Welcome to 8th Grade Parent Night!

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Welcome to 8th Grade Parent Night!

• Academics Planning the Next Four Years

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Your Administrators Counselors

• Sandra Macut
• Principal
• David Simancek Jan Kauzlarich
• Assistant Principal Assistant
  Principal
• Sue CalvoAthletic Director/ AP
• Counselors
• Cheryl Reger A-G
• Daniel Nolen H-N  
• Dave Carey O-Z

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Counseling Services

• Academic
• Personal
• Support Groups
• Crisis
• Career

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Course Registration Guide2011-2012

• The updated course selection book is available
  online at www.swartzcreek.org (follow the links
  to the High School and then Course Registration
  Guide).
• Every 8th grader will receive a copy Thursday
  Friday

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The Course Selection Book Has Helpful Info

• Course descriptions
• Information on prerequisites
• Graduation requirements
• Testing-out procedures
• Dual Enrollment
• Career Pathways / 4-year plan (EDP)
• Co-op
• Skill Center
• Co-Curricular Activities
• And much, much, more!

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Credits for Graduation

• To earn a diploma, a student must earn at least
  23 credits
• Each year 3 credits a semester and 6 for a school
  year
• A student can earn 24 credits during four years
  of high school

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Michigan Merit Curriculum High School Graduation Requirements
MATHEMATICS - 4 Credits
Algebra I Geometry Algebra II One math course in final year of high school Algebra IIONLINE LEARNING One math co
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - 4 Credits
English Language Arts 9 English Language Arts 11 English Language Arts 10 English Language Arts 12
SCIENCE - 3 Credits
Biology One additional science credit Physics or Chemistry
SOCIAL STUDIES - 3 Credits
.5 credit in Civics .5 credit in Economics U.S. History and Geography World History and Geography
PHYSICAL EDUCATION HEALTH - 1 Credit
VISUAL, PERFORMING AND APPLIED ARTS - 1 Credit
ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE Course, Learning or Integrated Learning Experience
LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH - 2 Credits In grades 9-12 OR an equivalent learning experience in grades K-12 effective for students entering third grade in 2006 (Class 2016)
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Students Are Required toTake the MME (Michigan
Merit Exam)

• The MME is the state assessment administered in
  March of a students junior year.
• The MME consists of three major components
• The ACT college entrance exam
• Work Keys job skills assessments in reading and
  math
• Michigan assessments in math, science, social
  studies, and persuasive writing.
• The combined MME assessment measures student
  learning of the Michigan high school standards,
  benchmarks, and core content expectations.

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Curriculum Swartz Creek High School
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Science Sequencing Options
9th Grade Biology Honors Biology (Co-rec College Geometry)
10th Grade Physical Science Honors Chemistry (Co-rec College Geometry or above)
11th Grade Chemistry Honors Physics AP Biology AP Chemistry
12th Grade Physics Honors Physics AP Biology AP Chemistry
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English Sequence Options
9th English 9 Honors English 9
10th English 10 Honors English 10
11th English 11 AP English Language
12th English 12 AP English Literature
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Social Studies
9th World History World History
10th US History AP US History
11th Government 0.5 Economics 0.5 AP Government 1.0
12th None Required Economics 0.5
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FOUR-YEAR PLANComponent of Educational
Development Plan (EDP)
Grade English Social Studies Math Science Elective Elective
9th
10th
11th
12th
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SAMPLE FOUR-YEAR PLANComponent of Educational
Development Plan (EDP)
Grade English Social Studies Math Science Elective Elective
9th English 9 or Honors English 9 World History Intro Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Biology or Honors Biology Health .5 Physical Education.5 World Language
10th English 10 or Honors English 10 American Hist or AP American History Algebra Concepts or Geometry or College Geometry Physical Science Physics .5 Physical Science Chemistry .5 or Honors Chemistry Computer Applications .5 .5 VPAA World Language
11th English 11 or AP English Language Economics .5 Government .5 OR Economics .5 AP Government 1.0 Geometry College Geometry Algebra 2 A Algebra 2 B College Algebra 2 Trigonometry Algebra 3 Analysis Calculus Chemistry Physics Honors Physics Honors Chemistry AP Biology AP Chemistry .5 VPAA
12th English 12 or AP English Literature Senior Math Course
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Skill Center Education Programs

