6. The first and last thing you own in your
life is your education
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Statistics
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP US History
• AP Psychology
• AP Human Geography
• AP World History
• AP American Government/Politics: US
• AP Spanish Language
• AP Studio Art: Drawing
• AP Studio Art: 2‐D Design
• AP Music Theory
• AP Language
• AP Literature
• AP Principles of Computer Science ‐NEW
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Statistics
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP US History
• AP Psychology
• AP Human Geography
• AP World History
• AP American Government/Politics: US
• AP Spanish Language
• AP Studio Art: Drawing
• AP Studio Art: 2‐D Design
• AP Music Theory
• AP Language
• AP Literature
• AP Principles of Computer Science ‐NEW
7. Etowah’s Advanced Placement
Programs are AWESOME!
Etowah
• Offers 23 College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
• Has added 10 new AP courses over the past five years
• Has 28.6% of students who are taking AP courses this year.
• Has maintained an average 85% exam pass rate. (State average:
56% and Global average: 61%.)
• Increased the number of students taking AP classes by 41%.
• Increased the number of AP exams taken by 46%
• Increased the number of AP Scholars every year for 5 years running.
• Recognizes 532 AP Scholar Awards from 2011 – 2015 in the new
EHS AP Hall of Fame.
• Is academically ranked in the Top 11% nationally with 5 straight
years as one of America’s Most Challenging Schools
8. Can 9th graders take an AP course &
did they have to be in AIM?
• Yes! – AP Human Geography is offered to all grade levels
• No – AIM/Gifted in not required
– High IQ helps but I Will is even better!
• EVERY student can take at least one honors or AP course while at Etowah!
• Why bother taking tough classes?
Etowah graduates are the least likely to need remedial courses at college –
5.4% of the class of 2014 required ELA or Math remedial courses
Etowah students are more likely to graduate early or on time from college
Etowah students spend less money on tuition due to the amount of AP
course they transfer
Etowah has the most collegiate academic and athletic scholarship money
earned in CCSD over the past 5 years (Over $19.8 million not including
HOPE)
• Related factor: 55% of the Class of 2015 was HOPE Eligible!
GO EAGLES!
11. 9th Grade Lit vs. Honors Lit
9th Literature
• 4‐5 large literary works
• Reading a primary piece and
supporting pieces
separately
• Writing/ analysis
• Presentations
• Research
9th Honors Literature
• 9‐10 large literary works
• Reading a primary and
supportive pieces
simultaneously
• Increased writing/analysis
• Increased outside readings
• Presentations
• Research
16. 10 Characteristics of
a Great Etowah Student
1. A great student.....ASKS QUESTIONS.
It is truly the only way a teacher knows whether you really understand
something.
2. A great student is a.....HARD WORKER.
The hardest working students will ultimately be the most successful in
life!
3. A great student is....INVOLVED.
Being involved in the classroom and in extra‐curricular activities can help
a student gain confidence which can improve academic success!
4. A great student is a.....LEADER.
For some, leadership skills are innate, but for others...not so much. The
good news is that these skills can be developed over time!
5. A great student is.....MOTIVATED.
The best students are the ones that are motivated to be successful,
because they want to be at school, they want to learn, and they want to
succeed!
23. A Certificate of Enrollment is required in
order for a student to receive a learner or
driving permit. The requests for these
certificates are submitted to room 3106
and require 24 hours to process. They are
valid for 30 days from time of issuance
except at the end of the school year when
they are valid for the entire summer
break.
