Welcome to Weeki Wachee High School

1. Welcome toWeeki Wachee High School Home of the Hornets!

2. Incoming Freshman Stuff You Need to Know

3. Graduation Requirements • Must have at least 24 credits, with 16 credits in required subject areas: • 4 years of English • 4 years of Mathematics • 3 years of Science • 3 years of Social Studies • 1 year of HOPE (possible waiver available) • 1 year of a Performing Art • Must have an unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 • Must pass the FCAT Reading and Mathematics • Must have 4 credits in a Major Area of Interest (MAI)

4. Major Areas of Interest (MAI) • Agriculture/Natural Resources • Health Science • Information Technology • Language Arts • Mathematics • Music • Physical Education • Science • Social Studies • Technology Communication • Visual Arts • World Languages

5. What does an MAI mean to me? • You need four credits in a MAI, such as sequential courses in a career and technical program, fine and performing arts, or academic content area, in order to graduate. • You may revise/change your MAI each year as part of your annual course registration processes. • You may earn four credits in more than one MAI if you choose. • You are not required to complete four credits in the same MAI, you just need four credits of courses that are in a MAI. However, if you complete four credits in the same MAI you may earn a standard diploma designation reflecting that MAI.

6. Importance of Grades (School should be your JOB!) • College Admissions • Scholarships, Bright Futures • Helps in getting good recommendations/references • Helps in passing the FCAT (part of your graduation requirements) • Helps in getting good scores on college admissions tests (SAT or ACT) • Admissions to Technical Programs (i.e. nursing, technology, etc.) • Helps you feel BETTER about school, which in turn helps you feel BETTER about yourself!

7. Bright Future’s Scholarships • Florida Academic Scholars Award • 3.50 weighted GPA – academic subjects only, includes foreign language! • 28/ACT or 1270/SAT – not including the writing score yet! • 75 hours of community service • Pays most of tuition and fees for FL Community Colleges, FL 4-year Universities, and some FL Technical Schools. • Florida Medallion Scholars Award • 3.00 weighted GPA – academic subjects only, includes foreign language! • 20/ACT or 970/SAT – not including the writing score yet! • Pays a large portion of tuition and fees for FL Community Colleges, FL 4-year Universities, and some FL Technical Schools. • Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award • GPA and test requirements • For more detailed information please see your Guidance Counselor.

8. Develop Good Study Habits! STUDYING! PLANNING! • Read your textbook. • Review your notes. • Use flashcards. • Tutoring: Ask if you need help! • Ask your teachers for help. • Ask your parents for help. • Use your planner. • Use edline.net to monitor your grades. • Will be available at the beginning of the school year. • Do your homework and turn it in. • Take good notes. • Know your limits. • Pace yourself.

9. Attendance is Important! • Don’t be sick. • If you are sick, make sure to bring in a note within 3 days of returning to school. • If you have a medical problem, please let your guidance counselor and the clinic know so that they can best help. The school policy for attendance is: 11 or more unexcused absences result in failure of that class!

10. FACTS.org

11. Final Suggestion: GET INVOLVED! Join a School Club! Volunteer! Join a School Sport! Research says students involved in school activities perform better academically.