1. LGHS Sophomore Guide

2. Dear Fellow Wildcats,
Welcome to our returning and new members! Here’s a few important reminders as you continue to work towards earning your high school diploma. Remember that we are here to help you on your way!

3. Meet your Counselors Mr. Miller – Last names A-D
Mrs. Cofer – Last names E-L
Ms. Woodhouse – Last names M-R
Mrs. Oliver – Last names S-Z

4. When do I see my School Counselor?
When you are having issues with school:
Academics
Social/Personal
When are the School Counselors available?
Before or after school
During lunch periods
During class time, only if you come with a pass from your teacher

5. High School Graduation Requirements
4 units of English
4 units of Math
4 units of Science
3 units of Social Studies
1 unit of Health & Personal Fitness
3 units of CTAE, Fine Arts, or World Languages*
4 units of additional Electives
A total of 23 credits is required for graduation.
*Two years of a World Language is not required for a high school diploma, but most colleges do require this for admission.

6. High School Promotion Indicators
Freshmen year to Sophomore year
5 credits = 10th grade
Sophomore year to Junior year
11 credits = 11th grade
Junior year to Senior year
17 credits = 12th grade

7. What if I have failed a class?
Classes that you have failed (below 70%) do not count towards graduation requirements, although they do affect your GPA. You may be able to retake the class during the day or after school through Credit Recovery.
You can also pay to take an on-line class during the semester or summer at Faith Academy.
All these programs have rules & requirements, so your best course of action is to pass the class the first time around!

8. Honors, Advanced Placement, & HOPE
Honors and AP classes are intended to prepare you for college level work and are designed to be more rigorous than regular classes. You should consider your goals & your choices carefully when choosing classes each year.
All courses completed count towards your overall G.P.A, but the HOPE Scholarship is based on your core classes, which does not include most electives.

9. Grade Point Average Where is my G.P.A? Protect Your G.P.A.
You can find your overall GPA on the portal or on your high school transcript, expressed as an overall percentage.
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA
Since Honors, AP, and MOWR courses are more rigorous, they have a different grading scale and count more heavily when determining class rank. Not all colleges use the weighted GPA, but they do look for these classes when reviewing your transcript for admission.
Protect Your G.P.A.
Your GPA is based on your high school transcript grades. All final grades count, even if you failed a class and retook it for credit later. Your GPA can determine which college will accept you for admission, as well as eligibility for scholarships & other programs.
HOPE Eligibility Guidelines:
To be eligible for the HOPE scholarship, you must maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.0 (80%) or higher in your core courses.

10. Checklist for Success Work to maintain your GPA.
Use your GAFutures account to explore colleges & other post-secondary options.
Learn about college admission requirements and compare them to your own high school record.
Focus on a planned sequence of CTAE electives that will prepare you for advanced study instead of just taking introductory courses.
Consider applying to the Academy for Advanced Studies to gain training in specialized CTAE programs.
Higher-performing students may also want to consider other options such as Move On When Ready.
Don’t wait too long to ask for help. Depending on your situation, there’s lots of people ready to assist you: your teachers, your counselor, administrators, the graduation coach, social worker, and school resource officer.

11. Checklist for Success continued
Do not get behind on assignments!
Take electives that will prepare you for your career interest (if available).
Learn about college admissions requirements.
Plan to take the PSAT this year to see if you will qualify for scholarships!
Check out LGHS website daily for any and all information.
Pay attention to upcoming events.
Ask for help when you need it!

12. Tips for Academic Success
Be on time for class.
Avoid excessive absences.
Keep an agenda book.
Keep your locker, book bag, and notebooks clean and organized.
Be aware of due dates.
Manage your time well and do not procrastinate!
Be prepared for class each day.
Complete all your assignments.
Participate in class.
Take notes on important ideas.
Study for upcoming tests.
Take responsibility for your learning.
Utilize the portal to check your progress.

13. Tips for Social Success
Follow classroom procedures.
Be aware of your teacher’s instructional styles & policies.
Get to know your counselor.
Speak to your teachers privately when you have concerns.
View challenges as setbacks, not failures.
Set personal goals and work towards them.
Participate in school activities.
Cultivate a positive attitude.
Develop new friendships.
Treat others with courtesy and respect.
Accept personal differences.
Be true to yourself.
Be a helper & encourager of others & a force for good.
Seek to make situations better, not worse.

14. Clubs & Activities
Art Club, Beta Club, Color Guard, Debate Team, Drama Club, National Honors Society, Partners Club, Photography Club, Robotics Team, Student Government, Yearbook Club and lots more! Check our website for a complete list!

15. Athletics
Participation in competitive athletics is open to students who have passed at least 5 subjects in the previous semester and who are on track for graduation.

16. Preparing for Post-Secondary Options
Career & interest assessments, college searches, ASVAB ability & career aptitude testing, PSAT, SAT, and ACT college entrance exams, PROBE college fairs, Move On When Ready (Dual Enrollment), and lots more!

17. Opportunities for Achievement, Recognition & Service
LGHS is committed to fostering student excellence, achievement, and a positive school culture. We do this in a variety of ways including Student of the Month Breakfasts, Honors Day programs, sponsoring service organizations & programs such as Relay for Life.
Make it your goal to get recognized this year!

18. Any Questions