Information Night for Parents of
Rising Freshmen
Briar Woods High School
Agenda
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Accomplishments and Expectations
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Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Process
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Diploma Types & Graduation Requirements
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Selecting Courses for Next Year
This Information is Online!
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BWHS School Counseling >>> Student
Scheduling for 2014-2015
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Tonight’s parent presentation – key points will be
titled in red
Students’ presentation
2014-2015 Program of Studies
Rising freshman course selection worksheet –
lists 9th grade academic courses and electives
LCPS Course Curriculum information
Accomplishments and
Expectations
The Class of 2013
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76% are attending 4-year colleges
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17% are attending 2-year school
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5% are in the military or other postsecondary training/schools
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2% went directly into the work force
The Class of 2013
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Earned over 4.9 million dollars in
scholarships and grants (453 graduates)
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Approximately 80% enrolled in one or more
Advanced Placement classes while in high
school
College & University Attendance
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To date, accepted by approximately 484
different colleges and universities and are
currently on approximately 260 different
campuses
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Attend school in over 25 different states and
four countries
BWHS Updates
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Currently:
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2169 total students
618 freshmen
Next Year, projections
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1971 total students
375 freshmen
th
9
Rising
Grade Scheduling
Process
Scheduling Process
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There is a different process for scheduling at
each middle school
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The end result is the same: Students and
parents will select their courses using
information from the high school counselors,
and with the input and assistance of their
current middle school counselors
Scheduling Process at Stone Hill
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Late January – SHMS counselor reviewed 6-year plans
and course options for next year
February 4 – BWHS counselors will meet with students
in large groups to share information
Week of February 10 – Students will meet with SHMS
counselor in smaller groups:
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The SHMS counselor will guide students through the
selection of their courses for next year using Family
Connection
Parents can log onto Family Connection to review and
make changes until February 28, 2014
After February 28, 2014, parents may contact their SHMS
counselor, Ms. Bryan, to make changes through June 13
Scheduling Process at Eagle Ridge
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February 18 & 19 – BWHS counselors will meet
with students in their science classes to select
courses using Family Connection
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Student will receive a letter which will provide their
parents with instructions to log onto Family Connection
Parents can log onto Family Connection to review and
make changes until March 14, 2014
After March 14, parents may contact Mrs. Mostero to make
changes. The last day to make changes through Mrs.
Mostero is June 13, 2014
The ERMS counselor will review academic plans with
students
Students New to LCPS
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New students usually begin enrolling in
mid-April
The information and materials needed to
enroll an new student can be found on the
BWHS and LCPS websites
New students and their parents will select
their courses with a BWHS counselor when
they enroll
Enrollments are by appointment
Diploma Types & Graduation
Requirements
Diplomas
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Standard Diploma
Advanced Studies Diploma
Diplomas
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Diplomas are based on:
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Standard Units of Credit – 140 clock hours of
instruction & passing grade
Verified Units of Credit – Standard unit of credit
plus passing the end-of-course SOL associated
with that class
Standard Diploma
Academic Areas
Credits
SOL Verified Credits
English
4
2
Social Studies
3
1
Mathematics
3
1
Science
3
1
Health/Physical Education
2
Foreign Language, Fine Arts, or Career &
Technical Education
2
Economics and Personal Finance
1
Electives
4
Student Selected Verified Credit
Total
1
22
6
Advanced Studies Diploma
Academic Areas
Credits
SOL Verified Credits
English
4
2
Social Studies
4
2
Mathematics
4
2
Science
4
2
Foreign Language
3-4
Health/Physical Education
2
Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education
1
Economics and Personal Finance
1
Electives
3
Student Selected Verified Credit
Total
1
26
9
SOL Courses = Verified Credits
Reading (Eng. 11)
Writing (Eng. 11)
Earth Science
Biology
Chemistry
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
World History 1
World History 2
US History
Additional Requirements
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See the Program of Studies for the “fine print”
details
Additional Requirements
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VA Department of Education:
All students must receive online instruction
while in high school
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There is an online instructional component within
the required “Personal Finance” class which
satisfies this requirement
Additional Requirements
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VA Department of Education:
Standard Diploma students must pass a
board-approved “technical education
credential”
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There is a credential component within the
required “Personal Finance” class
Selecting Courses for Next
Year (and beyond)
Course Options for Freshmen
4.
English 9:
World History 1:
Earth Science *:
Math:
5.
Health & Physical Education 9
1.
2.
3.
6.
7.
Honors or Academic
Pre-AP (Honors) or Academic
Honors, Academic, or General
Follows sequence
Elective – usually a foreign language
Elective
Course Levels
General – science only
Course content and student performance are
commensurate with the student’s grade level.
Middle school personnel will speak to parents
directly if a general-level course is
recommended.
Course Levels
Academic
Course content and expected student
performance require additional reading and
writing at a rigorous level.
Academic is a “college-bound” level.
Course Levels
Honors and Pre-Advanced Placement
