Mrs. Jaime Walker

School Counselor, West Morris Mendham High School

September 26, 2011

Preparing Your Child for

High School

*Differences Between High School and Middle School

*School total population

*Length of class/schedule rotation

*Significance of grades & attendance

*Expectations

*Amount of homework

*Grading

*Positive Aspects of High School

*WMM=regional high school meet new people

*Many opportunities to get involved

*More freedom/responsibilities

*LUNCH!

*Many resources for academic and personal assistance

*College & career-related resources [Naviance]

*Academics

*Various course levels

*Course descriptions online/Program of Studies

*Levels can be changed within the school year and/or from year to year

*Grades monitored through Power School by WMM staff and families

*In-class support

*Study Skills

*Guidance presentation to all 9th graders

*Guest speaker—class assembly

*Tips from 9th grade teachers (who receive special training for note taking and study skills)

*Change study habits, as needed

*Limit distractions/technology

*Organization

*Using separate binders for each subject

*Using (school-provided) student agenda books

*Checking teacher websites for deadlines, assignments, contact info

*Monitor grades and attendance on Power School

*Teacher-provided assignment calendars—get ahead when possible

*Rotating class schedule

*Extra Help/Tutoring

*Teachers—after school

*Teachers—every period of the school day

*Peer Tutors—upper class students available at lunch (by request)

*Private tutor list available

*Guidance Counselors, Student Assistance Counselor

*Child Study Team

*Administrators

*Encourage children to take advantage of these resources REGULARLY!

*Extra-Curricular Activities

*Tremendous variety—something for everyone

*Get involved…but not too involved!

*Activities Fair—late September during lunch

*Keep track of activities for college purposes

*Community, service, religious, work experiences also important

*Becoming a Freshman

*Start doing work now!

*Teachers’ recommendations based on current grades

*Group scheduling session with counselor [no individual conferences this year]

*Become familiar with school website

*Summer reading/assignments

*Previews Program—August

*Freshman Orientation—August/September

*Attend classes on first day of school to learn teachers’ recommended supplies

*How Can Parents/Guardians

Help?*Promote self-advocacy

*If necessary, assist with organization, study skills

*Monitor grades and homework on PowerSchool

*Proofread major assignments

*Encourage your child to seek extra help NOW and take advantage of the middle school’s resources

*Ask questions

*Myths

*“My teachers are going to choose all of my courses for me.”

*“Study hall is dangerous, a waste of time.”

*“Students must take all honors classes [including Calculus] to get into college.”

*“Students must participate in every extra-curricular activity to get into college.”

*QUESTIONS?