WHS Ninth Grade Parent Night

Phil DrasnerPhil Drasner

Unique Challenges of the 9th Grade

Transition- Larger campus- New social groups Organization

- Longer, more involved assignments

Long Term planning

- College

The Counselor’s Role

Academic College Career Personal/social

How do I contact my counselor? Your student can sign up for an appointment in the

Counseling Office or drop by at lunch (except Thursdays) or after school

Call to schedule an appointment or a phone conference: 310-533-4299 x7702

Email – pdrasner@tusd.org

New and Improved Counseling Services

Naviance Torrance Juvenile Diversion Counseling Thelma mcMillan Counseling Brown Bag College Workshops (mainly for Juniors/Seniors) PSAT Parent Night Career Center

How do I find out how my student is doing in class?

Contacting the teacher directly-E-MAIL is better Parent Connect Quarterly and semester report cards Progress reports - from teacher sent every 5th

week if student is receiving a D or F, or a U in Citizenship.

Grade checks by counselor per parent request Weekly Progress Reports - Student picks up on a

Friday from the Counseling Office, also available on West High’s website.

What do I do if my student is having difficulty?

Student can get help from teacher

Parent-Teacher Conference

Tutorial Center: Daily at Lunch and

After School from 3-4pm in the Library

Communication

Grade level Parent Nights Back-to-school Night College Night - in October The Counseling Office Bulletin (COB) Principal’s and PTSA newsletter College Fair - District College Fair at ??? on ???

from 11am – 2 pm(???) West High website: www.whs.tusd.org E-tusd (student account)

Parent – Teacher Communication

Why?Questions or concerns regarding your student’s

progress in class. How?

By E-MAIL or phone (Contact information on WHS website)

When?Anytime. The call will go directly to voicemail and the

teacher will return the message as soon as possible.

Student Involvement on Campus

Freshman Focus

Athletic Teams

Clubs

Freshman Focus

Juniors and Seniors visit freshman classes during the Fall (once per month) to inform students about activities, clubs, ASB, athletics and other ways of getting involved on campus.

Athletic Teams

All athletes meet with their team during 6th period. Students must tryout for most teams prior to the season and maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory citizenship.

Clubs

There are approximately 50 clubs on our campus. Students are encouraged to find a few clubs of interest and maintain involvement throughout high school. See handout for list of clubs and their sponsors.

CLUB RUSH – 9/23 lunch

High School Graduation Requirements 220 total credits in the

required subjects. An average of 60 credits per year.

Six semesters of excellent or satisfactory citizenship

Students also need to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).

Graduation Requirements

English 40 credits Social Science 30 credits including:

World History 10; US History 10; Govt/Econ 10

Mathematics 20 credits: Algebra minimum Science 20 credits (physical and biological) Health 5 credits Foreign Language/ V P Arts 10 credits Physical Education 20 credits Electives 75 credits

What if my student falls behind? Summer School is

recommended if a student fails a required class during his/her freshman year.

Hamilton Adult School (16 years old or a Junior)

SoCal ROC - elective credit only (15 years old or a sophomore)

Summer School Options

??? West High (TUSD) - for students who failed a core class or earned a “D”grade.

SBEA - for advancement or to make up a D or F grade. This is tuition-based for subjects not offered in TUSD summer school (approx. $220/5credits)

El Camino College – open to 11th and 12th grade students. (permission needed if younger)

Online Classes – tuition based Laurel Springs

School Policies

Tardies - 4 or more per quarter = U in citizenship

Truancies Academic Honesty Policy

- automatic U in citizenship and 0 on assignment.

Cheating referrals may affect local scholarships in senior year.

Attendance Procedures

Anytime a student is absent from school he/she must have a note stating the reason, date of absence and a contact number.

When returning to school after an absence students bring the note to the office. If parent does not notify school of a reason by note or phone, student is given truancy.

48 hours to clear.

Attendance Procedures (cont.)

You will receive an automatic phone call when your student is absent for any reason.

An off campus pass is needed when a student needs to leave school during the school day. A note from parent including a phone number to verify information is needed.

Tips for Success

Aim for a high GPA.

Take challenging courses

Take the PSAT in October (maybe)

Get Organized! Obtain a student planner or personal organizer. Available in Student Activities office for $10 (Rm 4139). (I can create one also)

Create a personal resume file.

Get to know your teachers and counselor.

Community College

High School diploma or 18 years of age

Local, inexpensive option to continue schooling.

Wide choice of programs to enter vocational fields, or transfer to a four-year university.

TAG – Transfer Agreement Guarantee

4-Year Colleges and Universities

Public Universities

UC www.universityofcalifornia.edu

Cal State Universitywww.csumentor.edu

Out of State

Private Universities

Numerous choices throughout the U.S.

www.aiccu.edu

A-G Requirements for College Entrance

A. History and Social Science (2 years) B. English (4 years) C. Mathematics (2 years, 3 years recommended) D. Science (2 year Lab Science, 3 years

recommended) E. Foreign Language (2 years, 3 years

recommended) F. Visual/Performing Arts (1 year) G. College Prep Elective (1 year)

Other Requirements and Tips for College Entrance

SAT Reasoning or ACT (with writing) SAT Subject Tests (may be changed) Choose challenging and rigorous courses Community Service No “D” grades accepted Repeated grades will be calculated into

GPA

Other Post Secondary Options

Vocational Training

Military

Workforce

Questions?

Thank you for coming…

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!