MORE THINGS TO KNOW

TEN THINGS PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE TRANSITION TO FRESHMAN YEAR

1. Establish a relationship with your student's guidance counselor at the beginning of the school year.
2. All grades count towards GPA, promotion and graduation requirements, even electives.
3. Foreign language is considered an elective.
4. Use after school help. All schools have some form of assistance after school, and teachers will work with your student after school, just ask.
5. Initiate contact with teachers through email, write them a letter, or call and leave them a message.  Do not wait for them to contact you!
6. Monitor your student's attendance by calling the attendance office or emailing the teachers.
7. Be observant of your student's behavior. The freshman year is a time of significant social exploration and growth. Always ask what they are doing, where they are going, and whom they are with.
8. Encourage your student to get involved in an activity. Help your student find something they are interested in.
9. Monitor your student's time at home. Your student should be doing something school related each night. Ask to see your student's homework if they claim to not have any. Homework is assigned every day, and review is always beneficial.
10. Talk to your student about school, friends, growing up, transitioning to high school. Leave no topics uncovered.

HIGH SCHOOL ACRONYMS

• IEP - Individualized Education Plan - Refers to the education plan for students served only by Special Education.
• SST - Student Support Team - Refers to the team of teachers, counselors, and administrators that helps students with severe deficits in their learning.
• 504 - Refers to an education plan designed for students who have medical difficulties that prevent or limit success in school.
• ISR – In School Retention – Refers to in-school disciplinary actions.
• SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test - Refers to the college entrance exam, which is comprised of critical reasoning, math, and writing sections.
• ACT- American College Test - Refers to the college entrance exam, which is comprised of English, math, science, reading, and writing sections.
• GPA – Grade Point Average - Refers to a student's cumulative average of final grades in all subject areas.
• LSN – Local, State, and National Government - Refers to the government class all freshmen must take prior to sitting for the High School Assessment (HSA).
• AP – Advanced Placement - Refers to rigorous courses offered in almost all content areas for serious college-bound students.