24. Administrators and Counselors
• Keith Ball, Principal
• Lyn Turnell, Administrator ‐ Special Education and Section 504
– Lisa Shull, Counselor, Alphabet H ‐ L
• Dan Snipes, Administrator ‐ Career Technical and Agricultural
Education
– Michele Dowd, Counselor, Alphabet M ‐ R
• Bob Van Alstyne, Administrator ‐ Athletic Director, RTI
– Whitney Morberg, Counselor, Alphabet A ‐ C
• Amanda Ruiz, Administrator ‐ Curriculum and Student Services
– Amanda Findlay, Counselor, Alphabet D ‐ G
• Matthew May, Teacher on Special Assignment
– Kelly Brangan, Lead Counselor, Alphabet S ‐ Z
37. PSAT
• Preliminary SAT
• Prepares students to take the SAT
• Changed (along with the SAT)
• 11th Grade PSAT scores are used to qualify students for
the National Merit Scholarship
• Given at Etowah each fall, typically in October
• 9th Graders will be given the opportunity to take the
PSAT and receive an official score report from College
Board
39. Evolution of “Graduating” …
• One Diploma Type
• 4 Years of Math and Science
• World Languages are not required
• Pathways
• A passing score on state mandated testing is no
longer required.
– participation is required
– Score is 20% of a students final grade in the EOC
Milestone Course
– Students will not receive a final grade in the class
without taking the Milestone.
41. Sample Course Sequence
Freshmen Sophomore Junior Senior
9th Literature 10th Literature American Lit British Lit
Earth Systems
or
Biology
Biology
or
Chemistry
Environmental Sci
or
Physics
4th Year
Algebra 1 Analytic Geometry Algebra 2 Pre Calculus
or
Statistical Reasoning
Required Elective World History US History Government &
Economics
Health &
Personal Fitness
Required Elective Required Elective Required Elective
Miscellaneous
Elective
Miscellaneous Elective Miscellaneous Elective Miscellaneous Elective
**Appropriate course placement creates many variations of course sequencing.
44. Course Requests
• March 2016 ‐ Students will receive their
2016‐17 INITIAL COURSE REQUEST.
– The Course Request will display the core course
placement and elective choices (including alternates).
– Please sign and return this request, noting any
concerns.
• April 2016 ‐ Students will receive a FINAL COURSE
REQUEST. Please sign and return this request
noting any further changes.
48. Key Differences
Lunch
• an hour‐long lunch
• sit wherever you want
• you may not leave the
campus
Class Transition
• movement between
buildings
• 6 minutes with grace
Attendance
• credit may not be
awarded after 6 absences
in a class period
• tardies are recorded to
each class period
Grades
• grades are cumulative
• grades become a part of
the transcript at the end
of each Semester
51. Rising Freshmen Updates
and Contact Information
Direct link to Rising 9th Grade tab on Etowah Homepage to check for
updates and information
http://www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/etowah‐
hs/studentservices/Student%20Services/FAQ.aspx
Please direct emails to EHS.RisingFreshman@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Or call the counseling office at 770 721‐3137
53. ETOWAH HIGH SCHOOL TRANSITION SCHEDULE FOR THE CLASS OF 2020
Class of 2020 Operation Graduation visit from Mr. Ball at ET Booth: January 20, 2016 at 9:15
Mr. Ball will visit ETB with Etowah’s mascot, Talon, as well as students from the Flight Club-Leaders Council and
selected teachers to bring Grad Rags and talk with students about the Operation Graduation initiative.
Class of 2020 “Be Our Guest” at EHS Varsity Basketball Game: January 30, 2016 (Changed due to weather)
The Etowah Eagles will play region opponent Milton that evening with the Varsity Ladies tipping off at 6:00 pm
and the Varsity Boys immediately to follow. Both games are in the New Gym. All students in the class of 2020
get in FREE with their Grad Rag! Parents, relatives, siblings, etc. will pay the regular game admission ($5.00 for
adults & $3.00 for children).
Class of 2020 Visits EHS for Lexile Testing and BRIDGE Bill: January 25 & 26, 2016
8th
Grade students will visit EHS to complete Lexile testing to assist with appropriate class placement and to
complete BRIDGE Bill requirements.
