8th Grade Parent Night 2016

Welcome Class of 2020Rochester High School

Pre-Registration MaterialsCourse Booklet: offered online, RHS WebsiteYellow Information Folder: several handoutsCourse Selection Forms & Four Year

Plans: due with parent signature by Thursday, 1/28/16

Online Course BookletThe Online Course Booklet covers:

Pre-registration instructionsRules on course changesSummary of HS Graduation RequirementsSummary of College Admission RequirementsGrade weighting informationCourse descriptionsCollege preparation guideSchool-to-work guide

HS Graduations Requirementsvs.

College Admission Requirements

RHS Requirements General College Requirements4 Years English (2 Writing Intensive)

4 Years English

3 Years Math (Algebra I & Geometry)

3 Years Math (Alg I, Geom & Alg II)

2 Years Science (Biology) 3 Years Science2 Years Social Science (US Hist & Gov’t)

3 Years Social Science

3 ½ Physical Education 2 Years Foreign Language½ Consumer Education EACH COLLEGE &

UNIVERSITY½ Health Education HAS UNIQUE

REQUIREMENTS¼ Driver’s Education1 Fine Arts, Foreign Language, VocationalFreshmen Transitions28 CREDITS REQUIRED OVERALL

Grade WeightingCourses are weighted 3, 4, 5 or 6 depending

on difficultyWeight of a class determines how heavily a

class will count toward Grade Point Average (GPA)

Weighted GPA determines Class RankThe number of weighted classes taken (14

credits) and the level at which a student performs in the class is used to determine graduation with Honors or High Honors

Grade Weighting3 Weight Classes include Resource Study Hall & Teacher’s

Assistant (form required)A=3, B=2, C=1, D&F=0

4 Weight Classes are standard weight, and most classes are offered as 4 weightA=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0

5 Weight Classes are Honors level, and designed to be more demandingA=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, F=0

6 Weight Classes are also Honors level, and often dual credit as well. These are among the most demanding courses offered at RHS.A=6, B=5, C=4, D=3, F=0

Course NumbersEach course name is followed by a 3 digit

number.First digit (1-4) indicates what year the class

can be taken. 1=Freshmen, 2=Sophomore, etc.

Second digit (1-2) indicates how many semesters the class lasts.

Third digit (3-6) indicates class/grade weight.Example: World Geography I 114 --- can be

taken by Freshmen – Seniors, lasts 1 semester & is a 4 weight class.

Information FoldersRight side: Yellow Course Selection Form & Four Year Plan

(these I will collect these Thursday, 1/28)Left side:

Quick Reference SheetRHS Courses Offered SummaryRHS Graduation RequirementsRHS ActivitiesActivities LogDual Credit OfferingsCACC OfferingsState Universities at a Glance (from IACAC)NCAA GuideHealth Forms Requirements from Mrs. Arnold

Forms to be completed & returnedCourse Selection Sheet:

English, Science & Math Recommendations-TOP (Concerns about rec’s? Contact me!)

Driver’s Education Quarter (based solely on DOB)-TOPPick a type of PE (Strength, Elective, Cardio) – TOP(Resource is for IEP kids only)Freshmen Transitions required for all Freshmen-MiddleSelect Electives (needs to add up to 8 credits)-MiddleSelect Alternates(one to two is great)-MiddlePARENT NEEDS TO SIGN AT THE BOTTOM!

(signing indicates agreement to the courses listed on form)

Forms to be completed & returnedFour Year Plan

List name, DOB & tentative career goalSelect required courses for each year

(recommendations always come in January on Course Selection Forms)

Select electives that best prepare students for post-secondary/college & career plans

THIS FORM IS OPTIONAL, YOU ARE WELCOME TO FILL IT OUT

I WILL MEET WITH EACH STUDENT, 1-1 TO UPDATE 4 YEAR PLANS EACH YEAR!

Important DatesThursday, January 28th

Course Selection Forms will be picked up by Mr. Bond in 8th Grade English Classes – they must be signed by parent before I’ll accept them.

We make our master schedule and staffing appointments based on these course requests – choose wisely because sometimes I am unable to accommodate a desired change in schedule at later dates.

Turning in your form late can prevent your child from getting their desired courses. I will pick classes for your child if they fail to turn in their form.

FAQ’sCan I request a certain teacher?

No. Student Handbook specifically states schedule changes for teacher preference are not allowed.

When & how can I get a schedule change?ASAP! No schedule changes are allowed starting the FIRST

day of class. Last minute requests often are unable to be honored. Email is the easiest means to request a change!

What do I do if my child is struggling?Step 1: teacher, Step 2: counselor

Where do I go with the most random question ever?Feel free to ask me! I don’t know all the answers, but I do

know where to direct you if I don’t know

More questions? Here I am!Nick Bond, MA, LPC, NCC

Freshmen/Sophomore Counselor217-498-9761 [email protected] (email is best way to

get me)Visit RHS Student Services

More upstanding folks who can help!Brent Ashbaugh, Principal

217-498-9761 ext. [email protected]

Cassy Carey, Assistant Principal217-498-9761 ext. [email protected]