Getting There from Here - Moving from Grade 8 to Grade 9

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Getting

A Guide for Parents & StudentsMoving from Grade 8 to Grade 9

2010

The Avon Maitland District School Board provides students with a program designed to ensure all students experience success as they move into, through and beyond secondary school. The Success for Life program utilizes web-based and school-based resources to support students and their parents with identifying personal strengths, mapping out secondary school course selection, and exploring options in each pathway (Apprenticeship, College, Work, including Community Living and University) beyond high school. This transition guide is a valuable part of the Success for Life program.

More specifically, this program helps students and their parents learn about: √ Skills and Interests√ Future career options√ Pathways √ Opportunities for getting work experience

For more information visit:

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Beginning high school is a very exciting time in your life. It is a time when your horizons are expanding, and you are beginning your transition into adulthood and the world of work. Secondary schools in the Avon Maitland District School Board offer a variety of programs designed to meet your needs and assist you in reaching your full potential.

When you first enter your secondary school, it may appear much larger than your elementary school. You may feel worried about finding your way around and meeting the expectations of a challenging high school program. Be assured that your secondary school has much in common with your elementary school - caring and supportive teachers, a variety of co-instructional activities, and friendly students. Each secondary school offers students an orientation program to help make the transition a smooth one.

This book provides you with important information to help you and your parents prepare for secondary school and plan your secondary school pathway.

Welcome to Secondary School!

Here are some common questions teens ask before they get to secondary school

I’m used to a small elementary school. What will I do if I get lost in such a huge high school?

Secondary schools organize a Grade 8 open house and a Grade 9 Orientation. Try to attend these events with your parents so you can get more familiar with the school. It may take you a few days before you get used to the school and its layout. If you can’t find a room, ask a teacher or another student and they will be happy to help you.

I am worried about the number of people at the high school. How will I meet friends?

In grade 9, everyone is new to the school and looking for a friend or group of friends. Introduce yourself to other students in your classes and to students who have lockers near yours. Join a team or club – you will meet many new people by participating in these activities.

What will I learn in my classes? Will it be more difficult than my grade 8 school work? How will I keep up?

The material you learn in grade 9 builds on your learning from grade 8. If you don’t understand something, ask your teacher for extra help. You could also ask a classmate. You may feel shy asking a question; however, it is important that you do as there are likely other students in the class who are wondering the same thing.

If you experience difficulties and are wondering if you have the skills and knowledge to succeed in the course, talk to your teacher and your guidance counsellor.

Get Involved!!

Students are more successful in school when their parents take an active part in their education. Here are some suggestions:

√ Attend Parent / Teacher Interviews √ Join the Parent Council √ Attend special events at the school√ Act as a parent supervisor at school events or school trips

The benefits of parental involvement?

√ You get to know the teaching staff and administrative team √ You become comfortable communicating with the teachers and administrators √ You get to know your child’s friends and classmates Your contacts at the school

For academic concerns, contact the teacher of the subject for which you have concerns.

For all non-academic concerns and help with course selection, contact a guidance counsellor. The guidance counsellor will assist with timetables and provide support for issues that arise. They can also assist in accessing additional community or board-based supports if required.

For attendance concerns, speak to the vice-principal. 3

Especially for Parents

fairness

honesty

empathy

respect

courage integrity

optimisim

compassion

perseverance

responsibility

Cultivating CharacterWe believe, model and practice the following character attributes in all Avon Maitland DSB schools:

Regardless of the age of your child, you can help by encouraging your child to talk to you about bullying and giving your child the following advice:

√ Walk away from the situation

√ Do not respond – don’t talk back, don’t email back, don’t hit back

√ Tell an adult whom you trust about the situation – a bus driver, teacher, coach, principal

√ Find a friend to be with in places where you do not feel safe. For more information about bullying and what you can do to support your child, access the following:√ Bullying is not tolerated in AMDSB schools. If you believe your child is being bullied, contact the school immediately.

√ the Huron-Perth Bully Prevention website at www.bullyprevention.ca .

√ a booklet, “Bullying, We Can All Help Stop It”, is available from the Ontario Ministry of Education to assist parents and students with issues of bullying. Contact AMDSB at 519-527-0111 or 1-800-592-5437 to request a free copy. These are also available on the Minstry of Education website.

