Helen RenAllina Macias

Scott MorrisonMegan Landeros

Angelica Hernandez

Academic PerformanceWhat are some tips for earning high grades?

Ask your teacher for help. NEVER procrastinate (if you do, suffer the consequences

i.e. sleepless nights and stressful days)Keep a balanced life and stay motivated. Remember that even small homework assignments can

add up to impact your grades. Complete every assignment and try your hardest!

What is Renaissance? Renaissance is like an academic GPA-based honor roll

with four levels: Platinum (4.0+), Gold (3.5-4.0), Silver, (3.0-3.5), and Red (.5 improvement)

Renaissance provides cool events—like surprise fieldtrips to Skating Plus—as well as incentives such as Renaissance cards, candy, shirts, etc.

Academic PerformanceHow seriously should I take my academic

performance?Balance your life with the three-S triangle: sleep,

social life, and studying. Don’t procrastinate! Remember that colleges

look at ALL four years of your high school career.

Is late homework accepted?Different teachers have different policies.Earning a Renaissance card may give you the

opportunity to turn in homework late.Always talk to your teacher first.

Class Choices & SportsShould I take honors and AP classes?

If you want the challenge, take them. They are great classes and have amazing learning

environments. Remember they boost your GPA as well as look great

on your college application!

Should I take sports?Sports are an opportunity for you to commit time to

your favorite sport as well as meet and interact with new people.

Make sure, though, to balance sports with your academic life.

Information on CollegeWhat should I do about college at this point?

Try your best in school. Work for those grades. Keep up an impressive GPA and you’ll reap the benefits: Renaissance, as well as, an impressive college transcript.

Think about what interests you but don’t worry too much, you have plenty of time to get a taste of the career options.

Keep a cloudy plan of when you’ll need to take various standardized tests i.e. the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, PSAT, PLAN, etc.

Keep in perspective that high school isn’t all about academics—although EXTREMELY important. Have fun and keep a balanced life.

What can I do during the summer? Become involved in volunteer opportunities, posted in the Media

Center. Take some classes at VC. Ask your counselor about how to sign up. Or simply relax. Remember, colleges will ask you how you spent your summers.

ClubsDoes Foothill have any clubs?

Foothill Tech HS hosts plenty of clubs to suit a variety of interests.

A list of clubs are usually posted on the doors of classrooms.

Listen to 3rd period announcements and read the bulletin online for club meeting times.

Go to Club Rush to get a taste of the unique clubs at FTHS.

Involvement in clubs shows a lot about a well-rounded personality to admissions officers

Community ServiceWhat should I do about community service?

Don’t procrastinate!! Sign up for one type of community service that

interests you or try a variety.You can volunteer at places like the hospital, the

zoo during summers, schools, etc. Volunteering for even 2 hours a week can add

up to hundreds of hours by your senior yearYou MUST remain with a certain interest for at

least 2 yrs.

SocialWorry about your academic performance, but

balance the three-S triangle: study, sleep, and social life.

Learn to balance the three-S triangle and you’ll have an amazing and memorable high school experience

Do not take your high school career lightly, but try to have fun. Stress can be relieved with relaxation and spending time with friends.

Where to Get HelpWhere can I get information about jobs,

test prep, volunteer service, scholarships, etc?Utilize the Media Center! It is a great source of informationCounselors, teachers, and the FTHS staff are

extremely helpful and knowledgeableDon’t forget about the internet! Sites such as:

Fastweb.com, collegeboard.com and others. Mrs. Kapala in the Media Center is a whiz!

Tips & HintsDo you have any tips for staying organized?

Use your agenda (a good habit to get used to). Even if there are no homework assignments, write “none”. It helps to highlight or cross out the assignments that you have completed.

Keep up with organizing your binder and putting everything in a logicalorder.

Are there any stupid questions? No, never. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; you never know, perhaps someone

else has the same question but is too afraid to ask.What are some other tips for surviving at FTHS?

Make friends. Don’t be afraid to socialize. Stay on the teacher’s good side. Or experience the consequences. Set a good impression. Respect everyone! The staff and faculty, along with the FIRE Crew are here to help

you, not intimidate you. Have fun! Enjoy high school!