Junior Guidance

Class of 2013

Carroll Senior High School

Fall 2011

Meet Your Counselor

Counselor Alpha Team

Annie Tam A-Cap Dragons

Tracey Flores Car-Fo Carroll

Lindsey Browning Fr-Ji Dragons

Sherry McCoy Jj-Ma Dragons

Tammy Pulse Mb-Pos Dragons

Keri Bettencourt Pot-Stol Carroll

Tammy Grasmick Stom-Z Carroll

Dr. Becci Rollins CMA

Team Carroll: “A” CSHS/ “B” CHSTeam Dragons: “A” CHS/ “B” CSHS

Sexual Harassment• Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome verbal or physical contact that makes you feel uncomfortable.• No one has the right to make you feel uncomfortable. Sexual harassment may involve teacher to student, student to student, or student to teacher or other adult.• Be aware of your conversations (Facebook, texts)• Any student or teacher who believes he/she has experienced harassment should report the problem, IMMEDIATELY, to a teacher/counselor/ administrator/parent.

• Sexual harassment is against the law.

Diversity/Respect for others

• Prejudice: an opinion about a person or group of people formed without knowledge, or with limited knowledge.

• Stereotype: a general viewpoint about a group of people.

• Be aware of your comments. What one person considers appropriate may be offensive to another person. Be able to self-evaluate.

• Help create an environment that is comfortable and supportive. Work together to bring out the best in others. Don’t put other people down.

Be Safe

DO NOT TEXT & DRIVE

Power of One

• Look for the best in others (eliminate prejudice)

• Dare to Dream: Make goals, keep a journal

• Kind words and actions go a long way

• Start a Chain Reaction: Share a smile or say “hello” to a peer you don’t know. Greet new students. Invite someone to eat lunch with you.

• Choose Positive Influences: You have a choice everyday.

• Please join the Power of One Club

How to see your counselor

The Guidance Office hours are 7:45-3:45

Ways to see your counselor:

1. Stop by our office our office to see if we are available.

2. If we are unavailable, fill out a Request to See Counselor

3. EMAIL – we are super fast in responding!

Transcripts

Transcripts will show the following:• Completed Courses• Summer School Courses• Correspondence Courses/Credit By Exams• GPA• Graduation Plan

What is a transcript?A transcript shows all courses a student has taken for high school credit. All grades, including grades below 70, will be recorded.

Requesting a Transcript

All transcripts must be requested.

Transcript request forms are located in the Guidance Office and on the website at:http://www.southlakecarroll.edu/CSHS08/Files/transcript%20alternate%20request.pdf

Allow two weeks for processing

Cost:Official Transcripts are $5.00Unofficial Transcripts are $2.00**All post high school institutions require one official transcript.

Credits and Graduation Plans

26 credits required for graduation

Recommended PlanDistinguished Achievement Plan

All sections of the TAKS must be passed

Grades

Credits are awarded on a semester-by-semester basis. Students earn ½ credit per semester. If a student fails the first semester of a full year course and passes the second semester, the two semester grades will be averaged to determine whether the student has earned a passing grade for the year.

Example:Semester 1: 68 Semester 2: 98Average: 83

Student will earn a full credit for the course

Grades

If a student passes the first semester of a full year course, but fails the second semester, the second semester grade will NOT be averaged, and the student must repeat the second semester of the course.

Example:Semester 1: 98 Semester 2: 68

In the above grading scenario, a student would NOT receive a full year credit. This could adversely affect a student’s promotion to the next grade.

Success Scholar

• Third year of same Foreign Language• A 70 or higher average in every course taken• 100 hours of Community Service

Success Scholar distinction requires you successfullycomplete all of the Recommended Plan requirements plus:

Community Service cards are located in the Guidance Office. Hours are approved approximately once a month. All totals are dated, on a bulletin board, outside of the Nurse’s Clinic.

Graduation Plans Recommended Distinguished***

English 4.0 4.0Mathematics 4.0* 4.0*Science 4.0 4.0Social Studies 4.0 4.0Speech 0.5 0.5Health 0.5 0.5Fine Arts 1.0 1.0P.E. 1.0 1.0Technology 1.0 1.0 World Language 2.0 3.0**Additional Electives 3.5 2.5Total Credits 26 26

*It is highly recommended that you take math during each year of high school – colleges want to see this!

