Mission Mission Possible: Possible:

Graduation & Graduation & BeyondBeyond

Class of 2018Class of 2018Information and Tips for Creating a Information and Tips for Creating a

Successful High School & Career Successful High School & Career ExperienceExperience

Welcome to High School!

8th Grade Orientation and Overview of High School

Information

What is BRIDGEBBuilding uilding RResourceful esourceful IIndividuals tondividuals to

DDevelop evelop GGeorgia’s eorgia’s EEconomyconomy

Advisement?

For all middle and high school students, there is BRIDGE advisement delivered by counselors through classroom guidance.

BRIDGE Advisement activities and plans help all students be College and Career Ready.

There are annual opportunities for each student and their parent/guardian to update the BRIDGE Graduation Plan. During 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades, you will have an

opportunity to review both your graduation plan and make course requests.

.

Career Planner & HS 101Career Planner & HS 101

These two documents will provide These two documents will provide you information about high school as you information about high school as well as course descriptions.well as course descriptions.

The Career Planner will be used this The Career Planner will be used this year and all during high school.year and all during high school.

High School 101 is used during your High School 101 is used during your 88thth grade year and as you enter high grade year and as you enter high school.school.

Career Planner Website link: http://www.paulding.k12.ga.us/UserFiles/2/Career-Planner_13-14.pdf

High School 101High School 101Printed Guide Available During October Conference WeekPrinted Guide Available During October Conference Week

What classes will I take during my 9th grade year?

During your first semester in 9th grade, you will take at least four

classes and at the most seven. This depends on how many block

or traditional classes you have.

A block class is one in which you have class for 100 minutes (2 class periods) per semester.

A traditional class is one which you have for 50 minutes (like in middle school) per

semester.

Paulding County High Schools have adopted a hybrid schedule that combines both traditional

and block courses. This allows options for students to take more classes and electives

during their four years in high school.

Sample ScheduleSample Schedule

11stst Period- 8:30-9:25 – Spanish I Period- 8:30-9:25 – Spanish I

22ndnd Period- 9:30-10:25- 9 Period- 9:30-10:25- 9thth Lit Lit

Block 2 – 10:25-12:40- CCGPS Block 2 – 10:25-12:40- CCGPS AlgebraAlgebra

55thth Period- 12:45-1:35- Biology Period- 12:45-1:35- Biology

66thth Period- 1:40- 2:30- Health Period- 1:40- 2:30- Health

77thth Period- 2:35-3:25-Visual Arts Period- 2:35-3:25-Visual Arts

What classes will I take first semester?

There are certain classes that you are required to take to graduate. The classes you are required to take in 9th grade are:

9th Grade Literature or Honors

CCGPS Coordinate Algebra or

Accelerated CCGPS Coordinate Algebra/Analytic Geometry A

Biology or Honors

Then you will also take other elective courses during your first semester such as:

World Geography, Personal Fitness, Health,

Spanish I, Fine Arts, CTAE Pathway course, etc.

Will I choose the classes I want to take?

In High School you will choose some of your classes, like electives, though you may not always get the ones

you select.

Other classes are required to graduate and you will not get to choose. For Example – You have to take

Math but you can choose if you want to take a World Language.

The decisions on electives need to be based on your goals/plans after high school and your BRIDGE

Career Interest Inventory information. Your Plan of Study will also be important for you to consider. Your middle and high school counselors will help you weigh your options and select the classes that will help you

reach your career/education goals.

What document will I use to make course requests for my 9th grade year and make a plan for grades 10, 11 and

12?

While this document will be used to create your plan for 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades during the

BRIDGE Advisement opportunity with your parent/guardian, the Section 2 (S.2) column will

be used for course requests (registration) for your 9th grade year.

The S.3, S.4, and S.5 columns or sections will be used to plan for the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years.

What classes are required to graduate?

Section 1 of the BRIDGE Graduation Document lists these graduation requirements which include specific courses required to graduate and total 23 units of credit.

•4 English classes

•4 Math classes

•4 Science classes

•3 Social Studies classes

•1 Personal Fitness class

•1 Health class

•3 CTAE/Fine Arts/World Language Classes

•4 Electives

What are credits?

