A warm greeting to all 9th graders. It can be tough being in high school for the first time, but it is twice as hard when you move in and don’t know anyone else in your class. Make a special effort to say “hello” to the person sitting next to you in class and make him or her feel at home. Chances are that he/she is more scared than you are! A friendly smile and “hello” helps a lot. If you are having difficulty making friends, ask your counselor for suggestions on how to break the ice. WHAT DO COUNSELORS DO? We talk to you about your career plans and will help you further with your education to meet your goals. Whether it is college, trade school, military or work, we have the information that will help you choose which is best for you. We do personal counseling on a short-term basis. If you have any problems you would like to talk about or just questions, please come in and see us. There are a lot of new and confusing things that happen in high school and perhaps you may just need a safe place to go. The guidance staff is here to help you in anyway we can. MEET THE COUNSELING STAFF With some exceptions, the counselors work with a certain part of the alphabet. A-G MS. KULAGE (BLUE)

H-N MRS. PERCY (YELLOW)

O-Z MRS. MORAN (PINK)

Mrs. Ward is the secretary and can help you with many things. In fact, if it is just a question or two she can probably assist you. Mrs. Swift is the registrar and she takes care of all the transcripts and report cards. HOW DO I SIGN UP? In the Guidance Office there are different colored sign up sheets right when you walk into the door. Look for the table in front of Mrs. Ward’s desk. Each counselor uses a different color, which is also used for your passes. Look for the one that has your counselor’s name on top. Sign your name to the sheet and we will send a pass as quickly as possible. If you can’t wait for a pass, then talk to Mrs. Ward and she will get you the assistance you need.

WHAT ABOUT TEACHERS? Ask your teachers how to study for their particular classes. Teachers can give you a lot of good tips that relate to their subject areas. Teachers are here before and after school to talk to you about your schoolwork and to help you in further understanding their assignments. Make appointments with them so you can agree where and when to meet. ARE GRADES IMPORTANT IN NINTH GRADE?/ SBG Yes! All your grades from now on will be permanently recorded on your “transcript”. These grades are averaged together for the next four years. Your grades from ninth grade might make a difference in whether or not you can go to Tech School or get into a particular college, or get a scholarship. Always strive to do your best. Do not be satisfied with a score of a 2. Getting 3/4’s will better prepare you for your post high school plans. Another tip: CHECK YOUR GRADES OFTEN!! AIP Your AIP time can be used to get help in a subject, retake a test, or make up missing work due to an absence. This is your time so use it wisely. You always need to get a pass from a teacher before AIP!!! GRADES AND SPORTS Currently all freshmen are eligible to play sports in the fall. To be eligible to play sports starting in the spring 2015 you must pass 3.5 credits or 7 classes. If you have any questions concerning your eligibility status, please see your counselor or the athletic director. WHAT ABOUT TECH SCHOOL? Being accepted into Tech School in 11th or 12th grade depends partly on grades, but also on the amount of effort you put into your work. It is important that you have a good attendance record. Showing responsibility and a positive attitude starting in ninth grade is very important. WHEN DO I SIGN UP FOR THE SOPHOMORE YEAR? In January you will attend an enrollment assembly. At that time you will be given instructions on what classes you can take as a sophomore and a course description booklet to take home. It is important that you sit down with your parents and decide what classes you will be taking in tenth grade. MISSOURI CONNECTIONS Missouri Connections is a career search program you will continue working on throughout high school. It is a great resource to begin your career search. We will be reviewing your personal plan of study during first semester of your Freshman year.

A+ A+ is a program that allows eligible students to receive FREE money to attend any Missouri public community college, vocational or technical school. Eligibility requirements are a cumulative 2.5 gpa, 95% attendance record, 50 hours tutoring, maintain a good record of good citizenship and avoiding the unlawful use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco and successfully complete the Algebra 1 end of course exam, achieving a score of proficient or advanced. Mr. Voelkl is the A+ coordinator. You may stop by the front office to receive the necessary enrollment forms. RENAISSANCE Being tardy to class is something that is easy to do, but can have consequences other than an after school detention or Saturday campus. Did you know that you cannot have more than 4 tardies or absences to be eligible to receive a gold or silver card? The criteria for Renaissance is 95% attendance, no major discipline/violations and no more than 4 tardies per semester. GC = 3.6 or higher SC= 3.0-3.59 GRADUATING WITH HONORS There are three different honor recognitions you can achieve for graduation: Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude. Each one has a different set of criteria that includes either your GPA or a combination of your GPA and upper level classes. Be sure and check out the specific requirements in your enrollment book that you will receive in January.

WE WANT YOU TO SUCCEED. PLEASE STAY IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH YOUR COUNSELOR AND TEACHERS Ninth grade is the most critical high school year for you. Work and time management patterns are established that usually carry on throughout high school and into the work place. Also, ninth grade material is the foundation for higher-level classes. A solid ninth grade year is necessary for future success. For the majority of you who plan to go to college, it is your Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior grades that will be submitted for possible acceptance.

YOUR CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE AND CLASS RANK STARTS NOW!

SCW_Guidance

St. Charles West Guidance