Class of 2020 Counselor Visits to ET Booth: February 8, 2016
EHS counselors will visit ETB 8th
grade students and offer an introduction to high school expectations and
requirements for success. Also, counselors will provide students the opportunity to get answers to their
questions related to transition, schedules, electives, sports, and clubs.
Class of 2020 Parent Welcome Meeting and Elective Fair: EHS Auditorium – Cancelled due to weather
EHS Administrators, Counselors and Teachers welcome the Class of 2020. Basics regarding transitioning to
Etowah will be covered. Following general discussion, EHS will facilitate break-out sessions for Students with
Individual Programs: Special Education, RTI, Gifted, Career Pathways, etc. Teachers of elective programs &
academic elective classes will be available to rising 9th
grade students to provide an overview of these various
elective courses. EHS coaches and club sponsors will present the numerous extracurricular opportunities
available at EHS. Information regarding questions and concerns collected from parents on this night will be
covered at length at Parent University.
Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo
Superintendent of Schools
ETOWAH HIGH SCHOOL
6565 Putnam Ford Drive
Woodstock, Georgia 30189
(770) 721-3120
Fax (770) 926-4157
Mr. Keith L. Ball
Principal
Assistant Principals
Dr. Amanda Ruiz
Dr. Dan Snipes
Mrs. Lyn Turnell
Mr. Robert Van Alstyne
54. ETOWAH HIGH SCHOOL TRANSITION SCHEDULE FOR THE CLASS OF 2020 (continued)
Class of 2020 Registration at ET Booth: Cancelled due to weather
Etowah counselors will be with students at ET Booth to register students for classes for the 2016-17 school year.
Class of 2020 Parent University: EHS Auditorium/Campus – February 29, 2016 at 6:30 – 8:30 or March 1, 2016
at 9:00 am - 11:30 am
A thorough explanation of transition from middle school to high school will be provided. Various presentations
by EHS administration and the counseling department that will address all aspects of the high school experience.
Parents will be able to experience a 21st
Century Classroom and a tour of EHS. The meeting will conclude with a
question and answer session with our current student/parent panel. Honors/AP information will be covered at
Parent University.
Class of 2020 Rising 9th
Grade Visit & Campus Tour: EHS Auditorium Class of 2019 Rising 9th
Grade Visit & Campus
tour: EHS Auditorium – May 23, 2016 – 11:30 & 12:30
Students in the class of 2020 will have an opportunity to walk the EHS campus visiting various buildings,
cafeteria, and the gym. In addition, students will view a presentation on clubs and activities available at EHS.
Class of 2020 Eagle Walk: ET Booth to the EHS New Gym –May 26, 2016
On the last day of the 2015-16 school year, students walk from ETBMS to EHS symbolizing their transition from
ETB Falcons to EHS Eagles!
Principal’s Cokes & Conversation: EHS Auditorium – Summer 2016 - TBD
Informal meet & greet with EHS principal. Open to parents of existing and/or new EHS students. Conversation
will include student expectations, new and upcoming initiatives, and include a Q & A session.
Class of 2020 New Student Meet & Greet: EHS New Gym/Campus – TBD
Parents and students will follow their student’s fall semester schedule and have the opportunity to meet each of
their child’s teachers and familiarizing each student with classroom locations.
Fall 2016 PTSA Open House & Curriculum Night (campus): EHS New Gym – TBD
Parents will attend a brief PTSA meeting in the new gym, follow their student’s schedule meeting each
classroom teacher, and hearing a brief overview of class expectations. School Council elections will be held that
evening as well.
Class of 2020 Fall Parent Meeting: EHS Auditorium – TBD
The EHS Administrators & Counselors will invite parents to review and discuss curriculum, graduation
requirements, attendance, expectations, and other basics regarding their student’s transition to high school.
55. Things I wish that I knew as a Freshman.
You are given more freedom, but more responsibility.
Get a raincoat!
There is no freshman skip day. Come to school!