A credit is also known as a Carnegie Unit. You earn one unit

when you pass:

½ credit over two semesters =

1 credit OR

1 credit course taken as a block during one semester = 1 credit

You need 23 credits to graduate!

Test-out Opportunities for Credit

Beginning in the Spring of 8th grade, qualified students may test-

out in up to 3 EOCT courses throughout high school and earn

up to 3 high school credits.

Test-out OpportunitiesBasic Requirements and Information:

1. Limit is 3 credits earned during high school.

2. PCSD Test-out Registration Opportunity in January with

information available prior to registration opportunity.

3. Student cannot have started a course(s) that he/she is planning to test-out.

4. During January registration a payment of $50.00 must be made for each test. Students who score Exceeds will have this money reimbursed.

5. During February a grade of B or higher will be validated in the subject area in which the test is to be taken by the student’s teacher. Also, during February a teacher recommendation regarding the test-out opportunity must be received.

6. EOCT test(s) is taken during the week of March 10.

7. Once district has results and the Exceeds score is available, student will have transcript updated with course number, course title and the credit by his/her school counselor.

Test-out Opportunities Information

Page 14 of Career Planner

How are Honors classes in high

school different from middle school?

In 8th grade you may be taking one or more accelerated/advanced courses in an academic area.

In 9th grade honors courses include the areas of English/Language Arts, Math, Science and Social

Studies. At some high schools Advanced Placement Human Geography is also offered to 9th

grade students. There is an online application process that begins in Novmember. The online

application is linked to the PCSD’s main website.

Advanced Placement or (AP) coursesAdvanced Placement or (AP) courses are offered in 10are offered in 10thth-12-12thth grades. (Some grades. (Some high schools offer AP Human Geography high schools offer AP Human Geography in the 9in the 9thth grade year.) Successful grade year.) Successful completion of an AP course, an average completion of an AP course, an average of 70 or above, earns a student 10 of 70 or above, earns a student 10 additional points to the final grade. additional points to the final grade. Passing the AP exam will usually count Passing the AP exam will usually count as college credit, depending on as college credit, depending on college/university regulations where you college/university regulations where you attend. AP courses are offered in attend. AP courses are offered in English/Language Arts, Math, Social English/Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Studies, and Science.

Weighting of Grades for Honors and APWeighting of Grades for Honors and AP

Honors courses can also affect GPA (Grade Honors courses can also affect GPA (Grade Point Average) - The weighted numeric GPA Point Average) - The weighted numeric GPA is 5 points for honors courses and of course, is 5 points for honors courses and of course, 10 points higher for AP courses.10 points higher for AP courses.

Regular courses are known as unweighted Regular courses are known as unweighted courses. courses.

What electives can I take in 9th grade?

Here are the electives you can Here are the electives you can take in 9take in 9thth grade: grade:

MusicMusic• Beginning BandBeginning Band• Beginning ChorusBeginning Chorus• Beginning Choral Beginning Choral

EnsembleEnsemble Social StudiesSocial Studies

• Current IssuesCurrent Issues• World GeographyWorld Geography

(Highly recommended)(Highly recommended)

Theatre ArtsTheatre Arts• Fundamentals IFundamentals I

World LanguageWorld Language• Spanish 1Spanish 1• Spanish 2Spanish 2• French 1French 1

CTAE (Career Technical CTAE (Career Technical and Agricultural and Agricultural Education)Education)

How many electives can I take

in 9th grade?

You will take 3 electives in 9th grade including Health and PE

(Both Personal Fitness and Health are required for graduation, unless you

successfully complete 3 years of JROTC.)

Do I have to take PE?

YES, to graduate, you have to take PE (Personal Fitness) and pass it!

You don’t have to take it in 9th grade, but all freshmen are registered for it.

As previously stated, 3 passed courses in the JROTC pathway will satisfy the Health

and Personal Fitness requirements for graduation.

What is JROTC?

The Junior ROTC program is an elective course taught by retired officers and non-commissioned officers at selected

public and private high schools in the U.S.

