1	Welcome to 8^th Grade Parent Night! Academics: Planning the Next Four Years
2	Course Selection Book 2008-2009 The new course selection book will be given to students during middle school orientations. March 14 – HWMS March 14 – Three Fires If it has been misplaced you could…. Go online www.howellschools.com Click on Our Schools, Freshman Campus, Guidance Office, Course Selection Book. Use a reference copy in the guidance office or in the media center. The Course Selection Video can be viewed on the guidance webpage as well.
3	The Course Selection Book Has Helpful Info… Course descriptions Information on prerequisites Graduation requirements Testing-out procedures Dual Enrollment Career Pathways / 4-year plan (EDP) Co-op Out of District classes Co-Curricular Activities And much, much, more!
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5	Graduation Requirements English 4 Credits (8 semesters) World History 1 Credit (2 semesters) U. S. History 1 Credit (2 semesters) Government ½ Credit (1 semester) Economics ½ Credit (1 semester) Math 4 Credits (8 semesters) Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Additional Math or Math Related Credit Science 3 Credits (6 semesters) Biology, Chemistry or Physics, Additional Science Credit Health ½ Credit (1 semester) PE ½ Credit (1 semester) Visual, Performing, Applied Arts 1 credit (2 semesters) Online Learning Experience (Total = 16 required) Plus 6.0 Credits (12 semesters) Electives Total for Graduation = minimum of 22 credits
6	Students Must Also Take the MME (Michigan Merit Exam) to Graduate The MME is the state assessment administered in March of a student’s junior year. The MME consists of three major components: The ACT college entrance exam Work Keys job skills assessments in reading and math Michigan assessments in math, science, social studies, and persuasive writing. The combined MME assessment measures student learning in the Michigan high school standards, benchmarks, and core content expectations.
7	Eligibility for Personal Curriculum A personal curriculum may be appropriate for a student who has demonstrated one or more of the following: Ability to succeed in accelerated or advanced math, science, English language arts, or world languages Desire to complete math requirements, including the first half credit of Algebra II, through CTE or other programs Eligibility for special education services and a documented need to make modifications determined to be necessary because of the student’s disability Lack of progress on the MMC despite documented interventions, supports, and accommodations for a student with an IEP Ability in a specific skill area consistent with a career pathway and/or a post-secondary goal or plan as determined by the EDP that requires additional or specialized instruction when there are limitations in time available for elective opportunities Transferring from out of state or from a nonpublic school after successful completion of the equivalent of two years of high school credit
8	Curriculum Howell High School
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10	Math Algebra Geometry Algebra II Functions Statistics and Trig. or Trig. & Stats. Pre-Calculus and Discrete Math AP Statistics or AP Calculus Additional Math Classes Foundations of Algebra Consumer Math Foundations of Wealth
11	English
12	Social Studies
13	AP Classes Available at Howell High School AP English AP European History AP U.S. History AP Government AP German AP Calculus AP Statistics AP Biology AP Physics B AP Physics C AP Chemistry AP Computer Science
14	FOUR-YEAR PLAN Component of Educational Development Plan (EDP)
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16	Testing Out High School credit may be earned in any course offered by the school by testing out. This applies to all HHS courses (except Government or those courses lower in sequence of those already passed). Student must attain a 77% or above on the semester exam Pick up the Testing Out application beginning March 10, 2008, complete and return to the Guidance Office by March 18, 2008. There is a $25 deposit (personal check) that will be required, per course, when materials are picked up during the week of March 25-28 at Parker Campus. Test-out dates: June 12^th & 13th 2008
17	Career Pathways A career pathway is a plan determined by a student’s interests and abilities that ensures that what he/she learns in school connects to his/her long term goals. Encourage your son/daughter to choose classes that support his/her career pathway.
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20	Freshman Focus To help students gain a greater understanding of who they are and how they learn Learn strategies to improve school performance Learn critical thinking skills Develop skills necessary for post-secondary education
21	"Includes" Includes: Winning Futures (Mentoring Program) Learning style inventories Organizational skills Study skills Test-taking skills Problem solving skills Communication skills Goal setting Career exploration Portfolio Development Homeless project
22	Scheduling Students will meet with a guidance counselor next week to select classes for next year. Students select a total of 6 credits and 2 alternate classes.
