TRANSITIONING TO HIGH SCHOOL -

THE NEXT STEP TO YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

Class of 2013 and Beyond

What you need to know

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

In this packet you will find your tentative schedule of classes for the year. Please remember that you selected alternative courses for your choices. If there was a scheduling conflict involving 2 or more of your choices, your alternatives may have been substituted.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT TABLE

Included in this packet for grades 10-12 is a table showing progress toward meeting graduation requirements. If you think there is an error in any of the subject categories, please see your counselor after school begins. Seniors are asked to come to any of the arena sessions (Aug. 19, 20, 25, or 26) to schedule any additional coursework that needs to be completed.

OPEN PERIOD ARENA SCHEDULING

If your name is high-lighted on your schedule, you will need to come to the Open Period Arena. See below.

August 19			August 20
	8:00 AM	G - M	Juniors	8:00 AM	P – Z
Seniors	9:00 AM	N – R		9:00 AM	A – G
	10:00 AM	S – Z	Sophomores	10:00 AM	M – Z
	12:00 AM	A - F		12:00 AM	A – L
Juniors	1:00 PM	H - O	Freshmen	1:00 PM	ALL

CHANGING A CLASS IF YOU HAVE A COMPLETE SCHEDULE

If you have a complete schedule but want to change it you need to attend the “Want To” arena, (see below) August 25^th and August 26^th. You need to come to your assigned time or a later time but not earlier, if you want to change your schedule. No changes will be made after school begins unless you are misplaced in a class.

August 25			August 26
	8:00 AM	G - M	Juniors	8:00 AM	P – Z
Seniors	9:00 AM	N – R		9:00 AM	A – G
	10:00 AM	S – Z	Sophomores	10:00 AM	M – Z
	12:00 AM	A - F		12:00 AM	A – L
Juniors	1:00 PM	H - O	Freshmen	1:00 PM	ALL

Any other changes will be at the discretion of administrators using the criteria set by the Scheduling Advisory Committee, after school starts.

Again, if you want to change your schedule be sure to attend your time on August 25^th or 26^th.

Student Fine Ledger

If your student has fines, a ledger is enclosed. The fines need to be paid before your student will be able to purchase a parking permit, tickets to dances, borrow additional library books, participate in sports, and/or your family/student access could be blocked.

Your PHS Administration Team,

Jason Perrins Slade McSheehy

Dora Swart Micah Hilario

How will I know what is going on at the High Schools?

• School newsletters/ newspapers & School website www.bgsd.k12.wa.us or www.prairiehighschool.org.
• Attend a Parent Network and/ or School Improvement Group meeting
• Talk to your teen and ask them open ended questions.

Is High School really as big as it looks?

• There are marked/named hallways and maps available: visit the school before the first day and get familiar with the campus.
• Attend events specifically organized for Freshman Orientation.
• Get to know your teen’s friends and meet their parents.

I am new to Battle Ground, how do I register my child in a high school?

• Incoming 9^th graders new to Battle Ground School District need to arrange for placement testing.
• Bring all records from your child’s previous school, including achievement test scores or WASL scores if applicable.
• Bring your child’s birth certificate and current immunization record

What are the school’s hours of attendance?

• Battle Ground: School Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 7:30-2:00 Wed. 8:00-2:00.
• Prairie: School Hours: Mon.-Friday 7:30-2:00.
• The full attendance policy of each High School is available in the Student/Parent Handbook.

What are the graduation requirements?

• 23 credits: 3.5 credits in English; 3.0 in Social Studies; 1.0 in Visual/Fine Arts; 3.0 in Math; 2.0 in Health and Fitness; 2.0 in Science (one must be a lab science);
  1.0 in Occupational and 7.5 electives;
• PASSING ALL PARTS OF THE WASL (science in 2013)
• Culminating project and 13^th year plan – required for all students graduating in 2008 and beyond

My student does not have an identified educational goal. Who can help us forecast classes?

• College and Career Center for general information.
• ASVAB testing
• Counselors (middle and high school)
• Curriculum Guide

What is the lunch schedule like?

• There is more than one lunch that will be determined by the students’ class schedule.
• There are a variety of lunch options available for students.

My student is interested in going to college or a university. What is required?

