Secondary 6 Year Plan; 7^th-12^th Grade

WELCOME to Secondary!!  The middle school years are a valuable time of laying the ground work for entering and succeeding in high school with excellence!!  Partnering with the secondary teachers at PCS is so important to the academic life of the student.  Here are some important key actions for success in middle school at PCS:

7^th Grade Plan

7^th grade is a transition year where more study skills are introduced and expected by the teachers to prepare students for high school.  Students are now changing classes and have multiple teachers, so listening, communicating and following directions is elevated to a new level.  Parents have less requirements for teaching assignments, but still have the requirement of overseeing their student and helping their student with:  time management, verifying work is completed in a timely manner on each and every home day, directions are followed completely on lesson plans, providing a study atmosphere free from distractions on home days, administering home tests, providing tutoring if needed, helping the student develop study skills, encouragement, etc.

7^th Grade Classes:  English 7, Math 7/Pre-Algebra*, Life Science, World History, and Bible.

*Students may test into the accelerated math track and test into the track at the end of 6th grade; see math teacher for more info.

•       Standardized testing for Grades K-9th is administered in May. 

Goals: 

•       Maintain the highest grades to the student’s ability.
•       Work on developing time management, note taking, study and testing skills.
•       Work on communication skills with parents, teachers and administrators.
•       Work on developing a personal relationship with their Lord, family, classmates, community, country and world.

For more information regarding the 7^th Grade Plan, please feel free to meet with the guidance counselor.

8^th Grade Plan

8^th grade is a great time to under gird the skills that the student has developed thus far and put the finishing touches to them for preparation of High School.  Parent and student requirements are the same as 7^th Grade. 

Students and Parents are encouraged to being thinking about the strengths and talents of the student and pray about their post high school decision.  A class trip to the Kennedy Space Center is tentatively planned for the 8^th grade class each year, and has proven to be academically valuable, as well as built unity with the class.

8^th Grade Classes:  English 8, Pre-Algebra/Algebra I Honors*, Earth & Space Science, American History, and Bible.

          *Please note that this class counts for High School Credit, and should be taken very seriously as the final grade for each semester  will be reported to the High School Transcript.

•      Standardized testing for Grades K-9th is administered in March.

Goals: 

•     Maintain the highest grades to the student’s ability.
•     Work on developing time management, note taking, study and testing skills.
•     Work on communication skills with parents, teachers and administrators.
•      Identify and build on the student’s talents, gifts, strengths, goals, dreams and aspirations.
•     Work on developing your personal relationship with your Lord, family, classmates, community, country and world.

For more information regarding the 8^th Grade Plan, please feel free to meet with your Guidance Counselor.

9^th Grade Plan

Welcome to high school and enjoy the journey!!  These are the most important years in the secondary since all activities lead up to the college application process.  All grades for each semester are documented and count towards a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).  This GPA will be very instrumental in receiving approval for dual enrollment, approval to play sports, scholarships, and college acceptance.  Starting off 9^th grade with a weak GPA can hinder a lot of opportunities later, so get the best start in high school possible. Community service, extra-curricular, honors and awards also start accumulating during these 4 years of school, so be sure to keep a file of all accomplishments for the Academic Resume that is recommended to compile for college and scholarship applications in the junior/senior year.

9^th Grade Classes:  English I Honors, Algebra I/Geometry Honors, Physical Science Honors, World Geography, Spanish I, Elective and Bible.

•       The PSAT Test, by College Board is administered October and acts as an evaluation tool, as well as a practice test for the              college board SAT that is taken in the 10-12^th Grade.
•      Standardized testing for Grades K-9th is administered in April.
•      Community service of 10+ hours is required to be served at PCS each year in HS.
•      Community service of 15+ hours is required to be served outside PCS each year in HS.
•      Student’s schedules that do not line up with course track will have in-class study hall.

Goals: 

•      Maintain the highest grades to the student’s ability; a GPA of 3.5 or higher is recommended.
•       Set 1 year and 5 year goals for academics, career assessment, extra-curricular, and spiritual.
•       Work on developing time management, note taking, study and testing skills.
•       Work on communication skills with parents, teachers and administrators.
•        Identify and build on the student’s talents, gifts, strengths, goals, dreams and aspirations.
•       Start thinking about a career path; visit www.floridashines.org and complete the career assessment.
•       Start looking at colleges; ask friends & family about their college experiences and recommendations.
•       Sign up for the Christian Connector magazine and start thinking about Christian colleges.
•       Enter a writing contest or apply for a scholarship to help learn the process.
•       Read books outside of school to help develop vocabulary & to recognize strong language skills.
•       Start community service outside of PCS; be a blessing to the community & let His light shine!
•       Join a group, club, team or organization where developing leadership skills can begin.
•       Student Athletes should start looking into the NCAA if they are interested in playing sports in college.
•       Work on developing a personal relationship with the Lord, family, classmates, community, country and world.