23	Thank You!
24	Welcome to 8^th Grade Parent Night! Getting the Most Out of High School
25	The Key to Success in High School… Study Skills
26	Understanding the Difference Between Homework and Studying Homework – completing an assignment Studying – outlining a science chapter, rewriting notes, or making flashcards.
27	Study Guideline Students should be spending a minimum of 20 minutes on homework / study time per academic subject each day (5 days a week). 5 academic subjects = 1 hr. 40 min. of study time daily (average)
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30	How Do Students Learn Best? Visual Learner – learns best from videos, TV, pictures, reading, and demonstrations. When studying, a “visual learner” may find it helpful to: Take notes Use flash cards, charts, and diagrams Form pictures in his/her mind Make use of color in notes Outline and read the textbook
31	"Auditory Learner – learns best..." Auditory Learner – learns best from lectures, discussions, TV, videos, and music. When studying, an “auditory learner” may find it helpful to: Read aloud Have discussions Listen to tapes Review information out loud Use memory tricks involving rhythm and rhyme
32	"Kinesthetic Learner – learns best..." Kinesthetic Learner – learns best from role-playing, labs, and hands-on activities. When studying, a “kinesthetic learner” should: Try moving around while studying Use tools and objects whenever possible Write or type notes Role play ideas and concepts
33	When Reading Assignments, Encourage Your Son/Daughter To… Read summary or chapter review first Read chapter questions Skim chapter – topics to be discussed Read notes in margins Read captions for pictures / graphs Read entire chapter Answer chapter questions Write his/her own chapter summary or outline
34	On Taking Notes In Class… Write key points (i.e. names, dates, terms) Write information teacher repeats or emphasizes Copy what teacher writes on board or overheads Rewrite notes Write questions on material
35	On Studying for Tests… Prepared students perform better Cramming for tests is never best! Review notes, highlight important points Create flash cards (review frequently) Review quizzes and homework from same unit look up correct answers to missed questions Read chapter summaries Take notes and make outline from reading Study with a buddy! Quiz your student
36	If Your Student is Not Successful in Class Require use of a planner Make arrangements to meet with teacher(s) before or after school Communicate with teachers via email Check Webgrader frequently Expect that your student make up missed assignments even if credit cannot be earned for the assignments Monitor student’s attendance record
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40	Resources Academic Assistance Catch-up Cafe’ After school help from teachers On-line tutoring through www.howelllibrary.org Resource Books Organization & Management Planners Three-ring binders / folders Career Cruising & EDP’s Use a balanced approach to academic and extra-curricular Student Issues & Concerns Parents Teachers Guidance counselor Peer Mediation Safety Team (hall monitors & security officers) Assistant Principal/Principal Information Daily Announcements Media Center School web page @ www.howellschools.com Teachers
41	It is important to get involved in high school, balancing academics and extra-curricular activities. The following are great ways to be involved! Aerospace Consortium Chess Team Success Yearbook Choir Marching Band Poms Flags Freshman Class (i.e. float building) Student Council Caring & Sharing Club National Honor Society Youth Assets Coalition Environmental Club Youth & Government Drama Main 4 Quiz Bowl Destination Imagination Debate Science Olympiad Diversity Interact Engineering/Robotics SADD Mock Trial Team Teen Jury Program Model United Nations We the People
42	Thank You!
43	Welcome to 8^th Grade Parent Night! Testing
44	Testing Sequence 11^th Grade: PSAT – counts toward National Merit Scholarships ACT – ($28/42) counts for college admissions SAT – ($41.50) counts for college admissions MME/ACT required for graduation and to receive state money for college 9^th Grade: PSAT – practice ($15) PLAN – practice ($15) MEAP – Social Studies 10^th Grade: PSAT - practice PLAN – pre-ACT
45	PSAT Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test 9^th and 10^th grade students are strongly encouraged to take the PSAT 11^th grade students compete for scholarships through PSAT test score Administered 3^rd Saturday of October Cost = $15 Students register in Guidance Office Counselors review scores with students
46	PLAN Test Practice ACT Excellent predictor of ACT scores PLAN is designed for 10^th grade students Freshman encouraged to take for practice on standardized test Cost = $15 Students register in Guidance Office Counselors review scores with students
47	ACT or SAT? National Testing Companies Test scores are part of the college application process 90-95% of colleges, nationwide, accept the ACT Most colleges accept either test score Which test is required? Check resources in Guidance Office Scores are listed on high school transcript ACT website: www.act.org SAT website: www.collegeboard.com
48	Can a student take the ACT more than once? YES! Statistics show scores rise 1-4 points Future classes may be required to take writing portion; check requirements for specific college ACT Registration includes: completed ACT packet from Guidance Office, pay fees and mail to ACT. Online registration available, too, at www.actstudent.org
49	Preparation for National Tests ACT & SAT KAPLAN Test Prep Practice tests available for both tests MSU, U of M and other colleges offer ACT and SAT prep workshops CD-ROM from ACT – “ACTive Prep” Private Test Prep Companies Practice books available at bookstores
50	Dual Enrollment (Taking college level classes while enrolled in high school) HHS students are able to take college level courses while attending high school. Courses taken at accredited institutions can count for high school credit, college credit, or both. Students must take either the PSAT, PLAN, or ACT test and achieve a minimum passing score to be eligible for dual enrollment.
