SEVEN LAKES HIGH SCHOOL HOME OF THE SPARTANS! WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2023 PARENT NIGHT!

FOLLOW ALONG ON YOUR PHONE

CAMPUS ADMINISTRATION Kerri Finnesand, Principal Kendra O Keefe, 9th Grade Assistant Principal Todd Knobbe, Associate Principal

9th GRADE COUNSELORS Mary Castellucci marycastellucci@katyisd.org Counselor M-Z Dedrick Linwood dedrickmlinwood@katyisd.org Counselor A-L

PRE-ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEACHERS Amy Brooke, English Language Arts Mary Jo Hall, Biology Meredith Hawkins, Geometry Sarah Lizana, Geography

GOALS FOR TONIGHT Prepare for next year Learn about graduation requirements Understand the course selection options/process Gather information on PreAP/AP courses Visit informally with counselors, administrators, coaches, directors, club sponsors

ENROLLMENT FOR 2019-2020 3,700+ SPARTANS!

CELEBRATING OUR SUCCESS! Seven Lakes High School is ranked #2 Houston Public School in the metro area by 2019 Niche Best Schools!

HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS: ACADEMICS NICHE #7 HIGH SCHOOL IN the STATE of TEXAS UIL ACADEMIC STATE CHAMPS NATIONAL and STATE FINALISTS SCIENCE OLYMPIAD, ACADEMIC DECATHLON, and DEBATE

HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS: FINE ARTS 2018 TEXAS STATE MARCHING BAND TOP TWENTY 2018 SYMPHONY and SINFONIA ORCHESTRAS, AMERICAN PRIZE IN MUSIC 2018 MARK OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, SYMPHONY STRINGS, SINFONIA

ORCHESTRA

HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS: CHOIR 2018 CHORALE WOMEN TOP THREE TREBLE CHOIRS in USA SW REGION--ACDAS CONVENTION 2018 SENSATIONS CHOIR TOP TEN CHAMBER CHOIR in TEXAS 2018 ALL SIX SLHS CHOIRS earned SWEEPSTAKES at UIL CONCERT and SIGHT READING

HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS: ATHLETICS 2018 STATE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS 2018 STATE CROSS COUNTRY 2018 GIRLS REGIONAL GOLF CHAMPS 2017 STATE VOLLEYBALL 6A CHAMPIONSHIP-2nd 2016 TENNIS REGIONAL CHAMPIONS 2014-2015 GIRLS SOCCER REGIONAL FINALIST 2012 STATE FINALS GIRLS SOCCER 2011 and 2012 BOYS BASKETBALL REGIONALS BOYS VARSITY SOCCER-9 STRAIGHT PLAYOFF APPS WRESTLING: 48 STATE QUALIFIERS & 4 STATE CHAMPS 2008 GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING STATE RUNNER-UP 2007 CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPS

SLHS MISSION STATEMENT Seven Lakes High School is committed to creating a positive atmosphere that empowers students to develop strong character, achieve excellence, serve the community, and become life-long learners in a diverse world.

LOOKING AHEAD HIGH SCHOOL IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

SURVIVAL TIPS FOR KIDS AND PARENTS

BEGINNING WITH THE END IN MIND--THINK ABOUT POST-HIGH SCHOOL GOALS

TIME MANAGEMENT Maximize your time both at school and at home Do you have time to do homework prior to after school practice?

THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE Grade Point Average (GPA) SAT and ACT Scores Writing skills on application School involvement Community involvement Being well-rounded is better than being overly involved Plan for YOUR college Multiple pathways for entering college

THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE GPA is important when applying for college. But it isn t EVERYTHING. What else do you offer a university? Have you shown a commitment to something over the last four years?

PRE-AP vs. ACADEMIC A brief presentation on the differences will follow. Don t panic and don t compare. Your student is not the same as your friend s student, nor is he/she the same as his/her sibling, or even his/her parents Take the courses that are right for YOUR student and watch them excel! Don t overburden your student with a load that he/she can t handle.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, ENJOY HIGH SCHOOL!

