This document outlines a presentation for grade 9 parents on navigating high school. It discusses the counseling program and team, diploma options, graduation requirements, course pathways, standardized tests, college admissions factors, and upcoming events. Counselors provide social/emotional, academic, and career guidance. They encourage finding balance, self-discovery, and autonomy while providing support. Counselors help students develop organization skills and explore interests through various activities and course options. College admissions considers grades, test scores, activities, and essays. The goal is helping students find their best-fit university.

1. NAVIGATING HIGH SCHOOL
for Grade 9 Parents
September 1, 2015

2. Agenda
A Four Year Plan
Social & Emotional Counseling (Steve)
Academic Counseling (Crystal)
University & Career Counseling (Dave)
* (5 minute break)
Question & Answers (Please use post it notes)

3. GRADE 9/10 COUNSELING TEAM
Crystal Cappuccio (A-LH)
Steve Ayling (Li-Z)
GRADE 11/12 COUNSELING TEAM
Dave Birchenall (UK)
Kim Cheah (Malaysia)
Janelle Grier (USA)
Doug McQueen (Canada)

4. OUR COUNSELING PROGRAM
A Counseling Curriculum
Social, Emotional and Academic Counseling
College and University Admissions
College Visits
Professional Organizations and Conferences

5. OUR COUNSELING PHILOSOPHY
Finding balance
Encourage self discovery
Promote autonomy
Guide, counsel, refer, suggest and inform.
Find the best fit career, college or university

6. Social & Emotional Counseling
https://www.youtube.com/wat
ch?v=HfHV4-N2LxQ

7. HS Transition
Academic Pressures
College & Career concerns
Friendships
Freedom & Independence
Dating & Relationships
Family Time balance and rituals
Self Advocacy
Organization
Rebellion and risky behaviour

8. Spheres of Control

9. Food choices
Bedtime
Curfew
Friends
Girlfriends/ Boyfriends
Allowance
Course Choices
College Choices
Screen Time
Partying
Weekend schedule
Tutors
Clothing
Extracurriculars

10. We asked your sons and daughters…
1. Describe yourself in 3 words and state your greatest
strength..
1. Reflect on a past problem you have had, how you
felt and how you overcame and/or managed to deal
with it?
1. Write about a current issue you or someone you
care about is facing and consider ways in which you
could help….

11. You are NEVER alone
Counselor
Trusted Friends
Student Ambassadors
Teachers/ Coaches/ Administration
Other trusted adults & Family members
If there is EVER a situation you are uncomfortable
with, unsure of, confused or upset about...speak with
someone. We can work it out TOGETHER!

12. Academic Counseling
Uncertainty
Diploma Options
Graduation Requirements
4 Year Plans
Course Flow- pathways to IB (IB info night,
Thursday)
Time Management and Organization

13. Diploma options at ISM
Full IB Diploma + ISM High School Diploma
IB Certificates + ISM High School Diploma

14. ISM DIPLOMA Graduation Requirements
* (minimum)- Think of 1 credit = 1 year
SUBJECT CREDITS
English 4
Fine and Performing Arts 2
Mathematics 2
Modern Languages 2
Physical Education 2
Science 2
Social Studies 2
Wellness / Computer Literacy 1
Electives 6
TOTAL 23

15. After Grade 9?
(What your son/daughter can expect to have achieved)
* Please note absences and tardies

16. HS Course Offerings 2015-2016
http://hs.ism-online.org/files/2015/01/2015-2016-HS-Course-Offerings-Bookv2.pdf

17. Course Flow from 9-10

18. IB Subject Flow (Math)
Math placement is determined by exam/test
scores, classroom performance and teacher
recommendations

19. Individual Organization
Area for study
Calendar system
google calendar
printed calendar
Organized Binder- chronological,
sections
Checking emails and responding
Scheduled time each day
Online tools (self-control, iprocrastinate)

20. Time Management & Organization

21. Work on study skills & organization
Join a club, sport, and/or activity
Try something new/deepen interests
Take courses you are interested in
Parents:
Support Independence
Suggestions

22. GRADE 11 / 12 COUNSELING
Strength of curriculum and grades
Test scores
Extra-curricular activities
Essays and personal statements
Recommendations and evaluations
Finding the best fit

23. GRADES
Grades are still an important indicator of success
IB Diploma Score
GPA
ISM uses a 7 point scale
A high school transcript lists all semester grades
from Grade 9 – 12

24. STANDARDIZED TESTS
PSAT: (In October for Grades 10 and 11)
SAT: (Offered 6 times a year at ISM)
SAT Subject Tests: (For selective US schools)
rSAT: (Moving to a new format in May 2016)
ACT: (A popular alternative to the SAT)

25. ACTIVITIES

26. WHAT IS A BEST FIT UNIVERSITY?
Realistic
Location
Size
Campus
Relevant programs
Personal factors

27. US COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
Strength of curriculum
Grades (Transcript from Grade 9 – 12)
Standardized Test scores
Extra-curricular activities
Essays and writing supplements
Recommendations and evaluations

28. UK UNIVERSITIES
IB Diploma
Personal Statement
Relevant Teacher Reference
Specific Subjects
Course Related Activities

29. CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES
IB Diploma
HS Diploma with SAT
Activities
Writing Samples
Transcript from Grade 9 - 12

30. OTHER COUNTRIES
Australia & New Zealand
Europe
India
Japan
Korea
Philippines
Singapore

31. Counseling Communication Tools
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr
Naviance and Family Connection
http://hscounseling.ism-online.org/

32. COLLEGE VISITS

33. Upcoming Events
Club Expo: Tomorrow, Wednesday September 2
IB Information Night: Thursday September 3, 6:00-7:00pm
Bearcat Welcome: Thursday September 10, 7:30-9:30 am
Battle of the Bearcats: Wed. September 23rd (All Day)
Parent Coffee: Tuesday, October 6, 9:30-11:00pm

34. Questions and Conversations
* 5 minute break