JROTC prepares high school students for future leadership roles while making them aware of the benefits of citizenship.

Classroom and outside activities become opportunities to acquire knowledge, discipline, and a sense of responsibility

that are necessary to take charge of one's future. The result is responsible cadets who are confident of themselves, can think on their own, and can express their ideas and opinions clearly

and concisely.

JROTC (Air Force) is offered at EPHS.JROTC (Army) is offered at HHS, NPHS, PCHS, and SPHS.

Do I have to take a World Language to graduate?

No! You can take CTAE or fine arts classes instead.

BUT…

Yes! If you plan on attending college. 2 years of the same World Language are

required for admission into Georgia Colleges/Universities as well as many

out-of-state colleges and universities.

What is CTAE?

CCareer, areer, TTechnical, and echnical, and AAgricultural gricultural EEducational Coursesducational Courses

Students may earn 3 units of credit in a sequence of CTAE courses through self-Students may earn 3 units of credit in a sequence of CTAE courses through self-selected pathways leading to college and career readiness certificate.selected pathways leading to college and career readiness certificate.

Paulding County offers courses in the following Career Clusters:Paulding County offers courses in the following Career Clusters:

Government and Public Government and Public AdministrationAdministration

Healthcare ScienceHealthcare Science

Hospitality and TourismHospitality and Tourism

Human ServicesHuman Services

Information TechnologyInformation Technology

Law, Public Safety, Corrections Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Securityand Security

ManufacturingManufacturing

MarketingMarketing

Science, Technology, Engineering, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematicsand Mathematics

Transportation, Distribution, and Transportation, Distribution, and LogisticsLogistics

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Architecture and ConstructionArts, Audio-video Technology, and CommunicationsBusiness Management and

AdministrationEducation and TrainingEnergyFinance

CTAE Video LinkCTAE Video Link

http://schools.paulding.k12.ga.us/ischooldistrict/district_videos_select.php?district_ID=2&video_ID=112

What if I wanted to take a course What if I wanted to take a course Online during high school?Online during high school?

During the month of June 2014, there will During the month of June 2014, there will be a PCSD online registration opportunity be a PCSD online registration opportunity for high school courses.for high school courses.

Senate Bill 289 allows districts to provide Senate Bill 289 allows districts to provide students in grades 3 through 12 the option students in grades 3 through 12 the option of taking an onlineof taking an online

course should you choose that option. course should you choose that option.

What if I wanted to take a course What if I wanted to take a course Online during high school?Online during high school?

Counselors have the online course information for Counselors have the online course information for high school courses. The district resource is high school courses. The district resource is called K12.called K12.

The GaDOE Clearinghouse provides course and The GaDOE Clearinghouse provides course and provider information and may be accessed provider information and may be accessed through the following link for provider through the following link for provider information:information:

http://www.gadoe.org/_layouts/GADOEPublic.SPApp/Clearinghouse.aspx

What if I wanted to go to a college, university

or technical college before I graduate?

A process by which high school students take courses from a state public or private postsecondary institution while still enrolled as a high school student and receive credit both at the high school and at the postsecondary institution.

A process by which high school students take courses from a state public or private postsecondary institution while still enrolled as a high school student and receive credit both at the high school and at the postsecondary institution.

College Credit Now/College Credit Now/Dual Enrollment DefinedDual Enrollment Defined

Student BenefitsStudent Benefits

How Does Dual Credit Benefit High School Students?How Does Dual Credit Benefit High School Students?H

igh

Sch

oo

l Ben

efits

Our district students usually take advantage Our district students usually take advantage of either Accel, Move on When Ready, or of either Accel, Move on When Ready, or

TCSG Dual EnrollmentTCSG Dual Enrollment Accel is a program typically for Juniors and Accel is a program typically for Juniors and

Seniors. Seniors. Accel courses are core academic courses in Accel courses are core academic courses in

English, mathematics, science, and social studies English, mathematics, science, and social studies and are part of a degree program.and are part of a degree program.

A student may be full or part time at the college, A student may be full or part time at the college, university or technical college. If a student is part university or technical college. If a student is part time at the college, then, the student is also part time at the college, then, the student is also part time at the high school.time at the high school.

