FRESHMAN GUIDANCE ORIENTATION 2012-2013

YOUR COUNSELOR’S ROLE The role of your counselor is to help you

make plans and decisions as a student. We are concerned with your transition from the middle school, your academic progress, choices you are making and anything else that may impact you as a student.

COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS BY LAST NAME

oA-EMr. Conwell

o F-KMr. Kean

o L-RMrs. Marazza

oS-ZMrs. Thorsen

GUIDANCE OFFICE STAFF

Mrs. Brown – Guidance Secretary Mr. Lintner – Probation Officer

HOW CAN YOU SEE A COUNSELOR?

Ask your counselor for a pass after checking into homeroom in the morning or between classes.

If your counselor is not there, let the secretary know you would like to see your counselor.

You must get permission from your classroom teacher if you will be missing their class to meet with your counselor.

PROCEDURE WHEN CALLED TO THE GUIDANCE OFFICE

You will receive a pass from your homeroom teacher.

Show the pass to the teacher from whose class you are to be excused.

Report immediately to your counselor when excused by your teacher.

Once you report to guidance, swipe your ID into the computer system on the secretary’s desk.

HOMEWORK

Check SKYWARD for homework! If you know you will be absent, call a friend in

your classes to get your homework. When you return to school, ask your teachers

about homework due and make up any tests you have missed. This is your responsibility!!!

You may call the Guidance Office to request homework when you have been absent for 3 days. You need to call by 8:00 a.m. in order to pick up work after 2:15 p.m. on the same day.

STANDARDIZED TESTING

PSAT (optional) – 10th - 11th grade; a fee is charged

SAT (optional) – 11th - 12th grade; a fee is charged

ACT (optional) – 11th - 12th grade; a fee is charged

AP Testing (optional) 10th - 12th grade; a fee is charged

Keystone Exams

HAVING TROUBLE WITH A SUBJECT?

Don’t panic! Ask your teacher for

help Discuss your

concerns with your counselor

Tutoring is available from 2:16 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily

The schedule you have selected must be followed all year – there will be no schedule changes!

SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS IN SCHOOL

Complete assignments

Take part in class discussions

Prepare for tests daily rather than waiting until the night before

Attend school regularly

Get help when you do not understand something

Get involved in school activities

REPORT CARDS, GRADES AND OTHER IMPORTANT

INFORMATION Access Skyward to

keep track of grades Report cards are

issued every 9 weeks Progress reports are

issued at 4 ½ weeks during each grading period for grades below a 70%

Students must pass all required subjects and earn 25.5 credits

Honor Roll – 90% or higher for the 9 weeks with no incompletes or grades below a 70%.

Incomplete Grades – must be made up within two weeks of the date report cards are issued. Incompletes not made up become a 40%.

Honor Society – 90% final average, no grades below 70%

REPORT CARDS, GRADES AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Class Rank – based on GPA from your final grades. It tells you where you rank in relation to the students in your class. It is computed at the end of each school year and it is cumulative.

Weighted Courses – given for Honors and Advanced Placement courses. Honors courses receive a 5% increase and AP courses receive a 10% increase. This is reflected in your GPA not your final grade.

Summer School – is available for students who fail a required course

Attendance – days absent and tardy become a part of your transcript and permanent record

Graduation Project – begins in 9th grade, research paper is done in 11th grade and you must present by the end of the 1st semester of 12th grade

**Final grades earned in grades 9-12 will be listed on your transcript which is submitted for college admission and employment opportunities

MINIMUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Subject Area Credits Needed

English 4.5

Mathematics 3.0

Science 3.0

Social Studies 4.0

Arts and Humanities 2.0

Physical Education & Health 2.5

Electives 5.0

PSSA ** 1.0**

Graduation Project 0.5

Total** 25.5**

MINIMUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

At this time, graduation from Norwin is based upon successful completion of 25.5 credits.

If a student fails a required course, they must repeat the course or attend summer school.

Your counselor will monitor your credits and assist in course planning based on credits earned and needed.

HAVE A GREAT FRESHMAN YEAR!