11th Grade Parent Meeting

Counselors:A-D Mr. HigginsE Mrs. PokerF-K Ms. DjouhaL-Q Mrs. Kohajda R-Z Mr. JuradoLFI & SCB Mrs. Poker

COUNSELING OFFICE

Registrar - Mrs. Cathy Carey, 301-253-7041 Counseling Office Secretary - Ms. Linda Hogentogler, 301-253-

7037 Career Center - Mr. Ed Martin, 301-253-7045

COUNSELING OFFICE

Graduation Requirements DHS Course Registration PSAT Testing College Planning SAT, ACT, Accuplacer

11th Grade Parent Agenda

English-4 credits Math-4 credits (Algebra and Geometry) Science-3 credits (Physical and Biology) Social Studies-3 credits (US History, NSL, and

MWH) Health-.5 credit PE-1 credit Fine art-1 credit Technology Education-1 credit

Graduation Requirements

Choose one of the following completer programs and complete the full credit requirement:

2 credits of World Language 2 credits of Advanced Technology 4 credits of Career Development Program

75 SSL hours

AND

Graduation Requirements

There are 3 High School Assessments (HSA) that must be passed:

- Algebra 1 412 - Biology 400 - English 10 396 TOTAL 1208

NSL may be required for somestudents

HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENTS

Registration materials to students in early February

Course offering booklet distributed to all DHS students during registration

Students return completed and signed registration card

Students register for courses on the computer

DHS COURSE REGISTRATION

Senior schedule is important in admission decisions

Taking AP and honors level courses Seniors must register for a full

schedule Abbreviated schedule options Internships Taking college courses (at DHS and

MC)

Senior Schedule Considerations

Capstone Experience: Senior Seminar Course Description

The Senior Seminar course is a pilot course for a new signature program, Innovation Scholars, designed to recognize DHS graduating seniors who have connected their classroom learning to 21st century college and career ready skills. It is a two semester experience based on student interest and topic choice that focuses on building students’ 21st century learning skills by providing them with opportunities to hone their ability to evaluate information with accuracy and precision.

DHS New Signature Program: Innovation Scholars

Students will practice and apply these skills and be able to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments through the exploration of complex topics and by examining a variety of perspectives. While working with a mentor teacher, students will explore an academic topic, problem, or issue that interests them, and they will design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address it. 

Seniors who complete this year long course and its requirements will be recognized at graduation as Damascus High School Innovation Scholars.

Capstone Experience continued

Scores reports mailed early December

Scores in Critical Reading, Math, and Writing Skills

Determines National Merit awards Analysis given for all answers: - rates the question (e, m, h) - gives the correct answer - gives suggestions on improving

skills - test booklets will be returned to

students www.collegeboard.com/psatextra

PSAT Results

PSAT Skills Insight http://psatskills.collegeboard.com/overview - Assists students in improving their

skills

PSAT SKILLS

The DHS Hornet goes to college

Career Center - Career, College, and Scholarship Searches - Financial Aid: must file the FAFSA - ASAP after January 1 of senior

year - Financial Aid Workshop – Jan.7 - Mr. Martin at 301-253-7045

Career/College

College Searching - Naviance (TCCI/Family

Connections) – under career center on the DHS website

-Advanced college search: April, 2015 before college fair

-College Fair on April 22 (Bus only)-Option for parents and students to

attend the college fair the night of April 21

-College Recruiters at DHS

College/Career

Spring/Summer 2015 - Gather information and organize - SAT, SAT II and ACT - College Fair - College Recruiters and Open Houses - College Visits

College Application Process

College Application Senior Information Meetings/Video

(May, 2015): - Requesting, completing, and

sending applications - Senior Information Summary - Transcript Request - Recommendations - Essays

College Application Process

What to expect? THE FOUR “D’s” - Delay - Disorganization - Determined to “distance”

themselves - Desire for total independence

College Application Process

Counselors are meeting with juniors individually starting the end of November to review their post high school plans

Counselors are also reviewing previous test scores to ensure students are taking the “test of best fit”

Counselors will give each student a personal testing recommendation based on the data discussed during the meeting

Students should not sign up for any tests until they have met with their counselor!

Junior Individual Meetings

Catalyst:◦ A private company that provides SAT/ACT

support◦ Weekend bootcamps for SAT and ACT

preparation Optional test-taking strategy sessions (available during the school day before the exams)

◦ SAT/SAT II subject tests/ACT review booklets available in career center (also online)

◦ Test Prep course at DHS

How can my student receive help with the SAT/ACT?

A computer adaptive placement test◦ Questions given are based on previous

answers Test is not timed At Montgomery College:

◦ Students who do not earn a 550 on each section of the SAT or 24 on the ACT must take the Accuplacer for course placement.

Used at MD community colleges and a very limited number of 4-year schools

Accuplacer

Measures college readiness in math, reading, and English, specifically:

◦ Arithmetic◦ Elementary Algebra◦ College Level Math◦ Reading Comprehension◦ Writing◦ Sentence Skills

Accuplacer

Current use in MCPS:◦ MC has administered the test at some high

schools◦ Generally used to assess college readiness◦ Provides data to assist students in

achieving college-readiness before they graduate

Accuplacer

ACT◦ ACT site for students: http://www.actstudent.org

SAT◦ College Board site for students:

http://www.collegeboard.com

Accuplacer◦ College Board site for students:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/index.html

◦ Montgomery College: http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/AssessCtr/assessment-placement.html

Online Resources