What Every freshman (parent) should know

High School Basicsto Help Your child

Succeed!

KNOW YOUR STUDENT’S COUNSELOR

A - Dea Mrs. Heather Rains

Deb – Ji Ms. Cally Fallenstein

Jo – Med Mrs. Sarah Brandl, Head Counselor

Mee – Sam Mr. Chris Mank

San – Z Ms. Jody Kissin

Freshman Year

All grades, courses, and credits count towards graduation

Pass ALL classes first time around- no Summer School at PLHS, options may be limited

G.P.A for graduation is determined by 9-12 grades.

College preparation starts now!

Graduation Requirements:

• All students must earn a 2.0 GPA in both academics and citizenship

• Earn a total of 44 credits by the end of senior year.

• Pass all required classes

• Pass the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) English and Math (Tenative)

Required Classes (a-g)a. Social Studies – 6 semesters = World (AP or regular) or AP Euro, U.S. History (AP or regular), & Government/Economics or Political Science

b. English – 8 semesters = English ½, English ¾, American Lit. or AP English Lang, & Writer’s Workshop, Expos. Reading & Writing or AP English Lit.

c. Math – 6 semesters required (8 semesters highly recommended) = Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, & Integrated Math III Upper division courses include: Functions, Pre Calc, AP Stats, Discrete Math, etc.

• Science – 6 semesters (8 semesters highly recommended) = Biology, Chemistry or Physics & 1 other UC approved science course (ex. Earth Science, Physiology, Principles Bio Med, etc.) Upper division courses include: AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics, & AP Envirn. Science

e. World Language– 4 semesters (6 semesters highly recommended) = Mandarin Chinese, Spanish or French

a. Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) – 2 semesters (Must be of the same course) = Art, Band, Ceramics, AP Art History, etc.

• College Preparatory Electives –2 semesters = could be an elective (Computer Graphics, Sports Med, etc.) or could be an upper division core course

* P.E. – 4 semesters (required for gradation)

Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs and sports

. Get Involved!Point Loma serves a wide variety of student interests.

Clubs include: Aaron Price Fellows, Academic League, ASB, AVID, Band, California Scholastic Federation, Cesar Chavez Service Club, Cheer, Clean Wave Co-Op, Dance Team, Drama Club, Film Club, Fostering Smiles Club, Fundraising Activities, Interact Club, Kiwanis International (Key Club), Math League, MEChA, Naval Junior ROTC, NCT, Speech and Debate, Surf Team (Club), UMOJA, Water Uganda Do?, and Yearbook

Athletics include: Cross Country, Basketball, Badminton, Women’s Field Hockey, Soccer, Baseball, Football, Water Polo, Golf, Wrestling, Softball, Tennis, Swim Team, Volleyball, Track and Field, Lacrosse and Surf

How to Help your Freshman succeed!

Use PowerSchool to monitor attendance, grades and assignments

Look at pointlomahigh.com for important dates

Sign up for the eblast! (from the website)

Know your child’s schedule and email teachers

Get help from teachers and Link Leaders during Advisory period

Take advantage of FREE afterschool tutoring in the Library

How to Help your Freshman succeed! Research College costs and begin talking

about options to pay for college

Log on to Naviance and begin to explore! Colleges Scholarships Interest Surveys

Pop Quiz! 1. How many credits are needed to graduate?

A) 12 B) 54 C) 44 D) 40

2. What is the minimum GPA needed to graduate, play sports, go to prom…?

A) 3.0 B) 2.0 C) 3.5 D) 2.5

3. What is the minimum amount of credits needed to move on to 10th grade?

A) 10 B) 12 C) 6 D) 14

4. Your child needs to have which of the following to be eligible to graduate high school?

A) Passed the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) B) 2.0 in academics and 2.0 in citizenship C) 44 credits D) All of the above

Thank you for joining us!

Any Questions for the Counselors?