Hosted by Michelle Wells, School Counselor

Agenda

1. Graduation Requirements for the Class of 20172. New Graduation Requirements3. Attendance Policies4. G.P.A. (Grade Point Average) Explained 5. The Importance of Your G.P.A.6. Study Tips7. Extra Curricular Activities8. The Role of the School Counselor9. Mrs. Wells’s webpage10. Virginia Wizard11. Tasks for Freshman Year12. Presentation Evaluation

Standard DiplomaCredits

English – 4Mathematics – 3Science – 3 Social Studies – 3 PE/Health – 2 Foreign Language/Fine Art/Career or Technical Credit – 2 Economics – 1 Electives – 4TOTAL = 22 Credits

SOL Verified CreditsEnglish – 2Mathematics – 1Science – 1 Social Studies – 1 Student Choice – 1

TOTAL = 6

Advanced Studies Diploma

CreditsEnglish – 4Mathematics – 4Science – 4 Social Studies – 4 PE/Health – 2 Foreign Lang. – 3Fine Art – 1Economics – 1 Electives – 3TOTAL = 26 Credits

SOL Verified CreditsEnglish – 2Mathematics – 2Science – 2 Social Studies – 2 Student Choice – 1

TOTAL = 9

New Requirement #1

Board Certified Credential• A credential is defined as:• a complete industry

certification program;• a pathway examination that

leads to a completed industry certification;

• a state-issued professional license (NNRTC programs)

• an occupational competency examination.

Examples• Armed Services Vocational

Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)• IC3 Certification• Microsoft Office Specialist

(MOS)• National Career Readiness

Certificate • Workplace Readiness Skills for

the Commonwealth Examination

• Travel and Tourism Assessment

New Requirement #2

• All students must complete a virtual class experience prior to graduation.

• Virtual Virginia• APEX Learning

Attendance Policy1. All students are required to be present in each

class, every day. Students should not be absent, except for documented medical excuses.

2. In accordance with VA law: a phone call will be made automatically for each day a student is absent for first block. A letter will be sent home after a student misses 4 days of school. A parent conference will be requested after 8 absences. A petition will be filed after 10 absences.

What’s a GPA?• A GPA is your grade point

average; the average of all the grades you’ve earned divided by the number of credits you have taken.

• A = 4.0• B = 3.0• C = 2.0• D = 1.0• F = 0.0

If you earn these grades for example:A, C, C, B

• Add 4 + 2 + 2 + 3 (it equals 11)• Then divide by 4• That means your GPA for that

semester is a 2.75

Your GPA is CUMULATIVE, which means your final senior GPA includes grades from freshman year or earlier.

The Importance of Your GPA

• A GPA is the single most important factor that colleges look at for admissions.

• A high GPA can make you eligible for more scholarships and for college honors programs.

• A low GPA can make you ineligible to play sports both in high school and in college.

Weighted CoursesHonors

• Course requires more work; assignments, homework, papers, projects, etc.

• Course is worth more to your GPA (4.5 points)

Dual EnrollmentAdvanced Placement

• College prep or college level.• Course requires much more

work; assignments, homework, papers, projects,

• Course is worth more to your GPA (5 points)

• Course may be counted as high school AND college credit.

• Courses do cost money (college fees, exam fees, etc.)

Study Tips• Attend class every day• Use your Student

Agenda daily!• Have a designated study

area set up at home away from distractions

• Schedule study times• Check teacher website

often

• Create flashcards or other study aids

• Have a partner quiz you• Ask questions about

anything you don’t understand

• Get a good night’s sleep (8-9 hours)

• When testing, check your answers!

Extra Curricular Activities

Benefits of Participation• Build leadership skills• Develop teamwork and

collaboration skills• Connection to the

community• Build self confidence• School pride• Contribute to the

community• Discover new talents

Some Activity Opportunities• Sports (football, volleyball,

basketball, softball, cheerleading)

• Academics (honor society, academic team, science club, etc.)

• Special Interests (yearbook, newspaper, business clubs, etc.)

School Counseling

Personal/Social

• Individual counseling sessions

• Classroom Guidance• School-wide

Initiatives• Responsive services

Academic/Career

• Classroom Guidance• Academic planning• Career exploration• Post-secondary options• Academic support• Transcripts

Mrs. Wells’s Webpage

• Class level updates• Test prep links• Link to this presentation• Transcript request• Graduation

requirements• Contact Me

• http://cbschoolshs.sharpschool.net/staff_directory/mrs__wells/freshmen/

• www.cbschools.net

Virginia Wizard

• Career, Skill, and Value assessments.

• Results are matched with career pathways and individual career options

• Explore career pathways and Virginia colleges

• Education required, average salaries, occupation outlook, etc.

• Resume help• Interview tips• College search and

planning tools• Cost calculator and

financial aid help• Parent Section

https://www.vawizard.org/vccs/Main.action

Freshman Year Tasks• Get involved! Join clubs, sports, and/or community

programs that interest you.• Earn a high GPA; set reasonable yet challenging goals• Start learning about college and careers https

://www.vawizard.org/, www.princetonreview.com, www.cappex.com, www.ecampustours.com

• Keep track of your involvement and accomplishments• MAKE SUMMER COUNT: summer is your chance to get

ahead by volunteering, enrolling in summer programs, participating in work shadowing, taking courses, etc.

Thanks for coming!

If you have additional questions, please call

224-0040 to schedule a meeting or email me at mwells@cbschools.net