For more information regarding the 9^th Grade Plan, please feel free to meet with the guidance counselor. For first year students to PCS, be sure to meet with the guidance counselor to ensure four year plan is complete.

10^th Grade Plan

Continue the path of working towards excellence, maintaining a high GPA, and the journey of completing the student’s second year of high school.  Review the long term goals and keep them in mind as a motivator to stay strong and committed to them.  Learn ways to work smarter and more efficiently for saving time and energy as driving, jobs and other activities begin to be added to the student’s schedule.

10^th Grade Classes:  English II Honors, Algebra II Honors, Biology Honors, World History Honors, Spanish II, Drama II, and Bible II

•     The PSAT Test, by Collegeboard is administered October and acts as an evaluation tool, as well as a practice test for the college board  SAT that is taken in the 10-12^th Grade.    
•     The Collegeboard SAT and/or ACT is taken in 10-12^th Grade; students must sign up by March 1st.     
•    2017-18 ACT Tesing Info                                      
•     Community service of 10+ hours is required to be served at PCS each year in HS.
•     Community service of 15+ hours is required to be served outside PCS each year in HS.
•      Students are invited and encouraged to apply and Join NHS.
•      Parents and students attend the PCS dual enrollment and college workshop in the spring.                                                

The Student and Parent need to meet with the guidance counselor if interested in dual enrollment for the junior year.                **Before the student and parent meet with the guidance counselor, make sure that the student's unweighted GPA is 3.0 or higher and the teacher recommendation has been submitted to guidance and approved. Please bring a copy of the college program/class listing of interest, Pert,SAT or ACT scores, and classes of interest for dual enrollment. (See Dual Enrollment steps under forms)

•      For first year students to PCS, be sure to meet with the guidance counselor to ensure the four year plan is complete.
•      Student’s schedules that do not line up with course track will have in-class study hall or take another class for that period.

Goals: 

•      Maintain the highest grades to the student’s ability; a GPA of 3.5 or higher is recommended.
•      Assess the goals set from last year and re-establish short (1yr) and long-term (3-5) goals for academics, career assessment,      extra-curricular, and spiritual.
•      Take an online class at www.flvs.net for drivers ed, computer skills, test and study skills, etc.
•      Sign up for Dual Enrollment in the spring; attain your G#, take the pert test and sign up for summer/fall classes*must qualify.          Start off with on-line classes, then take classes with a friend, then on campus classes.     
•      Look into CLEP exams and consider taking after finishing your class at PCS for Biology or World History     
•      Work on developing time management, note taking, study and testing skills.
•      Work on communication skills with parents, teachers and administrators.
•       Identify and build on the student’s talents, gifts, strengths, goals, dreams and aspirations.
•      Continue to think about a career path; visit www.floridashines.org and complete the career assessment.
•      Start looking at colleges; visit www.collegeboard.com  and ask friends, family, teachers/staff, church and community                          leaders about their college experiences and recommendations.
•      Sign up for the Christian Connector magazine and start thinking about Christian colleges.
•      Start to narrow down your post high school choices and start a plan for application.
•      Students talk with parents about the available finances for college.
•      Start to interview colleges of interest by contacting the admissions, financial aid, advising and the majors department of           interest . Do they accept Dual Enrollment classes, CLEP exams, transfer credits, bright futures?  What scholarships are          available?
•       Enter a writing contest or apply for a scholarship to help learn the process.
•       Read books outside of school to help develop vocabulary & to recognize strong language skills.
•       Continue community service outside of PCS; be a blessing to the community & let His light shine!
•       Join the PCS NHS and enhance your resume with additional community service projects.      
•       Join a group, club, team or organization where a student can start to develop leadership skills.
•       Student Athletes should continue looking into the NCAA if they are interested in playing sports in college, and start working               with their HS coach to meet coaches of potential colleges. Develop a sports profile/resume and distribute to coaches of                  colleges  of interest.
•       Develop a summer plan to work, shadow someone in a career of interest, go on a mission’s trip, etc.
•      Work on developing a personal relationship with the Lord, family, classmates, community, country and world.

11^th Grade Plan

The junior year is important for continuing excellence with the high school plan. Students, enjoy high school, concentrate on continuing in the process of receiving good grades and enjoy the limited responsibilities at this time of life, as adulthood is around the corner!! Start/continue the college search process and narrowing the potential choices for post high school.

