Slidell High School 9 th and 10 th Grade Parent Scheduling Meeting January 17, 2019
Pathways to Success
How it Works Complete High School Ready for Career and/or College Enter High School Complete 2 Years of Basic Classes Choose Your Graduation Pathway Discuss with Counselor and Parents Consider TOPS Tech vs. TOPS University Diploma
Diploma Paths TOPS Tech Career TOPS University
What s the Difference? TOPS Tech Career 2 Year College 23 Credits 2 Social Studies and 2 Science 4 English and 4 Math 9 Career Technical Electives Industry Based Certification Required Both Options Diploma Jump Start Career Pathways Industry Based Certifications TOPS University 4 Year College 24 Credits 4 Social Studies and 4 Science 4 English and 4 Math 2 same Foreign Language 1 year of art
Culinary Automotive Technician Information Technology Example Pathways Carpentry Welding First Responder EMT Certified Nurse Assistant
TOPS UNIVERSITY DIPLOMA (4) English I, II, III, IV (4) Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and any of the following: Algebra III, Pre-calculus, Calculus (4) Biology, Chemistry and any of the following: Physical Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry II, Biology II, Physics (4) Government, US History, and World Geography, World History (2 of same) Foreign Language: Spanish, French or ASL (1) Art: Art I, Fine Art Survey, Theatre, Basic Technical Drafting, or Music: Band, Chorus, Guitar or Piano (2) Physical Education I and Health Ed with half credit of Physical Education II or (2) JR ROTC I and II; extra curricular sports/marching band count only for half credit of PE II (3) Electives TOTAL of 24 Credits
TOPS TECH CAREER DIPLOMA (4) English I, II, and any two of the following: English III, IV, Business English and Technical Writing (4) Algebra I and any three of the following: Math Essentials, Financial Literacy, Business Math, Geometry, Algebra II, Algebra III, Pre-calculus, Calculus (2) Biology and any one of the following: Chemistry, Physical Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science I and II (both for one unit) (2) Government and US History (2) Physical Education I and Health Ed with half credit of Physical Education II or (2) JR ROTC I and II; extra curricular sports/marching band count only for half credit of PE II (9) Career Pathway Electives: Pages 7-9 Course Description Guide TOTAL of 23 Credits
TOPS Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Awards Louisiana s Taylor Opportunity Program for Students is a comprehensive program of state scholarships. http://www.osfa.la.gov/tops_mainlink.html OPPORTUNITY: ACT: 20 or SAT: 940 2.5 GPA in the 19 TOPS Core Courses PERFORMANCE: ACT: 23 or SAT: 1060 3.0 GPA in the 19 TOPS Core Courses Additional $400 per year HONORS: ACT: 27 or SAT: 1210 3.0 GPA in the 19 TOPS Core Courses Additional $800 per year **Pending Legislation, may change requirements**
TOPS Tech Career Award TOPS Tech Award amounts differ by type of school attended https://www.osfa.la.gov/tops_tech.html Minimum High School GPA of 2.50 (GPA on 21 core courses only) Minimum ACT Score of 17 - Must enroll full time as a first time freshman, by the first semester following the first anniversary of high school graduation - Be a US citizen or permanent resident - Meet TOPS Louisiana Residency requirements **Pending Legislation, may change requirements**
Graduation Requirements for both Diploma Paths Students must take the following End of Course Tests (Leap 2025) in order to earn a diploma: English I or English II Algebra I or Geometry Biology or American History
Transcript Review Includes all courses attempted and all grades earned. Please check it for accuracy. Cumulative GPA total grade point average of all courses attempted. **This is not the TOPS University/Core or TOPS Tech Career GPA** If your child has a 2.3 or below, consider switching to TOPS Tech Diploma pathway now. Rank in class will not be put on the transcript. Rank in class will not be available until the completion of senior year. If your student failed a class that is a diploma requirement, he or she will need to schedule that course during the 2019-2020 year or plan to apply for summer school in April.
Honors and Advanced Placement Courses Honors and Advanced Placement courses offer a more rigorous and in depth curriculum than on-level courses. Students must meet the requirements in order to take these classes. Please refer to the 2019-2020 SHS Course Description Guide for specific prerequisites for each course. Must have an A or B in prerequisite course Teacher recommendation with signature
Dual Enrollment Courses Only available to eligible 11 th and 12 th Grade Students Requirement for all DE classes: 2.5 GPA ACT composite score of 19, as well as the English and Math sub scores required for the specific course See handout for Dual Enrollment courses offered at SHS Signature of previous teacher in that subject area Pre-ACT (ACT Aspire) test taken as a sophomore can be used in place of ACT
2019-2020 Schedule Cards
Completing Schedule Cards Select the diploma pathway your child intends to follow Refer to 2019-2020 Course Description Guide to check prerequisites as you select courses Don t forget to list alternate elective choices 1 st choice elective is NOT always guaranteed If no alternates are listed, then student will be placed in another elective at the discretion of the counselor.
Parent and Student Signatures I am aware of the requirements for graduation and have taken and scheduled the necessary courses to meet these requirements. My signature below indicates that I have selected the courses necessary to meet the Louisiana state graduation requirements. I understand that placement in selected classes will be permanent and is based on need and availability. I understand that there is no guarantee that the courses I request will be the courses scheduled. The course requests taken from the Course Selection Card will be used in developing Slidell High s master schedule for the 2019-2020 school year. Parent Signature Student Signature Date
Important Dates and Reminders: Friday, January 18: Students receive high school transcript, scheduling card, and 2019-2020 Course Description guide. Tuesday, January 22: Students will return their schedule card (must be completed and signed) to their 1 st hour teacher. If not signed, it will not be accepted. If switching diploma tracks then students MUST return the TOPS Tech Career Diploma form with their schedule card. Week of January 28 th : By grade level/tiger Family, students called to the library to meet with a counselor and review their schedule and IGP (Individual Graduation Plan). Students will receive a copy of their IGP which needs to be returned with a parent signature. (state requirement).
Questions.. If you have any questions, please email your student s counselor 10 th Grade: Ms. Alvendia at tasha.alvendia@stpsb.org 9 th Grade: Ms. Hernandez @ lindsey.hernandez@stpsb.org