LET S GET INVOLVED! Research shows that students who are involved in school activities perform better in school, perform better on the SAT and ACT, and learn valuable skills that can be used later in life. Seven Lakes offers 100+ clubs and organizations that allow your students to get involved

LINK to SLHS CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS CURRICULUM RELATED CLUBS NON-CURRICULUM CLUBS

SPARTANS OUT SERVING Creating lifelong volunteers who give back to their community Volunteer in your community throughout high school- all four years Maintain an ongoing record of your volunteer hours Affiliated and managed by the SLHS Student Council Start your volunteer hours in April 2018!

LET S GET INVOLVED!

FIND YOUR HOME

HELP YOUR STUDENTS FIND THEIR NICHE

GET TO KNOW THEIR FRIENDS

BE A PART OF OUR TEAM

BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF

BE PROUD TO CARRY THE COLORS!

PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE!

SPARTAN SPIRIT!

NEXT YEAR

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRA HELP Daily tutorials (each teacher team posts schedules) Retest in every class if necessary Power Wednesdays every week Power Reviews before final exams Teacher tutorials by appointment

TOGETHER, WE WILL HELP THEM LEARN How to plan for their own success What their strengths and weaknesses are How to balance their commitments with their coursework How to stay safe by: Setting ground rules Monitor technology Set limits and stick with them Knowing their friends

IMPORTANT DATES TBA Class of 2023 Fish Camp (August) Meet new friends Tour the school Learn Spartan traditions Spartan Spectacular (August) Get your class schedule for 2019-20 Learn about clubs and organizations Buy your HIGH SCHOOL spirit wear See your friends Meet your teachers

Counselor Information 19-20

Earning Credits Grades always count. When you pass a class, you earn a credit. You earn credits each semester. Your GPA and class rank are calculated for college application purposes from all semester averages. It is posted your junior year 2.5 years so.. What you do in 9th grade DIRECTLY affects your opportunities for higher education following high school.

Top 10% Rule

Course Selection Sheet and 19-20 Catalog http://www.katyisd.org/dept/campusadmin/documents/course_catalog_2019-2020.pdf

Four Year Plan

The FHSP + Endorsement

Endorsements STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) Business & Industry Public Services Arts & Humanities Multidisciplinary Studies

STEM Science Technology Engineering Math Engineering (option 1) 4 Engineering courses Math (option 2) 5 math courses Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II 2 courses with Algebra II as a prerequisite Science (option 3) 5 Science courses Biology, Chemistry and Physics Computer Science (option 4) 4 Computer Science courses Combination (option 5) 2 Computer Science courses + 2 Engineering courses

Business and Industry 4 CTE credits Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Business, Finance & Marketing Architecture & Construction Arts, A/V Technology & Communications Hospitality & Tourism Journalism or Speech 4 English Language Arts elective credits including 3 levels in one of the following areas: Journalism--Newspaper or Yearbook Speech--Debate or Oral Interpretation 4 Technology Applications Digital Arts & Animation Digital Video & Audio Design Combination

Public Services Health Science Principles of Health Science (10th grade) Health Science Theory (11th grade) Clinical rotation--emt Basic--Dental Assisting--Pharmacy Tech (Miller) Education and Training Principles of Education and Training Instructional Practices in Education (Miller) Human Services Cosmetology (Miller) Law, Public Safety Criminal Justice I & II (Miller) NJROTC Mayde Creek HS

Arts and Humanities 5 Social Studies Credits Languages Other Than English (LOTE) 4 credits in one language or 2 credits in one language and 2 credits in a second language Fine Arts Art Dance Music (Band, Choir and Orchestra) Theatre English Language Arts A total of 4 English elective credits in addition to English I, II and III.

Multidisciplinary Studies Traditional 4 x 4 English Language Arts Math Science Social Studies 4 AP or Dual Credit courses selected from the following categories: English Language Arts Math Science Social Studies LOTE (foreign language) Fine Arts

Miller Career & Technology Center is a central site for Career Technical Education (CTE) classes. Many of the Advanced courses may complete an endorsement. For more information regarding eligibility and a list of courses, please visit the Miller table following this presentation. MCTC Open House is February 5th for Junior High

If you would like to learn more about PreAP/AP, please stay seated If you are ready to meet our sponsors, coaches, clubs, and visit with the Katy Virtual School representative feel free to step into the hallway outside.