Students must meet admissions requirements at Students must meet admissions requirements at the college, technical college or university.the college, technical college or university.

Move on When ReadyMove on When Ready

Important facts about MOWR:Important facts about MOWR:1. Students must have attended public high school 1. Students must have attended public high school

previous year and be counted in both FTE countsprevious year and be counted in both FTE counts

2. Students must be in 11th or 12th grade and 2. Students must be in 11th or 12th grade and attending as fulltime student at the attending as fulltime student at the postsecondary institution (12 semester hours)postsecondary institution (12 semester hours)

3. Students cannot switch from MOWR to another 3. Students cannot switch from MOWR to another College Credit Now program during the semester.College Credit Now program during the semester.

4. Students must meet admissions requirements of 4. Students must meet admissions requirements of the college, university or technical college.the college, university or technical college.

5. Core or elective courses may be taken.5. Core or elective courses may be taken.

College Credit Now/College Credit Now/Dual EnrollmentDual EnrollmentMOWR ACCEL DUAL TCSG

(Technical College System

of Georgia)

JOINT

AGE(*See school counselor if want to take course work younger than 16.)

Junior or Senior16 years*

Junior or Senior 16 years*

16 years* 16 years*

FUNDING Georgia Department of

Education 100% paid tuition and fees up to 15 semester hours or 4 high school units

GSFC100% paid tuition from state fundsNo fees paid from state fundsFees paid by student for 2013-1014 year.

HOPE Grant (GSFAPPS)

Partial Tuition Paid by Georgia Student Finance Commission Rate determined by GSFC every yearFees paid by student for 2013-1014 year.

HOPE Grant (GSFAPPS)

Partial Tuition Paid by Georgia Student Finance Commission Rate determined by GSFC every yearFees paid by student for 2013-1014 year.

MOWR, ACCEL, and DUAL TCSG credit hours do NOT count toward the HOPE cap.

Credit hours count toward HOPE cap

BOOKS Books are responsibility of

student

Books are responsibility of

student

Books are responsibility of

student

Books are responsibility of

student

COURSES Academic/Technical

Academic Technical Academic/Technical

CREDIT High school & College

High school & College

High school & College

College only

ATTENDANCE Full time at college P/T or F/T at college P/T or F/T at college P/T or F/T at collegeHOPE CAP = 127 Semester Hours

Where can I sit at lunch?

In high school, you can sit wherever you want in the Cafeteria during your

lunch period.

What types of food are served at Lunch

in high school?

The high school cafeteria serves the same types of food and lunches as the ones served in middle

school.

What are the procedures for lunch

in high school?

The lunch procedures work the same as middle school,

only you walk to and from the cafeteria on your own.

You don’t have to line up and be led there and back by a

teacher or sit with your class.

How will I know when to go to

Lunch?

It may be confusing at first, but a bell will ring and your 4th or 5th period teacher will

tell you which bell is your lunch bell.

Don’t worry – we won’t let you miss lunch.

What clubs and/or extra curricular

activities are available for students

in 9th grade?

In middle school, you have to be in 7th or 8th grade before you can

participate in some activities.

In high school, 9th graders are not limited to the kinds of clubs,

sports, or extra-curricular activities they can participate in.

What are the requirements to play sports in high school?

First semester freshmen may

participate in sports and extra-curricular

activities.Second semester 9th grade students must

have earned 2.5 credits to participate.

How do you sign up for

clubs/activities?

There several ways to find out about clubs and extra curricular activities…

1. Attend the Class of 2018 (8th Grade Night at the high school in March.

During this event different sponsors will have tables set up to tell you about their

clubs/activities.

2. Check-out the high school Website.

3. Listen to the daily announcements about clubs, activities, and events.

What can I expect from high school

sports?

There are several kinds of HS sports.

HS sports include wrestling, baseball, competitive cheerleading, volley ball, track, cross country,

golf, fast pitch softball, and tennis.

You also play other district high schools instead of just within

Paulding County.

What is daily advisement?

