2. Selecting Your 9 th Grade Courses Begin with the end in mind: Which college do you want to attend? What do you want to study? What are your career goals?

3. Schedule 2 semesters 2 semesters 7 classes—Choose classes with your future in mind 7 classes—Choose classes with your future in mind Approximately 47 minutes Approximately 47 minutes Some classes change at the semester (i.e., Health, Communication Applications, etc.) Some classes change at the semester (i.e., Health, Communication Applications, etc.)

4. A Quick, Important Definition: Credit : A credit is what you receive when you pass a full year of one subject. Passing one semester (or half a year) will earn you a ½ credit. Example: English I = 1 credit Comm Apps. = 0.5 credit You need a total of 26 credits over 4 years.

5. 6 credits = Sophomore 13 credits = Junior 19 credits = Senior **You retake only the courses you fail. ***It takes 26 credits to graduate and you can only earn 28 credits in your four years at BNHS!! Every Class Counts

6. Graduation Requirements: 4 years of each core subject (4 x 4) -more core classes translates to fewer electives, so more thorough planning is important RecommendedDistinguished English (I, II, III, IV) 4 Credits Mathematics 4 Credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II + 1 other) 4 Credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II + 1 other) Science 4 Credits (Biology, Chemistry, Physics + 1 other) 4 Credits (Biology, Chemistry, Physics + 1 other) Social Studies 3 ½ Credits (W. Geography, W. History, US History, Government) 3 ½ Credits (W. Geography, W. History, US History, Government)) Economics1/2 Credit Physical Education1 Credit Other Language 2 Credits (same language) 3 Credits (same language); Other measures are necessary to graduate on this plan. See following slide. Fine Arts1 Credit (same course) Communication Applications 1/2 Credit Total Core Subjects 20 ½ Credits21 ½ Credits General Electives5 ½ Credits4 ½ Credits Total Credits 26 Credits

7. Distinguished Plan: Requires 3 years of the same foreign language (Spanish, French, German, or Chinese) AND… Four Advanced Measures: A combination of four of the following: 1.AP Classes with scores of three or better on the AP exam or Dual Credit classes with a B or better. 2. National Merit Commendation (PSAT). 3. Tech Prep classes with a grade of B or better. 4. A research project done through an independent study class.

8. PreAP? What are the Benefits Better preparation for college Better preparation for college College entrance College entrance Better preparation for SAT/ACT Better preparation for SAT/ACT Scholarship opportunities Scholarship opportunities Preparation for AP classes - can help you earn college credits Preparation for AP classes - can help you earn college credits Discuss this option with your parents and teachers.

9. GPA Your grade point average, more commonly known as your GPA, is calculated on a weighted scale. Your grade point average, more commonly known as your GPA, is calculated on a weighted scale. Advanced Placement (AP) = up to 7 points Advanced Placement (AP) = up to 7 points Pre-AP = up to 6 points Pre-AP = up to 6 points Regular courses = up to 5 points Regular courses = up to 5 points

10. English: PreAP, GT, or Regular English Math: Algebra 1, Geometry, PreAP Algebra I, or PreAP Geometry Social Studies: PreAP, GT, or Regular World Geography Science: PreAP or Regular Biology Freshman Core Classes

11. Recommended Plan = 2 credits Distinguished Plan = 3 years Spanish GermanFrench Other Languages Chinese

12. PE: 1 credit Fine Arts: 1 credit Communication Applications: ½ credit Required Credits Needed for All Graduation Plans:

13. Athletics Football Football Wrestling Wrestling Basketball Basketball Volleyball Volleyball Swimming/Diving Swimming/Diving Soccer Soccer Cross Country/Track Cross Country/Track Baseball/Softball Baseball/Softball Golf Golf Tennis Tennis  If you play more than one sport, select the sport that occurs first in the school year.

14. PRESS DOWN HARD WITH YOUR PEN SO WE CAN READ YOUR FORM! Step 1—Complete the demographic information. Check that you can read it on the yellow and pink copies! 9th Grade Course Request Form

15. Please fill out this information as neatly and correctly as possible.

16. Step 1—Write your demographic information Step 2—Choose core classes 9th Grade Course Request Form

17. Pick one class in each core area.

18. # = Pre-requisite (required criteria necessary for certain courses, i.e., Art I is required for Art II) # = Pre-requisite (required criteria necessary for certain courses, i.e., Art I is required for Art II) * = Teacher approval (i.e., band, upper level courses, etc.) * = Teacher approval (i.e., band, upper level courses, etc.) ◊ = One semester course (i.e., Comm. Apps., Health, PE courses, etc.) ◊ = One semester course (i.e., Comm. Apps., Health, PE courses, etc.) 9th Grade Course Request Form

19. Step 1 - Write your demographic information Step 2 - Choose core classes Step 3 - Pick your electives

20. 1 2 3 4 5 6

21. The 3 alternate classes are classes you pick in case one is unavailable. They are very important—choose them carefully, too.

22. Important Dates: January 24 th - Counselors meet with 8 th grade students. January 25 th - Counselors meet with parents at BNHS PAC January 28 th - Pre-registration forms are due to your counselor and will be picked up by HS counselors. June 3, 2011 - Last day to change your course requests.

23. 9 th Grade – Paige Smith psmith04@nisdtx.org 817-698-5741 psmith04@nisdtx.org 10 th Grade – Alicia Edwards aedwards@nisdtx.org 817- 698-5672 aedwards@nisdtx.org 11 th Grade – Mark Hard mhard@nisdtx.org 817-698-5673 mhard@nisdtx.org 2010-2011 Counselors