Freshman Success Seminar

Clayton High School Class of 2018

WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO ME?

Think of three things that would make you feel successful on the last day of high school?

What actions are needed to make these things happen?

Are my current actions moving me toward my success?

What Every Successful Freshman Needs to Know

What is a transcript?What are credits?

How do I check grades?How can I get help with classes?

How should I prepare for final exams?What other information is helpful?

THE HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTWhat is a transcript?

A copy of the permanent academic record.

How is this different from my past reports cards?All semester grades will now be recorded on the permanent

transcript. (Quarter reports are not recorded on the transcript.)

Who will see the transcript?The transcript may be viewed by potential employers, school officials with an educational interest, individuals responsible for college admission and scholarship selection committees.

HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS• What is a unit of credit?

• A reference for measuring educational attainment. Students generally begin earning credit during the first semester of high school.

How many units of credit are required to graduate?• CHS requires 24 units of credit for graduation.

How many credits are required to participate in sportsor other competitive school events?• To participate in an event sanctioned by the Missouri State High School

Activities Association (MSHSAA), a student must be enrolled in 3.0 credits during the current semester and have passed 3.0 credits during the previous semester. (A minimum GPA is also required.)

Does a Learning Center class count toward eligibility?Yes. Learning Center students receive either credit or no credit which can impact eligibility.

GRADESWhat can I see on PowerSchool?

PowerSchool is an online program that provides individual student information such as current grades, missing assignments and attendance.

How can I access the program?To use PowerSchool, you’ll need your user name and password. If you do not have that information, please see Ms. Steigemeier, Registrar, in the Counseling Center.

What is a Grade Point Average (GPA)?A numeric measure of the average performance in all letter-graded coursework.

Are honors classes weighted?CHS does not weight honors level courses.

If I fail an assignment or test, is that the same as not doing the work at all?A zero for missing work is typically much more damaging than a failing score on attempted work. Homework or tests that receive a failing grade may still have the value of that work factored into the final grade.

ASSISTANCE WITH LEARNING

Where can I get assistance with my classes?Students should speak with their teachers when struggling with a

subject, and they may also seek assistance through the Learning Center.

What is the Learning Center?The Learning Center is an educational resource center for all

CHS students. Some students are enrolled in a Learning Center class during the school day; however, all students of CHS are welcome to drop in before or after school for extra assistance.

What are the hours of the Learning Center?Monday-Thursday - 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday - 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions How do I see my counselor?

Schedule an appointment on the calendar in the Counseling Office. Please schedule a time after lab, during a Learning Center, or during lunch. If urgent, please come to my office. If I’m unavailable, explain to the staff that you need to see any counselor .

What happens after I sign up for an appointment? You are responsible for recording and remembering the time of your appointment. . If your appointment is during your

Learning Center, you should first report to class and request a pass from the LC teacher.

How do I receive the homework that was assigned when I was absent? Although teachers will accept work missed during an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to request the work

and make arrangements with the teacher for completion deadlines. This can be done on the day you return to school or via email. (If missing several days,

When do I choose my classes for next year? In early spring, you will receive more details on graduation requirements and course enrollment. Each student will also

participate in individual planning with the counselor.

Can I take a class in Summer School? Summer School enrollment information is scheduled to be released in the spring. Students may discuss the options with their

counselor during the individual planning meeting. (Only one summer of PE credit is allowed.)

Is it necessary to check the school email? This email will be a consistent method of contact from teachers, counselors, automated alerts and your future college and/or

career contacts. Please check this regularly and reserve this address for school business.