Welcome to the
Grade 8 Parent Night
Wednesday, March 12
People you need to know
Mr. Dennis HarterHS Principal
Mrs. Sonia Martínez S.Counseling
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Tammy GordonHS/University Counselor
Last names A-L
Mr. Jim BarekmanHS/University Counselor
Last names M-Z
Mrs.Barbara HarrazHS Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Cheryl AugustineAcademic DeanIB Coordinator
Mrs. Angele BaharyanIB Administrative Assistant
Transitioning the Grade 8’s
• FEBRUARY: Initial meetings with Peer Helpers
• MARCH: Course planning with high school counselor
• JUNE: Final placement for courses
• AUGUST:
– Monday, August 18 9th grade orientation for all students (new and returning)
– Tuesday, August 19 First day of High School at AIS ☺
The HS Experience
• Same rotating schedule – 8 blocks, 4 per day
• Academic Responsibility
• Personal accountability
• Finding balance
Beyond Academics
• Grade Level Retreats
• Student Interest and Service Clubs
• Athletics and Activities
Austrian Matura
The Academic Program
THREE DIPLOMA OPTIONS
• US Diploma– Automatic…everyone earns it
• IB Diploma– Student’s choice…to IB or not to IB, that is the question
• Austrian Matura Equivalency (if possible) – Student’s choice…but it must start in 9th grade
– Current situation under review
US DIPLOMA24 credits (one credit = 1 year-long course)
Minimum credits Recommended credits
English 4 4
Modern Languages 2 3(of the same language)
Social Studies 3 4
Science 3 4
Mathematics 3 4
The Arts 2 2
PE/Health 2 2
Electives 5 6
Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature: German,English, Mother Tongue
Group 2 Language acquisition: Modern Language A or B
Group 3 Individuals and Societies: Social Studies
Group 4 Science
Group 5 Mathematics
Group 6 Arts or elective from Groups 1-4
The Core: Additional requirements
Theory of KnowledgeCreativity, Action, Service Extended Essay
International Baccalaureate(Starts in Grade 11)
3 Higher Level + 3 Standard Level Subjects
THE 4-YEAR PLAN
• In 9th grade students must take a full load of 8 courses
• In 10th grade students must make take a full load of 8 courses
• In 11th grade students must take a minimum of 7 courses
• In 12th grade students must take a minimum of 6 courses
• High School Course Descriptions Handbook – located on AIS website under Academics – High School – right hand side
TYPICAL GRADE 9 SCHEDULE
English 9German (at appropriate level)World History 9Introduction to Physical Science (IPS)Math (at appropriate level) PE/Health or Art of MovementThe Arts Additional Course (Elective, Spanish/French or
another course from The Arts)
TYPICAL GRADE 10 SCHEDULE
English 10Modern Language (at appropriate level)Modern European History Non-IB Science Math (at appropriate level) PE/Health or Art of MovementThe Arts Additional Course (Elective or an additional course from
Modern Languages, Social Studies, Science, Math or The Arts)
ENGLISH
GERMAN
MODERN LANGUAGES (SPANISH & FRENCH)
SOCIAL STUDIES
SCIENCE
MATHEMATICS
THE ARTS
Non-IB Arts Art I, II, III, IVArt of Movement Concert BandConcert ChoirDramaFine Arts Introduction to GuitarString EnsembleStudent Sound and Light Technician
IB Arts IB Theater SL/HL IB Visual Arts SL/HL IB Literature and Performance SL
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• Physical Education/Health
• Art of Movement
ELECTIVES
Electives Creative Writing (starts in Gr. 10) Journalism Publications Java Programming AP Computer Science A (online – starts Gr. 10)Technology Explorations Applied Cognitive StudiesStudy Skills (upon approval)
IB Additional Course Requirements
Theory Knowledge I (second sem. Grade 11)Theory of Knowledge II (first sem. Grade 12)
THE REGISTRATION PROCESSIMPORTANT DATES
March 17 or 18 in Language Arts 8 during Mrs. Miller’s class
*Student must bring to their Language Arts class the Registration Form with Grades 9 and 10 of the Four Year Plan completed to the best of their ability
*Forms are due to the High School Counselor in the High School Counseling Office by Wednesday, March 26
Ms. Gordon (counselor for students with last names A-L)Mr. Barekman (counselor for students with last names M-Z)
WHAT CAN YOU BE DOING AS A PARENT?
Know your child…you are the expert!
• Check homework or not?
• How much academic pressure do you give him/her?
• Computer usage?
• No involvement versus too many activities
• Bedtime
• If you have more than one child each one will experience high school differently
WHAT CAN YOU BE DOING AS A PARENT (continued)?
Keep Informed
• Check online grade book periodically for current grades
• Attend parent conferences
• Keep in touch with your child’s teachers (as needed)
• Read Scoops and mark your calendars accordingly
• It’s not too early to start researching university admission requirements (especially for post-secondary options in Europe)
• Naviance (university planning software)
WHAT CAN YOU BE DOING AS A PARENT (continued)?
What can you do if your child is struggling?
Academically:• Start with the teacher• AIS Learning Support Services – Ms. Tonya Keyser• Tutoring list available from high school counselor• Outside assessment
Personally:• Talk to the high school counselor• Talk to homeroom advisors, coaches, AIS faculty• Outside resources are available