PreAP/ AP Informational Parent Night Todd Knobbe- Associate Principal

SLHS Academic, PreAP and AP level Academic Classes vs. Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) The curricula for both Pre-AP and Academic courses are built on the core academic curriculum following the Texas Education Agency guidelines for each course, called the TEKS, or Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Pre-AP lessons are modified further by adding depth, complexity, and pacing to concepts required by the TEKS and aligned to skills required by College Board. In Academic courses, teachers tend to provide more direct instruction and in Pre-AP the teacher begins its role as a facilitator of learning preparing self-motivated students to take on AP level courses as prescribed by College Board.

SLHS Academic, PreAP and AP level Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) Pre-AP is based on the belief that every student can prepare for higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of skills as early as possible. Pre-AP courses are offered for various subjects. These tend to be more rigorous in nature to ensure that students are learning the skills, concepts, and habits of mind needed for college. Pre-AP courses require outside work.

SLHS Academic, PreAP and AP level Advanced Placement (AP) The AP Program allows high school students to undertake college-level academic learning and gives them the opportunity to show that they have mastered the advanced material by taking the AP Exam associated with the course. AP courses equate to a first year college level course; therefore, students may earn college credit for the course. Although AP courses are open to all students, these make substantial academic demands on students. Students who choose to enroll should be prepared for the increased academic rigorous college level instruction, which prepares them for the AP exam associated with the course.

Students who experience success in Pre-AP courses typically exhibit the following personal and academic characteristics: Personal Characteristics: Reading on or above grade level Strong study skills and self-motivation Proficient oral and written communications skills Self-discipline to plan, organize, and carry out tasks to completion Interest and self-directedness in a particular subject Academic Characteristics: Successful completion of prerequisite coursework Grade of 90 or higher in an Academic (or general education) class. At least 80% or higher in a Pre-AP class Successful performance in related content area courses Scores at the advanced level on the most recent state assessment closely related to the Pre-AP course being considered.

Practical Advice for Decision-Making Pre AP/ AP The road to success in HS Advanced Academics starts with a good, balanced plan I m not sure my student is ready for a Pre AP or AP course. What does he/she need to succeed? Students must be willing and to be able. "Willing" means motivated to study and learn on the college level. If the student is committed to participating actively in an Pre AP or AP class and doing the out-of-class assignments, they have met a major prerequisite for success. These courses move rapidly and cover a lot of ground. Successful students are those who keep up or, better, stay a little ahead of the required assignments. The student must also be able to do the work. The student s record in earlier courses is a good indicator of that ability.

Practical Advice for Decision-Making Pre AP/ AP The road to success in HS Advanced Academics starts with a good, balanced plan How rigorous are AP Classes? AP classes shouldn't be taken lightly they're meant to simulate college courses in their depth and volume of study. Homework and testing are rigorous, and your student is given more autonomy than in traditional high school classes. Advanced placement courses are college level classes and might not be for everyone. A low grade in an AP class does not benefit your student. If your student is not yet ready for more rigorous coursework and independence, then it s better to skip the AP classes and focus on being successful in traditional high school classes.

Should My Child Take as Many AP Classes as Possible in High School? While a challenging course load looks attractive on the high school transcript for college admissions, it is possible to go overboard. The stress of loading up on too many AP courses at once may have adverse effects on a student s mental and physical health. The time put into studying for multiple AP courses may also detract from other activities that are more likely to make the student stand out from the crowd. When selecting classes, your student should favor those in which he or she is likely to learn the most, follow a passion, build critical and creative thinking skills, or go in-depth in a particular subject. Encourage your student to ask the teacher or students who have been through the course what it will cover and how it will be taught.

AP Courses Offered at SLHS Advanced Placement courses are offered to allow students to explore college-level content. These courses are accompanied by the AP assessment. At certain score levels, students can often qualify for college credit. Arts English AP Art History AP English AP Music Language & Theory Composition AP Studio Art AP English 2-D Design Literature & AP Studio Art Composition Drawing AP Studio Art 3-D Design History & Social Sciences AP Human World Languages & AP Calculus AB Cultures AP Calculus BC AP Chinese Geography AP Chemistry AP Language Macroeconomics AP Computer AP French. AP Science A Language Microeconomics. AP Computer AP German AP Psychology Science Principles Language AP United States AP AP Spanish Government & Environmental Language Politics Science AP United States AP Spanish AP Physics 1 History Literature AP Physics 2 AP World History AP European History STEM AP Biology AP Statistics Electives Capstone -Seminar -Research