51	Qualifying Scores for Dual Enrollment PLAN Test (or ACT) – Minimum Scores Required Mathematics 18 Reading 17 Science 19 English 21 PSAT Test – Minimum Scores Required Reading 44 Writing 49 Mathematics 45
52	Michigan Promise Scholarship Currently, up to $4000 from the State of Michigan if student meets all eligibility requirements. Up to $1000 first year (w/ qualifying MME scores) Up to $1000 second consecutive year (w/ qualifying MME scores) Balance of scholarship (up to $4,000) after an associates degree, 2 year certificate of completion in a vocational training program, comparable vocational education program or 50% or more of the academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree at approved institution within four years of initial enrollment. Students who do not achieve qualifying scores on the MME test will still receive up to a $4,000 scholarship if they meet all program requirements. Must maintain 2.5 GPA (college) Must take the MME/ACT and attain a qualifying score.
53	Athletics & Co-Curricular At HHS
54	Athletics and Co-Curricular Eligibility 1. Must maintain a 2.0 GPA Student must have earned this 2.0 GPA in the quarter or semester immediately preceding the beginning of the sport or activity. GPA must be maintained throughout the period of continuous involvement in the co-curricular program. 2. Must have passed five out of six classes in the quarter or semester (or six of seven) immediately preceding the beginning of the sport or activity. The student must continue to pass five (or more) classes through the period of continuous involvement in the co-curricular program.
55	NCAA Freshman Eligibility Standards Division II (2005 & after) 14 Core Courses: 3 yrs. English 2 yrs Math (Alg. 1 or higher) 2 yrs. Natural/Physical sci. (1 yr. lab if offered) 2 yr. additional English, Math or Natural/Physical sci. 2 yrs. Social Science 3 yrs. additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy) Division I (2008 & after) 16-Core Courses: 4 yrs. English 3 yrs Math (Alg. 1 or higher) 2 yrs. Natural/Physical sci. (1 yr. lab if offered) 1 yr. additional English, Math or Natural/Physical sci. 2 yrs. Social Science 4 yrs. additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy)
56	Division I Core GPA/ Text-Score Sliding Scale
57	For More Information www.ncaa.org or 1-317-917-6222 www.ncaaclearinghouse.net Or 1-877-262-1492
58	"A PHYSICAL MUST BE COMPLETED..." A PHYSICAL MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO TRY-OUTS FOR ANY TEAM THE PHYSICAL MUST BE DATED APRIL 15 OR LATER A PHYSICAL IS REQUIRED ANNUALLY ATHLETIC OFFICE HOURS DAILY 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM SUMMER HOURS TUESDAY/THURSDAY 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM 2.0 GRADE POINT AVERAGE PASSING 5 OUT OF 6 CLASSES IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE ON AN ATHLETIC TEAM Athletic Director: Dan Hutcheson 517 540-8335
59	FALL SPORTS Cross Country (B/G) Equestrian** (B/G) Football Golf (G) Soccer* (B) Swimming (G) Tennis (B) Volleyball* Cheerleading Poms Strength Training
60	WINTER SPORTS Basketball* (B/G) Bowling (B/G) Cheerleading Competitive Cheer Poms Gymnastics Hockey* Inline Hockey Skiing Swimming (B) Wrestling Strength Training
61	SPRING SPORTS Baseball* (B) Golf* (B) Inline Hockey Lacrosse (B) Soccer* (G) Softball* (G –V) Softball* (G – JV) Tennis (G) Track (B/G) Strength Training
62	Thank You!