1. Welcome to 8th Grade Parent Night! Academics: Planning the Next Four Years Practical Tips for Success Co-Curricular Activities

2. Course Selection Book2011-2012 The updated course selection book is available online at http://www.howellschools.com (follow the links to the High School Guidance Department). Copies will be available to use at the guidance office and media center.

3. 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 Out of District classes Co-Curricular Activities And much, much, more!

5. Each year, a student can earn 6 credits.

7. What is a Personal Curriculum Modification ? This is a documented process that modifies certain requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum (graduation requirements). Modification is allowed for only two reasons: A student wishes to go beyond the academic credit requirements by adding more math, science, or English. A student with an IEP needs to modify the credit requirements based on his or her disability.

8. When would I be able to request a Personal Curriculum Modification? Students are not able to request a modification of graduation requirements until his/her junior year. At this time he/she needs to have either an EDP (Educational Development Plan) or an IEP (Individualized Education Program)

9. Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation RequirementsMATHEMATICS RequirementSpecifics 4 credits Algebra I 1 credit Geometry 1 credit Algebra II 1 credit 1 additional credit, such as: Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry (FST), Intro. to Probability and Stats, Building Wealth. 1 credit must be earned in the senior year

10. Mathematics (continued) A math class must be successfully completed in the senior year, with no exceptions. Earning four credits prior to the senior year, including 8th grade, does not satisfy the requirement of having to take a math class in the senior year.

11. Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation RequirementsENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS RequirementExample 4 credits English 9 1 credit English 10 1 credit Advanced Amer. Lit. 1 credit Advanced Comp. 1 credit Personal Curriculum Modification No modification allowed.

12. Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation RequirementsSCIENCE RequirementSpecifics 3 credits Biology 1 credit Chemistry or Physics 1 credit Additional Sci. Credit 1 credit Personal Curriculum Modification No modification allowed. General Notes: Colleges strongly encourage 4 credits of science.

13. Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation RequirementsSOCIAL STUDIES RequirementSpecifics 3 credits World History 1 credit U.S. History 1 credit Government/Civics 0.5 credit Economics 0.5 Personal Curriculum Modification No modification of Government Modifications only if student has earned 2 credits and takes additional credit(s) beyond the required credits in English, Math, Science.

14. Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation RequirementsPHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH RequirementSpecifics 1 credit Health 0.5 credit Physical Education 0.5 credit Personal Curriculum Modification Modification only if the student takes additional credit(s) beyond the required credits in English, Math, Science.

15. Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation RequirementsVISUAL, PERFORMING, OR APPLIED ARTS RequirementSpecifics 1 credit 1 credit in any combination of these categories. Personal Curriculum Modification Modification only if the student takes additional credit(s) beyond the required credits in English, Math, Science.

16. Michigan Merit Curriculum and Graduation RequirementsONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE RequirementSpecifics Transcript Requirement may be fulfilled Notation in an online course, online learning experience, or integrated online learning in required graduation credit courses. Personal Curriculum Modification No modification allowed.

17. What classes will provide the online learning requirement? These are some examples, however, other classes will offer the opportunity to meet this requirement, as well, through online classroom activities. 608 Introduction to TV/Video Production 501 Introduction to Business 505 Computer Applications 506 Computer Applications II 504 Entrepreneurship 509 Introduction to Web Page Design 510 Advanced Web Page Design

18. Review of Graduation Requirements English 4 Credits (8 semesters) World History 1 Credit (2 semesters) U. S. History 1 Credit (2 semesters) Government ½ Credit (1 semester) Economics ½ Credit (1 semester) Math 4 Credits (8 semesters) Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Additional Math or Math Related Credit Science 3 Credits (6 semesters) Biology, Chemistry or Physics, Additional Science Credit Health ½ Credit (1 semester) PE ½ Credit (1 semester) Visual, Performing, Applied Arts 1 credit (2 semesters) Online Learning Experience (Total = 16 required) Plus 6.0 Credits (12 semesters) Electives Total for Graduation = minimum of 22 credits

19. Students Must Also Take the MME (Michigan Merit Exam) to Graduate The MME is the state assessment administered in March of a student’s 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 in the Michigan high school standards, benchmarks, and core content expectations.

20. Curriculum Howell High School

21. Science Sequencing Options AP Physics B ( non – science majors ) pre-req: Chemistry co-req: FST AP Physics C ( science majors ) pre-req: Chemistry, FST co-req: AP Calculus

22. Math Sequencing Algebra Geometry Algebra II Functions Statistics and Trig. or Trig. & Stats. Pre-Calculus and Discrete Math AP Statistics AP Calculus Additional Math Classes Consumer Math Building Wealth

23. English Sequence Options

24. Social Studies

26. 9th grade Choir

27. Drawing

28. Photography I

29. Digital Imaging

30. French I (1)

31. German I (1)

34. FOUR-YEAR PLANComponent of Educational Development Plan (EDP)

35. SAMPLE: FOUR-YEAR PLANComponent of Educational Development Plan (EDP) 10 Grade English

36. AP Classes Available at Howell High School AP Calculus AP Statistics AP Biology AP Physics B AP Physics C AP Chemistry AP Computer Science AP English AP European History AP U.S. History AP Government AP Comparative Gov. and Politics AP Psychology

38. Out of District LATEC Courses for School year 2011-2012 Advanced Automotive/Brakes & Electronic Systems (FHS 3 credits) Cisco Networking (PHS 3 credits) Graphic Communications (BHS 3 credits) Network Administrator (Cleary University 2 credits) Robotics and Industrial Automation I and II (PHS 3 credits)

39. Career Pathways A career pathway is a plan determined by a student’s 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.

