1. Welcome to Marvin Ridge High School!
Home of the Mavericks

2. Program of Studies for Students Entering High School in 2014-2015 = Future Ready Core Curriculum
Every North Carolina High School student must:
Meet the course and credit requirements based on when they entered high school as a ninth grader for the first time (earn at least 28 of 32 credits attempted)
Earn passing scores on three essential end-of-course tests: Math I, Biology, and English II per UCPS Board of Education Policy
Students have 4 classes per day – no homeroom
First Bell is at 7:50 am and classes end at 2:55 pm
Classes are formed based on student requests
Students and families work with counselors and staff to determine what courses would support their success and what courses they are required to take
Students are promoted based on credits obtained

3. Differences Between the Middle School and High School Experience
High School courses are offered on block (or semester) schedule. 4 classes 1st Semester; 4 classes 2nd Semester
Exception would be some higher level classes offered for upper class students
Students have 4 classes per day – no homeroom
First Bell is at 7:50 am and classes end at 2:55 pm
Classes are formed based on student requests
Students and families work with counselors and staff to determine what courses would support their success and what courses they are required to take
Students are promoted based on credits obtained

4. How do we know what courses our child should take?
Your child’s current teachers and counselors will work with you to determine what level of courses your child should take
High School Counselors have met with all 8th grade students to introduce them to the High School Program of Studies and how to select courses
You, as a family, should read through the High School Program of Studies. You can access it through the Marvin Ridge High School website – under the School Counseling > Registration Information tab.

5. Frequently Asked Questions Should my child Double-up?
Look at your child’s 4 year High School Plan and work backwards, for example:
If your child wants to take an AP/IB Math Course – then they will likely need to double up on courses at some point
If your child wants to take an AP World Language course, then they will have to double-up on early language classes

6. Frequently Asked Questions Should my child Double-up?
If your child intends to take only the required number of math classes (4) – then they should NOT double up, as they need to take at least one math class each year in high school.
The ability to double up is not guaranteed.
Doubling up will require a waiver form.

7. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between College Preparatory and Honors Level courses?
Both prepare your child for college.
Both teach the NC Standard Course of Study. Honors courses have a more rigorous work-load and move at a faster pace.
Honors courses require students to be self-motivated, organized, and able to successfully manage their time.

8. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between College Preparatory and Honors Level Courses?
Colleges look for your child to take a rigorous course load in which they can demonstrate success. For some students that is Honors courses, for others it is College Preparatory.
College Preparatory courses earn up to 4 quality points
Honors courses earn up to 5 quality points
It is better to receive an A in a CP level class than a C in an honors level class.

9. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between College Preparatory and Honors Level Courses?
Quality Points
College Prep
Honors
AP / IB
A = 4
B = 3
C = 2
D = 1
F = 0
A = 6
B = 5
C = 4
D = 3
F = 0
A = 5
B = 4
C = 3
D = 2
F = 0

10. Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical 9th grade schedule?
Semester 1
Semester 2
Math (Math I, II or III)
English 1 (or 2)
World History
Earth and Environmental Science
Health and PE
Elective
Ex. of Electives: World Language, CTE class, PE, Arts (band, theatre, chorus, art), additional core class

11. Frequently Asked Questions
What courses are needed to be promoted to 10th grade?
6 credits are required to be promoted to 10th grade
One of these courses must be English I

12. Frequently Asked Questions
Tell me more about waiving into higher-level classes.
Teachers at MRHS defer to the recommendations of the middle school teachers for appropriate course level placement. If you disagree with a teacher’s recommendation, you may fill out a waiver form.
Waiving your child into a higher-level class is binding per UCPS policy.
It is HIGHLY recommended that you follow the recommendations provided by your child’s teachers.
Waivers are due to MIDDLE SCHOOL counselors by April 22nd. Ideally, we would like these forms completed by the day your child registers with the high school counselors (April 8 – April 10). Please attach them to your child’s registration card.

13. Important Information
Athletic Eligibility
Students must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible to participate in high school athletics:
be in attendance at least 85% of the previous semester;
meet all Union County high school promotion standards;
earn passing grades for at least three course credits per semester with block scheduling
A student who is promoted from the eighth grade automatically meets course requirements for the first semester of the ninth grade.

14. Important Information
Attendance Matters. Attendance is calculated for each course separately. If a student misses 8 or more classes, the student may fail due to attendance.
Community service and Club involvement is important for college. MRHS has many clubs and activities for students to join.
ALL courses in high school appear on the transcript that colleges receive. All courses count.
Rising 9th Grade Registration: April 8th, 9th, and 10th - High school counselors will go to the middle school and register students.

15. To Do…
Access the UCPS Program of Studies online or your paper copy and discuss options with your child, especially for electives.
Select elective classes along with 3 alternates.
Waivers are due by April 22nd.
Talk to your child’s guidance counselor at the Middle School if you have questions.
Attend the break out sessions tonight that will allow you to meet faculty in each department and find out more about the Special Programs at the High School.

16. Thank you for coming tonight
Thank you for coming tonight! We are looking forward to each of you joining us here at Marvin Ridge High School!