Welcome to Alexander High School

1. Welcome to Alexander High School Class of 2013 Freshman Fiesta

3. At the beginning--- • You have a clean slate, we don’t know you. • You can be anything you want. • If you ran Fairplay, Yeager or any other middle school, we don’t know you. • You are starting over with your first impression on Thursday.

4. Two Sets of Threeaccording to John Wooden • Never lie. • Never cheat. • Never steal • Don’t whine. • Don’t complain. • Don’t make excuses.

5. What happens on the first day? • Report to homeroom first. • All students receive a new copy of their schedule. • Homeroom may be extended. • When bell rings, students will report to 1st period. • If you are unsure where to go, ask an adult.

6. Freshman Academy • Classes on the Freshman Hall. • Classes limited to 9th grade students. • Teachers work collaboratively to develop rigorous instruction and help all students meet standards. • Mr. Alford is the Assistant Principal responsible for the Freshman Academy.

7. Freshman Gimmicks • Do not buy an elevator pass. • Do not look for the swimming pool.

8. Block ScheduleTypical Student Schedule • Two academics and two electives each semester • 90 minute classes • Entire year curriculum taught in 90 days • Begin with four new classes in January • Focus on two academics at a time • Math and Science paired together in a semester • English and Social Studies paired together in a year

9. VERY IMPORTANT----If your schedule has more than two academics in a single semester, please show your advisor. You MIGHT need a schedule change. If you are taking Math 1 and Math Support, you will have one semester with three academics. Please let a teacher look at it to make sure.

10. Grades • Grades matter. • In December, final grades will be issued for first semester. These grades begin your transcript. • If your grade is passing, you will earn one credit per course in most classes. The only exception is Health and Personal Fitness.

11. Schedule Changes • You can request a schedule change. • Forms are available in Room 7. • Due to classes being very full, your request may be denied unless you are missing a required class. • You may request, but prepare yourself that you might not get it. Also, prepare yourself that your entire schedule might change.

12. Grades • The transcript is the document that is a record of all your grades in high school. • Colleges, employers and the military can request and receive copies of your transcript for possible admission or employment. • The grades you make this year become permanent and people you want to like you will see those in the future.

13. Credits • For most classes, a passing grade will earn you one unit of credit. • Math 1 and Math Support both receive one credit, but both credits are issued at the end of 2nd semester. • Health and PEI (Personal Fitness) each receive ½ credit issued at the end of each semester.

14. Eligibility • All entering 9th Graders are eligible to participate in extra-curricular athletics. • In order to preserve your eligibility, you must pass three out of four classes each semester and remain on track to graduate.

15. Graduation • Students in Douglas County Schools must have 24 units to graduate. • Four units of English • Four units of Math • Four units of Science • Four units of Social Studies • Health and PEI • Foreign Language is required for admission into a four year college or university.

16. Superintendant Scholar • Must have a gpa of at least 3.5 (4 points for an A, 3 points for a B, 2 points for a C, 1 point for an A) • No serious discipline referrals • No grade below a C • Awards ceremony for students and parents in February

18. HOPE • Grade enhancement points are added to Pre-AP (3) and AP (5) courses. • HOPE strips away those points. • Don’t count on those points to keep your HOPE eligibility. • Aim for an A in every class without the enhancement points.

19. Attendance • Be at school every day all day on time for every class. • If you are sick, the absence is excused. • Bring a note from home and give it to 1st period teacher. • Teacher will write you a pass to the Attendance Office to turn in the note and receive an excuse form.

20. Attendance • It is YOUR responsibility to show the excuse form to each of your teachers. • The 4th period teacher keeps the excuse form. • If you are absent for three consecutive days, your parent may request work from your teachers. This request requires 24 hour notice in order to collect the work.

21. Attendance • If you are sick or have a doctor’s appointment, your parent may check you out through the attendance office. • If you are tardy to school, you check in with the attendance office. • You are required to sign in and out. Failure to follow this procedure can really get you in trouble.

22. Tardies • Students are expected to be on time to school and every class every day. • Teachers will spend time in class the first day explaining the tardy policy. PAY ATTENTION!! • Tardies to school and class can result in discipline (ISS).

23. No delivery of outside food—Mom can’t run by Chick-fil-a and bring you food here to school. Any food deliveries will be turned away in the office.

24. Dress Code • High schools have the exact same dress code as middle schools. • Gentlemen are expected to tuck in their shirts and wear their pants at their waist. • Ladies are expected to wear shorts and skirts that are ample in length and coverage. • No excessive skin. • No t-shirts with offensive messages.

26. Cell Phones • Use of cell phones is not allowed during the school day. • If it does not ring, chirp or alarm, teachers will not look for them. • If you get caught with your cell phone, it will be taken and a parent must come pick it up.

27. Valuables • Please do not bring valuables like cameras, money, IPODs, expensive purses and cameras to school. • School staff is not responsible to secure your possessions. • There are people who do not respect your ownership. • Please keep valuables at home or secured in your locker.

28. Parent Portal • Parents may access your grades through the same Parent Portal they used in middle school. • If they need access, have them contact the school office. • Teachers are very accessible by e-mail.

29. Agendas • Freshmen are required to use an agenda. • You must bring it every day to school. • Teachers must sign your agenda any time you utilize the hall pass. • Using an agenda is a skill that will help you all throughout your life.

30. Bullying • Bullying is taken very seriously by AHS. • Please report any incidences of bullying to a teacher, coach, counselor or administrator. • Every student has the right to come to school and feel safe. AHS seeks to create a safe learning environment.

32. Dealing with Teachers • High school teachers are very approachable. • They are here to assist you. • It is important to approach a teacher in a mature and appropriate manner. • During the middle of class instruction is not the best time to discuss specific personal situations regarding your homework or mastery of standards.

33. A word of warning! • Statements you make aloud so that others can hear you may lead to events that cannot be reversed. • Drawings or writings can become part of an investigation.

34. Fighting • AHS administration does not tolerate fighting at school. • Fights endanger ALL students. • Frequently, students who fight are arrested.

35. What do counselors do? • Our main focus is your education. • If you find that you cannot focus on your class work because of a situation, you may ask for a pass to see a counselor. • If your counselor is not available, leave your name (first and last) on a note attached to the door. • The counselor will call you to her office at her earliest convenience. • In order to see a counselor, you must have a pass from your classroom teacher.

36. The Cougar Way • Excellence • Go the extra mile • Never be satisfied with average • Pick up after yourself • Be Uncommon

37. Get Involved! • The most memorable parts of high school often happen after 3:30. • If you don’t get involved, then your missing the best part. • Find a team, club or organization that you can join. • Talk to your advisor or a teacher if you are not sure how to get involved.

38. Seven Point Creedadapted from John Wooden • Be true to yourself. • Help others. • Make each day your masterpiece. • Drink deeply from good books. • Make friendship a fine art. • Build a shelter for a rainy day. • Seek guidance, give thanks for your blessings.

39. There is a choice you have to make,In everything you do.So keep in mind that in the end,The choice you make, makes you.