Dual Credit There are two paths to earn college credit at Seven Lakes High School. AP Courses and Dual Credit courses. In partnership with Houston Community College students have the opportunity to take college level courses and earn college credit. Course are taught by HCC professors and students will receive both high school and college credit. More rigorous than the Academic level classes Current classes offered at Seven Lakes are: US History (11th Grade) English IV/College Freshman English credit (12th Grade) Government (12th Grade) Economics (12th Grade)

PreAP/ AP English Levels in ELA FRESHMAN Academic English I SOPHOMORE English II JUNIOR English III SENIOR English IV PreAP PreAP English I PreAP English II N/A N/A AP AP Language AP & Literature Composition (AP Lang)

PreAP/ AP English - How is it different from Jr High? Independent Reading of Full Novels with Literary Merit In order to strengthen our students understanding of text analysis, our classes put focus on evaluating significant pieces of critically acclaimed literature (L. Hansberry, Shakespeare, Harper Lee, G. Orwell) with regards to their themes and application to the social issues contemporary to their contexts. This will help develop stronger close reading skills, critical thinking skills, and develop a stronger lexicon. Whole Class Discussion Our whole-class novels typically drive many of our class discussions centered on the issues upon which those novels focus. They usually warrant in-depth discussion and analysis of social issues or moral dilemmas including: Social Class (A Raisin in the Sun) - Racial Prejudice (To Kill A Mockingbird) Corruption of Power (Animal Farm) ***Expository Essay Writing*** One of the largest academic leaps students make into our course is writing one-page expository essays in a timed setting. Writing skills are one that our students spend the most time in tutorials practicing and honing as this is often the skill they have practiced least to this point in their educational career. Our top student writers are almost always some of the students who come to writing tutorials with regularity.

PreAP/ AP Math Levels in MATH FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE JUNIOR SENIOR Academic Algebra 1 Geometry Geometry Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Pre-calculus Pre-calculus Algebraic Algebra 2 Reasoning PreAP Geometry Geometry Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Pre-calculus Algebra 2 Pre-calculus Pre-calculus AP Statistics Statistics Calculus AB Calculus AB Calculus BC Calculus BC Multivariable Calculus

AP/Pre-AP vs. Academic More depth and rigor with emphasis on previous learned material. More independence, organized and ownership of their learning (make notes/check homework online, practice...practice...practice) EFFORT and PERSEVERANCE surpasses intelligence Time management(timed quizzes/tests) Faster in-class pace

What can potentially prevent my student from doing well in Pre-AP Biology? Having to study/prepare for other classes on top of Pre-AP Biology The fast pace of Pre-AP Biology Not knowing how to manage their time properly Not willing to put in the time at home for their notes What might help my student decide if they want to take Pre-AP Biology? They should know the following things to help with their decision: Cover a lot of information, in more depth, & at a fast pace Notes are done at home by the students and then reinforced through class activities Tests/quizzes are more application based and less fill-in-the-blank from notes If they re in more than one Pre-AP course, then they will be quizzed/tested more frequently than they were in junior high Should be willing to attend tutorials if they need help!

Should my student take Pre-AP Biology if they didn t take Pre-AP science in junior high? Feedback from students that didn t take Pre-AP science in junior high: I felt a little lost in the beginning I think it made the transition harder If you work hard and pay attention during class, then there shouldn t be a problem. *If they didn t take Pre-AP classes in junior high, then they can definitely still do well in Pre-AP Biology if they are willing to put in the work*

Words of wisdom from students who are currently in Pre-AP Biology: Just try your best and don't worry so much. Study hard and work hard. Ask for help if you need it. Go to tutorials with other teachers too. Sometimes it helps to hear it from someone else. If you enjoy the subject and are good at managing your time, then taking Pre-AP Biology is definitely a good choice. It's a lot of material to take all Pre-AP classes, so it's important to know where your classes are taking you and what benefits you will truly receive from taking a Pre-AP course. Be prepared to study!

PreAP/ AP Social Studies Freshmen Classes Academic World Geography Sophomore Classes Junior Classes Senior Classes World History US History Government Psychology Economics Sociology PreAP World Geography World History AP Human Geography (full year) World History **This is the only option for GT students. US History Elective Classes Government Human Geography Macroeconomics (semester) Microeconomics European History Psychology *Full year

PreAP/ AP Social Studies

Curriculum Parent Resource www.katyisd.org