You may have advisement segment in your schedule similar to NBI at the

middle school.

For all middle and high school students, there is BRIDGE advisement delivered by

counselors through classroom guidance with annual opportunities for student and

parent/guardian to update the BRIDGE Graduation Plan.

The advising teachers will discuss The advising teachers will discuss information given by the information given by the counselors and the counselors and the administrators. Topics include administrators. Topics include careers and career pathways, careers and career pathways, test-taking tips, goal setting, and test-taking tips, goal setting, and course selection for the upcoming course selection for the upcoming semesters. Also, information semesters. Also, information regarding ongoing activities will regarding ongoing activities will be shared (homecoming, etc.).be shared (homecoming, etc.).

For high schools that have daily For high schools that have daily advisement:advisement:

Do Seniors prank or disrespect freshmen?

No! Bullying, cyberbullying, and harassing other students are not

tolerated. Seniors that are caught harassing freshmen will have

consequences. If you are being threatened by anyone or feel unsafe

talk to your 9th grade counselor

and/or administrator.

What do I do if get lost?

Our 8th grade night at the high school and 9th grade summer opportunity will help you become familiar with the high school campus so that you will not get

lost.

If you can’t find your way, ask a teacher or administrator you see or go to any office. There will also be school

maps available at open house and during advisement the first day.

How do I get from one class to the next class without being late?

Use your time wisely!

Don’t stand around and talk! Find the quickest way from point A to point B and go!

There are consequences for being late to class.

How are high school teachers different

from middle school teachers?

In high school, your teachers may not teach only freshmen. They expect you to be more responsible and may not be

as patient about accepting late assignments or reminding you to

behave. You’re expected to be more mature and take yourself and your

work more seriously. You are expected to be organized and prepared each

day!

What is EOCT?

EOCT or End Of Course TestEOCT assessments are state regulated and mandated tests that high school students have to take to ensure

that the students have mastered the courses. All Georgia high school students will take the same

EOCTs. This provides consistency between all schools in Georgia.

Your EOCT score will count 20% of your final grade. Your course grade is 80% of your grade. Many

teachers use this exam in lieu of a final exam. The EOCTs you will take in 9th grade are

9th grade Lit, CCGPS Algebra, and Biology

Can I graduate early?

Technically, Yes! You could graduate after the spring semester of your junior year or the fall

semester of your senior year. BUT…

There are so many options, opportunities, and activities your senior year you wouldn’t want to.

It is very difficult to do so because you have English, Math, Science, and Social Studies courses to complete during your senior

year.

The College Credit Now which includes Accel, MOWR (Move On When Ready) and TCSG Dual Enrollment programs let you take college courses during high school. The work release program lets

you leave early to go to work.

Not to mention the social activities such as senior prom, senior week, and senior superlatives that you won’t want to miss.

What is the website that supports academic

and career planning for high school as well as after graduation?

www.gacollege411.org

What should I already have accomplished on GACollege411 per the BRIDGE Law

legislation (advisement and career planning legislation):

My411 Account

Career Cluster Survey

Interest Profiler

Exploration of 3 Career Concentrations (Pathways aka Plans of Study)

Exploration of 3 Careers

All of these items should be saved in the portfolio of your My411 account.

Will I be completing anything else this

year in GACollege411?

YES!!!!

You are more ready than you know and we are here to help you be successful in high

school.There will be an advisement opportunity with your parent/guardian to learn about high school, finalize course requests, and develop your graduation plan during the

week of

During this advisement opportunity, During this advisement opportunity, you and your parent/guardian will:you and your parent/guardian will:

Complete and/or review your BRIDGE Complete and/or review your BRIDGE Graduation Plan document.Graduation Plan document.

Middle school counselors will support you Middle school counselors will support you in updating this information in your IGP in updating this information in your IGP (Individual Graduation Plan in your My411 (Individual Graduation Plan in your My411 Account (1Account (1stst Semester or Early 2 Semester or Early 2ndnd Semester). Semester).

During second semester, you will be During second semester, you will be linking/connecting yourself to the high linking/connecting yourself to the high school on GAcollege411.school on GAcollege411.