11^th Grade classes:  English III Honors, College Readiness Math, Chemistry Honors, U.S. History Honors, Speech I, Drama III and Bible III

•       The PSAT Test, by College Board is administered October and acts as an evaluation tool, as well as a practice test for the              SAT. High scores for juniors could qualify a student for the National Merit Scholar Award. 
•      The Collegeboard SAT and/or ACT is taken in 10-12^th Grade; students must sign up by March 1st.
•       2017-18 ACT Tesing Info
•      Community service of 10+ hours is required to be served at PCS each year in HS.
•      Community service of 15+ hours is required to be served outside PCS each year in HS.
•      Students are invited and encouraged to apply and join NHS if they haven't already done so.
•      Parents and students attend the PCS dual enrollment and college workshop in the spring.
•      The Student and Parent need to meet with guidance counselor to set  the senior plan.  If interested in dual enrollment for  the senior year, make sure the teacher recommendation has been sent to the guidance counselor, bring a copy of the college program of interest/class listing, PERT,SAT or ACT scores, and classes of interest for dual enrollment.
•     For first year students to PCS, be sure to meet with the guidance counselor to ensure the student’s schedules that do not line up with course track will have in-class study hall.

Goals: 

•    Maintain the highest grades to the student’s ability; a GPA of 3.5 or higher is recommended.
•    Assess the goals set from last year and re-establish short (1yr) and long-term (3-5) goals for academics, career assessment, extra-curricular, and spiritual.
•    Take an online class at www.flvs.net for drivers ed, computer skills, test and study skills, etc.
•    Sign up for Dual Enrollment in the spring; attain your G#, take the pert test and sign up for summer/fall classes**must qualify.         Start off with on-line classes, then take classes with a friend, then on campus classes.  
•    Look into CLEP exams and consider taking after finishing your class at PCS for Chemistry or U.S. Histor 
•    Join the PCS NHS and enhance your resume!! Do additional community service projects.  Also run for a NHS officers position and    enhance your leadership skills.  
•    Continue developing time management, note taking, study and testing skills.
•    Continue developing communication skills with parents, teachers and administrators.
•     Identify and build on the student’s talents, gifts, strengths, goals, dreams and aspirations.
•    Continue to think about a career path; visit www.floridashines.org and complete the career assessment.
•    Continue to look at colleges; visit www.collegeboard.com www.christianconnector.com www.floridashines.org
•     Ask friends, family, teachers/staff, church and community leaders about their college experiences and recommendations
•     Sign up for the Christian Connector magazine and start thinking about Christian colleges.
•     Start to narrow down your post high school choices and start a plan for application.
•     Students talk with parents about the available finances for college.
•     Start to interview colleges of interest by contacting the admissions, financial aid, advising and the majors department of interest. Do they accept Dual Enrollment classes, CLEP exams, transfer credits, bright futures?  What scholarships are available?
•      Looking into vocational programs; visit Sarasota County Technical Institute at 941-924-1365 and manateetech.edu
•      Practice for the SAT and/or ACT tests with books, online resources, tutors, etc.
•      Look into CLEP Exams.
•      Sign up for Summer/Fall dual enrollment by the deadline.
•      Review the Bright Futures qualifications and work towards qualification (see College Plan section).
•      Review GPA and set goals for a great finish to High School.
•      Turn in credits outside PCS for credit.
•      Read books outside of school to help develop your vocabulary & to recognize strong language skills.
•      Continue your community service outside of PCS; be a blessing to your community & let your light shine!
•      Join a group, club, team or organization where students can start to develop leadership skills.
•      Student Athletes should continue looking into the NCAA if they are interested in playing sports in college, and start working with their HS coach to meet coaches of potential colleges. Develop a sports profile/resume and distribute to coaches of colleges of interest.
•       Develop a summer plan to work, shadow someone in a career of interest, go on a mission’s trip, etc.
•       Work on developing a personal relationship with the Lord, family, classmates, community, country and world.
•       Students, have fun on the last summer before the senior year and graduation.

12^th Grade Plan

Most all of the high school work is done; just one more year!!! This will be a busy year filled with fun, special memories, celebrations and decisions.  Keep on track for an excellent finish and the efforts will not be regretted.  Continue with extra-curricular activities and building a good character as adulthood approaches.

