Where Eagles Soar Allen High School Lowery Freshman

Where Eagles Soar!!

Allen High School Lowery Freshman Center Class of 2023

Allen High School Lowery Freshman Center INTRODUCTIONS

Today we will review: ● ● Course Selection Overview Endorsements Graduation Requirements Advanced Academics Ø Dual Credit / AP / IB ● Course Selection in Skyward ● Course Applications - APG ● Important Dates to Remember

Allen High School Lowery Freshman Center Programming Changes • LFC Connections • 4 year plans

Course Selection Scheduling Overview

Arena Scheduling Process Step 1: Course Selection - students will select the courses they want to take January 14 th – January 18 th Step 2: Master Schedule - built by administration based on course selections Step 3: Arena Scheduling - in March/April, students will schedule their requested courses through Skyward

Academic Planning Guide ● Things to look for when selecting classes from the APG: Ø Course descriptions Ø Grade level restrictions Ø Prerequisite(s) Ø Application requirement Ø Specialty class fee

LFC Course Scheduling Process 2019 -20

4 Main Endorsement Areas ARTS & HUMANITIES BUSINESS & INDUSTRY PUBLIC SERVICE STEM

Arts & Humanities Fine Arts Social Studies Language other than English

Business & Industry CTE • • Agriculture Architecture & Construction Arts, A/V Technology & Communication Business Management & Administration Finance Hospitality & Tourism Information Technology Marketing Journalism

Public Service CTE • • Education & Training Health Science Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Fire Science JROTC

S. T. E. M. CTE Engineering Computer Science Mathematics Science Combination

MCJROTC 1. who/what are we 2. myths 3. costs 4. Gpa 5. teams --2018 national academic champions

Advanced Academics Pre-AP/IB, AP, and IB Courses ● Open-enrollment Ø Exception: Algebra II ● Receive weighted GPA points ● Emphasize reading, writing, and problem-solving ● Often require a substantial amount of work outside of class ● Prepare students for college

Advanced Academics Pre-AP/IB, AP, and IB Courses Advanced courses are good options for students who: ● Enjoy learning ● Have the time to commit to what each course requires ● Are motivated and independent ● Can manage time well and meet deadlines ● Plan to attend college

LFC Advanced Courses Pre-AP/IB: English 1 & GT Phoenix English 1* Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra 2* Biology Art 1 World Geography Spanish 1 & 2, French 1 & 2, German 1, and Chinese 1 Spanish 1 & 2 for Native Speakers* AP: Human Geography 20% of LFC population enrolled 80% pass rate on last year’s exam *Not open-enrollment courses

AP Human Geography (HGAP) • Study of how people interact with the environment • Not a history course • College course– requires 30 -45 minutes of homework each night • Lots of critical reading, writing, and analysis • Students are expected to take the AP exam in May (Typically around $97) • Passing score on the AP exam yields college credit; must pass HGAP course to earn high-school credit.

AP Exams—New in 2019 • AP exam ordering moves to October for all schools worldwide • Students must decide by the end of the first grading period whether they will take the AP exam for their 2 -semester AP course • $40 fee for cancellations and absences on exam day • No waitlist option • More info to come in July!

Spanish for Native Speakers • Offers native Spanish speakers the option to accelerate through 4 levels of Spanish in 2 years. • 9 th grade: Spanish 1 & 2 (both Pre-AP/IB) • 10 th grade: Spanish 3 (Pre-AP/IB) & 4 (AP – plus exam) • If your son/daughter has already taken Spanish 1 in 8 th grade: ü ü Take Pre-AP Spanish 2 in 9 th grade Consider Native Speakers Spanish 3 -4 in 10 th grade

Students will receive: Ø Course Selection Worksheet Ø Graduation Requirements/ Endorsement Courses Ø Course Selection Checklist Ø Application/Tryout Information Ø Advanced Academic Information Let your counselor know if you have a specific question

Graduation Requirements ● 4 credits in each Core (4 x 4): Ø English, Social Studies, Math, & Science ● 2 credits of the same foreign language ● 1 Fine Art credit ● 1 Physical Education credit ● 6 Elective credits TOTAL CREDITS: 26

Elective Requirements ● Four (4) elective credits from your chosen program of study to meet the endorsement pathway requirement.

Alternate Courses Please enter a minimum of 5 alternate courses into Skyward.

Choosing Courses ● Select courses wisely ● Access the Academic Planning Guide (APG), parents, teachers, & counselors ● The courses you select NOW will be the ONLY classes you may schedule during Arena scheduling. . . including alternates If you do not select courses, counselors will select them for you based on your graduation needs and class availability!

Tips for course selection ● Select challenging NOT overwhelming classes ● Ask your teachers for a recommendation if this is the first time to take advanced classes ● Select classes to meet post-secondary goals and interests, NOT based on what your friends are choosing ● Gains in GPA and class rank come from a combination of challenging courses AND good grades

Applications ● ● After choosing the “apply course” in Skyward you will need to complete the application process. Applications are located in the Academic Planning Guide ○ Lowery Freshman Website ○ Class of 2023 Button ○ Academic Planning Guide ○ Course Selection Resources APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 9

Reminders About Course Requests ● Course Requests will be entered during school at each middle school campus ● If you do not select a class during the course selections window, you will NOT be able to schedule it during Arena Scheduling. ● If you do not enter enough course requests the counselors will have to select classes for you based on course availability and graduation needs.

IMPORTANT DATES ● Jan. 17 = Coffee with the Counselors; LFC Library 9 a. m. -10 a. m. ● Jan. 9 = Application Deadline ○ Check APG for the list of application courses ● ARENA SCHEDULING will take place after spring break ● May 10 = Schedule Change Deadline

FAQ • Is my child able to take 2 UIL sports? Yes, but they can only select one for course selection. They pick the sport who starts their season first. • Can my child take Geometry and Algebra 2 concurrently? Yes, but they must meet a criteria (95% on STAAR, 90% in Algebra 1 class). Counselors will check and make adjustments to their schedules if needed in the summer.

FAQ • Are there any summer school courses available for my incoming 9 th grader? Yes, the summer school brochure will be posted on our web-site in April. Registration takes place on the 1 st day of summer break. • What if my child does not get accepted into an application course? In the event that a student is not selected for a class or doesn’t make a team, he or she will be able to choose one of their alternate courses to complete their schedule.

FAQ • Is LFC Connections a required course? Yes, it is a required course. ALL students will have it on their schedule. • Does LFC Connections count as a required graduation credit? No, it is considered a local credit.

FAQ • Can my child select two endorsements? Yes, some students may end up with more than one by default. • Who do I contact with questions? Your current counselor will be happy to assist you with any additional questions or concerns.

Q&A