WELCOME TO THE NEW STUDENT PARENT MEETING!

WELCOME TO THE NEW STUDENT PARENT MEETING!

Tonight we will give you a brief review of: Credits Seven Habits/Accountability Pre-AP to Academic/petition Grade Point Average (GPA) End of Course exams (STAAR) Graduation plans/endorsements Miller Career Center visit College Planning Required Electronic Signature

Students are classified based on the year they first entered 9 th grade and the number of academic credits they have earned at the beginning of the school year. All graduation plans require a total of 26 credits.

Class rank is based on the cumulative grade point average of high school credit courses. A student s grade point average is derived by dividing the total number of grade points by the number of semester courses attempted. Class rank is first officially calculated during the SPRING semester of the JUNIOR year and is updated after each subsequent semester.

7 Habits of Successful Spartans 1. Go to class on time 2. Always do homework 3. Attend tutorials 4. Listen in class 5. Take good notes 6. Ask for help 7. Retest if possible

Teachers are your first line of defense: Grades Tutorials Study skills

Grade = 74 or Below Pick up petition form from counselor s office Requirements for petition Conference with teacher Attended tutorials Completed all assignments Required signatures Teacher Parent Counselor

Subject Sem. Grade Grade Points English Pre AP 95 2.5 Algebra 1 85 1.5 W. Geo. Pre AP 88 2.0 Biology 82 1.5 PE 95 2.0 Theatre 93 2.0 Web Design 97 2.0 Total Grade Points 13.5 Divide 13.5 by total number of courses (3.5) = 3.857

The following five end-of-course exams are required: English I Reading and Writing* English II Reading and Writing* Algebra I Biology US history Students must pass each of the five EOC exams to meet state graduation requirements.

All students must choose an endorsement/personal graduation plan in one of 5 areas at the time of entry into 9 th grade. You will have the option to change the endorsement/personal graduation plan, however, your courses will not change until the following school year. The endorsement/personal graduation plan, and any changes, must be put in writing and signed by your parent.

During your 9 th grade year, school staff will work with students and parents to develop a Personal Graduation Plan (PGP). The PGP outlines the student s course of study. The Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) must be signed by the parent.

House Bill 5 (HB 5), passed by the Texas Legislature in 2013, made significant changes to the state s graduation requirements. Referred to as the High School Foundation Graduation Program, key aspects include required foundation courses, a selection of endorsement options, changes to the STAAR EOC testing program, and opportunities to earn performance acknowledgments. These new standards affect students entering the ninth grade in fall of 2014. They replace the current graduation plans referred to as Minimum, Recommended and Distinguished. Additionally, students entering grades 10-12 have the option of either continuing with the 4x4 graduation plan they began as ninth graders OR transitioning to the new system. The Foundation Graduation Plan plus Endorsements is the default graduation plan that students are encouraged to pursue. Students who find themselves struggling to meet these standards should consult their high school counselor to explore their options. Parents need to sign a Personal Graduation Plan in order to officially select their child s endorsement. Foundation Graduation Plan plus Endorsements 4 English Credits English I, II, III plus one advanced English 4 Math Credits Algebra I, Geometry plus two advanced math courses 4 Science Credits Biology plus three advanced science courses 3 Social Studies Credits World Geography or World History, US History, Government and Economics (Colleges and Universities highly recommend 4 Social Studies credits) 2 World Language Credits Language Other Than English (LOTE) 1 Physical Education Credit 1 Fine Arts Credit.5 Health.5 Communication requirement 6 Elective Credits including four endorsement credits 26 TOTAL CREDITS STAAR End-Of-Course Exams Students must also pass the STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) exams for five foundation classes including: English I and II, Algebra I, Biology and U.S. History Distinguished Level of Achievement Choosing Algebra II as one of the two advanced mathematics courses qualifies a student for the Distinguished Level of Achievement diploma. This can translate to additional opportunities after graduation, automatic college admission, and increase eligibility for financial aid. Performance Acknowledgement Students have the option of earning a Performance Acknowledgement, which is noted on the official high school transcript. This is not a graduation requirement, but allows students to obtain an acknowledgement for outstanding performance in different areas including: Dual Credit courses Associate Degree earned as HS student Advanced Placement (AP) courses International Baccalaureate (IB) courses ACT and SAT scores Language acquisition Earning a state or nationally recognized certificate or license Endorsement Options To earn an endorsement, students complete a sequence of courses in an area of interest within one of the five endorsement groupings: Arts and Humanities Cultural Studies English Literature Fine Arts (Art, Dance, Music, Theatre) History Political Science World Languages Business and Industry Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, Audio-Visual and Communications Business Management and Administration Finance Hospitality and Tourism Information Technology Manufacturing Marketing Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Public Services Health Science Education & Training Government & Public Administration Human Services Law, Public Safety & Security STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Computer Science Engineering Science Technology Advanced Mathematics Multidisciplinary Allows student to earn credits in a variety of advanced courses from multiple content areas.