√ Kids Help Phone by calling 1-800-668-6868, or visit www.kidshelpphone.ca

Character attributes are the basis of healthy relationships.

What to do about bullying

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If you are new to the community and want to register your child in an Avon Maitland school, contact your local secondary school to find out the dates for registration and to make an appointment with a guidance counsellor.

Bring the following information to your meeting: √ Student’s Birth Certificate or Canadian Citizenship document. Contact the Avon Maitland DSB office at 519-527-0111 OR 1-800-592-5437 for more information or clarification on proof of citizenship. √ The student’s address including 911 civic address (fire number), lot, concession, county, postal code, and telephone number.

√ Doctor’s name, address and telephone number.

√ Custody information – if applicable.

√ Parents’ place of employment – including daytime telephone number.

√ Emergency contact person and telephone number.

Want to register for an Avon Maitland School?

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School DirectoryCentral Huron Secondary School165 Princess Street East, Clinton N0M 1L0519-482-3471yourschools.ca/CHSS

F.E. Madill Secondary School231 Madill Drive, Wingham N0G 2W0519-357-1800femadill.com

Goderich District Collegiate Institute260 South Street, Goderich N7A 3M5519-524-7353yourschools.ca/GDCI

Listowel District Secondary School155 Maitland Avenue South, Listowel N4W 2M4519-291-1880yourschools.ca/ListowelDistrictSS

Mitchell District High School95 Frances Street East, Mitchell N0K 1N0519-348-8495yourschools.ca/MitchellDistrictHS

St. Marys District Collegiate and Vocational Institute338 Elizabeth Street, Box 970, St. Marys N4X 1B6519-284-1731yourschools.ca/StMarysDCVI

South Huron District High School92 Gidley Street East, Box 820, Exeter N0M 1S6519-235-0880http://www.shdhs.ca

Stratford Central Secondary School60 Andrew Street, Stratford N5A 1A3519-271-4500yourschools.ca/StratfordCentralSS Stratford Northwestern Secondary School428 Forman Avenue, Stratford N5A 6R7519-271-9740yourschools.ca/StratfordNorthwesternSS

Avon Maitland Distance E-Learning Centre62 Chalk Street North, Seaforth N0K 1W0519-527-0111http://www.amdec.ca

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130 credits in total 2 40 hours of

community involvement 3 completion

of the literacy requirement

For an OSSD, it’s as easy as...(Ontario Secondary School Diploma)

» 4 credits in English (one credit per grade) *» 3 credits in mathematics (at least one credit in Grade 11 or 12)» 2 credits in science» 1 credit in Canadian history» 1 credit in Canadian geography» 1 credit in the arts» 1 credit in health and physical education» 1 credit in French as a second language» 0.5 credit in career studies» 0.5 credit in civics

+ 12 optional credits of students choice***

18 compulsories:

*A maximum of 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English literacy development (ELD) may be counted towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the fourth must be a credit earned for a Grade 12 compulsory English course.**A maximum of 2 credits in cooperative education can count as compulsory credits. ***The 12 optional credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual credit courses.

What’s It Take?

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN...

A credit is the way the Ministry of Education recognizes the successful completion of a course. One credit is earned based on 110 hours of instruction. A credit can only be granted by the principal of a secondary school.

Community Involvement Hours must be completed, unpaid, outside normal school hours. Grade 9 students will receive the 40 Hour Community Involvement Record.

Plus one credit from each of the following groups:» Group 11 additional credit in English, or French as a second language, or a Native language, or a classical or an international language, or social sciences and humanities, or Canadian and world studies, or guidance and career education, or cooperative education**

» Group 21 additional credit in health and physical education, OR arts OR business studies OR cooperative education**

» Group 31 additional credit in science (Grade 11-12) or technological education or computer studies, or cooperative education**

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For an OSSC(Ontario Secondary School Certificate)

For an OSSCA(Ontario Secondary School Certificate of Accomplishment)

This certificate recognizes achievement for students who plan to pursue certain vocational programs or other kinds of community integration.

7compulsory credits

» 2 credits in English» 1 credit in mathematics» 1 credit in science» 1 credit in Canadian history or geography» 1 credit in the arts » 1 credit in health and physical education

7optional credits+

Substitutions: Principals may replace up to three compulsory credit courses with courses from the list of compulsory categories that meet the requirement. Substitutions are granted on an individual basis.

