, 2017

2. 2016-2017 ASB PRESIDENT SAMAN LAVASANI
Pledge of Allegiance

3. WELCOME PAMELA DUSZYNSKI PRINCIPAL
Introductory Remarks
School Vision & Mission

4. Vision & Mission
Our Vision: Mills students embrace learning through growth. They use the power of creativity, collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking to make a positive impact on our world.
Our Mission: Mills High School provides a safe, vibrant and inclusive learning environment that promotes equitable opportunities for all students to achieve academic goals while giving them the tools and resources to acccess personal growth, well-being and balance.

5. Joy Henry, PTO President
Parent Involvement
Joy Henry,
PTO President

6. JOANA FEIT ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 9TH & 10TH GRADE
SMUHSD Graduation Requirements
6 vs 7 Period Day
Sample Schedules

7. WHERE AMAZING HAPPENS

8. San Mateo Union High School District Mills High School
Graduation Requirements
Social Science/History
3.5 years
English
4 years
Math
3 years
Science
2 years (1 biological, 1 physical)
World Language
1 year (2 years required for college)
Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA)
1 year
Health
1 semester
Physical Education
2 years
Career/Technical Education
Electives
emphasize that the district graduation requirements do differ from UC/CSU requirements; refer to p. 47 of course guide; a student captures credit by passing with a “D” or above in each class; opportunities exist for students to “make-up” classes in summer school, through course repeats during the school year and through an on-line credit recovery option in 11th & 12th grade
220 Credits for Graduation (1 semester class = 5 credits)

9. 6-PERIOD VS. 7-PERIOD DAY Freshmen may choose to take 6 OR 7 classes
Students taking 6 classes will either:
Start school later (2 thru 7 schedule) or
End earlier (1 thru 6 schedule)

10. 6-PERIOD VS. 7-PERIOD DAY RECOMMENDATIONS
Who should consider taking 6 classes?
We recommend that most freshmen take 6 classes to help maintain balance and facilitate a smooth transition to high school
Students do not need to take 7 classes in order to fulfill graduation or college requirements
Student athletes should also take 6 classes, since they may often miss 7th period for games. We cannot accommodate requests for specific classes to be scheduled during 7th period!

11. 6-PERIOD VS. 7-PERIOD DAY Who should consider taking 7 classes?
Students who need support classes (English Support, Math Support, Guided Studies, Directed Studies, ELD)

12. SAMPLE FRESHMAN YEAR SCHEDULES
Per. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
STUDENT A
1-7 Schedule
Algebra I
English I CP
PE I
Biology
MWH CP/Health
Algebra Support
Spanish I
STUDENT B
1-6 Schedule
Algebra I
English I CP
PE I
Biology
MWH CP/Health
Chinese I
No Class
STUDENT C
2-7 Schedule
No Class
English I CP
PE I
Biology
MWH AS/Health
Geometry
Japanese I

13. TRANSITIONING FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL
Do a walkthrough/visit to familiarize your student with the campus.
Advocate involvement through clubs, activities and sports (helps new students make friends and engage in positive social interactions).
Avoid “Warnings”
“You’re going to have to do _____ differently otherwise you will fail.”
vs.
“I know you can handle ________ at your new school.”
4. Recognize the transition. Talk to other parents, read blogs and resources ~ know what to expect.

14. MHS Counseling~ “A” Team
A - Ha: Rachel Mack
He - Lok: Jennifer Hauth
Lol - Q: Kalani Vasquez
R - Z: Alex Stillman
College & Career Advisor: Sandy Murtagh
Wellness Counselors: Sophia Lu and Ben Goltz
Staff Assistant: Andrea Crowley
Student Data Analyst: Audrey Pasion
English Learner Specialist: Stefany Peng
Parent Involvement Coordinator (PIC): Vilma Olivera

15. Support Programs & Interventions
Jennifer Hauth Counselor (He – Lok)
Support Programs & Interventions

16. Pyramid of Interventions at Mills
Quality Core Instruction
All
Students
Drop-In After-School Tutoring
Subject-Based Tutoring
Flex Time
Some
Students
Individual
Less
Intensive
More
English Language Development (ELD)
English & Math Support Classes
Guided Studies Classes
Mandated After-School Tutoring
OSCR (Credit Recovery)
Mentoring Program
Group Counseling
Study Study Team (SST’s)
Individual Counseling
Parent meetings
504 Plans
IEP’s

17. SUPPORTING ALL STUDENTS
Algebra Support
Geometry Support
Strategic English Support
Guided Studies
Directed Studies (students with IEPs)
English Language Development
Flex Time
FREE After-school tutoring (M, W, Th)
Subject based tutoring
School Counselors
College & Career Advisor
Wellness Counselors

