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Hillcrest High School“where your tomorrow begins today…”

Freshman Orientation

September 2009

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You are entering high school today but…ENVISIONentering college in 4 years…what will it take?

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ENVISION

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“COLLEGE?”“An education after High School that

provides a student with a degree or certification from an accredited

educational institution and prepares the student for a profession or career.”

What do we mean by

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Last Year at Hillcrest… 98% of our graduates were

accepted to college… 85% were accepted to 4 year

colleges and universities… 15% were accepted to 2 year

colleges… Nearly 15 million dollars were

offered in scholarships

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But were they ready for the challenges of college?Will you be ready in four years?

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WHY go to College?

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Why is college important?

Why go?Why be ready?

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Greater Knowledge•Increased ability to understand development

in Science and in Society

•Think Abstractly and Critically

•Express thoughts clearly in speech and writing

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More MONEY$$$

A Person with a college degree generally earns more than a person with only a high school diploma.

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In the United States, the Evidence is Clear: The Key to Opportunity is Education

$25K

$32K

$37K

$41K

$51K

$61K

$79K

$100K

$0 $40 $80 $120

6.8%

4.3%

3.9%

3.0%

2.3%

1.7%

1.4%

1.2%

-7.00% -3.50% 0.00%

Less than High school

High school graduate

Some college, no degree

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Master’sdegree

Graduatedegree

Professional degree

Unemployment Rate Average Annual Earnings

7.00% 3.50% 0.00% $0K $40K $80K $120K

Source: Bureau of the Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics; published by Postsecondary Education OPPORTUNITY; 2006 Unemployment rate, 2005 Earnings

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MORE Job Opportunities

•Many jobs rely on new technology and already require more brain power than muscle power

•With a college education a young person will have more jobs from which to choose

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Architect

Biologist

Chiropractor

Dentist

Diplomat

Doctor

Lawyer

Librarian

Management Consultant

Minister

Psychologist

Priest

University Professor

Veterinarian

Chemist

Pharmacist

Professions requiring a Post Secondary EducationVarious Graduate Degrees Required

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Accountant

Computer Systems Analyst

Engineer

FBI Agent

Investment Banker

Journalist

Medical Illustrator

Pharmacist

Recreational Therapist

Social Worker

Teacher

Writer

Professions requiring a Post Secondary Education Bachelor’s Degree

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Administrative Assistant

Commercial Artist

Dental Hygienist

Engineering Technician

Hotel or Restaurant Manager

Registered Nurse

Graphic Designer

Professions requiring a Post Secondary Education Associates Degree

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Professions requiring a Post Secondary Education Vocational/Technical School

Automotive Mechanic

Computer Technician

Funeral Director

Heating & Air-Conditioning

Refrigeration Technician Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Record Technician

Insurance Agent

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ENVISIONCollege and Careers in 9th Grade?

Why

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Because college and career readiness

BEGINS

in 9th Grade!

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“College Readiness?”

We mean MORE THAN the minimum

requirements for graduation

What do we mean by

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44 credits in the correct subject areas

5 Regents with a score of 65 or higher

Minimumrequirements at the end of

12th Grade:

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CREDIT?

You earn a Credit when you PASS a class

with a 65 or better.

How do you earn a

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English: 8 creditsSocial Studies: 8 creditsMath: 6 creditsScience: 6 creditsForeign Language: 2 creditsPhysical Education: 4 credits (7 Semesters)

Health: 1 creditArt: 1 creditMusic: 1 creditPLUS 7 Electives

44 credits, in what subject areas?

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to Graduate?1) English 2) Math3) Global History4) U.S. History & Government5) Science

What Regents Exams do you Need

With a 65 or Higher

For an Advanced Regents’ Diploma

6) Additional Math7) Additional Science8) Foreign Language

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Goal at the end of 4 years to be

COLLEGE READY:44 credits in the correct subject areas AND

• 80 or better in all courses• Daily Attendance of 92% or higher• 8 Regents’ with a score of 75 or higher • Strong Independent Learning Skills • Exposure to the College Experience

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What is the GOAL at the end of 9th Grade?

11 credits,

92% attendance,

80 or better in every course,

1 Regents Exam with score of 75

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9th Graders mustearn at LEAST

11 credits

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11 credits in the correct courses: 1 credit each semester in ELA, Math, Science, & Social Studies,

½ a credit in Phys Ed, and an 1 credit in an Elective course.

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9th Graders’ Attendance should be no lower than

92%

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9th Graders mustattend all classes

If students miss more than

two days a month, chances increase that they will not excel in their classes.

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39th Graders mustget good grades!

your teen should earn grades of at least 80 in each course

to be ON TRACK for college

Good attendance helps students pass their courses!

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49th Graders must

pass the REGENTS exam

These tests are ESSENTIAL, not optional. By the end of 9th Grade,

students should have taken at least one Regents exam.

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“College Experience?”College Access:

College FairsCollege Tours

College ApplicationsFinancial Aid Forms

Scholarship Forms

What is EXPOSURE to the

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9th GradeSuccess

11 Credits80 Grades

92% Attendance1 Regents

HS GRADUATION

44 Credits 80 Grades

92% Attendance5 to 8 Regents

With score of 75% or higher

(Particularly in Mathand English)

College Access

College FairsCollege TripsCollege ApplicationsFinancial Aid Forms & Scholarships

College Entrance

& Success

College Ready means:

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Welcome to Hillcrest we are sure that in four years YOU will be entering the college of your choice and are prepared to succeed!Remember at Hillcrest…your tomorrow begins today!