2007-2008 LNS Freshmen Family Meeting

1. 2007-2008 LNS Freshmen Family Meeting

2. Who are you? • All students should know their Student ID number and lunch SNAP account numbers. • When parents call in they need to give the student ID number. • Students should wear their ID around their neck at all times at school and school functions.

3. ATTENDANCE IS KEY • Your student needs to be in every class, every day. • If your student is ill, please call the attendance office that day and if leaving a message leave the name, ID NUMBER, and reason for absence. (illness, appointment, or ???) • Students should notify teachers in advance for planned absences when possible.

4. Goals • Progress toward Graduation • Earn 35 credits each semester • Attend all classes • Participate in Graduation Demonstration exams – must pass Reading, Math and Writing by graduation.

5. High School Diploma and beyond • Four pieces: • 1) Total Credits 230 • 2)Graduation Demonstrations • 3) Specific 152.5 Requirements • 4) College Admissions Requirements

6. Total Credits • Credits needed: 230 • 35 credits each semester (7 classes X 5 credits each semester class) • 8 semesters 280 credits available Satisfactory Academic Progress • Passing grade in each class • 7 classes per semester • 70 credits per year

7. Specific Requirements • Applied Arts & Fine Arts 15 credits • English 30 credits & WGDE & RGDE • Math 20 credits and MGDE • Social Studies 30 credits • 9th-Civics and Geography (5 + 5) • 10th World History (5) • 11th US History (10) • 12th Government and Politics (5) • Science 20 credits • GeoScience (5) • Physical Science (5) • Biology/Life Science (minimum 5)

8. Specific Requirements Continued • (Computer) Technology 10 credits • Physical Education 7.5 credits *usually 10 taken as only Swimming is a 2.5 credit class • Economics 5 credits • Oral Communication 5 credits • Human Behavior 5 credits • Career Education 2.5 credits • Health 2.5 credits • Electives- 77.5 credits includes Math & English beyond required

9. Resources to help • Freshmen Study Hall– every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7:00am to 7:45am in B100 with 9th grade teachers • School-wide study hall M, W, Th & F from 3:10-4:00pm in A100 • Teachers are willing to help before or after school – by arrangement- email or call • Counselor contact- can be initiated by student, teacher or parent/guardian • IEP Managers for identified students

10. Academic Support Sessions for Athletes • Grades will be checked at mid-term and end of quarter. • If an athlete has two or more failing grades at the grade check, they will be placed on “Academic Probation.” • After being placed on “Academic Probation” an athlete remains eligible to participate for one week beginning the Monday following the grade check. • An athlete on Academic Probation will be required to attend three - 45 minute study sessions and be actively working.

11. Support sessions continue • Once athletes meet the study session requirement they will be issued a form to go back to the teacher and do an “Individual Grade Check.” • If an athlete is still failing two or more classes, they must repeat the study session process. The athlete also becomes ineligible for participation the Monday following the week of academic probation. • A student must repeat this process and remains ineligible until they show no more then one failing grade on the individual grade check.

12. What to Expect • Daily studying should happen to allow students to learn newly presented information AND to prepare them to start new material. **especially true for World Language classes** • Homework assignments and preparation for tests –most days work from some classes, but not all • Reading– either for assignments or choice reading to continue to develop skills, vocabulary and for enjoyment • Contact teachers via email or phone for current grade status– as counselor I cannot see their grade books.

13. STUDY HABITSMATTER • Consider creating a place for your student to study that is free from most distractions and interruptions. • Use the computer to study or complete work when appropriate but know the difference between use as a tool for education and a social communication device or toy.

14. Participate in School Activities and Events • Involvement in activities increases student connections with the school • Attendance improves • Networking opportunities with peers/staff • Exploration of interests that can connect to future careers • Have fun

15. ACTIVITY OPTIONS • Athletics– athletic study sessions • Academic Clubs • Special interest clubs • School Spirit improvement: SuperFan club • If no club exists that fits your student’s interests, encourage the student to talk to Ms. Cassata to propose a new club be created.

16. Academic Clubs • FBLA Mr. Matzen • FCCLA Mrs. Kinney • French Mrs. Heminger & Mrs.Rockwell • German Club Mrs. Youngman • Math Club Mrs. Kroll • Psychology Club Mrs. Pester • Science Olympiad Team Mrs.Chapo/ Mrs.Bennett • Spanish Ms. Hetland/Ms. Perkins • Thespain Troupe #6619 Mr. Gibbs/Ms. Moje • Tri-M Mrs. Osborn

17. Special Interest Clubs Archery Club Bowling Cheer Close Up Dance Fellowship of Christian Athletes Fishing Club GSA Hip Hop Group Key Club Letter Club Marksmanship Club Medical Club Mock Trial National Honor Society SKILLS U.S.A. STAND Step Student Council Trap Team African Am. Caucus Ms. Halsey/Ms.Bullock Asian Club Mr. Fischer Hispanic Student Club Mr. Suarez Native Am. Caucus Ms. Halsey

18. NCAA DIVISION I AND II SCHOOL ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY • Not all North Star courses will meet NCAA requirements. • Consult your counselor, AND the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete to make sure you have met graduation requirements and NCAA eligibility • www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

19. Balance is needed Help your student understand that being a student is their primary “job”. Athletics, drama, work, social life and dating need to be a lower priority than their education. Daily choices in behavior and effort have an impact well beyond that day.

20. KnowHow2Go • Plan for the future through educating yourselves about the steps to take to go to “college” after graduating from LNS. • EducationQuest Foundation is a sponsor of the KnowHow2Go campaign in Nebraska. • “College” can mean many different types of opportunities after high school. (universities, 4year colleges, 2 year community colleges, to small trade schools.

21. Announcements • Please pick up a KNOWHOW2GO handout from EducationQuest. • Handout available on basics of driving. Driver’s Education classes are available through Southeast Community College as well as private Road Ready through AAA and Nebraska Safety. • Graduation Demonstration exam tomorrow morning for Reading for ALL freshmen students following period 3.