Post on 10-Dec-2015
Brien McMahon High School
High School 101
The 9th Grade Program
9th Grade Counselors• Ms. Amaker (A – Hik)
amakerk@norwalkps.org, extension 11299
• Ms. Leeds (Hil – Vel)leedsd@norwalkps.org, extension 11317
• Mr. Southerland (Vem – ZZZ & CGS In-District)southerlandc@norwalkps.org, extension 11307
• Mr. Castelluzzo (CGS Out-of-District only)castelluzzoj@norwalkps.org, extension 11297
Guidance Services• Developmental Guidance Program
– Includes classroom visits to provide ongoing support and further orient students to high school. Topics: time management, decision making, self awareness, goal setting, college and career exploration, educational planning.
• Individual Meetings– Meetings with the student’s assigned counselor to develop
goals and begin college/career planning.
• Early College Awareness Program– Includes trip to local college/university in the spring. Open to
students in good academic standing. Participation in college information sessions led by admissions personnel.
• Career/College Planning– Use of Naviance/Family Connection to research careers of
interest. Emphasis will be on developing career goals and matching high school preparation to career.
Graduation Requirements20 Credits
• English 4 credits• Math 3 credits• Science (includes one lab science in Biology,
Chemistry or Physics) 3 credits• History/Social Studies 3
credits(includes US History and Civics)
• Arts (Arts, Business Technology, 1 creditTechnology Education, Music,
and/or Family and Consumer Sciences)• Physical Education 1 credit• Health Education 0.5
credits• Computer Literacy 0.5
credits• Electives 4 credits
Course/Credit Requirements
Students must earn a minimum of 5 credits to move from grade 9 to grade 10• Grade 9 – minimum 6.5 credits • Grade 10 – minimum 6 credits• Grade 11 – minimum 6 credits• Grade 12 – minimum 5.5 creditsMost students graduate BMHS with more than 20 credits!
Grading ScaleGPA
A = 4.0A- = 3.7B+ = 3.3B = 3.0B- = 2.7C+ = 2.3C = 2.0C- = 1.7
Grading System
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70 – 79
9th Grade Counts!• College planning begins in 9th grade! • College admissions officers review the ENTIRE
transcript. Military and company recruiters will also request the student’s transcript.
• Freshman year comprises 1/3 of the college admissions decision. 1st quarter senior year grades are also included in the admissions decision.
• Grades and rigor of the academic program factor into the admissions decision. Honors and AP courses are the goal.
• Good grades equate to a strong GPA and class rank!
Clubs and Activities
• Build your college resume now! Join clubs and athletic programs.
• Contact Ms. Prescott or Stabach, Class Advisors, to learn about 9th grade specific activities.
• Participate in a Club Fair to learn about the various BMHS clubs.
• Start a club of your own!
Communication
• Visit the school’s website often, specifically the Guidance Department page (www.norwalkpublicschools.org).
• Post dates of interim and report card distribution and review with your student.
• Contact teachers directly via email or phone (email: last name first initial @norwalkps.org, phone: place a 1 in front of the room number).
• Contact your child’s counselor as needed.• Attend High School 101 meetings
throughout the year.
Ladder of Referral
If you have a question or concern regarding your child’s progress or well being within the school program, we encourage you to follow the Ladder of Referral!
• The Teacher (program, classroom policies, homework)
• The Counselor, Psychologist, or Social Worker (adjustment problems, academic problems, chronic attendance issues)
• The Housemaster (discipline)
• The Principal (policies and regulations)
Again, Welcome!
We look forward to working with you and your child to ensure a successful
and rewarding school year!