Getting Ready for High School

Presented by: Anthony Giaconia, Toby Sorge, Joanne Werner, Christina Korines,

Maria Garcia and Sherri Rinckhoff

The Process

October : 8th grade students and their parents visit Northern Valley Demarest High School for a night tour.

October: 8th grade students take a second tour of the high school during the school day.

January: The high school mails home a registration packet to all incoming 9th graders.

January: All 8th graders get a course schedule book listing all high school course descriptions.

The Process Continued January: 8th grade teachers submit placements for high

school schedule. January: Placements and transition conference date and

time are mailed home. Late January / Early February: High School transition

conferences occur in the middle school guidance office. Students, Parents, a high school counselor and Mrs. Rinckhoff attend. For students with IEP’s, a High School Child Study Team member and Dr. Terzini-Hollar will attend the meeting.

Late March: All placements and elective selections are finalized, and changes are sent to the high school.

Schedule English (Some students have a HSPA Review in

addition) Math History Science World Language PE Possible 2 electives (some students have 1 and some

could have 0) The Northern Valley High School District has specific

programs for special education students. For more information, contact Dr. Terzini- Hollar.

Things to Remember Enjoy the high school tour. It may seem overwhelming, but

relax and take in all the high school has to offer. It is truly a great place!

Look for the registration packet mailed from the high school. Please fill out packet completely, and be sure to bring it to the high school transition meeting. The packet will also list items needed for proof of residency. Please be sure to bring originals and copies for the high school to keep.

Keep in mind all courses at the high school are challenging and will enlighten your child. The teachers follow the criteria set by the high school to place your child. Proper placement will ensure a successful high school career.

Freshman Spanish Classes

Spanish I Spanish II Spanish II Honors

Spanish II Honors Criteria

Students MUST: Demonstrate a solid work ethic Exhibit strong motivation Be an independent worker Participate fully in class discussions and

activities

Students must also have a minimum A- average in marking periods 1 & 2 of 8th Grade World Language

Spanish II Honors Criteria

In addition, students must meet ONE of the following criteria Active oral participation A minimum score of 90% on the World

Language CRT Assessment

Freshman Math Classes

Fundamentals of Algebra I Algebra I (4 x or 3 x ) Geometry Honors Geometry

Geometry Honors Criteria

9th Grade Geometry HonorsAll students recommended for Honors placement must have the recommendation of the elementary district selection committee and: (a) demonstrate a solid work ethic; (b)exhibit strong motivation; (c) be independent workers; and (d) participate fully in class discussions and activities.Students must also have:•An average of A- or better for each of the first two marking periods of Algebra I; In addition, students must meet the following criteria:•Advanced Proficient in Math on the New Jersey State Assessment, grade 7•A minimum score of 90% on the Algebra I mid-year examination

Freshman Science Class

Life Science General Biology Biology 1 Biology 1 Honors

Biology Honors Criteria All students recommended for Honors

placement must have the recommendation of the elementary district committee and:

A. demonstrate a solid work ethic; B. exhibit strong motivationC. be independent workers D. participate fully in class discussions and activities.

Students must also have an A-average for 7th grade Science and an A-average during marking periods 1 and 2 of 8th grade Science

Biology Honors Criteria (Cont.)

In addition students must meet three of the following criteria:

1. Advanced Proficient (as determined by the Northern Valley) in Science on the New Jersey State assessment, grade 7. 2. NJ ASK 7 Advanced Proficient in both Language Arts Literacy AND Mathematics; 3. A minimum score of 90% on the grade 7 Science CRT; 4. Pre-Algebra grade should be a B or higher in grade 7 and a B or higher for marking period 1 and 2 of Algebra in 8th grade

Freshman English Classes

ESL English English I English I Honors

English Honors Criteria

Student MUST: demonstrate solid work ethic; exhibit strong motivation; be an independent worker; participate fully in class discussions and activities

Student MUST have an A- average in 7th grade English and an A- average in marking period I & II of 8th grade English

Student MUST have achieved a score of Advanced Proficiency (250 or higher) on the LA Literacy section of the NJASK7

Freshman Social Studies Classes

ESL US History II World Civilizations World Civilizations Honors

World Civ. Honors Criteria

Student MUST: demonstrate solid work ethic; exhibit strong motivation; be an independent worker; participate fully in class discussions and activities

Student MUST have an A- average in 7th grade Social Studies and an A- average in marking period I & II of 8th grade Social Studies

Student MUST have achieved a score of Advanced Proficiency (250 or higher) on the LA Literacy section of the NJASK7 & be recommended for English Honors