• PSATs in 10^tth & 11^th grades; ACT and/or SAT tests in 11^th grade
• Advanced Placement classes can give your student a feel of a college level class while still in high school, but are not required.
• College and Career Center and your student’s counselor
• Check with the school(s) your student is interested in attending to find out the exact entrance requirements.
• Visit School’s website.

My child is not making the grades I expected. Who do I contact? What can be done to help my child?

• Contact teacher via phone or e-mail
• If your child is having difficulty in a class he/she may receive after school help with the teacher or join tutor programs.
• Contact counselor, principal/ vice principal

What is reclassification or “Promotion by Credit”?

Each student must have a certain number of earned credits by the end of each grade level in order to move up to the next grade level. Freshmen must have 5.5 credits to become sophomores. (YOU CAN BE THE AGE OF A SOPHOMORE AND STILL BE A FRESHMAN).

My teen wants to be involved in extra-curricular activities. How does he/she get involved?

There are many “extra”-curricular activities in High School and those mostly involve sports and clubs. See the ASB office or advisor of the specific activity your student is interested in.

How safe is the High School campus?

• There are school security guards and a police officer on campus
• Security cameras are located around campus
• Different campus’ have different lunchtime rule in regards to open/close campus privileges.

What is the grade/attendance policy for athletes?

• A student must have a 2.0 or better GPA, have no more than one F, and be enrolled in a minimum of 4 classes to play a sport.
• Refer to Parent/Student Handbook, Athletic Handbook or team coach
• SOME CLASSES ALSO REQUIRE CERTAIN GPA MAINTENANCE FOR PARTICIPATION.

What parent groups are available for me to join?

Parent Network (PAN), School Improvement Group, Auction Committee, High School Boosters, Grad Night Party

How often am I notified about my student’s grades?

• Progress reports are available every six weeks.
• Report cards are sent home at the end of the 18 week semester.
• Family Access is available through the internet. Contact the high school counseling office/ registrar for more information.

What if my student is being harassed?

• Encourage your child to report the incident to a teacher, counselor or administrator.
• Any student involved in harassment will be subject to disciplinary action.
• Follow up with your child’s teacher.

Checklist for 8^th graders 2009-20010

October 2009

ÿ Maintain a passing grade in Social Studies; it fulfills a high school graduation requirement.

ÿ Conference with the 8^th grade homeroom teacher, get help early.

November 2009– Winter Break

ÿ Consider visiting the high school campus for a sport/ club event, take a look around and learn about where things are located.

ÿ High School counselors and/or principals visit middle schools to meet 8^th graders.

ÿ If you have questions or concerns about high school talk to your middle school counselor, your parents or your teachers.

ÿ Stay on top of classroom and homework assignments; they are preparing you to be capable of high school rigor. Do your personal best.

January - February 2010

ÿ Participate in middle- school based preparation activities meant for 8^th graders.

ÿ Use parent/ teacher conference time to ensure successful completion of the 8^th grade.

ÿ Be in class and participating, 8^th grade teachers will include high school preparation materials in class on a regular basis.

March-April 2010

ÿ Attend your middle schools open house times at the middle school campus.

ÿ Attend the high school open house meant for 8^th graders at the high school campus.

ÿ Take the Math and English placement tests for high school.

ÿ Focus on passing the WASL to fulfill this requirement for high school graduation.

ÿ Forecast for high school classes.

May-June 2010

ÿ Aim to finish middle school strong and do your personal best.

ÿ If there are any concerns, check in with your counselor, teachers and parents.

ÿ Attend freshman orientation events hosted by the high school.

August 2010

ÿ Keep informed of events at the high school specifically for freshman.

What Challenges Will Students Face?

Physical and emotional challenges: The move to high school means a move to a new building, with a greater number of students, new teachers, a new principal, new expectations, and a new, more rigorous academic and disciplinary system. Also, the adolescent also has to cope with the developmental task of establishing independence from the family while at the same time maintaining family connections. At this stage of life, parents have less direct input into school activities and academic decisions.

Social challenges: Establishing new social connections, balancing work and social life, and, for some students, managing a part-time job, are some of the new demands faced by students entering high school. Pressure to experiment with or engage in alcohol, drug, and sexual activities is also often increased.

Academic challenges: Students are expected to have developed an assertive and efficient learning style, and good study and organizational skills. The transition into high school means entering into an academic environment which assumes that the student can take responsibility for decisions regarding academic tracks and course selection. The pressure of what to do after graduation and for many, college decisions is also present.