9th Grade Guidance Information

http://asd1.schoolwires.com/wrhs

Graduation Requirements

English 4 units Economics ½ unit

Math 4 units US History 1 unit

Science 3 units PE or ROTC 1 unit

Social Studies 1 unit Electives 7 units

Government ½ unit Computer Science 1 unit

Students in a college prep curriculum: Foreign Language 1 unit*

Students in a tech prep curriculum: Occupational Training 1 unit

TOTAL: 24 UNITS

*Four-year colleges require at least 2 units of a foreign language; Clemson and others require 3 units. One fine art unit is also required for college entrance.

Grades

In order to receive credit for a course, students must make at least a 60 (D)* and meet attendance requirements. Grade placement is based on the number of credits you earn. In order to be a sophomore, you must have 6 units including English I AND 1 unit of math. It is very important to study hard and make good grades. If you are having trouble in a class, see your teacher to find out their tutoring schedule. Letters are mailed to parents each grading period if there is a failing grade(s). DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK YOUR TEACHER FOR HELP!

*Algebra I is an exception. See page 23 in the Career Planning Guide.

Tutoring

After school tutoring in math, science, English, Global Studies, and Computer Tech is available. All you have to do is show up for tutoring—no sign-ups required! Transportation will be provided on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Students must have a bus pass in order to ride the bus. This is given to the student as they leave the tutoring room. This is to ensure that only those in tutoring ride the bus. After school tutoring started on September 12.

Attendance

-Year-long courses in the Academy (English, math, science, Global Studies) = no more than 12 unexcused absences

-Year-long courses outside of the Academy (including Academic Enhancement) = no more than 6 unexcused absences

-Semester courses (Computer Tech I/Keyboarding, Lifelong Fitness, sport, and electives) = no more than 3 unexcused absences

EXCESSIVE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES WILL RESULT IN A FINAL GRADE OF 61! This policy is strictly enforced so pay close attention to your absences. See page 12 in your Agenda for attendance policy.

Make-up Policy

When you are absent from school it is very important to make-up all missed work. It is your responsibility to see each of your teachers to get the missed assignments as soon as possible. Do not wait until the end of the nine weeks to find out what work is missing. The make-up policy is in the Agenda on page 15.

Course Selection

Be sure that you are choosing courses that will help you to achieve your goals. Don’t just choose the “easy” courses. If you are planning to go to a four-year college immediately after high school, you should be in a college prep curriculum taking college prep courses. Examples of these would be Algebra I and Geometry. If you are planning to attend a technical college or go into the workplace, you should be in a two-year college prep curriculum. An example of this would be Foundations of Algebra.

Class Rank

Class rank is calculated at the end of the school year. Students will be given this information at the beginning of next school year. Anytime a transcript is generated for ninth graders, class rank will be listed but not correct. The reason for this is that class rank is based on completed courses only. English, science, social studies, math and other year long courses would not be figured into this equation until the end of the school year.

Scholarships

Scholarships and financial aid for college are only offered during the junior and senior years of high school. The only thing students can do to help them qualify for scholarships this school year is to make good grades and get involved in extracurricular activities. We will host Financial Aid Night for students and parents to attend their junior and senior year.

PSAT

Please be aware that the PSAT will be given to any 9th grader who chooses to and pay (the cost is $15) on Oct. 19, 2016. The test will start at 8:00 am and hopefully end before 1st lunch. The deadline for payment is Oct. 14. Ninth graders will test in the new cafeteria and should bring a calculator and a number 2 pencil. Students that want to sign up should bring their money to Mrs. Ridlehoover in the main office. She will give them a practice booklet when they pay. For more information about the PSAT, please visit the Freshman Academy website.

Parent Portal

The Parent Portal is the best way for you to keep up with your child’s grades and attendance. Please go to the main office with a copy of your drivers’ license to obtain your password.

Email Updates

Please be sure that we have an updated email address for you. We now have the capabilities to send you frequent updates as to what is happening at school. Please email Mrs. Ridlehoover to let her know that you want to be on the email list.

Teacher Websites

Teachers often have assignments and announcements posted on their individual websites. In order to access this, go to www.anderson1.k12.sc.us/schools/wrhs : CLASSROOMS and then TEACHER’S NAME. If you need additional information, please email your child’s teacher. The email directory is on the website. Email addresses for the Freshman Academy faculty are listed below:

Seth Young, Director of the Freshman Academy

Paige Dillard, Freshman Academy Counselor

Larry Clark (social studies)

Courtney Samuel (science)

Michael Burriss (English)

Poppy Simpson (math)

Jennifer Bertram (English)

Sarah Hanks (math)

Katherine Moore (science)

Troy Gamble (social studies)

Megan Selman (English)

Ali Wienke (science)

Molly Rains(social studies)

Rachael White (math) Karla Schultz (Resource)