Junior Parent Night Thursday, January 20, 2011

1. Junior Parent Night Thursday, January 20, 2011

2. SFHS Counseling Department Counselors: Ms. Jolie Kimmel, Counseling Dept. Chair x100444 11thand 12th Grade Counselor (last names A-J) (WEST HALL) Ms. Luisa Suarez x100448 11th and 12th Grade Counselor (last names K-Z) (WEST HALL) Mr. Edward Fernandez x101113 10th Grade Counselor, ESOL (EAST HALL)Ms. Stacye Johnson x101116 (Counseling Intern: Mr. Andrew Alhadeff )9th Grade Counselor (EAST HALL)10th and 11th (last names A-J) Grade Administrator & Master Scheduler: Brandi Cannizzaro x101106 12th and 11th (last names K-Z) Administrator : Suzanne Korngold x100450 Graduation Coach: Mr. Hector JimenezCounseling Secretary: Caroline Maready ext.100442 (WEST HALL) Registrar: Victoria Horak x101118 (EAST HALL)

3. Junior Student Meetings • Counselors will be holding meetings with • all 11th grade students individually from November up to the end of Januaryh • Points of discussion • Graduation status sheet (requirements) • Senior year course selection • Post secondary planning

4. 5 keys to Junior Year Success • Maintain Grades (Core GPA) 2. Prepare for and take the ACT/SAT 3. Develop a list of colleges (Research) 4. Become aware of Senior Year Expectations 5. Research College Financing Opportunities

5. Key #1Maintain GPA • Core (Academic GPA for Admission) • HOPE (3.0 core-CP, 3.2 core- TP) • 5 core areas: English, Math, Science, Social Studies & Foreign Language • AP/IB courses weighted .5 credit for HOPE • Must maintain 3.0 in college for HOPE • Senior Year Counts! • Log on to GaCollege411 to follow HOPE GPA • If you miss or lose HOPE, there is still HOPE…

6. Key#2SAT & ACT • Since virtually every college will accept either SAT or ACT it is recommended that students take both tests at least one time in spring of junior year. • Sign up at www.collegeboard.com & www.act.org • Preparation= raising scores. • SAT consists of Math, Critical Reading & Writing • ACT consists of English, Math, Reading & Science plus an optional Writing section. * Strongly recommended to take Writing section.

7. 2010 – 2011 SAT Dates SFHS School Code: 110-922 Register online at www.collegeboard.com SAT Reasoning Test: Cost approx. $ 45

8. 2010 – 2011 ACT Dates Register online at www.act.org ACT Only (No Writing) $30 (approx.) ACT Plus Writing $45 (approx.) * Strongly recommended

9. Key #3Things to Consider When Selecting a College • Type of school – 2 year, 4 year or Technical Schools • Admission Requirements • Geographical Location • Public or Private • Size • Living Facilities • Co$t - $$$$ • Majors offered • Clubs/Sports/Activities

10. So Many Choices • College Search Resources - • Collegeboard.com– College Matchmaker allows students to search all colleges with various criteria such location, major etc. • GAcollege411.org– Allows students to search in & out of state colleges • Princeton Review “The Best 371 Colleges” & US News “Americas Best Colleges”

11. Deciding On A Major • Things to consider… • Interests • Skills • Values • Experience • Personal Goals • Possible career field • Search all of the above on GaCollege411 www.GaCollege411.org

12. Investigate Schools that Interest You • Compile a list of schools that you may be interested in • Visit school websites • Narrow your choices based on admissions requirements • Make appointments for college visits & campus tours • Apply to 4-6 schools (Reach, Target, Likely) • Students encouraged to review college choices with your counselor.