12^th Grade Classes:  English IV Honors, U.S. History Honors, Chemistry Honors,  Higher Math  with SCF if 4th math still needed or College Readiness Math at PCS, Elective (optional) and Bible IV

 Note:  there are no study halls for seniors, but they may serve a community service role on campus. Also, all senior classes listed above (except Math or English) are required to be taken at PCS for the benefit of a “senior experience” and for compliance with FCCPSA.

•      The Collegeboard SAT and/or ACT is taken in 10-12^th Grade; students must sign up by March 1st.
•      Community service of 10+ hours is required to be served at PCS each year in HS.
•      Community service of 15+ hours is required to be served outside PCS each year in HS.

Timeline for Senior Year:

Before August

• Visit colleges and start the process of making final selections and start the application process. It is recommended to visit 3-5 colleges.
•  Meet with the department head, advising, financial aid, professors & talk to students.  Go on a full tour of the Campus, eat in the cafeteria, tour the dorms.  Is this the right place to live at next year?
•  Know and understand all that is required for the application process and deadlines for college.
•  Students, start on academic resume, practice writing a college essay, and ask for reference letters from teachers, employers, coaches, pastors, etc. if needed.
• Meet with the high school guidance counselor to make sure the senior schedule is set.
• Join NHS is you haven't already done so. Do extra community service projects and run for an officers position.
• Start looking into community scholarships.

August/September

• Strive for excellence with your PCS & dual enrollment grades.
• Remember drop and add week for DE classes. Please submit final schedule to the guidance office of PCS.
• Senior class to meet with guidance counselor about Class verse, song, motto, flower, and Senior Trip!!
• Decide and implement fundraiser for senior trip
• Have parent and student attend senior trip meeting #1 with trip coordinator.
• Assist guidance counselor with planning of Spiritual Emphasis Weekend.
• Work with high school activities coordinator and plan a high school activity.
• Continue the college search/application process.
• Continue the scholarship search/application process.
• Sign up for the SAT or ACT (which test did the student do best in during their sophomore/junior year?)
• 2017-18 ACT Testing Info

October/November

• Go camping with PCS and have fun!!!
• Submit FAFSA and submit final college applications.
• Apply for scholarships; especially at the college/university you plan to attend--scholarship $$ are awarded on a first come basis, so submit early to increase your chances!!
• Early Decision College Applications due
• Have SEW Weekend (or January)
• Parents, decorate jamboree table celebrating senior student if you like (this is a head start towards graduation)
• Students help at Jamboree
• Decide and plan Christmas fundraiser for senior trip
• Have Christmas greenery fundraiser (if this is decided) for senior trip.

December

• Sign up for Spring dual enrollment classes before deadline.
• Finish semester strong and turn in all DE/outside grades into guidance counselor.
• Enjoy Track & Field Day.
• Enjoy Christmas Break!!

January/February

• Start last semester of classes, remember drop and add week for DE classes.
• Continue the college search/application process if you have not yet completed.
• Continue the scholarship search/application process.
• Bright Futures Early Approval and Valedictorian/Salutatorian Announced
• Parents, complete taxes as soon as possible, then update FAFSA from October Application (for Bright Futures, pell-grant, work-study, etc funding).
• Students who have qualified for Bright Futures awards, complete FFAA.
• Acceptance letters and scholarship awards will start to come if you have applied early.
• Sign up for SAT or ACT if this has not been done yet for the senior year.
• Meet for final meeting for senior trip and then go on it!!
• Go on SCF tour for college entrance.
• Turn into guidance counselor announcement info for graduation.

March/April

• Ensure student has signed up for SAT and/or ACT for senior year & know what scores student is looking for.
•  
• Attend college orientations.
• College housing, meal plans, classes are chosen.
• Be sure to finish community service hours and turn into guidance counselor; 100 are required for graduation.
• Submit pictures, song, favorites and bio for graduation and yearbook.
• Go to college and/or vocational open houses if student is still undecided.
• Keep grades up and finish strong!

May

• Finals; last 2 weeks.  Finish Strong—don’t grow weary in well doing!!
• End of year; turn in final DE grades, community service, outside credits, SAT/ACT scores etc.
• Last week of school; Thursday--Have pancake breakfast for PCS, then leave early on last full day!!
• Thursday; Final Grades updated in Jupitergrades
• Friday; Awards Day, then graduation rehearsal and table set up.
• Saturday; Graduate—seniors with 3.5 GPA+ graduate with Honors!!! Congratulations!!!
• Transcripts and Bright Futures final approval are submitted 1+ week after graduation.
• Submit Final Transcript request for your chosen college/university
• Enjoy being a graduate--great job!!
• Students, come back, visit and have lunch with underclassmen.

PCS wishes God’s Speed to students and parents; may all your goals, and dreams come true!!