• Great opportunities for hands-on learning!
• Transportation is provided.
• See Course Selection Book for more detailed
  information on classes.
• Only for 11th 12th grade students
• These are all 3.0 credit courses

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Career Pathways

• A career pathway is a plan determined by a
  students interests and abilities that ensures
  that what he/she learns in school connects to
  his/her long term goals.
• Encourage your son/daughter to choose classes
  that support his/her career pathway.

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Career Pathways

• Arts and Communications
• Business, Management, Marketing and Technology
• Engineering / Manufacturing and Industrial
  Technology
• Health Sciences
• Human Services
• Natural Resources and Agriscience

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Scheduling

• Students will meet with a guidance counselor next
  week to select classes for next year.
• Students select a total of 6 credits and 4
  alternate classes.

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Welcome to 8th Grade Parent Night!

• Testing

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Testing Sequence

• 9th Grade
• MEAP (Oct.) Social Studies
• 10th Grade
• PSAT - practice
• PLAN pre-ACT

• 11th Grade
• PSAT qualifying test for National Merit
  Scholarship
• ACT required for college admissions
• SAT may be required for some college admissions
• MME/ACT required for graduation
• 12th Grade
• ACT Retake

Necessary scores for dual-enrollment in 11th or
12th grade
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PSATPreliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

• 10th grade students are strongly encouraged to
  take the PSAT
• 11th grade students compete for scholarships
  through PSAT test score
• Administered 3rd Wednesday of October
• Cost Paid for by Swartz Creek
• Students register in Guidance Office
• Counselors review scores with students

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PLAN TestPractice ACT

• Excellent predictor of ACT scores
• PLAN is designed for 10th grade students
• Counselors review scores with students

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ACT or SAT?National Testing Companies

• Test scores are part of the college
  application process
• 90-95 of colleges, nationwide, accept the ACT
• Most colleges accept either test score
• Which test is required? Check resources in
  Guidance Office
• Scores are listed on high school transcript
• ACT website www.act.org
• SAT website www.collegeboard.com

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Can a student take the ACT more than once?

• YES!
• Statistics show scores rise 1-4 points
• Future classes may be required to take writing
  portion check requirements for specific college
• ACT Registration includes completed ACT packet
  from Guidance Office, pay fees and mail to ACT.
  Online registration available, too, at
  www.actstudent.org

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Preparation for National TestsACT SAT

• Practice tests available for both tests
• MSU, U of M and other colleges offer ACT and SAT
  prep workshops
• CD-ROM from ACT ACTive Prep
• Private Test Prep Companies
• Practice books available at bookstores

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Dual Enrollment

• Allows a student to enroll in postsecondary for
  high school credit, or postsecondary credit, or
  both.
• Eligibility
• Must be enrolled in at least one high school
  class.
• Must take the PSAT or PLAN in 10th grade to dual
  enroll in 11th grade (qualifying scores are
  required see course selection book pg. 1)
• If student decides not to take SCHSs AP same
  subject course, he/she does so at own expense.
• 3 - 4 credit college courses transfer to SCHS as
  1.0 credit.
• 1 - 2 credit college courses transfer to SCHS as
  0.5 credit.

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Advanced Placement

• AP courses prepare students for the exam
• Rigorous, multiple-component exam
• Administered every May
• Open to any student
• Students can earn college credit, placement, or
  both for qualifying AP Exam grades
• Exam Fee 87 2011

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Testing Out Procedures

• High School credit may be earned in any course
  offered by the school by testing out. This
  applies to all SCHS courses (except courses lower
  in sequence of those already passed).
• Student must attain a 77 or above on the course
  assessment exam.