Course content is rapidly paced with additional
depth. Lessons are often designed to be
complex, abstract, and open-ended.
Course Options for Freshmen
4.
English 9:
World History 1:
Earth Science *:
Math:
5.
Health & Physical Education 9
1.
2.
3.
6.
7.
Honors or Academic
Pre-AP (Honors) or Academic
Honors, Academic, or General
Follows sequence
Elective – usually a foreign language
Elective
Math Sequence
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See Program of Studies, page 33
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Algebra 1 >>> Geometry
Geometry >>> Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 w/Trig
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Post Algebra 2/Algebra 2 w/Trig:
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Advanced Functions and Modeling
Advanced Algebra/Precalculus
Math Analysis
* Freshman Science
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Earth Science
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Honors
Academic
General/Basic
Biology
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Honors
* Freshman Science
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Earth Science Honors or Biology Honors
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Skipping Earth Science is not recommended by LCPS
or BWHS
Biology is a tenth grade course. A small percentage of
freshmen opted to take this course
Students who skip freshman Earth Science will miss
important science content
Honors Biology has a strong research component;
students first learn the research process through Earth
Science
AOS students receive Earth Science instruction and
take the Earth Science SOL
Electives Available to Freshmen
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French
Spanish
German
Latin
Chinese
ASL
CADD
Tech Ed
Applied Tech
Computer Info Systems
Business & Marketing
Creative Writing
Theater Arts
Technical Theater
Journalism
Music Theory
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Music Appreciation
Art
Guitar
Band
Strings
Color Guard
Chorus
JROTC (at LCHS)
Independent Living
Choices
Gourmet Foods
Human Development
Leadership
Fashion Design
Housing/Interior Design
Art/Architecture History
Course Requests
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Requests for changes should be directed to the
middle school until the last day of school,
June 13
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Between June 13 and June 20, requests for
changes should be directed to BWHS.
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We cannot make changes to course requests
after the deadline of June 20, 2014. You have 4
months to change your mind!
Reminders
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A rising freshman course selection worksheet is online
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The 2014-2015 Program of Studies is online
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Course curriculum information can be found on the
LCPS website
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The middle school counselors and teachers are a great
resource when making these decisions
“Lesson in Balance”
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Challenge the student vs. Overloading the
student
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Finding balance in the students course load
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If you figure out the formula for this,
create an app! You’ll make millions!
“Lesson in Balance”
Take the most challenging classes you
can handle.
“Lesson in Balance”
Take the most challenging classes you
can reasonably handle.
“Lesson in Balance”
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How much time do you have available to
study and do homework?
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Do you play sports?
Are you involved in activities?
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What does your track-record indicate?
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How committed and disciplined are you?
“Lesson in Balance”
Think long-term:
It’s easier to improve your schedule each year
by taking more challenging classes…
than it is to improve a damaged GPA!
Johnny LateStarter
Grade 9:
English
C
2
History
C
2
Math
D
1
Science
D
1
HPE
B
3
Elective
C
2
Elective
C
2
Cumulative GPA = 1.86
Grade 10:
English
B
3
History
A
4
Math
C
2
Science
B
3
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 2.64
Grade 11:
English
B
3
History
B
3
Math
B
3
Science
B
3
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 2.90
Grade 12:
English
A
4
History
A
4
Math
B
3
Science
B
3
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 3.12
Sara StudyHard
Grade 9:
English
B
3
History
B
3
Math
B
3
Science
C
2
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 3.29
Grade 10:
English
B
3
History
A
4
Math
C
2
Science
B
3
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 3.36
Grade 11:
English
B
3
History
B
3
Math
B
3
Science
B
3
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 3.38
Grade 12:
English
A
4
History
A
4
Math
B
3
Science
B
3
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 3.46
The Importance of the Freshman Year
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The difference between a 3.12 GPA and a
3.46 GPA can be the ninth grade year!!!
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When they apply to college they will use their
junior year GPA: 2.90 vs 3.38
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The student with the “Slow Start” would have
to earn straight A’s in grades 10, 11, and 12
just to equal the student who had a stronger
freshman year.
Johnny LateStarter
Grade 9:
English
C
2
History
C
2
Math
D
1
Science
D
1
HPE
B
3
Elective
C
2
Elective
C
2
Cumulative GPA = 1.86
Grade 10:
English
A
4
History
A
4
Math
A
4
Science
A
4
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 2.92
Grade 11:
English
A
4
History
A
4
Math
A
4
Science
A
4
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 3.28
Grade 12:
English
A
4
History
A
4
Math
A
4
Science
A
4
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 3.46
Sara StudyHard
Grade 9:
English
A
4
History
A
4
Math
A
4
Science
A
4
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 4.00
Grade 10:
English
A
4
History
A
4
Math
A
4
Science
A
4
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 4.00
Grade 11:
English
A
4
History
A
4
Math
A
4
Science
A
4
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 4.00
Grade 12:
English
A
4
History
A
4
Math
A
4
Science
A
4
HPE
A
4
Elective
A
4
Elective
A
4
Cumulative GPA = 4.00
The Importance of the Freshman Year
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With a “complete turnaround” vs. straight A’s
scenario, the final GPA is a 3.46 vs. 4.00
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When they apply to college, they will be using
their junior year cumulative GPA:
3.28 vs. 4.00
The Importance of the Freshman Year
These examples are not
meant to scare you!
“Lesson in Balance”
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How much time do you have available to
study and do homework?
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Do you play sports?
Are you involved in activities?

