2. People you need to know
Mr. Dennis Harter
HS Principal
Mrs. Sonia Martínez S.
Counseling
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Tammy Gordon
HS/University Counselor
Last names A-L
Mr. Jim Barekman
HS/University Counselor
Last names M-Z
Mrs.Barbara Harraz
HS Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Cheryl Augustine
Academic Dean
IB Coordinator
Mrs. Angele Baharyan
IB Administrative Assistant
3. Transitioning the Grade 8’s
• FEBRUARY: Initial meetings with Peer Helpers
• MARCH: Course planning with high school counselor
• JUNE: Final placement for courses
• AUGUST:
– Monday, August 18 9th grade orientation for all students (new and
returning)
– Tuesday, August 19 First day of High School at AIS ☺
4. The HS Experience
• Same rotating schedule – 8 blocks, 4 per day
• Academic Responsibility
• Personal accountability
• Finding balance
5. Beyond Academics
• Grade Level Retreats
• Student Interest and Service Clubs
• Athletics and Activities
8. THREE DIPLOMA OPTIONS
• US Diploma
– Automatic…everyone earns it
• IB Diploma
– Student’s choice…to IB or not to IB, that is the question
• Austrian Matura Equivalency (if possible)
– Student’s choice…but it must start in 9th grade
– Current situation under review
9. US DIPLOMA
24 credits (one credit = 1 year-long course)
Minimum credits Recommended credits
English 4 4
Modern Languages 2 3
(of the same language)
Social Studies 3 4
Science 3 4
Mathematics 3 4
The Arts 2 2
PE/Health 2 2
Electives 5 6
10. Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature: German,
English, Mother Tongue
Group 2 Language acquisition: Modern Language A or B
Group 3 Individuals and Societies: Social Studies
Group 4 Science
Group 5 Mathematics
Group 6 Arts or elective from Groups 1-4
The Core: Additional
requirements
Theory of Knowledge
Creativity, Action, Service
Extended Essay
International Baccalaureate
(Starts in Grade 11)
3 Higher Level + 3 Standard Level Subjects
11. THE 4-YEAR PLAN
• In 9th grade students must take a full load of 8 courses
• In 10th grade students must make take a full load of 8
courses
• In 11th grade students must take a minimum of 7 courses
• In 12th grade students must take a minimum of 6 courses
• High School Course Descriptions Handbook – located on AIS
website under Academics – High School – right hand side
12. TYPICAL GRADE 9 SCHEDULE
English 9
German (at appropriate level)
World History 9
Introduction to Physical Science (IPS)
Math (at appropriate level)
PE/Health or Art of Movement
The Arts
Additional Course (Elective, Spanish/French or
another course from The Arts)
13. TYPICAL GRADE 10 SCHEDULE
English 10
Modern Language (at appropriate level)
Modern European History
Non-IB Science
Math (at appropriate level)
PE/Health or Art of Movement
The Arts
Additional Course (Elective or an additional course from
Modern Languages, Social Studies, Science, Math
or The Arts)
20. THE ARTS
Non-IB Arts Art I, II, III, IV
Art of Movement
Concert Band
Concert Choir
Drama
Fine Arts
Introduction to Guitar
String Ensemble
Student Sound and Light Technician
IB Arts IB Theater SL/HL
IB Visual Arts SL/HL
IB Literature and Performance SL
22. ELECTIVES
Electives Creative Writing (starts in Gr. 10)
Journalism
Publications
Java Programming
AP Computer Science A (online – starts Gr. 10)
Technology Explorations
Applied Cognitive Studies
Study Skills (upon approval)
IB Additional
Course
Requirements
Theory Knowledge I (second sem. Grade 11)
Theory of Knowledge II (first sem. Grade 12)
23. THE REGISTRATION PROCESS
IMPORTANT DATES
March 17 or 18 in Language Arts 8 during Mrs. Miller’s class
*Student must bring to their Language Arts class the
Registration Form with Grades 9 and 10 of the Four Year Plan
completed to the best of their ability
*Forms are due to the High School Counselor in the High
School Counseling Office by Wednesday, March 26
Ms. Gordon (counselor for students with last names A-L)
Mr. Barekman (counselor for students with last names M-Z)
24. WHAT CAN YOU
BE DOING AS A PARENT?
Know your child…you are the expert!
• Check homework or not?
• How much academic pressure do you give him/her?
• Computer usage?
• No involvement versus too many activities
• Bedtime
• If you have more than one child each one will
experience high school differently
25. WHAT CAN YOU BE DOING
AS A PARENT (continued)?
Keep Informed
• Check online grade book periodically for current grades
• Attend parent conferences
• Keep in touch with your child’s teachers (as needed)
• Read Scoops and mark your calendars accordingly
• It’s not too early to start researching university admission
requirements (especially for post-secondary options in
Europe)
• Naviance (university planning software)
26. WHAT CAN YOU BE DOING
AS A PARENT (continued)?
What can you do if your child is struggling?
Academically:
• Start with the teacher
• AIS Learning Support Services – Ms. Tonya Keyser
• Tutoring list available from high school counselor
• Outside assessment
Personally:
• Talk to the high school counselor
• Talk to homeroom advisors, coaches, AIS faculty
• Outside resources are available
