Information Night for Parents of Rising Freshmen

Briar Woods Guidance Department

Dave Royhab, Director

Agenda

Graduation & SOL Requirements

Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Process

Course Options for Rising 9th Grade Students

Diplomas

Standard Diploma

Advanced Studies Diploma

Standard Diploma

Academic Areas Credits SOL Verified Credits

English 4 2

Social Studies 3 1

Mathematics 3 1

Science 3 1

Foreign Language 0 0

Health/Physical Education 2 0

Fine or Practical Art 1 0

Electives 6 0

Student Selected Verified Credit 0 1

Total 22 6

Advanced Studies Diploma

Academic Areas Credits SOL Verified Credits

English 4 2

Social Studies 4 2

Mathematics 4 2

Science 4 2

Foreign Language 3 or 4 0

Health/Physical Education 2 0

Fine or Practical Art 1 0

Electives 1 or 2 0

Student Selected Verified Credit 0 1

Total 24 9

SOL Courses

Reading (Eng. 11) Earth Science

Writing (Eng. 11) Biology

Chemistry

Algebra 1 World History 1

Geometry World History 2

Algebra 2 US History

Scheduling Process

BWHS counselors will be visiting the middle schools this week:

February 10 & 11: Stone Hill

February 11 & 12: Eagle Ridge

Scheduling Process

Students will receive the 2009-2010 Program of Studies & course selection information

Counselors will review: Transitioning to high school Graduation requirements The high school schedule Advanced Placement courses Activities & sports Classes for next year

Scheduling Process

English Social Studies Science Math Health & Physical Education

Elective Elective

Scheduling Process

There is a different process for scheduling at each middle school

The end result is the same: Students and parents will select their courses with the input and assistance of their counselors and teachers

Scheduling Process at Stone Hill BWHS counselors will review course options

with students Students will meet with SHMS counselors

SHMS counselors will present students with their core course recommendations

SHMS counselors will help students pick their electives

Students will bring home a print-out of these courses for your final approval

Scheduling Process at Eagle Ridge BWHS counselors will review course options

with students and help students pick their electives

On 2/18/09 ERMS counselors will mail home a course selection form for your final approval. The form will include core course recommendations and elective choices

Please sign the form and send it in with your child

Scheduling Process

If you would like to change your child’s selections, you should write a note and have your child return it with the form

If you disagree or do not understand why a level was recommended – please consider contacting your middle school counselor or teacher

Changes can be made until June 30, 2009

Scheduling Process

After June 30th schedule changes may not be possible

After school begins, students who receive the elective selections they requested will not be permitted to make changes

Course Levels

Honors and Pre-Advanced Placement

Course content is rapidly paced with additional depth. Lessons are often designed to be complex, abstract, and open-ended.

Course Levels

Academic

Course content and expected student performance require additional reading and writing at a rigorous level.

Academic is a “college-bound” level.

Course Levels

General

Course content and student performance are commensurate with the student’s grade level.

Basic

Course content may be adapted to the performance level of students with special needs.

Freshman Science

Earth Science Honors Academic General/Basic

Biology Honors

“Lesson in Balance”

Challenge the student vs. Overloading the student

Finding balance in the students course load

“Lesson in Balance”

Take the most challenging classes you can handle.

“Lesson in Balance”

Take the most challenging classes you can reasonably handle.

“Lesson in Balance”

How much time do you have available to study and do homework? Do you play sports? Are you involved in activities?

What does your track-record indicate?

How committed and disciplined are you?

“Lesson in Balance”

Think long-term:

It’s easier to improve your schedule each year by taking more challenging classes…

than it is to improve a damaged GPA!

“Lesson in Balance”

Don’t forget to consider the student’s interests when determining his/her

course load.

Review

Graduation & SOL Requirements

Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Process

Course Options for Rising 9th Grade Students