Guidance Department
Helpful Hints for Parents and Students

9th Grade
Develop a 4-year plan
Develop good study habits, pay attention in class, take notes
Use your school planner to keep track of due dates
Adjust to high school e.g. earning credits, time management, school rules, lots of personal responsibility
Do not give in to peer pressure
Get involved in school activities
Pass high school assessments (H S A) in Algebra I or Alg I, Pt 2, LSN Gov
Complete student service learning

10th Grade
Continue 4-year plan, begin to develop post high school plan
Focus on grades, taking rigorous courses
Pass high school assessments (HSA) in Biology and English II
Take PSAT in October if going to college
Keep track of activities and accomplishments in resume format
Apply for Career & Tech programs in February

11th Grade
Plan for college by researching colleges, visiting campuses and discussing plans with family
Narrow your choices to 3 to 5 colleges
Take mock ACT and SAT
Focus on grades
Take honors or AP courses if planning to go to college
Visit colleges
Spend time in the Career Center and read the Newsletter available on this web site
Research financial aid options
Plan rigorous courses for 12th grade
Demonstrate personal responsibility e.g. driving privileges, time management, etc.
Prepare for ACT or SAT as recommended by counselor. Some students are ready to test in May or June of junior year.

12th Grade
Fine tune post-high school plan
Request transcripts from counselor by completing a transcript request form, cost $1.50/ transcript, payable by end of year.
Apply for post secondary schools, colleges, apprenticeships, etc.
Apply for financial aid e.g. FAFSA, scholarships, loans
Demonstrate personal responsibility
Take ACT or SAT as recommended by counselor
Pass all classes needed for graduation, 23 credits
Meet other graduation requirements (SSL, H S A's)

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