**2 world language credits are required for the State Recommended Plan. We recommend that you take at least 3 credits of world language, if possible.

***The Distinguished Plan requires 4 advanced measures plus 3 credits of W.L..

Campus ChatsWhat are campus chats? Campus chats consist of college representatives from around the United States visiting CSHS during the school day. Students have the opportunity to introduce themselves to college recruiters, hear valuable information about the specific school and ask lots of questions.

Some of the schools who will be visiting CSHS over the next 6 weeks:

Texas A&M, OU, Washington University - St. Louis,MIT, Austin College, University of Missouri, TCU, Trinity University

http://www.southlakecarroll.edu/carrollsrhigh_guidance-general.aspx#eight

College Visits

Juniors are allowed one day of college visitation per semester. Prior to visiting the college, the student must inform the Attendance Office and pick up an Official College Visit Form.

See your Attendance Officer, Mrs. Lochrie if you have any questions regarding your attendance and/or official college visits.

College Fair

November 2, 20116:00 – 8:00 p.m.

CSHS SACMeet College Representatives

Attend a Financial Aid Workshop

Write your name, address, and email address on white labels – instead of filling out a card at each school you are interested, place a label on their

information card. This often constitutes a “contact” or “visit” and could help during admissions.

Military Opportunities

Process for military academy appointments, ideally, should begin in the junior year.

If you are interested see your counselor immediately.

If you are interested in ROTC programs or other

enlistment opportunities, see your counselor.

PSAT

October 12, 2011

Test begins at 8:00 a.m. You will be assigned to a specific testing room at CSHS. Room numbers will be posted in the Library windows.

1. Fill out and return a Registration Form Forms were in the First Day Packets or they can be picked up in the Guidance Office.

2. Attach a $20.00 check to your Registration Form The check needs to be made out to CSHS and returned to the Guidance Office.

PSAT

What to bring to the test:

• Photo ID

• Two #2 Pencils

• Calculator (four-function, scientific or graphing)

Do NOT Bring Cell PhonesCell phones are NOT allowed in the testing room and it will be your responsibility to find a secure location during the test.

PSAT Sections

The PSAT has five sections:

• Critical Reading: 2 sections

• Math: 2 sections

• Writing Skills: 1 section

Each section is timed. The total time allotment is2 hours and 10 minutes for the five sections.

In order to have your test booklet returned to you, write the following on the front cover:Last Name/First NameEnglish Teacher/English Class Period

PSAT Critical Reading

Two 25 minute Critical Reading sections

There are a total of 48 questions, including sentence completion and passage-based reading.

Sentence Completion:This type of questions measure your knowledge of word meanings and the ability to understand how parts of sentences fit together logically.

Passage-based Reading:This type of question measures the ability to read, understand and interpret reading passages. Passages will range in length from 100-850 words. Some questions will be based on a pair of passages on a shared theme or issue.

PSAT Math

Two 25 minute Math sections

There are a total of 38 questions, including multiple choice and student-produced responses (grid-ins).

PSAT Writing

One 25 minute Writing Section

There are a total of 39 questions, including identifying sentence errors, improving sentences and improving paragraphs. All questions are multiple choice.

Scoring

• Each correct answer receives 1 point.

• A question that is not answered (left blank) receives no points.

• Incorrect answers, to a multiple-choice question, lose ¼ of a point. Incorrect answers,

to a student-produced question, do not lose ¼ of a point.

• It is better to leave an answer blank and lose NO points than to randomly guess.

Guessing

Educated Guessing:

means guessing an answer whenever you are able to eliminate two or more of the choices as definitely wrong. Educated guess may help your score.

Random Guessing:

means a student has no idea which answer choice is correct. Do not waste time on this type of question. Go on to the next question. Random guessing is likely to produce a lower score.

PSAT Score Reports

Score Reports will arrive in December.

Students will receive a Score Report Plus that shows performance on each skill tested. Students will receive access for the online tool, My College QuickStart ™ with more personalized improvement advice and practice questions

Remember: Place your English Teacher’s information on your test booklet so you can use it when reviewing your scores.

