Ninth Grade Parent Meeting

Hershey High School

Welcome/IntroductionsHershey High School Counselors

The School Counselor’s Role

• We will work with each student to plan an appropriate educational program aligned with postsecondary goals.

• We will connect with students through classroom activities and individual meetings.

• We will engage students by supporting them in their academic, personal/social, or post-secondary education and career planning.

• Our goals are to help students realize their greatest potential and experience success in high school while also preparing for future endeavors.

Counseling Activities

● Individual Planning/Meetings● Individual Counseling● Classroom Presentations

○ Scavenger hunt○ Officer Kepple

● Collaboration with Teachers

Introduction to Naviance Student

What is Naviance Student?● A comprehensive, college and career readiness platform

that enables self-discovery, career exploration, academic planning, and college preparation

● Students will have an account starting in 9th grade and ending upon graduation.

● Parents have accounts as well - if interested please email your child’s counselor for access

Naviance Student

Naviance Student

Transition to High School

Difference Between MS & HS• Time/Task Management• Organization• Study Strategies• No retakes• More freedom = More responsibility

Characteristics of a Successful Learner

• Self-motivated and committed to lifelong education

• Disciplined enough to stay on task

• Demonstrates ability to ask for help when needed

• Willing to try new things

• Able to take responsibility for own learning

• Ability to manage time

Credit Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Grading

• Home Access Center

• Teacher turnaround time

• Final Averages

• Year-long course: Each MP is 2/9 of the final grade

• Semester course: Each MP is 4/9 of the final grade

• Final exams: 1/9 of the final grade

• AP classes are weighted at 1.05

• Contact the teacher if you have specific questions or concerns

regarding your student’s academic progress

TranscriptOfficial Record of High School Work

• Transcript begins in 9th grade• Cumulative throughout 12th grade• Included on the Transcript:

• Demographic Information• All courses, final averages, credit earned• GPA• Keystone Scores• Attendance

“How to” Guide Your Freshman

● Monitor academic progress● Home Access Center (HAC)

● Canvas● Encourage your student to do his/her best● Contact teachers with specific questions● Encourage development of a 4-year plan● Help your student choose meaningful summer activities

ExtracurricularActivities

• Athletics• Music• Musical/Drama• Clubs/Organizations• Community Service• Classroom Assistant• And more!

See HHS website for a list of all extracurricular activities!

A Look Ahead –Testing Timeline

Keystone Exams• Spring 2020• Count for the class of 2017 and beyond

PSAT• Grades 10 & 11 (October)SAT• Grades 11 & 12 (August, October, December, March,

June)ACT• Grades 11 & 12 (non-HHS sites)

A Look Ahead –Post-Secondary Options

• Helping students understand the relationship between academics and their future goals!

• Post-Secondary Options• Four-year colleges and universities• Two-year community colleges or junior colleges• Business schools• Technical schools• Military• Employment

A Look Ahead - What Colleges Are Looking For

▪ A rigorous high school curriculum ▪ Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend.

▪ However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all As in less challenging coursework.

▪ Passionate involvement in a few activities▪ Demonstrating leadership and initiative.

▪ Out of school experiences▪ Work, community service, etc. ▪ Experiences that illustrate responsibility, dedication, and development

of areas of interest.▪ An understanding of standardized tests.

▪ SAT▪ ACT▪ Test Optional

A Look Ahead - College Athletics

◼ To be eligible to play a Division I or II sport at the college level, a student must meet the NCAA eligibility requirements.

◼ The eligibility requirements can be found on the NCAA Eligibility Center website : http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.jsp

◼ It’s important to review the requirements now to ensure that a student is taking the necessary courses within the stated timeline.

Resources For Students & Parents

• Teachers• School Counselor• School Nurse• Social Worker• School Resource Officer• Mental Health &

Intervention Specialist• Hershey Intervention &

Prevention• Home Access Center

• Naviance Student• SmartFutures• School Counseling Website

NEW!! Schoolshelf - online library of booklets & brochures

www.schoolshelf.com/981043-hershey

• NHS Tutors• Contact us for more

resources!

How to keep up with what’s happening

❑ Morning Bulletins – high school webpage: ❑ Quick Links – Morning Announcements

❑ eCalendar for high school events❑ District website: Upcoming Events❑ Counselor Newsletter

❑ Fall, Winter, Spring

Smart Futures

K-12 career exploration program SmartFuturesEvery student will have an account username: email password: student ID number

Hershey High School Counseling Office

Contact Information