18. MATH AND READING PLACEMENT TESTS
All incoming freshmen must take Math and English placement exams
Make-up testing date:
Thursday, 3/23 3:30-5:30
Sign up on the district webpage:
Counselors use placement exam data, middle school transcripts, and 7th grade CAASPP scores to place students in support classes as needed

19. SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
If your student has an IEP, the Mills High School Case Manager will contact you to set up an appointment for course request and articulation.
Department Members: Amanda Butler, Kevin Goyer, Mariela DeSantiago, Yvette Gonzalez, Erik Anderson, Melissa Mark, Kip Scialanga, Madeline Crisafi, Andrew Batman
Director of SPED: Carolyn Schwartzord

20. Wednesday Morning Peer Tutoring: Chemistry & Biology
After School Program: Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, Library

21. TUTORING
Many tutoring centers have opened in our area in recent years. Our concerns:
Families locked into long-term contracts $$$
Students failing to benefit academically
Students missing out on after-school enrichment opportunities
Unnecessary to pay for ACT/SAT test prep
Note: These concerns do not apply to all tutoring centers.
If you do pay:
Research & shop around.
Read the fine print before signing contracts. Better yet, look for services that allow you to pay as you go.
Keep in mind that one-on-one tutoring is proven more effective than group tutoring.
Please remember ~ the support and services your student needs to be successful are all here at Mills High School.

22. RESOURCES @ MHS Our recommendations:
Familiarize yourself with our support resources on campus
If your student is struggling, talk to the teachers and/or counselor first!
Take advantage of our FREE tutoring services
Biology Tutoring Program: State Award Winning Program
After-School Tutoring: Kent Award Winning Program
Teacher tutoring hours (various; see syllabi on website)

23. FEDERAL FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM
100% Confidential
Online Enrollment
Benefits:
Free or reduced costs for SAT, PSAT, AP, and ACT exams
At-home Comcast Wi-Fi for $10/month
Qualify for various scholarships
Discounted school events
Free or Reduced cost lunch
Required in some districts; some families qualify and don’t know it

24. HOW TO APPLY Option during InfoSnap process
Go to “Student Nutrition Services” on SMUHSD.org

25. RACHEL MACK COUNSELOR (A – Ha)
9th Grade Course Selection
CP vs AS

26. ENGLISH Select one: English I College Preparatory (CP)
English I Advance Standing (AS)
Note: English Learners who need English Language Development (ELD III) will be notified during scheduling
Department Members: Anthony Pretto, David Jackson, Patricia Petersen, Kelly Hensley, Rebecca Leung, Hope Price, Kelly Alberta, Steve Dwyer, Isabel Dominguez

27. COLLEGE PREPARATORY (CP) DESCRIPTOR
Best for students who READ and WRITE at (or approaching) grade level, and at a moderate (or slower) pace
Best for students who WANT:
To focus on essential writing skills
More direction, support and structure
To commit more time to subjects other than humanities

28. ADVANCED STANDING (AS) DESCRIPTOR
Best for students who READ above grade level, at an accelerated pace, with persistence
Best for students who WRITE with sentence variety, advanced vocabulary, excellent control of grammar and usage, and attention to audience and purpose
Best for students who ARE:
Interested in extended discussion and discourse
Particularly committed to studies in the humanities

29. SOCIAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
Pre-selected:
Modern World History (1 semester)
Health (1 semester)
SS Department Members: Kathleen Louie, Wayne Phillips, Alexandra Dove, Cristina Tutaj, Barbara Campbell, Alex Lira, Tim Keller, Donald Burdette, Melissa Irish, Angela Zink
Ms. Lighty, Health Department

30. SOCIAL SCIENCE
All 9th graders will start off in Modern World History CP (College Prep)
After the first few weeks of class, students will have the option to take the Advanced Standing (AS) version of the course
Students who choose to take the AS version will remain in the same class, but will be assigned more challenging curriculum
The AS course title will later be reflected on their transcript

31. SCIENCE & P.E. Pre-selected: Biology Physical Education I
PE Department Members: Caroline Tiziani, Packy Moss, Polly Wiard
Science Department Members: Grant Paul, Max von Euw, Aiko Michot, Charles Olson, Lara Liu, Melonie Cotter, Mary Rustia, Steven Wang, Daniel Latham

32. MATHEMATICS OFFERINGS
Select one (based on placement guidelines):
Algebra I
Geometry
Department Members: Nils Headley, Lidia Battaglini, Denise Dreyer, Ivette Zaldivar, Bob Williams, Peggy Peel, Jeff Petersen, Lai Bui, Stephanie Loi, Karen Atkinson

33. MATHEMATICS
Students requesting Geometry must have “Algebra” or “Accelerated Common Core Math” listed on their middle school transcript
Students requesting Geometry who have “Math” (or other course) on their transcript may be asked to provide additional info about their 8th grade math curriculum

34. MATH ACCELERATION
Qualifying freshmen in Algebra I may be able to take Geometry Acceleration the summer after 9th grade
Criteria are based on standardized test scores and Algebra I grades
Students who successfully complete Geometry Acceleration can take Algebra II in 10th grade
We DO NOT recommend taking Algebra at the community college this summer in order to accelerate to Geometry this fall!! Students who choose to do so may still be required to take Algebra I next year.

35. WORLD LANGUAGE OFFERINGS
Chinese I or II
Japanese I or II
Spanish I or II
* Mills is proud to offer tracks up through Advanced Placement for all 3 World Language offerings *
Department Members: Leeyee Su, Elizabeth Saxton, Carmel Turek, Narcissa Wang, Jane Spencer-Mills, Akiko Soda, Valerie Bolante

36. WORLD LANGUAGE
Students requesting Chinese/Spanish/Japanese II need 2 years of that language on their middle school transcript
Native speakers (or students who took classes outside of school) who wish to place into a higher level may be asked to take a placement test in April/May

37. KALANI VASQUEZ COUNSELOR (LOL - Q)
9th Grade Course Selection
STEAM at Mills

38. VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
Drama
Department Members: Pat Jackson, Rebecca Leung, David Gregoric, Serena Arge, Mark Nichols

39. VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
Art (Adv)
Ceramics
Art of Video (Adv)
Art & Multimedia

40. VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
Choir
Symphonic Band
Jazz Band
Orchestra

41. CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) OFFERINGS
Architectural Design I, II
Art of Video (Adv)
Journalism
Publications
Foods & Nutrition
Culinary Arts
Woodworking
Art & Multimedia
Principles of Computer Science
1 year required for graduation
2 years recommended for completion of CTE Pathway
(May be taken in 10th thru 12th grade)
CTE Department Members: Mark Nichols, Jan Tuttle,
Not Pictured: Serena Arge, Kelly Hensley, Charles Olson, Denisie Dreyer, Angela Reinhardt-Mullins

42. Architectural Design I,II
Woodworking
Principles of
Computer Science
Architectural Design I,II
Foods & Nutrition/ Culinary Arts

43. STEAM AT MILLS
STEAM is a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math in both course offerings, in the general education curriculum, and through extra-curricular activities .

44. STEAM CLASSES Architectural Design Art of Video Biotechnology
Digital Photography
Engineering Technology
Principles of Computer Science
AP Computer Science
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB and BC
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics
Art
Advanced Art, AP Studio Art

45. ALEX STILLMAN COUNSELOR (R – Z)
Alternate Electives
9th Grade Scheduling

46. ALTERNATE ELECTIVES
If requesting an elective, please list 3 alternates on the back of your course selection sheet.

47. 9TH GRADE COURSE SCHEDULING
Bring your completed Course Selection Sheet (with parent signature):
Please join us either:
Tonight from 7:30 - 8:30PM in the West Gym, OR
Thur., March 30th from 3:30 - 6:30 PM in the Mills Library
Course placement is NOT based on a “first-come, first-served” basis… every student will have equal access to classes!

48. RED FOLDER Registration Forms Course Selection Sheet Health Packet
Medical Examiners Form –
Make an appointment ahead of time to complete in July or early August
Student Health Inventory – Parents
Counseling Course Guide

49. Student Activities Important Dates
JOSE GOMEZ
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
11th & 12th Grades
TIM CHRISTIAN
Dean of Students
Student Activities
Important Dates

50. STUDENT ACTIVITIES Student Activities/Clubs
Health Packets Available Online
Infosnap (must do 2 times)
Sports Program
Viking Spirit
Parent/Guardian Handbook
60 Clubs & 23 competitive sports

52. IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Freshman Course Programming: Tonight & Thursday, March 30th
Course requests mailed home: Mid-April
Last day to request course changes: June 1st
Parent/Student Handbook: Available Online Early August
All Day Freshman Orientation/Registration
Friday, August 11th, 9am-3pm (Health forms due)
First Day of High School: Wednesday, August 16th, 2017

53. TRAILER PRESENTATION OF
March 23rd 7pm
March 24th 7pm
March 25th 7pm
March 26TH 2pm
Open House will begin immediately after the performance
Registration for 9th grade will begin at 7:30