9th Grade Parent Night

Tonight’s Program

Two fold: Informational (here, for 30 minutes)

Meet the counselors (break out rooms for 30 minutes)

Madison High School Counseling Department

Director of Guidance: Brett Levine

Counselors: Nancy O’Brien, Phyllis Levy, Sarah Mazak and Brooke Mascia

Administrative Assistants: Carolyn White, Clare McAloon

Mission Statement

The mission of the Madison School District Counseling Department is to encourage and prepare all students  to be of upstanding character, perform at their highest academic level, and become responsible members of society.

What I am going to cover(posted on ppt)

School policies (attendance, grading, athletic eligibility)

Communication

Scheduling for next year

School’s philosophy on engagement

Testing

College planning timeline

Upcoming Guidance events (College Planning)

Summer plans

Misc/Closing thoughts

What the counselors are going to cover

Introduce themselves

How to get in touch with them

School Resources

Guidance contacts with 9th graders

How to get extra help

School Policies(Refer to handbook)

Attendance Possible loss of credit if you have 9 or 18 absences (1/2 year

or full year course respectively). Review attendance policy on line. We work with you.

School Policies

Grading In Handbook

Grading System: Weighted 4.3 scale

High Honor Roll/Honor Roll

National Honor Society

Pass/Fail

Report cards visible on parent portal

Athletic Eligibility/ NCAA

For Fall/Winter sports AE is based on previous year’s credits. (Earned 30 or more)

All freshmen are eligible for fall and winter.

For Spring, based on first semester (on pace to pass 30 credits for the year)

Rarely ever a problem

See me, personally, regarding NCAA eligibility

Communication

Honeywell (in summer packet)

Parent Portal

School wires e-mails (in summer packet)

Twitter/ Facebook (on MHS home page)

Guidance e-alerts.

Register on guidance web site. Guidance related news.

Scheduling for 10th Grade year

Course recommendation day (Early Feb)

Courses entered in the system (Mid Feb-Mid March)

Scheduling conferences (Late March)

Schedules developed (Spring)

Students receive schedules (Late May –Early June)

Notes on scheduling process

Concerns about schedules or course recommendations should be addressed early on in the process with the teacher.

Our goal is to find the right balance for students.

Override with caution.

AP courses, required to take and pay for the exam

Schedules are individually created.

Summer work

Engagement

There are a variety ways in which students can feel connected to the school and peers. This is a school where we want all students to be involved and recognized.

Testing

9th Grade Spring PARCC (When? Graduation Implications?)

10th Grade PSAT

Spring PARCC

College planning timeline

9th and 10th grade: Parents welcome to attend evening programs.

10th Grade: Students get log on info to family connections

10th Grade Parent Night

11th Grade (Winter) Formal beginning of process.

Some upcoming programs of interest.

Mon, Oct 27 Conversations with Counselors: Topic – Transition Tips for 9 th Grade Parents 5:00-6:30pm - Media Center

Tues, Dec 16 Conversations with Counselors: Topic – Understanding PSAT Results and Next Steps 5:00-6:30pm – Media Center

Thurs, Jan 8 Financial Aid Night 7:00-9:00pm – Auditorium

Weds, Feb 18 Conversations with Counselors: Topic – College Admissions for First Timers 5:00-6:30pm – Media Center

Mon, Mar 16 Conversations with Counselors: Topic – Understanding Family Connection 5:00-6:30pm – Media Center

Mon, April 13 Conversations with Counselors: Topic – Topics in Selective College Admissions 7:00-8:30pm – Media Center

(Welcome to attend any other evening programs)

Summer

Summer enrichment programs=college acceptances=myth (some exceptions)

Summer assignments..know them…being reviewed.

If you are doing any sort of summer school for credit or advancement, check with us first. Must have permission

Closing(miscellaneous)thoughts

Announcements on web site

Digital footprint

Selective service at age 18

Keep us in the loop

Where do I go?

Last Name Counselor Room

 

A – Dig Ms. Nancy O’Brien Cafeteria

 

Dil – Jai Mrs. Phyllis Levy Auditorium

 

Jar – Kra Mr. Brett Levine B-13

 

Laf – Qui Ms. Sarah Mazak G-53

 

Rals – Zz Ms. Brooke Mascia Media Center