Welcome Class of 2023 to

Your Freshman Year

Doors of opportunity will be opened or closed depending upon your effort in the classroom in the next 48 months to earn 23 credits.

High School Vocabulary

• Credit: what you earn after completing a semester course. Example: a course that meets everyday for a semester will receive 0.5 credits.

• Prerequisite (prereq): a course that is required before you can take the next class. Example: Algebra I before you take Algebra II.

• Elective: a course that is not required.

High School is a time when everything

counts.

Everything Counts Specific Credit Requirements

• 4 years of English credit • 4 years or 1 credit of PE credit

• You may select Strength & Conditioning or PE • 4 years or 1 credit Service Learning credit • 3 years Math credit

• Strongly recommend 4 years • 3 years and completion of required standards of Science credit. • 3 years Social Studies credit

• AP Human Geography will fulfill the World History requirement • AP U.S. History will be offered to Sophomores in 2020-21

• 1 year or 0.5 credit of Health credit • 1 semester or 0.5 credit of Career and Technology (CTE) credit

• We do offer an on-line option for upperclassmen • 1 semester or 0.5 credit of Expressive/Technical Arts.

Everything Counts

• When scheduling classes, begin with the end.

• What math class do you want to be in your senior year?

• Credits are earned when classes are passed at the end of each semester. Passing is defined as earning a “D” or higher.

• Eligibility to participate in extra/co-curricular activities are determined at the semester

• Failing a class at the semester results in a 30 day competition suspension.

Regents Admission Index (RAI)

To be guaranteed automatic admission into Iowa, ISU or UNI students must meet a minimum index point total based on the following:

1. ACT x 3

2. GPA x 30

3. HS core courses (Math, Science, English, Social Studies and World Language) x 5

Everything Counts

• Grade Point Average (GPA) • Weighted grades are given for Honors & Advanced Placement (AP)

classes. • Enroll in classes that will help you meet your goals and academic

strengths. • Enroll in a course and not who you think will be teaching the course. • Is determined at the end of every semester

• Class Rank is NOT released by PV for college admission. On average,

an unweighted GPA of 3.40 will not place you in the top half of your class.

• Core courses that DO NOT count towards admissions to a 4 year college or university are designated in your course book with an (^)

Everything Counts Did you know:

• Almost every incoming 9th grade student states, “I’m going to a 4-year college”.

• For the past 5 years – 80% of graduating seniors state they are going to either a 2 or 4 year college but only 60% actually complete a program in 6 years or less.

• 33% of the students in the Applied Technology (AT) program at Eastern Iowa Community College (EICC) campuses at Clinton, Muscatine and Scott already have a BA or higher? These are programs in Welding, Machining, CAD, Ag Sciences, Culinary Arts, Medical Technology, Computer Repair and others.

Highly Selective Schools

Selection is based on: • The curriculum that PVHS has to offer.

• Trying to “fast forward” or look for curriculum outside of the classes offered at your HS does not make you a better candidate.

• Academics

• Enroll in the most challenging courses and earn “A’s”.

• Score above 30 on the ACT

• Legacy

• Did you have a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc. attend.

• “wow” Factor

• What have you done outside of the classroom that sets you apart from the other 30,000+ applicants?

So, what should I sign up for?

Classes that challenge you and will meet your academic goals.

Everything Counts

What should I use as a guide for determining course selection?

• Your work ethic

• Iowa Assessment scores

• MAP scores

• Grades in your current classes

• Recommendations from teachers

• DO NOT select courses based upon what your friends are taking.

Everything Counts

What about mathematics?

If a “student’s” career goal is to enter a math, science or

engineering related field, it is recommended that Pre-Calculus or AP Calculus be part of your HS plan.

Successful completion (C or higher) of Algebra II is the doorway to NOT being required to take a remedial math class at the post-secondary level (2 or 4 year college).

Everything Counts

• Not everyone has to take a World Language. • If your core classes (math, science, social studies

and English) are not guiding you towards a 4 year college experience you may want to choose another elective.

• Sign Language is offered for Jr/Srs and varies by school if it meets their World Language admission requirement. (always ask before enrolling)

Sample Schedule 1

1st Semester

1. English 9

2. Earth Science

3. Modern US Hist

4. Algebra I

5. Weight training/Health

6. Intro to Tech Manf

7. Band

8. Resource

2nd Semester

1. English 9

2. Earth Science

3. Modern US Hist

4. Algebra I

5. Weight Training/Health

6. Bus Computer App

7. Band

8. Resource

Sample Schedule 2

1st Semester

1. English 9

2. *Honors Geometry

3. *Honors Biology

4. *AP Human Geo

5. Japanese I

6. Band

7. Choir

8. PE/Health

2nd Semester

1. English 9

2. *Honors Geometry

3. *Honors Biology

4. *AP Human Geo

5. Japanese I

6. Band

7. Choir

8. PE/Health

Sample Schedule 3

1st Semester

1. English 9

2. ^Intro to Alg I

3. ^Intro to Physical

Science

4. Modern US Hist

5. PE/Health

6. Food Prep I

7. Art I

8. Resource

2nd Semester

1. English 9

2. ^Intro to Alg I

3. ^Intro to Physical

Science

4. Modern US Hist

5. PE/Health

6. Intro to Baking

7. Drawing I

8. Resource

Get Involved

• PVHS offers 21 sanctioned sports

• There are numerous clubs ranging from Trapshooting, Astronomy, and Harry Potter.

• If you do not find a club of interest, create one.

Parent Awareness

• Dental Screening

• JH to HS Athletic transition-Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 6:00-7:15pm in the HS Theatre

• Physical for Activities

• Registration Timeline

• Parent/Student Portal is open until Monday, February 25, 2019 at 9:00pm

School Nurse: Mrs.

Cinadr R.N./B.S.

“Mrs. C” • The state requires a dental screening for all incoming 9th

grade students that is completed during the year that they

are freshmen so during 19-20. Please submit these to the

HS and not the JH.

• If your students has serious allergies, takes medication at

school, or has other serious health concerns, please be

sure to carefully complete the medical portion of the online

registration and turn in the corresponding forms.

• All Dr. notes that excuse you from PE or Weight Training

come to the Health Office, not your gym teacher.

• Please email questions to:

• cinadrpam@pleasval.k12.ia.us

Questions ???