The literacy test is based on Ontario curriculum expectations for reading and writing in all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Students, who are unsuccessful, will be able write the test again, or to take the equivalent OSSLC. Students write the test in Grade 10.

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) is available to students who are unsuccessful in passing the literacy test. OSSLC can count as the Grade 12 Compulsory English credit.

+ +

= your program pathway

What is a Program Pathway?

Your interests, skills, goals, needs and

preferred learning styles

Appropriate course selection and

meaningful curriculum

Knowledge, skills and experiences appropriate

for your desired post-secondary destination

It is important that young people find work that is rewarding, dignifying, and allows them to become valuable contributors to our communities. This search may lead directly to work, to an apprenticeship, to college or to university. Which pathway will you choose?

A pathway is designed to lead a student to a particular destination. This does not mean the student will always end up at that destination. Students should be free to make new choices as they develop new interests, skills and abilities. Thoughtful course selection with a realistic examination of interests and abilities is an important aspect of a successful pathway. Sometimes, parents and students are influenced by how society views success in secondary school. Often, success is perceived to be completion of college or university. It is important to realize that these goals may not match the strengths and needs of all students. Many will find rewarding opportunities in direct entry to the world of work or apprenticeship. We need only to look at our own communities to see entrepreneurs and skilled trades people who have expanded their knowledge base.

The Choice is Yours!

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Start with the end in mind

Research about YOU

Make on honest, informed decision

Reflect – Time for a reality check

Build your Pathway to SuccessTalk to parents, family members

and friends about different kinds of work.Look at the Career and Educational Pathway Planner chart on the centrefold to find possible jobs that may interest you.Be sure to examine a variety of possibilities.Use this chart to discover the type(s) of post-secondary education, if any, that your choices require.Use this chart to identify the secondary school courses appropriate to realize your goals.

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Check the chart to see that the job that interests you is in line with your learning style.Make any necessary changes to your plan so far.

It’s Time to Plan!Follow these steps to make decisions about your program pathway.

Parents, you can guide your child through the following steps to help them make the best decision and to take responsibility for the outcomes. Talk positively to your child about their interests, skills and abilities, and how they may relate to the workplace.

Decide what type of course matches your learning style best.Remember, one course type is not better than the other. They just lead to different destinations based on different learning styles.

What is your learning style? Use the Get Connected: E-Resources page to determine how you learn best (by seeing, hearing and/or doing).Look at your report card marks, EQAO scores and other test/evaluation results.Gather information from your teachers, past and present. In which type of course do they think you will be most successful?

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Talk to a guidance counsellor in your secondary school now that you have decided your probable des t ina t ion (work ,co l lege, apprenticeship, university).Visit www.successforlife.ca for more information on building your pathway.

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Course Types ExplainedYou will need to select specific types of courses in grade 9. The information below will give you an idea of what course type is best for

you. If you are uncertain, ask your teacher for assistance, or contact your secondary school Student Services Department.

Description Course Codes (examples)Type of Course

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course codes explained...

E N G 1 PThese three letters identify the subject

Subject Codes:The first letter in the course code stands for the course’s department area:

A = ArtsB = BusinessC = Canadian & World StudiesE = EnglishF = French as a second languageG = Guidance and Career EducationH = Social Sciences and the HumanitiesI = Computer Studies K = Non-Credit CoursesL = International LanguagesM = MathematicsN = Native StudiesP = Health and Physical EducationS = SciencesT = Technological Studies

This number identifies the grade:

1 = grade 92 = grade 10

3 = grade 114 = grade 12

This letter identifies the type/pathway:

Grade 9-10D = AcademicP = AppliedL = Locally DevelopedO = Open

Grade 11-12E = WorkplaceU = UniversityC = CollegeM = University/CollegeO = Open

Every course in secondary school has a unique COURSE CODE. All courses have the first five

characters as mandated by the Ministry of Education.

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Huh ?how to read a timetable...