Course Requirements for the FHSP English 4 credits English I, II, III, and an additional/advanced English Math 3 credits Algebra I, Geometry, and an additional/advanced math Science 3 credits Biology, and one course selected from IPC, or Chemistry, or Physics, and one additional/advanced science Social Studies 3 credits US History, ½ credit government, ½ credit economics, and either world history or world geography, or a new course combining world history and world geography (to be developed) LOTE 2 credits Credits must be in the same language. Fine Arts 1 credit - Physical Education 1 credit Health -.5 credit Communication skill -.5 Electives 4 credits + Endorsement (4 additional credits) Students are expected to earn an endorsement in one of 5 areas. Each endorsement requires a 4 th math credit* a 4 th science credit* 2 endorsement-specific electives *Flexibility in course selection may allow the 4 th math and science credits to correlate to the endorsement area. Communication skill: may be fulfilled from any one of 5 courses: Speech, Teen leader, Debate, Oral Interpretation, Theatre I

An endorsement requires a focused study in one or more areas. The endorsement will give you the chance to focus on areas and subjects that interest YOU, and better preparation to continue your education after high school and/or go into the workforce.

Most programs of study bulleted under Business & Industry and Public Services correspond to the Programs of Study for Texas 16 Career Clusters. http://www.achievetexas.org/pos_covers1.htm

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Math STEM requires completion of Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics. The STEM endorsement relates to Advanced or additional science courses beyond Chemistry & Physics; or Advanced or additional math courses for which Algebra II is a prerequisite; or A cross-disciplinary study of advanced or additional math and advanced or additional science; or Computer Science / Computer Programming

The Business & Industry endorsement focuses on at least one career cluster, selected from (a really, really long list!) Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, Audio/Visual Technology & Communications Business Finance Hospitality and Tourism Information Technology Manufacturing Marketing Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

The Business & Industry endorsement may also be earned through the completion of four (4) English electives, including Three (3) levels in one field of journalism o Newspaper; or o Yearbook; or Three (3) levels in either o Debate; or o Public Speaking

The Public Services endorsement requires completion of credits in at least one career cluster, selected from Education and Training Government and Public Administration Health Sciences Human Services Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

An Arts & Humanities endorsement requires completion of at least one of the following Four credits in social studies, or Two levels/credits of one language in a Language Other than English; and two levels/credits of a second language in a Language Other than English; or a coherent (progressive) sequence of four credits, selected from one or two Fine Arts disciplines, including Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre

A Multidisciplinary Studies endorsement requires the completion of at least one of the following Four additional/advanced credits, from within one endorsement area or from various endorsement areas, that prepare the student to either o successfully enter postsecondary education without the need for remediation, or o successfully enter the workforce; or Four credits in each: English Language Arts (must include a traditional English IV), Math, Science (must include Chemistry and/or Physics), and Social Studies; or Four AP, International Baccalaureate, or dual credit courses, selected from English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Miller Career & Technology Center The Miller Career & Technology Center (MCTC) serves as a central site for Career & Technical Education in Katy ISD. Juniors and seniors from all Katy ISD high schools can attend classes at MCTC. Students have the opportunity to take specialized career and technology programs as well as core classes for half a day at MCTC while continuing to attend their home high school campus the rest of the school day. Many courses provide an opportunity to gain a certification or industry credential. The course work may provide job opportunities as well as introduce students to industry standards in a career area. Students have the opportunity to discover careers to pursue after high school graduation.

Business & Industry Architectural Design Practicum Auto Tech I Auto Tech II Cisco Computer Maintenance Cisco Internetworking Technologies I Public Services Clinical Rotation-Practicum Cosmetology I Cosmetology II Criminal Justice I Cisco Internetworking Technologies II Culinary Arts Culinary Arts-Practicum Digital Audio I & II Film-A/V Production II Film-Practicum Criminal Justice II w/special Topics Dental Assisting-Practicum Education & Training EMT Basic-Practicum Pharmacy Tech-Practicum Hospitality Services-Hotel & Restaurant Management Hospitality Services-Practicum Cyber Security Manufacturing Engineering I & II Online Independent Study & Mentorship Pre-AP/GT (grades 10-12) STEM Practicum in STEM PACE Pre-AP/GT Veterinary Medical Applications Vet Assisting-Practicum

Come to Miller Career & Technology Center All freshmen are invited to tour Miller on Tuesday October 25 th. Have your student pick up a field trip form in their counselor s office starting Monday October 3 rd. Field trip forms are due back by 3:00 PM on Friday October 14 th. All high school students and parents are invited to visit Miller s Open House on Tuesday February 7 th at 6:00pm. Save the Dates! Tuesday October 25 th - SLHS freshmen tour at Miller Career & Technology Center Tuesday February 7 th - Open house for prospective students.

Begin with the end in mind.

Applying to College- Grade Point Average SAT Writing Skills on Apps School Involvement Community Involvement Plan for YOUR college

Explore different electives Endorsements can change Participate in clubs, teams, organizations, volunteering Keep track of EVERYTHING Summer is a time for experiences Maintain balance between extracurricular and academics Create a list of possibilities for college and start visiting their websites, call admissions offices for advice, etc. Take courses colleges recommend

Visit a college with your student Start planning for how much college costs Support your child s exploration through elective choices, clubs and organizations, summer opportunities, volunteering, etc. Keep track of everything Help your child set goals Keep up with their grades using Home Access Allow your child to take charge of their own education Katy ISD College Night--October 5 th at Merrell Center Visit College Board Website collegeboard.org

A Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA) may be earned through successful completion of All requirements for the Foundation High School Program, plus The requirements of at least one endorsement, which includes Algebra II among the required math credits, and A fourth science credit To qualify for the Top 10% and eligibility for automatic admission to a Texas public college or university, you must graduate with a Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA).

Performance Acknowledgements may be earned in one or more of the following categories: AP test score of 3 or above; IB test score of 4 or above; Qualifying PSAT score based on the 11 th grade test; SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1250 or above; ACT composite score of 28 or above; College course with a final grade of A or B (3.0 or above); Bilingualism and biliteracy; and Earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license.

PSAT October for 10 th and 11 th graders Helps to predict SAT score Prep course? SAT and ACT Spring of 11 th grade, Fall of 12 th grade SAT Subject Tests

Course Selection Process During the month of February Course catalog Course selection form Discuss with your child Decide on summer school Return forms to 9 th -10 th grade counselor

All courses listed in the course catalog may not be offered at Seven Lakes High School. Please refer to the SLHS campus course list

Instructions for electronic signature/endorsement According to House Bill 5, it is mandatory for students and parents to provide a signature confirming the endorsement declared by the student. To access the Personal Graduation Plan form which will provide a mandatory electronic signature as confirmation of your student s current endorsement: Scan the QR code or enter the URL code into your browser (secured site). Fill out the form indicating your student s endorsement Sign for parent and student Click submit. Short URL: http://tinyurl.com/slhsendorsementsignature QR code: (QR Reader Apps are available as free downloads on your smart phones/devices) Both Parent Signature and Student Signature must be completed.

Keeping up with news you can use: On the school website: http://www.katyisd.org/campus/slhs/pages/default.aspx (save this as a favorite after you access the site) Like us (Counseling Office) on Facebook: Seven Lakes High School Counseling Office Follow us (Counseling Office) on Twitter: @SLHSCOUNSELORS

9 th and 10 th Grade Counselors Shannon Petersen A G ShannonRPetersen@katyisd.org Dedrick Linwood H O DedrickMLinwood@katyisd.org Mary Castellucci P Z MaryCastellucci@katyisd.org