13. What are Colleges Looking For? • GPA • Standardized Testing • Academic Rigor • Extracurricular Activities – Athletics, School Clubs, Volunteer Work • Leadership Positions • Teacher Recommendation (If Needed) • Counselor Recommendation (If Needed)

14. Course Average (1 pt.)‏ Above Average (2 pts.)‏ Advanced (3 pts.)‏ Most Difficult (4 pts.)‏ English College Prep 2 Honors 2 Honors; 1 AP/IB 2 Honors; 2AP/IB Math 4 credits 5 math credits (Statistics) 6 math credits (AP Stats, Calc)‏ AP Calc AB or BC Social Studies College Prep 2 Honors 2 AP/IB 3 or more AP/IB Science College Prep (3 required [excluding Physics & Anatomy/Physio)‏ Anatomy/Physiology an/or Physics 1 AP/IB 2 or more AP/IB Foreign Language 2 credits 3 credits 4 credits AP or IB Overall Total Curriculum Difficulty Flow Chart Used to standardize recommendations for seniors on college evaluation forms Legend 0 – 5 Average 6 – 10 Above Average 11 – 15 Advanced 16+ Most Difficult

15. Key #4 Awareness of Senior Year Expectations • College Application Process • Understand Course Selection Process

16. February 2nd in Advisement students will receive: Registration letter outlining scheduling procedures Course selection sheets Rising 12th graders- Salmon color sheets Teachers' recommendations Graduation Requirements Directions to view your transcript Directions on how to see their teacher recommendations on Parent Portal Directions on the waiver-process Directions on how to sign-up for additional academics and electives on Parent Portal from home Scheduling Advisement

17. Parent Portal opens Wednesday, February 2nd at 4:00pm. Parent Portal will remain open until 4:00p.m. on Friday, February 18th. Student schedules will not be available on-line until July.   Use the Course Selection Sheet for the grade you are going into. Choosing classes is not on a first come first serve basis.  Choosing alternate electives is vital as students may not always get their first choice.  Choose alternate electives wisely. Scheduling Information

18. Scheduling Information continued You may choose additional academics to put in elective slots. Choose electives and alternates in order of preference. Remember we are just beginning the scheduling process.  Contact the Counseling Dept. if you do not have Internet Access If you have forgotten Parent Portal password, please come to the Counseling Office, show ID and we send a request to County Office to re-send your password via e-mail. All these forms can be found on the Counseling Website

19. Key#5 Research College Financing Opportunities • Local Scholarships • College Scholarships • Scholarship List (website/bulletin board) • Government Financial Aid (Loans, Grants, HOPE) • Scholarship Search Engines • FINANCIAL AID NIGHT: January 27th, 20106:00p.m. - PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

20. Things to Remember • Visit the Counseling & 12th grade web page often • 4 college visits for juniors & seniors (prior approval paperwork) • Students interested in playing college athletics must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse once your junior year courses & grades are available. www.eligibilitycenter.org • Involve your counselor in your college search and application process

21. Academic Support • Self Advocacy • Teacher Extra-Help Sessions • War Eagle Learning Centers • Student Learning Centers • Saturday Academy • Instructional Focus

22. War Eagle Learning Center War Eagle Learning Centers 2010-2011 Open daily before school 7:45-8:23am, during all lunch periods, and after school 3:45-4:15pm. EAST HALL (Room 1130 across from East Hall office)‏ WEST HALL (Room 135, across from WH Cafe)‏

23. Student Learning Centers Student Learning Centers 2010-2011 Need help in Math, Science, English, Social Studies, or preparation for the GHSGT? DROP IN FOR HELP EAST HALL and WEST HALL (War Eagle Learning Centers)‏ Tuesday and Thursday Wednesday 7:45-8:15am & 3:45-4:15pm 7:45-8:15am Science and Math English & Social Studies

24. Saturday Academy Saturday Academy 2010-2011 Open 9:00-11:00am MEDIA CENTERJanuary 22 & 29, February 12 & 26, March 12 & 26, April 16 & 23 Students can attend the Saturday Academy to work on academic areas of concern and for enrichment in preparation for the GHSGT for juniors and the EOCT for specific content courses.

25. SFHS Best Practices for Students Best Practices for Studying Test Taking Strategies Guide to Note Taking (Power Point) Active Listening (Power Point)Click here for additional resources

26. Class of 2011 “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.” ~ Henry Ford ~