Don’t try to change yourself immediately, don’t be different!
Keep trying. If you fail, use that for mo va on. Don’t freeze up.
Don’t be afraid to make different choices than your friends. This me in high school is to make the best decision for you.
Learn the nicknames of the buildings (Old Science, New Science, C‐Building, L‐Building).
Don’t run to class. You have enough me.
Get involved in sports and clubs. Move involved = more fun.
Make all the friends you want because you are all going through high school together. Don’t exclude others.
Freshman classes will impact the rest of your high school years. GPA freshman year ma ers.
Get 100s on the easy homework grades.
Take challenging classes right away. Don’t wait!
Si ng in the library for lunch doesn’t make you a loser. Take advantage of the hour and use this me to do homework.
The teachers actually do care about you.
Principal Ball or KB will be your best friend no ma er who you are, as long as you stay out of trouble.
Go to sleep early if you can.
There is no swimming pool.
Be calm.
Record your achievements for future applica ons for college.
Freshman Friday isn’t really a thing.
Don’t talk to Senior boys.
If you show effort and follow your teachers direc ons, school will be easy.
Check your Office365 email.
Go to a teacher if you need extra help.
Start to get an idea of what colleges you might want to a end.
Find out where the athle c and a endance offices are located.
Don’t be stressed, take it step‐by‐step.
56. Welcome
Parents
of the
Class of
2019
Parent
University
Etowah High
School
Characteristics of a Great Student!
Ask questions
Hard worker
Involved
Leader
Motivated
Problem solver
Seizes opportuni-
ties
Solid citizen
Support System
Trustworthy
21st Century Classroom Visits
Parents will be able to experience a 21st Century
Classroom and a tour of EHS.. (day session only)
Q & A on EHS
Speakers: EHS Student
and Parent Panel
Current EHS students and parents will address
your questions.
EHS Auditorium
Monday, February 29, 2016
6:30 PM—8:30 PM
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
9:00 AM—11:30 AM
EHS MISSION STATEMENT:
ETOWAH HIGH SCHOOL’S MISSION SHALL BE
GRADUATING LIFE-LONG LEARNERS AND
PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITY AND GLOBAL CITIZENS.
Rise to the Occasion
Speaker: Keith L. Ball, Principal
Remind Texts
Etowah Tweets
Etowah Homepage:
www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/schools/etowah-hs
Penny Jones, Secretary to Mr. Ball at
penny.jones@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Questions regarding Course Requests contact
EHS.RisingFreshman@cherokee.k12.ga.us
or call the counseling office at 770 721-3137
57. EHS 101 Overview
Etowah High School Administration and
Faculty will present a variety of course
offerings to educate you about our school.
Parents will also visit our 21st Century
Classrooms and tour the school. Participants
will be divided into different groups as
they visit a classroom.
Welcome and Introductions
Speaker: Lyn Turnell, Assistant Principal
During this introductory session, Parent
University program organization will be
reviewed including handouts.
Lori Peters, School Council Chair
Shannon Bates, PTSA President
Rigor vs Rigor mortis!
Speaker: Keith L. Ball, Principal
In this first segment Mr. Ball, will help par-
ents understand the challenges of creating
a healthy balance for their student so they
can build a living and a life they are
proud of while at Etowah!
He will provide a quick comparison of
rigor for 9th grade courses. Expectations
regarding homework, testing, reading assign-
ments and projects will be discussed.
Before/After School
Academic Saturday School
Mandatory Lunchtime Tutoring
By appointment with Teacher
High School Attendance
Speaker: Lyn Turnell, Assistant Principal
High school attendance procedures differ from
those in place at the middle school level; for
example, attendance is taken for each class
period. Mrs.Turnell will explain the CCSD high
school attendance policies and how they can
impact students. Also, she will discuss the high
school attendance procedures, and the attend-
ance appeal process.
