1. Maloney’s Steps For Success!

2.  Erin Putnam-Director-ext. 120 erin.putnam@meriden.k12.ct.us  Sherry McLaughlin ext. 137 sherry.mclaughlin@meriden.k12.ct.us  Alicia Webber ext. 124 alicia.webber@meriden.k12.ct.us  Maria Sullivan ext. 125 maria.sullivan@meriden.k12.ct.us  Louella Spinelli ext. 126 louella.spinelli@meriden.k12.ct.us

3.  We counsel students on social/personal issues, academic issues, and planning for their future after high school  We meet individually, in small groups and in the classroom with students in grades 9-12  We consult with parents, teachers, administrators & various community agencies/resources  Students are divided alphabetically by grade and assigned a counselor

4. Counseling Students  Freshman meetings: large and small group  Individual counseling: specific concerns about schedule/classes, social issues*, specific conversations about career/post secondary planning  Monitoring grades: conference with teachers, teams, administrators and parents  Resources: extra help from teachers, National Honor Society students/peer tutors, Upward bound tutors

5.  Requirements for Graduation 2015: 23.25  Student must pass 6 credits each year to be promoted to the next grade.  Freshman must pass 6 credits to be promoted to grade 10  Must pass 6 credits every year after for promotion to next grade *Program Summary handout

6. Course Selection Process  Course selection: January  Teacher recommendations  Student grades  Students sign up for required and elective courses  Electives allow students to explore different interests *  Students are always encouraged to take a full academic course load  Changes in course schedules can be made up until July 1 st  Course changes will be considered after the first 2 weeks of school, after the first four weeks for Accelerated/AP courses.

7. Academic and Accelerated Courses  Accelerated: College preparatory courses requiring exceptional ability and motivation  Academic: College and other post- secondary educational preparatory courses  Plan on at least 3 years of foreign language.

8. Advanced Placement  Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses are offered to prepare students to take A.P. exams at the end of the school year. If a student scores a 3 or better (out of 5) they can be considered by some colleges for COLLEGE CREDIT.  Each college has different score expectations: a student is not guaranteed college credit just by taking the exam. Check college requirements.

9. A.P.Exams  A.P. classes are more rigorous than Honors courses because of the potential to earn college credit after taking the A.P. exam. * Student enrolled in AP course must take exam  Honors and A.P. courses both highly strengthen a student’s transcript.

10. Post Secondary Planning  4 year College/University  Technical/Vocational Schools  Apprenticeships  2 year Community Colleges  Military

11. What Are Colleges Looking For?  Strong transcript-challenging academic classes throughout all four years  Transcript is the most important document viewed by admissions officers  Other considerations for admission are SAT/ACT scores, college essay, counselor and teacher recommendations and extra curricular activities

12. TESTING  CAPT (Connecticut Academic Performance Test) is a state requirement  PSAT Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test  SAT Reasoning required for admission into most 4 year colleges and universities www.collegeboard.com  ACT www.actstudent.org  SAT subject tests: Who, When, Why?

13. SAT PREP  MHS offers a ½ credit SAT prep classes in the spring for juniors and in the fall for Seniors (if enough interest)  Online prep questions and tests at www.collegeboard.com www.collegeboard.com  Books for purchase or borrow at library

14. Preparing for College  Never too early to begin talking about college  Come to College Planning Night on 11/30/11 at 6pm!  Visiting college campuses is very important  Peruse the internet and take virtual campus tours  Talk to other parents and their children who have attended college  www.careercruising.com (See handout) www.careercruising.com

15. Community Service Hours  20 hours required for graduation=.25 credit  Must be done in the community at a non- profit organization  10 hours can be completed through school based activities  All 20 hours can be done in the community  Scholarships*

16. Examples of Community Service Sites  Meriden Humane Society  Meriden Public Library  American Cancer Society  Salvation Army  Thrift Stores  American Red Cross  Hospital/Nursing homes  United Way  Relay for Life  See handout

17. Examples of School Community Service  Key Club activities  Student Council activities  Breakfast with Santa  Must fill out community service form and have it signed by supervisor of service.  Return to School Counselor

18. Thank You!  Thank you for wanting to be involved as parents -we encourage you to stay involved and call your student’s school counselor with questions or concerns.