Sample Timetable

Period 1

Period 2

LUNCH

ENG1PaMr. L. Jackson301

Period 4TIJ1OeMr. B. Sanderson126

Course CodeSection Indicator

Room Number

Gender Specific Course (Phys Ed only)

Teacher’s Name

Period NumberPeriod length will vary depending

on each school’s daily schedule

MFM1PcMs. J. VanCamp259

Period 3PPL1OFbMs. C. Lee250

Organization & Time ManagementRecommendations • Take accurate notes and keep binder well organized• Use an agenda to plan assignments, projects, and tests• Manage study time and begin to prepare well in advance

If you• Do not have or use an agenda• Have disorganized or incomplete notes Then• Get an agenda• Seek help to set up a time management and organizational plan• Monitor use of your agenda and notebook

Parents, you can help your child experience success by

encouraging the development of these skills.16

Student SuccessEvery secondary school has a Student Success Team which works to ensure that every student has a successful secondary school experience. Members of the SS Team include the principal (or vice-principal), Guidance, Student Success and Special Education Teachers. Student Success Teams develop credit rescue, credit recovery and transitional plans with students. They make sure that programs and activities are in place to help every student be successful.

Student Services Guidance Counsellors are teachers with special training who prov ide ass is tance w i th choos ing courses , postsecondary plans and personal issues. Parents and students are encouraged to seek the support of the Student Services Department.

Special EducationA wide variety of programs and services are available for students with special education needs. These programs and services focus on specific needs of students and create opportunities to develop their individual potential. They are developed in partnership with parents and guardians in an atmosphere of cooperation and respect. Parents and students, please contact your secondary school’s Special Education Department for more information about specific school programs.

Attendance Recommendations• Attend school each day• Arrive for class on time

If you • Miss school • Have more absences noted on report card than expected

Then• Discuss attendance record with school administration• Develop a plan to ensure regular attendance• Ensure school work for absences is brought home, completed and submitted

skills 4 success...

Homework & Assignment SubmissionRecommendations• Amount of time spent on assigned homework depends on

student’s needs, subject, school schedule, proximity to tests, exams and assigned homework due dates

• Complete and submit all assignments for assessment

If you• Do not complete assigned homework regularly• Do not submit assignments for assessment

Then• Be sure you understand the homework or assignment• Seek additional help from your teacher• visit www.gsc2.amdsb.ca for homework help•

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Exploring All PathwaysSuccess for Life www.successforlife.ca• comprehensive website from the

Avon Maitland District School Board • addresses all destinations – apprenticeship, college, university,

and work • links to many other informative

and interactive sites including myblueprint.ca

Exploring Your Learning StyleCareer Pro News www.careerpronews.com• provides tools to help young people

develop skills and knowledge about themselves, career alternatives, career and life planning, personal management and service to their community

Mazemaster: Self Assessment www.mazemaster.on.ca

Exploring Training & CareersCareer Cruising: Explore Careers www.careercruising.com• comprehensive and interactive

career guidance resource• includes interests and skills

inventories; in-depth profiles of hundreds of different occupations; detailed information on colleges, universities, and apprenticeships; multimedia interviews with people in many occupations

• contact the school for information about the username and password

Apprenticeshipswww.apprenticesearch.com

Get Connected: E-ResourcesiQuizzes www.jobsetc.ca

National Occupation Classificationwww23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

Human Resources and Social Development Canadawww.hrsdc.gc.ca

AMDSB: Program & Course Calendarshttp://www.yourschools.ca/students/secondarycoursecalendars.htm

Glossary

OSR – Ontario Student RecordThe official school record for a student. The OSR contains achievement results, credits earned, diploma requirements completed, and other information important to the education of the student.

OST – Ontario Student TranscriptThis document is an official summary of a student’s achievement in Ontario secondary school courses. A current, accurate and complete copy of the OST is included within the Ontario Student Record.

Prerequisite A prerequisite course is a course that you must successfully complete before taking the next course.

OYAP – Ontario Youth Apprenticeship ProgramOYAP is a special cooperative education program which enables senior students to register as Ontario apprentices and gain secondary school credits while enrolled in Avon Maitland secondary schools. Students must be 16 years of age and be enrolled full-time in grades 11 or 12.

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Heather Hovius is the youngest in her family of four and lives on a farm outside of Listowel. All four of her grandparents immigrated from Holland and settled on farms in the area. Both of her parents attended Listowel District Secondary School.

Heather is a member of the LDSS Choral Ensemble and Chamber Choir. She loves reading and going to work in the woodshop. Her favourite sport is soccer.

High school has provided her with many opportunities to explore her talents and interests. She describes her teachers as kind and considerate and says they helped her on the journey toward her goal of becoming a cabinetmaker.