All information shared today will be
available on the Etowah High School
website. Select the Counseling tab,
then Rising 9th Grade Information.
http://www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/
etowah-hs/studentservices/Student%
20Services/FAQ.aspx
Student Services
Speaker: Lisa Shull, Counselor
Amanda Ruiz, Assistant Principal
High school presents various options relative to
course selection for students and parents. In this
session course selection, graduation requirements, and
the scheduling process will be explained. Infor-
mation regarding the awarding of course credit and
viewing a sample transcript are also included.
Examples of 4-year academic plans, all leading to
graduation, will be explored.
High school brings several new experiences.
The Student Services team will provide some advice
to help students be successful in the transition from
8th to 9th grade. There will also be information
about the Georgia Milestones Assessments which 9th
grade students are required to take and also about
the PSAT.
Tutoring Opportunities
Excellence is not a matter of chance,
it’s a matter of choice”
62.
5
26. Are tutors available if grades are above 73%?
Yes, schedule a tutoring appointment with the teacher. Please refer to teacher ASPEN pages for information
on an individual tutoring schedule.
27. Are there tutors or mentors who keep my child “on track” for graduation?
Yes, Guidance Counselors monitor each student’s progress towards graduation. Also, the students’ Teacher
as Advisor (TAA) teacher is another caring adult in the building who reminds them about course work and
graduation requirements.
28. Will a syllabus or course expectations be provided at the beginning of each semester?
Yes, all year‐long course syllabi are distributed at the beginning of the year. If a course is a semester long
course, then the syllabus will be given out at the beginning of the fall/spring semester.
29. How many people on the EHS staff hold advanced degrees?
107 teachers have advanced degrees: Master degrees: 63, specialist degrees:33, and doctorate degrees:11.
30. Are students still required to take the High School Graduation Writing Test (GHSWT)?
No, this test is no longer a requirement for incoming high school students.
31. What are GA Milestones Tests (EOCs)?
GA Milestones Tests (EOCs) assess student achievement in 8 state adopted curriculum core classes. Each
exam is administered upon the completion of the course and each exam is calculated as 20% of the overall
course grade. Courses are not considered complete if the student does not take this state mandated exam.
The courses are:
9th
Grade Literature Geometry
Algebra I U.S. History
Biology Physical Science
American Literature Economics
32. Why do some of the goals in the EHS School Improvement Plan address test scores?
The 2015 School Improvement Plan does not include testing goals. The goals for the current school year are:
Increase the graduation rate.
Analyze student performance data and use research based instructional practices (varied DOK levels,
summarizing strategies and formative instructional practice) to improve teaching and learning.
Improve the student attendance rate, faculty & staff attendance rate, and student discipline rates.
The entire 2015‐16 EHS School Improvement Plan (SIP) can be found on the EHS website.
33. Is there a place where we can see SAT scores divided by regular and advanced students?
No, SAT scores are not divided in this manner.
66.
9
56. Are there volunteer programs for skilled academic students to help tutor their peers?
Yes, please explore the opportunities offered through NHS or Beta Club.
57. Where is a list of clubs posted?
A list of EHS clubs posted on the Etowah website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/etowah‐hs
58. What can be done to encourage students to take the bus – go green incentives?
Due to traffic congestion on Eagle Mountain, all students are encouraged to utilize CCSD Bus Transportation.
Additionally, please visit the Clean Air Campaign website at www.cleanaircampaign.org
59. Does EHS have a program that allows students to leave school early to take part in other
activities? i.e. tennis drills
No, there are no programs or concessions for students to leave campus and attend sports drills. If students
are checked out early to attend non‐school based extracurricular activities it will count against their
attendance. Please see CCSD High School Attendance Policy found in the CCSD Student/Parent Handbook.
60. How do you extend your “Child Protection Plan” to manage parents/volunteers?
At the beginning of the school year, parents have an opportunity to update demographic information. Parents
are able to include the names of individuals they will allow to check their child out of school during the day.
