2. Rising 9 Grade Family Night 2014
th
• Principals Welcome – Mr. Case
• Class of 2018 Administrator – Ms. Faz
• WP PTSA – Mr. McIlwain, President

3. West Potomac Student Services
•
Kevin McMahon – Director of Student Services
WPHS School Counselors
• A – Bel – Michael Johnson
• Bem – Cl – Anthony Moore
• Cm – Fi – Desiree Cave
• Fj – Ho – Gail Allison
• Hp – Li – Sofia Nyamweya
• Lj – M – Randi Rosenberg
• N – Ric – Kazue Watlington
• Rid – St – Madelyn Turner
• Su – Z – Charlette Jefferson Dixon

4. Standard Diploma Requirements
2013-2014 and Beyond
Standard Diploma Course Requirements for Students Entering 9th Grade for the First Time in
2011-2012 and Beyond
Subject
Standard Credits
Verified Credits
English
4
2
Mathematics
3
1
Laboratory Science
3
1
History and Social Sciences
4
1
Health and Physical Education
2
World Language, Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education
2
Economics & Personal Finance
1
Electives (must include sequential electives)
3
Student Selected Test
1
Career and Technical Education Credential
Total Credits
22
6
4

5. Advanced Studies Diploma Requirements
2013-2014 and Beyond
Advanced Studies Diploma Course Requirements for Students Entering 9th Grade for the First
Time in 2011-2012 and Beyond
Subject Area
Standard Credits
Verified Credits
English
4
2
Mathematics
4
2
Laboratory Science
4
2
History and Social Sciences
4
2
World Language
3 (or 2+2)
Health and Physical Education
2
Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education
1
Economics & Personal Finance
1
Electives
3
Student Selected Test
Total Credits
1
26
9
5

6. Typical 9th Grade Schedule
(7 courses)
•
•
•
•
•
•
English 9/English 9 HN
World History and Geography 1/WHG 1 HN
Math (see next slide)
Biology/Biology HN (Science Fair for HN)
Health and PE 9
World Language (see later slide) or
Elective (see later slide)
• Elective

7. Math Courses for 9 Grade
th
• Algebra 1 Part 1 and Algebra 1 (double-block)
Algebra 1 Part 1 is an elective credit
• Algebra 1/Algebra 1 HN
• Geometry/Geometry HN
• Algebra 2/Algebra 2 HN
Teacher recommendation is very important!

8. World Language
• French
• German
• Latin
• Spanish
• Spanish for Fluent Speakers (class is designed for
students with a background in Spanish or who
speak Spanish at home)
Teacher recommendation for upper levels

9. 9 Grade Electives
th
• English
Journalism 1, Photojournalism 1, Creative Writing, Film Study,
Debate, Developing Literacies
• Math
Computer Science
• Business
Economics & Personal Finance (required for graduation)
Information Tech Fund., Information Systems, Webpage
Development, Programming
Accounting, Business Law/Business Management
• Marketing
Intro to Marketing

10. 9th Grade Electives
•
•
•
•
•
•
Technology Education
Design & Technology, Basic Technical Drawing, Electronics,
Aerospace Science
Visual Arts
Studio Art 1, Computer Graphics 1, Photography 1, Visual
Communications 1
Performing Arts
Music Sampler, Band, Orchestra, Guitar, Percussion Ensemble, Piano,
Chorus (recommendation/audition)
Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts 1, Technical Theatre 1
West Potomac Academy
Dance 1
General
Army JROTC 1, AVID, Leadership Training (interview), Peer Mediation

11. AVID
–
an elective option!
• Advancement Via Individual Determination
• AVID is an academic program designed to increase the rigor of
coursework taken by West Potomac students.
• Every AVID student is in at least one Honors/AP.
• All AVID Students have the goal of going to college!
• Over the last three years all AVID seniors who applied to a four
year college were accepted into at least one four year school!
• Tutorials, College Visits, Family Nights, Guest Speakers…
• Application required – see Ms. Caldwell for more information.

12. On-Level vs. Honors
•
•
•
•
•
•
Course-specific information by each dept.
Student interest/motivation
Higher-order thinking skills
Interdisciplinary connections
Overall workload of seven courses
Balance with other commitments (extra-curricular
activities, family time, leisure, etc.)
• Time management
• Organizational skills
February 11: Advanced Academics Night

23. Special Education
• Middle School Case Manager makes
recommendations based on the student’s IEP
• Level of services (SC, TM, general ed)
• Special Education courses as needed
(Basic Skills, Developmental Reading,
Personal Development, etc.)

24. ESOL
(English for Speakers of Other Languages)
• Middle School ESOL Dept. determines the
ESOL level of each student based on the WIDA
scores.
• ESOL 1
• ESOL 2
• ESOL 2/3
• ESOL 3
• ESOL 4

25. Important Hints about High School
• Daily attendance is important.
• Absences must be reported by a parent/guardian by
phone or with a note within 3 days.
• Use your agenda book every day.
• Check Blackboard every day.
• Homework counts!
• Missed assignments are your responsibility.
• Utilize the Wolverine Time.
• Late buses are available for after-school help.

26. Important Hints about High School
• Choose your friends wisely.
• Establish a study buddy system.
• Activities such as clubs, sports and music are great ways
to get involved in the school community.
• Grades must be maintained to participate in sports.
• Grade Point Averages (GPA’s) are computed from your
grades in ALL subjects, ALL four years. Ninth grade is
important!

27. Important Dates
• February 5: Rising 9th Grade Family Night
(tonight)
• February 5-7: WP Counselors visit SMS
• February 11: Advanced Academics Night
• April: List of your courses mailed home for
review

28. Action Items
• Course selection sheet requires parent/guardian
signature – please discuss the selections!
• Select two alternate electives.
• Seek out teacher recommendations (AP/HN –
expected to stay in the course for the first nine
weeks).
• Work with your counselor.
• For more information, visit our website:
www.fcps.edu/WestPotomacHS
under “Student Services” and “Academic Advising”