1. Welcome Parents and Students
Guidance Info Night
for 9th and 10th grade
September 27, 2017

2. By the end of tonight’s program, you will be familiar with...
...the importance of building a strong academic profile
...community service & volunteer opportunities in school
...how to build a resume with extra-curricular activities
...how athletic involvement factors into an active high school lifestyle & college playing scenarios
...an introduction to the college counseling process

3. ACTIVITIES AND INVOLVEMENT
Mr. Martin
ACTIVITIES AND INVOLVEMENT

4. Activities and Involvement
Levels of Involvement/Participation
Select Service Drives, Social/Recreational Clubs and Activities
Most Clubs/Activities and Committees (a commitment that requires regular and scheduled time)
Year long clubs and committees (Student Council/Newspaper)
*Advantages and Disadvantages...

5. Activities and Involvement
Benefits of Extra-Curricular Participation
Several Academic Benefits
Involvement in Activities = More Structure
Mental Health Benefits
Activities and the “Well Rounded Student”
Enhanced Relationships and the Ability to Work as a Team

6. Athletics Participation in Athletics at OP Get involved early in teams
Different levels vary by sport:
Freshman, JV, Varsity
Full list of sports online
Intramural Program

7. Health and Well Being - Mrs. Kardis School
Absences due to illness – you can call (908) X130 or
Anticipated Absence for vacation/family travel etc. – complete form
Visiting the Nurse’s Office
Administration of Medications Form – standing orders
Nurse’s Office is a safe place to come for support with medical issues, concerns, problems.

8. Mrs. Otterbein Yoo
SERVICE

9. Bridges

10. NJ Food Bank
Saturday mornings
8:30-11:30am

11. SHIP (Summit Helping Its People)
Sundays
3:00-4:30pm

12. Romero Center - Camden, NJ

13. Campus Ministry Team

14. Community Masses - Mark the Date!!
-Father/Son Mass & Breakfast - Sunday, October 15th
-Family Mass & Breakfast - Sunday, March 18th

15. ACADEMICS & COUNSELING
Mrs. Krause
ACADEMICS & COUNSELING

16. Academics
The most important components of a college application are grades and a student’s academic profile
9th grade highlights: Study Skills class, Public Speaking, Guidance class
Teachers hold multiple roles: club moderators, coaches, write letters of recommendation for summer programs and college applications, assist socially, provide tutoring and other academic resources

17. Course Placements Expanded elective choices in junior and senior year
Students are advised how to choose electives
Core classes are chosen (prerequisites) before electives are added into the student’s schedule
Master Schedule & grades determine final course options
Course Descriptions Guide (on the OP website) outlines all course requirements and order of progression

18. The Report Card GPA Levels: CP, Honors, AP Grades: Pass/Fail
Credits: 160 needed to graduate
Midterm averages on transcript

19. The Final Transcript Cumulative GPA Midterm grades Tardies/Absences
Discussion: How does a college admissions officer view this document?

20. Standardized Testing PSAT is the preview for the SAT
Taken at OP by freshmen, sophomores & juniors
ACT Aspire will be offered in April to grades 7-10
Juniors will take the ACT on the same date
Career and Interest Inventories will be accessed through guidance classes in both 9th and 11th grades

21. Development of the Student as a Person
Our goal is to build students who are ready for high school and, eventually, college; who are:
Organized
Disciplined
Self Advocates - can talk to adults
Resilient – not afraid to fail
Aware of the bigger picture and world around them
Involved

22. School Counseling Grade 9 highlights Grade 10 highlights
Guidance Class
Transition from middle to high school
Developing social skills and character
Academic Support
Individual counseling
Academic Support
Individual counseling
Encouraging involvement and service or summer opportunities
College and career exploration
Course placement decisions

23. Academic Supports Meetings with Teachers - get to know them
Homework Club - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 3:15-4:45
Writing Lab - Language Arts help during CWP
Math Lab - Math help during CWP
Study Skills Program - Mr. Martin after school
Peer Tutoring - working with another student
Meet with your counselor - or stop by DeGaeta anytime

24. Tips for 9th and 10th graders
Develop your study skills
• Practice good time management
• Identify and utilize efficient study methods that work for you
• Seek help when needed
Monitor your grades
• Communicate with your teachers
• Regularly check your grades using NetClassroom
Maintain good grades
• Your grades should be an accurate reflection of your abilities.
• Reasonably challenge yourself, but be careful not to take on too much at once

25. Mrs. Geissler
COLLEGE COUNSELING

26. College Counseling Grade 11 highlights Grade 12 highlights
College Research Class
Meetings with parents
Junior College Night
Financial Aid Night (also for younger grades)
Summer -- applications and essay writing
Visits to college campuses
The fun begins...
Various college application deadlines and terms:Nov 1, Nov 15, Jan 1, rolling admission, early action, early decision
Meetings with college representatives at OP
Scholarship opportunities

27. The Common App Teacher Recommendation
Teachers are rating you on:
-cooperation
-how you deal with setbacks
-how you work with peers
-how you write
..impressions built over time

28. Common App Counselor Recommendation
The Counselor
Recommendation
is a letter serving
as an
overview of you
as a student over
four years

29. Keep in touch anytime
Counseling Office: x117
@OPCOLLEGCOUNSEL