2007-2008 LNS Freshmen Family Meeting

Who are you?

All students should know their Student ID number and lunch SNAP account numbers.

When parents call in they need to give the student ID number.

Students should wear their ID around their neck at all times at school and school functions.

ATTENDANCE IS KEY

Your student needs to be in every class, every day. If your student is ill, please call the

attendance office that day and if leaving a message leave the name, ID NUMBER, and reason for absence. (illness, appointment, or ???)

Students should notify teachers in advance for planned absences when possible.

Goals

Progress toward GraduationEarn 35 credits each semesterAttend all classesParticipate in Graduation

Demonstration exams – must pass Reading, Math and Writing by graduation.

High School Diploma and beyond

Four pieces : 1) Total Credits 230 2)Graduation Demonstrations

3) Specific 152.5 Requirements

4) College Admissions Requirements

Total Credits Credits needed: 230 35 credits each semester (7 classes X 5 credits each semester class) 8 semesters280 credits available

Satisfactory Academic Progress Passing grade in each class 7 classes per semester 70 credits per year

Specific Requirements

Applied Arts & Fine Arts 15 credits English 30 credits & WGDE & RGDE Math 20 credits and MGDE Social Studies30 credits

9th-Civics and Geography (5 + 5) 10th World History (5) 11th US History (10) 12th Government and Politics (5)

Science 20 credits

GeoScience (5) Physical Science (5) Biology/Life Science (minimum 5)

Specific Requirements Continued

(Computer) Technology 10 credits Physical Education 7.5 credits

*usually 10 taken as only Swimming is a 2.5 credit class Economics 5 credits Oral Communication 5 credits Human Behavior 5 credits Career Education 2.5 credits Health 2.5 credits Electives- 77.5 credits includes Math & English beyond required

Resources to help

Freshmen Study Hall– every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7:00am to 7:45am in B100 with 9th grade teachers

School-wide study hall M, W, Th & F from 3:10-4:00pm in A100

Teachers are willing to help before or after school – by arrangement- email or call

Counselor contact- can be initiated by student, teacher or parent/guardian

IEP Managers for identified students

Academic Support Sessions for Athletes

Grades will be checked at mid-term and end of quarter.

If an athlete has two or more failing grades at the grade check, they will be placed on “Academic Probation.”

After being placed on “Academic Probation” an athlete remains eligible to participate for one week beginning the Monday following the grade check.

An athlete on Academic Probation will be required to attend three - 45 minute study sessions and be actively working.

Support sessions continue

Once athletes meet the study session requirement they will be issued a form to go back to the teacher and do an “Individual Grade Check.”

If an athlete is still failing two or more classes, they must repeat the study session process. The athlete also becomes ineligible for participation the Monday following the week of academic probation.

A student must repeat this process and remains ineligible until they show no more then one failing grade on the individual grade check.

What to Expect Daily studying should happen to allow students

to learn newly presented information AND to prepare them to start new material. **especially true for World Language classes**

Homework assignments and preparation for tests –most days work from some classes, but not all

Reading– either for assignments or choice reading to continue to develop skills, vocabulary and for enjoyment

Contact teachers via email or phone for current grade status– as counselor I cannot see their grade books.

STUDY HABITSSTUDY HABITS MATTERMATTER Consider creating a

place for your student to study that is free from most distractions and interruptions.

Use the computer to study or complete work when appropriate but know the difference between use as a tool for education and a social communication device or toy.

Participate in School Activities and Events

Involvement in activities increases student connections with the school

Attendance improvesNetworking opportunities with peers/staffExploration of interests that can connect

to future careersHave fun

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

Athletics– athletic study sessions Academic Clubs Special interest clubs School Spirit improvement: SuperFan club If no club exists that fits your student’s

interests, encourage the student to talk to Ms. Cassata to propose a new club be created.

Academic Clubs

FBLA Mr. Matzen FCCLA Mrs. Kinney French Mrs. Heminger & Mrs.Rockwell German Club Mrs. Youngman Math Club Mrs. Kroll Psychology Club Mrs. Pester Science Olympiad Team Mrs.Chapo/

Mrs.Bennett Spanish Ms. Hetland/Ms. Perkins Thespain Troupe #6619 Mr. Gibbs/Ms. Moje Tri-M Mrs. Osborn

Special Interest ClubsArchery Club Bowling Cheer Close Up Dance

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Fishing Club GSA Hip Hop Group Key Club Letter Club Marksmanship Club Medical Club Mock Trial National Honor Society SKILLS U.S.A. STAND Step Student Council Trap TeamAfrican Am. Caucus Ms. Halsey/Ms.BullockAsian Club Mr. FischerHispanic Student Club Mr. SuarezNative Am. Caucus Ms. Halsey

NCAA DIVISION I AND II SCHOOL ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

Not all North Star courses will meet NCAA requirements.

Consult your counselor, AND the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete to make sure you have met graduation requirements and NCAA eligibility

www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

Balance is neededHelp your student understand that being a student is their primary

“job”. Athletics, drama, work, social life and dating need to be a lower priority

than their education.Daily choices in behavior and effort have an impact well beyond that day.

KnowHow2Go

Plan for the future through educating yourselves about the steps to take to go to “college” after graduating from LNS.

EducationQuest Foundation is a sponsor of the KnowHow2Go campaign in Nebraska.

“College” can mean many different types of opportunities after high school. (universities, 4year colleges, 2 year community colleges, to small trade schools.

Announcements

Please pick up a KNOWHOW2GO handout from EducationQuest.

Handout available on basics of driving. Driver’s Education classes are available through Southeast Community College as well as private Road Ready through AAA and Nebraska Safety.

Graduation Demonstration exam tomorrow morning for Reading for ALL freshmen students following period 3.