The school keeps this information in the computer system and refers to it anytime a student is being checked
out. Only the persons listed in the student’s contacts may check a student out from school. In addition, a
parent may contact the school at any time to update/change this information. If there are legal changes
involving “custody of children” or “restraining orders”, that information is generally shared with the EHS
counseling office. EHS administrators have a monthly update of the Cherokee County sex offender’s list sent
from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, a Mandatory Reporting Workshop and associated
paperwork is completed by all volunteers each year.
61. Are homeschooled students allowed to participate on school teams if they live in the district?
No, the following support services are not available to Home Study Students:
a. Interscholastic/Competitive Activities Programs (ex. sports, chorus, band, drama, etc.)
b. Part‐time enrollment in a Cherokee County School
c. Before and after school programs
d. Textbooks, supplemental materials/equipment, and on‐line resources are not provided to home study
students by the school/school district.
e. Academic competitions/recognitions including, but not limited to Spelling Bee, Science Fair,
Social/Science Fair, Science Olympiad, Academic Bowl, Young Author’s Fair, Attendance Awards and
Academic awards.
62. What is the earliest date a physical from a personal physician can be used for next year’s team?
Any physical examination after April 1st is valid for the entire next school year. A physical examination has a
validity of one calendar year. Students are encouraged to attend EHS Physical night on April 26, 2016 at a cost of
$25.
67.
10
63. Who is trained to handle anaphylactic shock?
Etowah High School has a full‐time nurse, Mrs. Cathy Alexander. The clinic is located on the second floor of
the Administration building. In addition to Nurse Alexander, the staff is trained on anaphylactic shock on a
yearly basis.
64. Can students’ cell phones be placed on vibrate or must they be shut off during classes?
They must be turned off during all instructional time. Teachers in BYLD/BALD classes will instruct students to turn
on their personal device for instructional use only. Students are never permitted to talk on the phone at any point
during the day.
65. Who will be administering TKES survey to students?
Only certified educators may administer the Student Surveys. Teachers may NOT administer the survey to
students in their own class or classes. Principals, Assistant Principals, Counselors, Media Specialists, Graduation
Coaches, Instructional Coaches, etc. (any certified educator who does not have students assigned to him/her for
classes) may administer the survey.
66. Is there a chip installed in the students ID card?
No, there is only a bar code used for the Media Center to check out books.
67. If a student is checked out during lunch for an appointment, is there a consequence?
No, we would prefer you use school breaks or after school for appointments. If they must be during the school
day, your child’s lunch period is preferred as they do not miss instruction and an absence during lunch is not
counted against them.
68. Are there Merit Awards, either teacher nominated or via student application?
Yes, Character Education, Attendance and various annual awards at Honors Day. Please see your child’s
counselor for additional information regarding merit awards and scholarships.
69. Lunch is so early, will this change?
The periods in which lunch is served is solely based on student population. Lunch periods begin at 10:21 and
go through 2:15.
70. Will there be upper classmen to help students familiarize themselves with school?
Yes, Student Ambassadors serve in this role. Ms. Kristy Szpindor is the faculty contact.
71. Are there after school or feeder recreational programs to continue sports?
EHS currently offers inter‐scholastic sports at the junior varsity and varsity level. EHS does not offer intramural or
club sports.
72. Would you consider offering a 9th
grade soccer team?
Currently only football and boys’ basketball have freshman teams due to participation levels and funding.
However, 9th
graders may try out for JV/Varsity teams.
68. GPA is calculated at each semester
Sample Transcript
Each Semester: You OWN it!
Aug-Dec (Semester 1) - posted to your
transcript, ex: 9th Grade Lit/Comp A
Jan-May (Semester 2) posted to your
transcript, ex: Coord Alg B
Each semester is a final grade that is not
averaged for the year.
69. Mr. Ball would like you to join Class of
2020!
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