1. Freshman Guidance 101 Fall 2011

2. Counselors of the NHS “Pumpkin Patch” Amber Ward Li-Per Keith Tremethick Pes-Ste Jamie Farber Stf - Z Sheneka Davis A - Con Mike Hays Coo-G Cayce Feemster H-Le

3. Grade Classification Promotion to 10 th Grade = 6 credits (Sophomore) Promotion to 11 th Grade = 13 credits (Junior) Promotion to 12 th Grade = 19 credits (Senior) High School Graduate = 26 credits

4. Earning Credits In High School credits are earned by PASSING classes with a grade of 70 or above. You must have attended the class 90% of the time to receive credits earned. The high school transcript is where credits are recorded each semester. YOU MUST HAVE 26 CREDITS TO GRADUATE!!!

5. Attendance Requirements Students must attend a class at least 90% of the time in order to receive credit for the course. There will be opportunities to make up attendance should you fall below 90%. Credit is granted or denied every semester.

6. GPA Grade Point Average (GPA) is un-weighted on a 4.0 scale All courses are factored into this un-weighted GPA (this includes middle school courses taken for high school credit)

7. Class Rank Class rank is weighted For the class of 2015 only the core courses of English, math, science, social studies (including Economics), academic electives (see course guide) and languages other than English shall determine class ranking

8. GPA and Class Rank, cont. Unweighted GPA – all courses are weighted the same on a 4.0 scale (A=4) (B=3) (C=2) (F=0) Weighted GPA (used to determine class rank) – courses receive grade points based on level of difficulty. Regular courses maximum grade point possibility is 5.0. Pre-AP courses maximum grade point possibility is 6.0. AP courses maximum grade point possibility is 7.0. GPA Exempt courses- Correspondence, Credit by Exams, and Summer school for remediation. Graduating in the top 10% of your class could result in automatic admission to most public and private universities in Texas and qualify you as a top 10% scholarship recipient in the state.

9. Transcripts Your transcript is an academic achievement record of all classes taken for High School Credit. ALL semester grades, GPA, Class Rank, are listed on the High School Transcript. Your transcript is one of the most important documents of your high school career!!!

10. Graduation Requirements “the core” 2011 and Beyond 4 x 4 4 English 4 Math 4 Science 4 Social Studies

11. “Chilling” Choice: Graduation Plans both plans require 26 credits Recommended PE (1.0) Foreign Language (2.0) - (same language) Fine Art (1.0) Communication Applications (.5) Electives 5.5 credits Distinguished PE (1.0) Foreign Language (3.0) – (same lang.) Fine Art (1.0) Communication Applications (.5) Electives 4.5 credits 4 additional measures **** (See College & Career Handbook – page 5)

12. Keep your Eyes on Becoming a Texas Scholar Graduate on the Recommended or Distinguished plan Participate in a minimum of one high school extra-curricular activity for two consecutive years Complete at least two courses eligible for college credit ~AP (Advanced Placement) courses ~Dual credit courses ~IB courses (for transfer students only)

13. Credits for Acceleration Summer School Credit by exams in the summer (Score 90 or higher) Correspondence Courses through TX Tech (must be counselor approved) (Only 2 credits may be earned for acceleration using this option)

14. the Freshman Timeline Highlighting just a few items… Study: Grades are reported on your permanent transcript Select challenging classes Explore extra-curricular interests and volunteer work List honors, awards, and activities Start a college savings account

15. Ways to help our “pumpkins” reach their fullest potential! No two are exactly alike! What’s unique about you? NHS counselors are here to help! Ways we are helping…

16. The NHS Counseling site Summer Opportunities Community Service Opportunities College and Career Planning Handbook Request to see the Counselor www.nisdtx.org/nhs

17. College and Career Planning Handbook 2011-2012

18. Fridays

19. The Go Center Inside our Go Center... Let’s take a look!

20. Top 10 Mistakes 1. My 9 th grade year does not count; I have plenty of time to make it up. 2. I chose this class because my friend is taking it. 3. I skipped 4 th period…it won’t hurt to miss one day! 4. I don’t need to write that down. I will remember it. 5. I don’t feel like doing my homework. I’ll just make an “A” on the test.

21. Mistakes, cont. 6. I don’t have time to join school clubs. I have to study during my free time. 7. Everyone else understood the teacher’s explanation but me; I am too embarrassed to ask the teacher for help. 8. I am afraid to tell the teacher about the problems I am having with this class. 9. I’m having a problem at school, but I can only talk to my friends about it. 10. I want to take “blow-off” classes my senior year.

22. Credit Recovery Options Summer School Academic Coaching Program (ACP) ACP Night School Credit by Exams through TX Tech (not available for failure due to absences) Correspondence Courses through TX Tech Averaging of 1 st and 2 nd semester grades (If 1 st and 2 nd semester grades average 70 or higher, a failing 1 st or 2 nd semester credit may be recovered)

23. Don’t Be Spooked: Sign up to see your counselor to answer specific questions you have regarding your high school career.