Ninth Grade and beyond!

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Ninth Grade and beyond!

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The High School Experience:What Parents Need to Know

Graduation Requirements Course Selection Process How High School Works Advanced Courses Preparing Your Student for College Services available at WSHS

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Important information for Graduating Class of 2018 Algebra I Part I is not a math credit; it is an

elective credit All students must take a Personal

Finance/Economics course during their junior year

All students must take an online class. We have embedded that in our Personal Finance/Economics course.

All students must take, and pass, a CTE exam There is no modified diploma for special

education students

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Graduation RequirementsRequired Courses Advanced Studies

Diploma Standard Diploma

Standard Credit =

Class Passed

Verified Credit = SOL

Passed

Standard Credit =

Class Passed

Verified Credit = SOL

Passed

English 4 2 4 2 Mathematics 4 2 3 1

Laboratory Science 4 2 3 1 History/Social

Sciences 4 2 3 1

Foreign Language 3 of one or 2 + 2

0 0 0

Health/Physical Education I, II

2 0 2 0

Fine Arts or CTE 1 Foreign Lang, Fine

Arts or CTE 2

Economics/Personal Finance

1 1

Electives 3 0 6 0 Student Choice 1 (any

SOL) 1 (any

SOL) Total Credits

Required 26 9 24 6

Modified Standard and Special Diplomas are available for Special Education Students who have an Individualized Education Plan. See case manager for

info.

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Course Selection Process

Mrs. Langley will schedule at middle schools. All students will bring home a PINK copy of the schedule for a parent signature.

Any specialty program transfer students (CFPA, PLTW) will be scheduled by Mrs. Langley after acceptance letters are sent out in March.

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General Guidelines It is recommended that students have an “A” or “B” in

the content area to sign up for a Pre-AP course. It is recommended that students have at least a “B” in a

foreign language to go on to the next level. Students who have a “C” or lower in Language Arts

might want to consider delaying the start of foreign language learning until 10th grade.

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Any student who is taking a high school credit course in middle school may elect to expunge that grade. A letter will be sent to your home regarding the procedures to do this in May.

It is recommended that parents consider removing any grade below a “B”.

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Foreign Languages WSHS has several foreign language choices for

your student. Next year we will offer to 9th grade students French Spanish Spanish for Native Speakers German Italian

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Mathematics All students who have a “C” or lower in Pre-

Algebra will be encouraged to take Algebra I Part I.

This will be a double block course and will take up two periods in the student’s schedule.

Students will take Algebra I Part 1 first semester and Algebra I Part 2 second semester.

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Mathematics Pre-AP Algebra I - This course is designed to prepare

students who did not have Algebra I in 8th grade and want to reach Calculus their senior year. Students should have an A in Pre-Algebra and teacher recommendation. Students will have to take Geometry in summer school after 9th grade in order to take Algebra II in 10th grade, Pre-Calculus in 11th grade, and Calculus in 12th grade.

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Mathematics All students who are enrolled in Algebra I in the 8th grade

will be registered for Pre-AP Geometry for their 9th grade math course. If a student has a C or lower in Algebra I, it is recommended that they expunge the grade and repeat Pre-AP Algebra I in grade 9.

All students enrolled in Geometry in the 8th grade will be registered for Pre-AP Algebra II/Trigonometry . If a student has a C or lower in Geometry, it is recommended that they expunge the grade and repeat Pre-AP Geometry in grade 9

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Electives Military Science Project Lead the Way Fine Arts Business Family and Consumer Science Technology Education

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Form (copy given to you today) Alternate Electives A copy of your student’s course requests will

be sent to you at the end of May for a final review. Changes may be made at that time.

Due to budget constraints, there will be no schedule changes permitted after June 18, 2014 (or the last day of school).

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How High School Works

Schedule All classes meet on a modified block schedule or A/B

schedule. Even (Green) Days periods 1, 2, 4 and 6 meet. Odd (Gold) Days periods 1, 3, 5 and 7 meet. First period meets for 1 hour each day. All other classes meet for approximately 93 minutes every

other day.

We have five lunch shifts, and students are assigned according to their block 4/5 class.

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Grade Point Average Grade point averages are cumulative; therefore,

all grades earned in a high school credit course count towards the final GPA.

Grade point averages are updated at the end of the 1st semester and the end of the year. Only semester and year grades reside on the official transcript.

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Weighted Credit Weighted credit refers to grade point values assigned to Advanced

Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Courses, certain Career and Technical Education Courses, qualifying college courses, and designated prerequisite courses.

All Carnegie unit courses are used in determining a student’s grade point average (GPA).

When students successfully complete courses identified as ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade courses prior to entering ninth grade, they will receive standard units of credit toward graduation. Such courses will be used in computing the student’s high school grade point average.

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Clubs, Activities, Athletics A variety of clubs and athletic programs are

available to students. Most athletic programs and some clubs are

considered to be VHSL activities. Students must be eligible to participate in these VHSL activities.

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VHSL Eligibility A student must take and pass at least five (5)

courses in the school year. A “C” or better must be earned in at least two courses.

Eligibility is determined by semester and year end grades.

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How High School WorksCredits for Promotion To be in 10th grade = 6 standard credits

(three in required courses)

To be in 11th grade = 11 standard credits (six in required courses)

To be in 12th grade = 16 standard credits (nine in required courses)

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Advanced Courses

Pre-AP and AP courses are available to students in all of the academic areas.

Research shows that students who take at least one rigorous course in high school are more successful during their college experience.

Encourage your students to “stretch and reach” by taking advanced courses.

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Specialty Programs at Woodbridge High School Project Lead the Way* Advanced Placement Scholars Center for Fine and Performing Arts* Military Science Army Junior Reserve Officer

Training Corps (JROTC)

* Students may transfer to Woodbridge to be part of these programs. For more information about transfer guidelines view the PWCS Specialty Program brochure (available online)

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Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

The Project Lead the Way High School Engineering Program is a nationally recognized program, which offers an enriched sequence of courses that prepare students for university level engineering courses.

The Project Lead the Way program is offered at both Woodbridge and Patriot High Schools

Application available online.

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Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

STUDENT BENEFITS Opportunity to learn math, science, and technology in a hands-

on, relevant way and explore engineering careers before college. Better preparation for college engineering programs and more

likely to be successful. Ability to receive college credit as an increasing number of

colleges and universities are becoming National Affiliates of PLTW.

Increased analytical, problem solving,and team building skills. Motivate students to attempt challenging courses in both high

school and college. Provides direction in selecting future college majors.

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Center For Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA)

The Center for the Fine and Performing Arts specialty program offers high school students the opportunity to focus on a specific arts area while still maintaining a full academic load.

Students in the program develop skills that contribute to their success in many areas of learning. Through activities that incorporate problem-solving, collaborative reasoning, and systematic inquiry, CFPA students are able to make critical connections in both their arts and academic classes.

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Center for Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA) Students may audition to participate in one

of six concentrations including: Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Music Technology, Vocal Music, Theater, and Visual Arts.

Students may apply to enter the program in grades 10 and 11.

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Military Science ARMY JROTCPurpose: To teach high school students the value of citizenship,

responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment while instilling in them self-esteem, teamwork, and self-discipline.

Mission: “TO MOTIVATE YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE BETTER CITIZENS.”

Objectives: Develop leadership potential Improve physical fitness Promote high school completion and attend college Provide incentive to live drug free Enhance life skills: Math and Science

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Military Science ARMY JROTC In addition to taking one JROTC class each year students

learn leadership and discipline by participating on one of several teams: WSHS JROTC Armed Rifle Team WSHS JROTC Color Guard Team WSHS JROTC Raider Team WSHS JROTC Rifle Team WSHS JROTC Unarmed Drill Team

All students must participate in community service events Students participate as leaders in JROTC classroom and

within cadet run organizations

An application is required. Each middle school counseling office has paper copies.

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Advanced Placement Scholars (APS)

All students in grades 9 through 12 are eligible to apply.

Students must be enrolled in a minimum of two Pre-AP courses per year in grades 9 and 10 and 2 AP courses per year in grades 11 and 12.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in instructional support activities.

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Why join the Advanced Placement Scholars Program?

Challenging course of study to include Pre Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and Advanced Placement courses (AP)

A supportive framework open to all students willing to tackle advanced courses

College exploration sessions at each grade level School sponsored college tours in grades 11 and 12 Instructional support through school counseling

department

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Why join the Advanced Placement Scholars Program?

Peer mentoring and peer tutoring Faculty led and peer led study sessions

throughout the school year Practice AP exams SAT and ACT test preparation opportunities Administrative monitoring and support Multiple levels of recognition upon exiting the

program

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How do I apply for the APS?

Application available online at the WSHS website.

Students/parents must complete the application online by April 1, 2014.

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Summer Opportunity for Advanced Placement Readiness (SOAR)

Designed to assist students enrolled in advanced courses (Pre-AP and AP) for the 2014-2015 school year

Prepare advanced students for the initial challenge of advanced course work

Will run from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (tentative dates are August 4 - 8)

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Summer Opportunity for Advanced Placement Readiness (SOAR)

Workshop Schedule Reading and Writing skills Study Skills Content Specific Preparation Culminating Activities

Tuition is $70.00. Applications will be available online or through the counseling department at the end of March.

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Preparing Your Student for College Colleges prefer to see a student who

takes a variety of courses to included as many AP and Pre-AP as possible.

is involved in extracurricular activities both at school and in the community.

takes a full course load each year. is able to express himself or herself in writing .

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Preparing Your Student for College Admissions Data

CollegeGPA Accept

AvgGPA

Accept MinNet

Applied AcceptAccept

%

George Mason University 3.57 2.357 406 219 54%Northern Virginia Community College - Woodbridge Campus 2.43 0.969 353 297 84%

Virginia Commonwealth University 3.24 1.981 349 189 54%

James Madison University 3.71 2.8 348 168 48%

Old Dominion University 3.07 2.474 276 161 58%Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 3.99 3.183 234 107 46%

Radford University 3.02 2.304 191 114 60%

Christopher Newport University 3.55 2.478 159 84 53%

University of Virginia 4.1 3.626 142 62 44%

Longwood University 3.25 2.605 77 41 53%

University of Mary Washington 3.73 3.383 75 36 48%

College of William and Mary 3.96 3.654 63 15 24%

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Preparing Your Student for CollegeCounselors will meet with your student each year to discuss

courses and college preparation. conduct classroom guidance units with each

grade level to discuss after high school options.

expose students to resources available to them to explore post high school options.

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Services Available at WSHS

Counselors closely monitor student progress each grading period. If your student is struggling, please contact the counselor. We have services available to support your student whether it be enrichment or remediation.

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Vocabulary

On the next few slides, you will find some vocabulary that is helpful for all parents and students to know.

The PWCS Course Catalog is available online at www.pwcs.edu for viewing.

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Standard Unit of Credit

A standard unit of credit is based on a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction and successful completion of the requirements of the course.

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Verified Unit of Credit

A verified unit of credit is based on a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction, successful completion of the requirements of the course, and achievement of a passing score on the End-of-Course (EOC) Standards of Learning (SOL) test or additional test for that course as approved by the Board of Education.

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Required Courses

Courses in the areas listed to the right must be completed to earn a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma and are considered to be required or CORE courses:

English Math Science Social Studies Health and PE Foreign Language (for

Adv. Studies only) Fine Arts of CTE

(required for the Technical diplomas)

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Advanced Placement Courses

Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Diploma and Cambridge AICE Courses

Certain courses have been designated as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge Courses (AICE). These courses are externally moderated and exceed the expectations of grade-level objectives for a specific subject. Students taking these courses will have a plus sign (+) beside the course title listed on the student’s report card and on the student transcript. These courses will receive weighted credit.

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Electives and Fine or Practical Arts

Elective Electives are additional courses other than required courses that are

needed to meet the total minimum standard units of credit required to earn a high school diploma.

Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education (practical arts) Fine Arts include elective courses under Dance, Music, Theatre and

Visual Arts. All of these courses meet this graduation requirement. Career and Technical Education courses are those in which a student is

taught a “hands on” or career related skill. All courses listed under Career and Technical Education, JROTC, and Employ courses listed under Special Education meet this graduation requirement.

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Sequential Electives

Sequential Electives According to the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE)

Standards of Quality (SOQ) and beginning with the graduating class of 2003, students who plan to graduate with a Standard Diploma or Modified Standard Diploma must complete at least two sequential electives. Students who successfully complete any career and technical education concentration or specialization that consists of at least two 36-week courses or semester equivalents that equal two 36-week courses will fully meet this requirement. One credit used to satisfy the fine arts or career and technical education requirement for the Standard or Modified Standard Diploma may be used to partially satisfy this requirement.

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Contact information:

Christina Langley, Director of School Counseling and Project Lead the Way [email protected] – 703-497-8132

Carolos Castro, Project Lead the Way [email protected] – 703-497-8000

Debbie Floris, APS and Center for Fine and Performing Arts [email protected] – 703-497-8161

Documents

Ninth Grade and beyond!