National Merit Semifinalists

Established in 1955, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that • aims to identify and honor academically talented U.S. high school students; • to stimulate increased support for their education; and • to provide efficient and effective scholarship program management for organizations that wish to sponsor college undergraduate scholarships.

Juniors who fall in the top ½ of 1% become finalists.

Each student is assigned a selection index; it is the sum of your math, critical reasoning and writing scores.

The selection index changes per year.

This prestigious status provides numerous scholarship possibilities.

SAT and ACT

We recommend students take the SAT and/or ACT during the spring of their junior year.

SAT Registration:www.collegeboard.org

ACT Registration:www.act.org

SAT Subject TestsSubject Tests are hour-long, content-based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas where you excel. These are the only national admission tests where you choose the tests that best showcase your achievements and interests. There are 20 SAT Subject Tests available.

SAT Subject Tests allow you to differentiate yourself in the college admission process or send a strong message regarding your readiness to study specific majors or programs in college.

SAT Subject Tests should be taken as close as possible to the time when you complete the course that corresponds to the test.

Testing Timeline

PSAT: October 12, 2011

Exit Level TAKS: Spring 2012

SAT: Spring 2012

ACT: Spring 2012

AP Exams: May 2012

Summer/Fall 2012: Student may use this time to retake the SAT or ACT.

Planning Ahead

• A student’s GPA is one of the determining factors when colleges review applications. The junior year is extremely important.

• Colleges looks for challenging curriculum. They want students to take the most challenging courses in which they can be successful.

• Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend.

• Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT/ACT)

• Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative.

College Admissions

• In addition to the previous listed items, colleges appreciate community service activities. A student’s activity should demonstrate concern for other people and a global view.

• Work or out-of-school experiences that illustrate responsibility, dedication, and development of areas of interest.

• A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality, values and goals.

• Letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors that provide evidence of integrity, special skills and positive character traits.

College Admissions

• Supplemental recommendations by adults who have had significant direct contact with the student.

• Anything unique that makes the student stand out from the pool of applicants.

• Overall, colleges are seeking students who will be active, contributing members of the student body at their school.

Naviance

http://connection.naviance.com/carroll

Each student received a username and password, from their CHS Counselor (last Spring), and should login for the following:

1. ACT and SAT Practice2. College search3. Career Interest Inventories

If you have misplaced your username or password, email your current counselor.

Making the Junior Year Strong

• Review your schedule and ensure you are taking the strongest courses in which you can be successful.

• It is a myth that the senior year is easy. Colleges want to see the strongest possible senior year.

• Continue meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities and clubs.

• Continue participating in Community Service activities.

• Begin developing your resume. Colleges will expect

a resume to be attached to your admission application.

Important Website

1. This presentation is located on the Guidance Page.

2. Junior Newsletter

3. Campus Chats: College visits to CSHS. This site provides the dates and times.

4. AP Test Registration

Carroll Senior High Guidance Websitehttp://www.southlakecarroll.edu/carrollsrhigh_guidance-general.aspx

You will find the following (plus much more):

Informative Websites

http://connection.naviance.com/carroll

www.fastweb.com

www.collegeboard.com

www.act.org

www.princetonreview.com

www.kaplan.com

www.essayedge.com

What’s next?

1. Research! Look for post high school opportunities that match your interests/goals. Consider a college visit.

2. Continue to study hard! Junior year grades are crucial for college admissions

3. Schedule an appointment with your counselor to answer any questions or for more help.

We look forward to working with you!

Dr. Becci Rollinsrebecca.rollins@southlakecarroll.edu

Annie Tam annie.tam@southlakecarroll.edu

Tracey Florestracey.flores@southlakecarroll.edu

Lindsey Browninglindsey.browning@southlakecarroll.edu

Sherry McCoysherry.mccoy@southlakecarroll.edu

Tammy Pulsetammy.pulse@southlakecarroll.edu

Keri Bettencourt keri.bettencourt@southlakecarroll.edu

Tammy Grasmick tammy.grasmick@southlakecarroll.edu

Guidance OfficeMain: (817) 949-5813Fax: (817) 949-5959