“All through high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I enjoyed many different courses. Eventually, through a co-

op placement, I decided that I wanted to apprentice as a cabinetmaker. I am currently apprenticing through OYAP, while finishing my final year at secondary school.”

For the last two years Mr. van Leeuwen, her woodworking teacher has had a significant impact on her life. He was lways willing to give up part of his lunch hour to help students with their wood projects.

Heather would give the following advice to students at LDSS , “Take every opportunity that comes your way. You may not like it at the time but twenty years down the road, you’ll regret not taking that opportunity.”

Chaney Aitcheson - College (MDHS)

High school has been a great experience for Chaney. He has enjoyed the

freedom to explore different courses and experiences and particularly the chance to play sports. In fact, some of

Chaney’s best memories include winning Huron-Perth Basketball and

competing in WOSSAA for golf. He loves to golf and competed in the Canadian Nationals in

Ingersoll this past summer.

School has helped to prepare him for his life direction but he also appreciates his part-time work experience that has allowed him to see how a business really functions and realize what needs to be done to be successful.

In thinking of his future career and life, Chaney wanted to do something he loves. He has a great passion for golf and has discovered the Golf Facility Operations programme at Georgian College. He credits his family with helping him achieve his goals. They have supported him living his dreams in every way.

TAKE CONTROL

TAKE CONTROL

Heather Hovius - Apprenticeship (LDSS)

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TAKE CONTROL

In the movie, Hope Floats, Sandra Bullock said “Beginnings are scary and endings are usually sad, but it’s what you do in between that counts.” This quotation accurately describes Katey Potter’s high school experience.

A grade twelve student at South Huron District High School, Katey says she was terrified of coming to high school, but now as graduation approaches, she is beginning to realize what she will be leaving behind. She has two brothers; Will, in grade nine and Mac, attending Lakehead University in Thunder Bay majoring in Environmental Sciences.

Her “in between” of high school has been extraordinary, and it is the experiences she’s had in high school that have made her the person she is today. Throughout high school she was involved with the rugby team, Habitat for Humanity, the Video Club, Senior Concert Band and Student Council. And to top it off she has had the opportunity to travel to Chicago, Ottawa, England, Belgium, France and Italy.

Entering high school she never intended to become involved, but as luck would have she is now Student Council Premier. She is most proud of the “Sea of Red” shirt campaign launched this year to encourage school spirit. Katey has been fortunate to participate in two trips to Europe, both organized by the Canadian and World Studies department and it was these two trips that instilled in her the greatest sense of pride for our country and veterans. She is extremely thankful for these opportunities and would encourage everyone, if there’s an opportunity to travel, to take it.

Her “in between” prepared her for her ending at South Huron and a new beginning at university where she intends to study International Development and Human Rights. It is her goal to work for the United Nations and try to give other people the opportunity to experience some of the things she has experienced. Katey says, “I could not have asked for a better high school experience.”

TAKE CONTROL

Mackenzie Baker is in his fifth year at CHSS. He completed his OSSD after four years but

decided to return to CHSS for two courses: math and history. He believed that having a grade 12 math would be of

value in the workplace and if he ever decided to apply to college

he would have grade 12 math and English. He wanted to take history

because it is one of his favourite courses. Mackenzie has lived in Clinton his entire life and comes from a family of six children. His sister is in grade 10 and the rest of his siblings are either working or pursuing post secondary education. Mackenzie loves to be actively involved in sports. In the summer he plays soccer and in the winter he passionately plays and referees his favourite sport of hockey – this interest has led him to a potential career. Mackenzie’s first involvement with hockey began at the young age of four when he played for the Clinton Little League hockey team. Mackenzie played on travel hockey teams throughout elementary and secondary school. At the age of 14, he began refereeing hockey at the local Clinton arena and is now refereeing out of town games. He feels that he has the right temperament to make a good referee as he is able to adequately cope with the hassles of refereeing by being able to deal with angry players, coaches and parents. After taking his Level 3 refereeing certification, he hopes to pursue refereeing as a part time career. Mackenzie has plans to move to a larger centre, get a part time job during the day and work as a referee at night. We wish Mackenzie all the best in his pursuit of refereeing hockey at the national and international level.

Mackenzie Baker - Work (CHSS)

Katey Potter - University (SHDHS)

AvonMaitland

Avon Maitland District School Board

62 Chalk Street NorthSeaforth, ON N0K 1W0

yourschools.ca1-800-592-5437

2010©