February, 2013

Prairie Point 9th Grade AcademyWelcome Class of 2017

Why are we all here tonight?

� Get familiar with the Prairie Point 9th Grade Academy

� Learn about the transition from 8th grade to 9th grade and beyond

� Briefly describe course offerings and graduation requirements

� Answer any questions about next year

How is the Academy unique?

� 1:1 computers (digital literacy initiative)

� Core teams

� Elective course availability

� Increased academic support

� Teachers dedicated to freshmen

How does it compare to 8th grade?� Courses more rigorous

� Expectations for quantity and quality of work increase

� More multitasking

� Students asked to advocate for their own learning

� Credits

� Transcripts

� Increased maturity

What courses do I have to take?

� Math (full year)

� English 9 (full year)

� Physical Science (full year)

� Topics in Global Social Issues (one semester)

� Health and Fitness (full year)

What are my elective choices?

How do I get the classes I want?

� Take time to read through course descriptions in the handbook

� Be thoughtful as you complete your course registration sheet

� Have your registration sheet turned in to your AA teacher on time

� August drop/add period

� There is never a 100% guarantee that you will get everything you want. Your best chance is to make sure what you want appears on your registration sheet.

Do I need a study hall?

� Most freshmen do

� Reminder: Course rigor and expectations will increase dramatically

� Sports: Demands for time after school increase substantially

� Access to academic support

� What if I want both choir and band?

� Credits

� 12 week mark

What is the LRC?

� Learning Resource Center, located across from the library

� Academic support (organization, study skills, content support)

� Some students assigned to LRC instead of study hall

� Drop-ins welcome

� Open every day after school until 3:45

� Writing Center: Open every day after school in the library until 3:45

Which team will I be on?

� Small percentage of students will be assigned to a specific team based on their math needs

� If you have an IEP, you will be on the same team as your roster teacher

� Elective choices also impact teams

� Most students will be assigned to teams randomly

When will I know my schedule?

� Scheduling will finish up in late June

� Students can pick up schedules at August registration

� Changes: Call, email, or stop in once registration begins

� Students can drop/add elective courses through the first week of school

Graduation Requirements

Courses Credits

English 4.0

Math 3.0

Science 3.0

Social Studies 3.0

Physical Education 2.0

Vocational 0.5

Electives 8.5

Minimum credits: 24

Graduation Requirements

Basic Academic Skills Certificate (MAP)Reading: 230 (college ready: 235)

Math: 241 (college ready: 250)

District Writing AssessmentMinimum score of 3.2 on a 5 point rubric

Senior Portfolio/Presentation

CPR Certification (9th grade)

Point Activities

� No Pass No Play

� Football, Volleyball, Boys and Girls Basketball practice and compete at Point

� Golf, Cross Country, Wrestling, Tennis, Track & Field, Soccer, Bowling, Softball, and Baseball practice and compete with the high school. We also offer swimming, which combines with CR Jefferson.

� Student Council, 9th Memory Book, FCCLA, Spanish Club, Math Counts, STEM, Art Club, Lego League, Competitive Speech, Writing Club, Book Club, Mock Trial, Anime Club, Cheerleading, Jazz Band, Cantabile, A Few Good Men, Fall Play, Spring Musical, Large Group/Individual Speech, Musical Theater

FAQ

� Summer PE: Not available for Point students. It may be an option for you between your freshman and sophomore years.

� Drivers ED: There is a spring course offered through Kirkwood College that meets at Point starting in March. Class size is limited. Please direct any questions to Kirkwood’s continuing education department.

� Do I need a foreign language? Not for graduation from PHS. However, most colleges and universities require it for graduation and it’s a huge advantage in acquiring and securing employment in our global economy.

College Prep� What can Freshmen do to prepare for college?

� Challenge yourself academically at Point

� Develop an organization system that works for you

� Get comfortable with all sorts of technology

� Get involved in as many activities as possible

� Continue to explore I Have A Plan Iowa

� Learn about the RAI (www.regents.iowa.gov/RAI/)

� Athletes - NCAA/NAIA Clearinghouse

� What can parents of Freshmen do to prepare for college?

� Visit Iowa College Access Network at www.icansucceed.org

� Visit www.icansucceed.org

What is I Have A Plan Iowa?

� Career/College database specifically directed towards Iowa students

� Two components: 1) Career Assessments 2) 4-Year Plan

� 4-Year Plan is an online planning document that can be changed by students at any time (it is not registration for freshmen classes)

� All students have specific login information that will be used until they graduate

I Have A Plan Iowa

Subject 9th 10th 11th 12thMath Math 1 YR Math 1 YR Math 1 YR ?

PE H&F 1 Sem 1 Sem 1 SemScience Science 9 Bio 1 YR ?

SS GSI World Hist 1 YR Am Hist 1 YR Econ/Gov’t

English English 9 English 10 English 11 Elective 1 YR

Career 1 Semester (grades 9-12)

Elective

Upcoming Dates

� Registration sheets returned to A/A teachers: February 28

� 8th Grade conferences to finalize registration and 4-year plans: March 4 and 7

Thank you for coming!

� Please let me know if you have any questions!

� Mike Reshetar

� 319-848-5510

� mireshetar@prairiepride.org