Welcome Class of 2011!

"A New Breed of Mustang!"

Greetings from your guidance counselor, Mr. Minion. Check out the features on this website:

For Students:

· Tips on making the most of this year

· How to be successful in class

For Parents:

· An overview of the basics:

· How to use the DIRECTORY

· 9^th Grade Biggies:

· Planning for graduation

· Raising Your Mustang

The Freshman Mustang: Best of the Breed!

For Freshman:

1. Making the most of this year.

By now you’ve noticed that the Creek is a lot different from your middle school. There is one really, really, REALLY important difference you need to know: To make progress in high school, you have to do the work! The 2 best kept secrets to academic success are:

· Be in class.

· Do your homework. All of it!

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!

Text Box: Part of making the most of your freshman year is
SEEING THE BIG PICTURE!!!
See what you are doing in terms of where you want to get to. Set goals for yourself, and remind yourself all the time about what it is you want to accomplish this year. Make a list of what you have to do to achieve each goal. Think about what you need to be doing EVERY DAY.

Cloud Callout: Clear and
Understandable A GOAL must be:

Cloud Callout: Realistic

Cloud Callout: Achievable

List a GOAL for each area:

My Academic Goal is ______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

My Future Educational Goal is ____________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

My Career Goal is _________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

My Personal Goal is _______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't,

you are usually right. “

- Henry Ford

Promotion to the 10^th Grade

You must earn six (6) credits to be promoted to the 10^th grade on the block schedule.

· 1 credit must be English I

· 2 credits must be in Math, Science, or Social Studies

· 3 additional credits must be earned

TAKING STEPS TOWARD COLLEGE

WHAT TO DO YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR

1. Even your ninth-grade A’s—and D’s—will count in the eyes of college admissions counselors. Start thinking in terms of GPA (Grade Point Average). For example, a 3.0 is a B average. For most students, a 3.0 is a good goal to aim for—it will get you in to a lot of colleges. But if you are thinking of NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, or Duke, you’d better set your sights higher! Here’s how: If you’re tempted to blow off a homework assignment, or turn in less than your best effort, think of that assignment being attached to your college application. It will be—in the course grade on your final transcript. Each and every course affects your final GPA!!!

2. Explore clubs and activities in and outside of school that will offer you the chance to develop your unique interests and abilities and your leadership skills. Consider becoming a volunteer in your community. Too often, students wait until junior or senior year and then hurriedly—and unconvincingly—pad their resumes. Colleges want to see passion and commitment.

3. Visit your guidance counselor and map out a four-year curriculum that will meet college entrance requirements and put you into the most challenging courses you can handle. Now is the time to start preparing to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

4. Explore careers and talk to your parents and your counselor about your interests and goals. Meet with Ms. Baucom, Southern High School’s Career Development Coordinator to explore your interests and abilities, and to get the latest on the 21^st century working world.

5. Read for pleasure over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring breaks and over the summer. Reading is the most crucial skill you will need for college success. Increasing your vocabulary will also raise your SAT/ACT scores, opening the doors of more selective colleges. Read every day.

6. Start Today!
Text Box: For Parents of Freshman:

An overview of the Basics:

· The 4 by 4 Block Schedule. Your student

will have four 90-minute classes each semester. Attendance is extremely important. Missing one school day is like missing two days of schoolwork! If a student must be absent, a signed note from a parent or guardian must be submitted within two school days. It is the student’s responsibility to make up missed assignments. *If a student receives more than 10 absences in a semester course, he may be subject to failing that course.

Text Box: Spring Semester
January 22, 2008 – June 10, 2008
(Classes 5 – 8) The Block Schedule

Text Box: Fall Semester
August 27, 2007 – January 17, 2008
(Classes 1 – 4)

Text Box: 3rd Quarter
January 22, 2008 – March 28, 2008 Text Box: 4th Quarter
April 08, 2008 – June 10, 2008

Text Box: 1st Quarter
August 27, 2007 –October 26, 2007 Text Box: 2nd Quarter
October 30, 2007 –January 17, 2008

Text Box: Report Cards Issued April 11, 2008 Text Box: Final Grades Issued for Spring Semester June 18, 2008

Be in the know:

1. Academics – things to know: Your student’s schedule, instructors’ names and email addresses, when to expect progress reports and report cards.

2. Social – things to know: Your student’s friends, your student’s friends’ parents, your student’s after-school activities and favorite hang-outs.

3. Check the school website regularly – Homework assignments are listed on the Blackboard—ESPECIALLY when you stop seeing regular homework. Iimportant events, including interim reports, report cards, etc., are posted on the calendar.

A FRESHMAN PARENTS’ CHECKLIST

1. Work with your student to develop a good four-year plan.

2. Get in touch with your student’s teachers.

3. Know when to expect progress reports and report cards.

4. Periodically check your student’s notebooks for neatness.

5. Know the MCHS code of conduct and help your student abide by it.

6. Encourage involvement in clubs and sports.

7. Support the PTSA.