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Testing Out Timelines

• Sign Up
• Guidance Office (each building) April 12th
  April 30th
• Pick Up Materials
• High School Media Center before or after school
  the week of May 3rd through the 7th
• Test Out Date
• Aug 30th
• Exact Times and Room numbers to follow.

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Athletics Co-Curricular At SCHS
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Athletics and Co-Curricular Eligibility

• All ninth grade students are eligible to
  participate in Swartz Creeks athletic program
  during their first semester of high school
  regardless of previous academic achievement.
• To remain eligible for participation in Swartz
  Creek interscholastic sports programs regular
  education, special education, second semester
  freshmen and all students at other grade levels
  must pass four classes (66 of credit load
  potential for a full time student) during the
  semester immediately preceding their sports
  first practice.
• The period of ineligibility following a
  deficiency at the end of a semester is 60
  scheduled school days.
• Students become eligible on their 61st scheduled
  school day provided they have been doing passing
  work cumulatively for the previous 60 days.
• In addition, students must maintain a grade point
  average (G.P.A.) of C or 2.0 at the conclusion
  of each marking period or semester.
• The students grades will be checked at the end
  of each marking period and/or semester to
  validate that they are eligible to participate.
• Eligibility is determined at the end of each
  marking period and is cumulative through one
  semester. At the end of a semester, the grade
  will be used to determine eligibility.
• Students not meeting the 2.0 standard but wish to
  participate may appeal in writing to the athletic
  director. However, these students will observe a
  two week waiting period to establish a new grade
  point average for the beginning of their new
  marking period/semester. At the end of these two
  weeks if the student has obtained a 2.0 or higher
  they are immediately eligible and will continue
  to be monitored on a weekly basis.

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NCAA FreshmanEligibility Standards

• Division I
• 16-Core Courses
• 4 yrs. English
• 3 yrs Math (Alg. 1 or higher)
• 2 yrs. Natural/Physical sci. (1 yr. lab if
  offered)
• 1 yr. additional English, Math or
  Natural/Physical sci.
• 2 yrs. Social Science
• 4 yrs. additional courses (from any area above,
  foreign language or nondoctrinal
  religion/philosophy)

• Division II
• 14 Core Courses
• 3 yrs. English
• 2 yrs Math (Alg. 1 or higher)
• 2 yrs. Natural/Physical sci. (1 yr. lab if
  offered)
• 2 yr. additional English, Math or
  Natural/Physical sci.
• 2 yrs. Social Science
• 3 yrs. additional courses (from any area above,
  foreign language or nondoctrinal
  religion/philosophy)

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Division ICore GPA/ Text-Score Sliding Scale
Core GPA SAT ACT (Sum of three sections)
3.550 above 400 37
3.5 420 39
3.0 620 52
2.5 820 68
2.0 1010 86
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For More Information

• www.ncaa.org
• or 1-317-917-6222
• www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
• Or 1-877-262-1492

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FALL SPORTS

• Cross Country (B/G)
• Football
• Golf (G)
• Soccer (B)
• Swimming (G)
• Tennis (B)
• Volleyball
• Cheerleading
• Poms

TRY-OUTS REQUIRED
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WINTER SPORTS

• Basketball (B/G)
• Bowling (B/G)
• Competitive Cheer
• Hockey
• Swimming (B)
• Wrestling
• Poms

TRY-OUTS REQUIRED
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SPRING SPORTS

• Baseball (B)
• Golf (B)
• Lacrosse (B/G)
• Soccer (G)
• Softball (G)
• Tennis (G)
• Track (B/G)
• Poms

TRY-OUTS REQUIRED
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It is important to get involved in high school,
balancing academics and co-curricular activities.
The following are great ways to be involved!

• Freshman Class Sponsor Mrs. Kauzlarich
• Sophomore Class Sponsors Mrs. Brown/Mrs.
  Karagosian
• Junior Class Sponsor Mrs. Kunkleman/Ms.
  Pettit
• Senior Class Sponsors Ms. Shyamsunder/Ms. Camp
• Drama Club Mr. Butters
• K.E.Y. Club Mrs. Boros
• National Honor Society Mrs. Kauzlarich
• Quiz Bowl Mrs. Kunkleman
• Road Runners Mr. Wiens
• S.A.D.D. Mrs. Pasquale/Ms. Michalczuk
• Science Olympiad Mr. Dorow
• Student Council Mrs. Kauzlarich
• Swartz Creek Sports Ms. Calvo

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Welcome to 8th Grade Parent Night!

• Getting the Most Out of High School

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The Key to Success in High School

• Study Skills

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Understanding the Difference Between Homework and
Studying

• Homework completing an assignment
• Studying outlining a chapter, rewriting notes,
  or making flashcards.

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Study Guideline

• Students should be spending a minimum of 20
  minutes on homework / study time per academic
  subject each day (5 days a week).
• 5 academic subjects 1 hr. 40 min. of study time
  daily (average)

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Homework

• Use a planner everyday!
• Set up a study space free from distractions
• Determine what time of day is best to study
• Turn off the TV and phone
• Organize use three-ring binders and homework
  folders
• Go to tutoring if struggling
• Make up missed assignments right away

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How Do Students Learn Best?

• Visual Learner learns best from videos, TV,
• pictures, reading, and demonstrations.
• When studying, a visual learner
• may find it helpful to
• Take notes
• Use flash cards, charts, and diagrams
• Form pictures in his/her mind
• Make use of color in notes
• Outline and read the textbook

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• Auditory Learner learns best from lectures,
• discussions, TV, videos, and music.
• When studying, an auditory learner
• may find it helpful to
• Read aloud
• Have discussions
• Listen to tapes
• Review information out loud
• Use memory tricks involving rhythm and rhyme

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• Kinesthetic Learner learns best from
• role-playing, labs, and hands-on activities.
• When studying, a kinesthetic learner should
• Try moving around while studying
• Use tools and objects whenever possible
• Write or type notes
• Role play ideas and concepts

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When Reading Assignments, Encourage Your
Son/Daughter To

• Read summary or chapter review first
• Read chapter questions
• Skim chapter topics to be discussed
• Read notes in margins
• Read captions for pictures / graphs
• Read entire chapter
• Answer chapter questions
• Write his/her own chapter summary or outline

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On Taking Notes In Class

• Write key points (i.e. names, dates, terms)
• Write information teacher repeats or emphasizes
• Copy what teacher writes on board or overheads
• Rewrite notes
• Write questions on material

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On Studying for Tests

• Prepared students perform better
• Cramming for tests is never best!
• Review notes, highlight important points
• Create flash cards (review frequently)
• Review quizzes and homework from same unit
• look up correct answers to missed questions
• Read chapter summaries
• Take notes and make outline from reading
• Study with a buddy!
• Quiz your student
• Make them SLEEP!
• Make them EAT BREAKFAST!

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If Your Student is Not Successful in Class

• Require use of a planner
• Make arrangements to meet with teacher(s) before
  or after school
• Communicate with teachers via email
• Check PowerSchool frequently
• Expect that your student make up missed
  assignments even if credit cannot be earned for
  the assignments
• Monitor students attendance record

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Attendance Policy

• Parents call attendance office for explained
  absence.
• The attendance policy is most effective if
  parents call the morning of the absence

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Attendance ContinuedTardies and Lateness

• Parent will receive a phone call from the
  automated system for each occurrence.
• Lates, tardies, and unexcused absences may affect
  student grades.
• Progression of consequences are
• Warning
• Contact parent
• Detention
• Saturday School
• Out-of-School

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Student ConcernsWhere to go for help

• Academic Assistance
• After school tutoring (Mondays Wednesday from
  230 400
• Ketchup Cafe
• Student Issues Concerns
• Parents
• Teachers
• Guidance counselors
• Safety Team (hall monitors)
• Assistant Principal/Principal

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Information

• Daily Announcements
• PowerSchool
• School web page
• ParentLink
• Staff

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Thank You!