What does your track-record indicate?

How committed and disciplined are you?
Looking Beyond the Freshman Year
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Students a not stuck on an honors or
academic “track”
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Student often mix and match honors-level
classes
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They can move “up” or “down” from year-toyear in most subjects (notable exceptions are
math and foreign language)
“Lesson in Balance”
Don’t forget to consider the student’s
interests when determining his/her
course load!
Reminder

Requests for changes should be directed to the
middle school until the last day of school,
June 13

Between June 13 and June 20, requests for
changes should be directed to BWHS.

We cannot make changes to course requests
after the deadline of June 20, 2014
After the School Year Begins
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Elective changes will not be possible
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Academic level changes
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Level change decisions are made case-by-case
Input from a variety of sources will be needed
We may implement level-change windows
A class that is “difficult” for a student is not the
same as a class that is “too difficult” for a student!
Changing a level often disrupts the student’s
entire schedule!
Agenda
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Accomplishments and Expectations
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Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Process
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Diploma Types & Graduation Requirements

Selecting Courses for Next Year
Upcoming Events
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April 28: BWHS Activities EXPO (private &
homeschool students are welcome! Adult must
supervise)
May: Athletics meeting for parents
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Special education meeting – date TBA
Week before school begins
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See BWHSports.org for details
Freshman Student Orientation
Freshman Parent Meeting
First week of school – meeting with freshmen
Monitor our website and look for our newsletter!