41. Business, Management, Marketing and Technology

42. Engineering / Manufacturing and Industrial Technology

43. Health Sciences

44. Human Services

46. The Key to Success in High School… Study Skills

47. Understanding the Difference Between Homework and Studying Homework – completing an assignment Studying – outlining a chapter, rewriting notes, or making flashcards.

49. Set up a study space free from distractions

50. Determine what time of day is best to study

51. Turn off the TV and phone

52. Organize – use three-ring binders and homework folders

53. Go to tutoring if struggling

55. 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

56. 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 Monitor student’s attendance record

57. Attendance Policy Parents call attendance office for explained absence. The attendance policy is most effective if parents call the absence in within two days.

59. Lates, tardies, and unexcused absences may affect student grades.

60. Progression of consequences are:

61. Warning

62. Detention

63. Saturday School

65. Information Daily Announcements PowerSchool School web page @ www.howellschools.com ParentLink Staff Principal’s View Blog

66. Testing

68. ACT – ($28/42) required for college admissions

69. SAT – ($41.50) may be required for some college admissions

71. PSAT* (Oct.) – practice ($15)

73. PLAN *– pre-ACT*Necessary scores for dual-enrollment in 11th or 12th grade

74. PSATPreliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test 9th and 10th grade students are strongly encouraged to take the PSAT 11th grade students compete for scholarships through PSAT test score Administered 3rd Saturday of October Cost = $15 Students register in Guidance Office Counselors review scores with students

75. EXPLORE TestPractice ACT Excellent predictor of ACT scores EXPLORE is designed for 9th grade students Taken during ACT/MME testing window early March PLAN test taken as 10th grade student

76. 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

77. 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

78. Preparation for National TestsACT & SAT KAPLAN Test Prep 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

79. 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. 6) If student decides not to take HHS’s AP same subject course, he/she does so at own expense. 3 - 4 credit college courses transfer to HHS as 1.0 credit. 1 - 2 credit college courses transfer to HHS as 0.5 credit.

80. Qualifying Scores for Dual Enrollment PLAN Test (or ACT) – Minimum Scores Required Mathematics 18 Reading 17 Science 19 English 21 PSAT Test – Minimum Scores Required Reading 44 Writing 49 Mathematics 45

81. Testing Out Procedures High School credit may be earned in any course offered by the school by testing out. This applies to all HHS courses (except courses lower in sequence of those already passed). Student must attain a 77% or above on the semester exam.

82. Testing Out Timelines Sign Up: Guidance Office (each building) 4th quarter Pick Up Materials: Media Center (each building) first two weeks after school is out for Summer Test Out Dates: (Located at 10-12 Building) Aug 8th - PE in AM, Health in PM: Aug 9 Math in AM, ELA in PM, Aug 10 Science in AM, Soc. Stud in PM Exact Times and Room numbers to follow.

83. Athletics & Co-Curricular At HHS

84. Athletics and Co-Curricular Eligibility 1. Must maintain a 2.0 GPA Student must have earned this 2.0 GPA in the quarter or semester immediately preceding the beginning of the sport or activity. GPA must be maintained throughout the period of continuous involvement in the co-curricular program. 2. Must have passed five out of six classes in the quarter or semester (or six of seven) immediately preceding the beginning of the sport or activity. The student must continue to pass five (or more) classes through the period of continuous involvement in the co-curricular program.

85. A PHYSICAL MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO TRY-OUTS FOR ANY TEAM THE PHYSICAL MUST BE DATED APRIL 15, 2011 OR AFTER. A PHYSICAL IS REQUIRED ANNUALLY ATHLETIC OFFICE HOURS DAILY 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM SUMMER HOURS TUESDAY/THURSDAY 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM 2.0 GRADE POINT AVERAGE PASSING 5 OUT OF 6 CLASSESIS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE ON AN ATHLETIC TEAMAthletic Director: Dan Hutcheson 517 540-8335

86. FALL SPORTS Cross Country (B/G) Equestrian** (B/G) Football Golf (G) Soccer* (B) Swimming (G) Tennis (B) Volleyball* Cheerleading* *TRY-OUTS REQUIRED **Not a Michigan High School Athletic Association recognized sport

87. WINTER SPORTS Basketball* (B/G) Bowling (B/G) Competitive Cheer* Gymnastics Hockey* Inline Hockey Skiing Swimming (B) Wrestling *TRY-OUTS REQUIRED

88. SPRING SPORTS Baseball* (B) Golf* (B) Inline Hockey Lacrosse (B) Soccer* (G) Softball* (G –V) Softball* (G – JV) Tennis (G) Track (B/G) * TRY-OUTS REQUIRED

90. Anime Club

91. Free Thinking Club

92. National Honors Society (NHS)

93. Band

94. Yearbook

95. Culinary Arts & Catering

96. Engineering Club

97. Robotics / Engineering

98. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

99. We the People

100. Choir

101. Classicality, Chorale

102. D.E.C.A.

103. Bible Study

104. Interact

105. School Musical

106. School Play

107. Environmental

108. Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)

109. Destination Imagination

110. Band Auxiliary Groups

111. Main Four Student Newspaper

112. Student Council

113. Diversity Club

114. Friends Network

115. FCCLA

116. Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA)