Rising 9th Grade Family Night 2014

• Principals Welcome – Mr. Case

• Class of 2018 Administrator – Ms. Faz

• WP PTSA – Mr. McIlwain, President

West Potomac Student Services• Kevin McMahon – Director of Student ServicesWPHS School Counselors• A – Bel – Michael Johnson• Bem – Cl – Anthony Moore• Cm – Fi – Desiree Cave• Fj – Ho – Gail Allison• Hp – Li – Sofia Nyamweya• Lj – M – Randi Rosenberg• N – Ric – Kazue Watlington• Rid – St – Madelyn Turner• Su – Z – Charlette Jefferson Dixon

Standard Diploma Requirements 2013-2014 and Beyond

Standard Diploma Course Requirements for Students Entering 9th Grade for the First Time in 2011-2012 and Beyond

Subject Standard Credits Verified Credits

English 4 2

Mathematics 3 1

Laboratory Science 3 1

History and Social Sciences 4 1

Health and Physical Education 2

World Language, Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education 2

Economics & Personal Finance 1

Electives (must include sequential electives) 3

Student Selected Test 1

Career and Technical Education Credential

Total Credits 22 6

4

Advanced Studies Diploma Requirements 2013-2014 and Beyond

Advanced Studies Diploma Course Requirements for Students Entering 9th Grade for the First Time in 2011-2012 and Beyond

Subject Area Standard Credits Verified Credits

English 4 2

Mathematics 4 2

Laboratory Science 4 2

History and Social Sciences 4 2

World Language 3 (or 2+2)

Health and Physical Education 2

Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education 1

Economics & Personal Finance 1

Electives 3

Student Selected Test 1

Total Credits 26 9

5

Typical 9th Grade Schedule(7 courses)

• English 9/English 9 HN• World History and Geography 1/WHG 1 HN• Math (see next slide)• Biology/Biology HN (Science Fair for HN)• Health and PE 9• World Language (see later slide) or Elective (see later slide)• Elective

Math Courses for 9th Grade

• Algebra 1 Part 1 and Algebra 1 (double-block)Algebra 1 Part 1 is an elective credit

• Algebra 1/Algebra 1 HN• Geometry/Geometry HN• Algebra 2/Algebra 2 HN

Teacher recommendation is very important!

World Language

• French• German• Latin• Spanish• Spanish for Fluent Speakers (class is designed for

students with a background in Spanish or who speak Spanish at home)

Teacher recommendation for upper levels

9th Grade Electives• English

Journalism 1, Photojournalism 1, Creative Writing, Film Study, Debate, Developing Literacies

• MathComputer Science

• BusinessEconomics & Personal Finance (required for graduation) Information Tech Fund., Information Systems, Webpage

Development, Programming Accounting, Business Law/Business Management

• MarketingIntro to Marketing

9th Grade Electives• Technology Education

Design & Technology, Basic Technical Drawing, Electronics, Aerospace Science• Visual Arts

Studio Art 1, Computer Graphics 1, Photography 1, Visual Communications 1• Performing Arts

Music Sampler, Band, Orchestra, Guitar, Percussion Ensemble, Piano, Chorus (recommendation/audition)

• Theatre ArtsTheatre Arts 1, Technical Theatre 1

• West Potomac AcademyDance 1

• GeneralArmy JROTC 1, AVID, Leadership Training (interview), Peer Mediation

AVID – an elective option!

• Advancement Via Individual Determination• AVID is an academic program designed to increase the rigor of

coursework taken by West Potomac students. • Every AVID student is in at least one Honors/AP. • All AVID Students have the goal of going to college!• Over the last three years all AVID seniors who applied to a four

year college were accepted into at least one four year school!• Tutorials, College Visits, Family Nights, Guest Speakers…• Application required – see Ms. Caldwell for more information.

On-Level vs. Honors

• Course-specific information by each dept.• Student interest/motivation• Higher-order thinking skills• Interdisciplinary connections• Overall workload of seven courses• Balance with other commitments (extra-curricular

activities, family time, leisure, etc.)• Time management• Organizational skillsFebruary 11: Advanced Academics Night

Special Education

• Middle School Case Manager makes recommendations based on the student’s IEP

• Level of services (SC, TM, general ed)• Special Education courses as needed

(Basic Skills, Developmental Reading, Personal Development, etc.)

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

• Middle School ESOL Dept. determines the ESOL level of each student based on the WIDA scores.

• ESOL 1• ESOL 2• ESOL 2/3• ESOL 3• ESOL 4

Important Hints about High School• Daily attendance is important.

• Absences must be reported by a parent/guardian by phone or with a note within 3 days.

• Use your agenda book every day.

• Check Blackboard every day.

• Homework counts!

• Missed assignments are your responsibility.

• Utilize the Wolverine Time.

• Late buses are available for after-school help.

Important Hints about High School

• Choose your friends wisely.

• Establish a study buddy system.

• Activities such as clubs, sports and music are great ways to get involved in the school community.

• Grades must be maintained to participate in sports.

• Grade Point Averages (GPA’s) are computed from your grades in ALL subjects, ALL four years. Ninth grade is important!

Important Dates

• February 5: Rising 9th Grade Family Night (tonight)

• February 5-7: WP Counselors visit SMS• February 11: Advanced Academics Night• April: List of your courses mailed home for

review

Action Items

• Course selection sheet requires parent/guardian signature – please discuss the selections!

• Select two alternate electives.• Seek out teacher recommendations (AP/HN – expected

to stay in the course for the first nine weeks).• Work with your counselor.• For more information, visit our website:www.fcps.edu/WestPotomacHSunder “Student Services” and “Academic Advising”