1. The Sophomore Year Sophomore Parent Night December 2nd 2015

2. Presented by the NORTHERN VALLEY DEMAREST GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT Mr. Matthew Spatz, Director of Guidance Mr. Michael O’Malley, Lead Counselor Mrs. Jennifer Ferraro Ms. Tracey Salerno Mrs. Laura Schwartzapfel Mrs. Colleen Spafford Mr. Howard Tiell Ms. Deborah Bajakian, Student Assistance Counselor

4. ROLE OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR Maintains a relationship with students and families from 9 th through 12 th grade. Meets several times a year to discuss current progress and develop future plans (four-year plan). Schedules courses in accordance with interests, requirements and future plans. Assists college search and application process. Acts as intermediary with teachers and administration. Assists students and families to resolve issues. Provides help in referrals to IRST, CST, SAC and outside professionals.

5. Everything counts! Homework Classwork Projects Class Participation Extra-Curricular Activities Athletics

6. GET INVOLVED! GET INVOLVED! Make the most of your High School experience! Extra curricular clubs and organizations Athletics Social development Bergen Volunteers for volunteerism opportunities: www.bergenvolunteers.org Summer programs

7. Seeking Additional Support Seeking Additional Support Encourage your child to: See counselor for assistance Attend Extra Help sessions Visit lunchtime Math & Writing Centers (Math: Room H205 and Writing: Room B122) National Honor Society Tutoring Conference with teacher

8. Additional Resources Understand IRST Child Study Team 504 Committee Visit our SAC (Ms. Deborah Bajakian) Student Assistance Counselor provides support to students on issues impacting their social and emotional well-being

9. IMPORTANT DATES Interim Reports: October 6th, December 9th, March 2nd, May 16 th End of Marking Period: November 4th, January 20th, April 6th, June 21st Mid Term exams: January 21 st and 22 nd Final Exams: June 22 nd and 23 rd College Admissions Panel: May 4 th at NVD

10. Scheduling Conferences and the Course Selection Process: Teachers will share recommendation with student in late January Students & parents discuss recommendations and course selections Scheduling conferences begin in early February February 10 th 2016: Program of Studies Review elective course offerings Process concludes & no changes can be made after March 24 th

11. State of New Jersey Graduation Requirements Take and pass a minimum of 24 credits including: English (4 years) World Cultures (1 yr) ; US History (2 yrs) Science (3 years) Mathematics (3 years) World Language (1 year) Two Courses in The Related Arts (Visual & Performing Arts and 21 st Century Life & Careers) Personal Financial Literacy Physical Education / Health / Driver Ed. (4 years)

12. The High School Transcript All courses will be included in the calculation of the GPA. Each Marking period is 20% of the final grade; the mid- term and final exams are worth 10% each toward the calculation of the final grade. Final letter grades are placed on the transcript in each course along with credits received in each course. Students in the Class of 2018 will not be ranked.

14. 10 th Grade

15. Testing SAT SAT Subject Tests ACT PARCC: Participate in the PARCC Assessment, successfully passing one section of English Language Arts and one section of Math.

16. NCAA Eligibility Certification Requirements Graduate from high school Complete a minimum core curriculum of at least 16 (Both DI &DII) academic courses Core GPA and standardized testing sliding scale File Student Release form with NCAA Eligibility www.ncaa.org NCAA Eligibility Workshop- To be announced by the Athletic Department

17. Admissions Criteria Courses taken and grades achieved Grade Point Average Standardized Test Scores Test optional schools: www.fairtest.org Recommendations The Personal Essay & Supplements Demonstrated Interest

18. Other Considerations Intended Major Activities outside the classroom Special talents, skills & interests Personal interview Geographic location

19. IMPORTANT ONLINE RESOURCES NVNET Haiku Powerschool First Class Naviance Collegeboard Big Future

20. Web-based resource that is specific to our school to support course, career & college planning http://connection.naviance.com/nvroldtappan Do What You Are ® Self Discovery Personality Type assessment: will provide you with important information about your personal characteristics. You will learn about careers that are matched to you, your personal strengths and blindspots, and how you negotiate in your daily life.

21. QUESTION & ANSWER