Northwest High School

9th Grade

Pre-Registration

Selecting Your 9th Grade Courses

Begin with the end in mind:Which college do you want to

attend?What do you want to study?What are your career goals?

Schedule

• 2 semesters

• 7 classes – Choose classes with your future in mind

• Approximately 47 minutes

• Some classes change at the semester (i.e. Communication Applications, Health, etc.)

A quick, important definition: CREDIT

A credit is what you receive when you pass a full year of one subject.

Passing one semester (or a half a year) will earn you ½ credit.

For example: English I = 1 credit

Comm Apps. = ½ credit

You must have 26 credits to graduate!!

Every Class Counts

6 credits = Sophomore13 credits = Junior19 credits = Senior

**You retake only the classes you fail.

***You must earn at least 26 credits to graduate!!

Recommended Distinguished

English (I, II, III, IV) 4 Credits 4 Credits

Mathematics4 Credits

(Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II + 1 other)

4 Credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II + 1 other)

Science4 Credits

(Biology, Chemistry, Physics + 1 other)

4 Credits (Biology, Chemistry, Physics +

1 other)

Social Studies

3 1/2 Credits (W. Geography, W.

History, US History, Government)

3 1/2 Credits (W. Geography, W. History, US

History, Government))

Economics 1/2 Credit 1/2 Credit

Physical Education

1 Credit 1 Credit

Other Language 2 Credits (same language)

3 Credits (same language); Other measures are necessary to graduate on this plan. See

following slide.

Fine Arts 1 Credit (same course) 1 Credit (same course)

Communication Applications

1/2 Credit 1/2 Credit

Total Core Subjects

20 1/2 Credits 21 1/2 Credits

General Electives

5 1/2 Credits 4 1/2 Credits

Total Credits 26 Credits 26 Credits

Graduation Requirements:

• 4 years of each core subject (4 x 4)

• more core classes translates to fewer electives, so more thorough planning is important

Distinguished Plan: Requires 3 years of the same world language

(Spanish, French, German) AND…

Four Advanced MeasuresA combination of four of the following:

1. AP Classes with scores of three or better on the AP exam or Dual Credit classes with a B or better.

2. National Merit Commendation (PSAT)

3. Tech Prep classes (only one counts toward the total) with a grade of B or better

4. A research project done through an independent study class

PreAP? What are the Benefits?

• Better preparation for college• College entrance• Better preparation for SAT/ACT• Scholarship opportunities• Preparation for AP classes - can

help you earn college creditsDiscuss this option with your

parents and teachers.

GPA

• Your grade point average, more commonly known as your GPA, is calculated on a weighted scale.

• Advanced Placement (AP) = up to 7 points

• Pre-AP = up to 6 points• Regular courses = up to 5 points

Freshman Core Classes

• English: PreAP, GT, or Regular English

• Math: Algebra 1, Geometry, PreAP Algebra I, or PreAP

Geometry• Social Studies: PreAP, GT, or

Regular World Geography• Science: PreAP or Regular

Biology

Other LanguagesRecommended Plan = 2 creditsDistinguished Plan= 3 credits

Spanish

German French

Mandarin Chinese

Required Credits Needed for All Graduation Plans:

• PE: 1 credit

• Fine Arts: 1 credit

• Communication Applications: ½ credit

Athletics• Football• Wrestling• Basketball• Volleyball• Swimming/Diving• Soccer• Cross Country/Track• Baseball/Softball• Golf• Tennis

If you play more than one sport, select the sport that occurs first in the school year.

You must obtain your middle school coach’s signature indicating his/her approval.

9th Grade Course Request Form

• PRESS DOWN HARD WITH YOUR PEN SO WE CAN READ YOUR FORM!

• Step 1—Complete the demographic information. Check that you can read it on the yellow and pink copies!

Please fill out this information as neatly and correctly as possible.

9th Grade Course Request Form

Step 1 – Write your demographic information

Step 2 – Choose Core Classes

9th Grade Course Request Form

• # = Pre-requisite (required criteria necessary for certain courses, i.e., Art I is required for Art II)

• * = Teacher approval (i.e., athletics, upper level courses, etc.)

• † = One semester course (i.e., Comm. Apps., Health, PE courses, etc.)

9th Grade Course Request Form

• Step 1—Write your demographic information

• Step 2—Choose core classes

• Step 3—Pick your electives

The 5 alternate classes are classes you pick in case one is unavailable.

They are very important—choose them carefully, too.

• Important Dates:

• Counselors meet with 8th grade students and parents on December 8

• Pre-registration forms are due and will be picked up by HS counselors on December 15th at Chisholm Trail & December 16th at Pike

• June 3, 2010—Last day to change your course requests

2010-2011 Counselors

A-Ca: Jennifer Martinez

Cb-Fo: Mike Hays

Fp-Ja: Sheneka Davis

Jb-McD: Cayce Weston

MCE-P: Amber Ward

Q-Ste: Keith Tremethick

Stf-Z: Jamie Farber

Information (including this PowerPoint) will be available on the Northwest Counseling Website.

www.nisdtx.org/nhs and click on the “Counseling” tab

Don’t forget to join the e-mailing list! You can sign up on the website.