The document outlines the graduation requirements and academic pathways for Lakeside High School students transitioning from middle school, including core subjects, credit accumulation, GPA importance, and resources for academic support. It emphasizes the need for good study habits, seeking help when necessary, and the significance of involvement in extracurricular activities for student success. Also addressed are frequently asked questions regarding class policies, attendance, and sports or club sign-ups.

1. Lakeside High School
“Building on a Tradition of Excellence”
2015-2016

2. What’s the BIG deal!
Transitioning from Middle School to High School!
Counselors
Mrs. Darla Andrews A-C
Dr. Malissa Collins D-H
Mr. Donnie Burch I-M
Mrs. Mallory Goolsby N-S
Mrs. Katie Newton T-Z

3. How do we get there?
• Graduation Requirements:
• Four units of Science( Biology, Chemistry or Environmental
Science, Physics/Physical Science, Fourth Option-Anatomy,
Forensics, AP Science, etc.)
• Four units of English
• Three units of Social Studies
• Four units of Math
• One unit Health/Personal Fitness or three years of JROTC
• Three units of Career Pathway/Foreign Language/ Fine Arts
• Four units of Electives

4. SCIENCE SEQUENCE
BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY PHYSICS
ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE
BIOLOGY PHYSICAL SCIENCE

5. CTAE/FINE ARTS Pathways
• CTAE
– JROTC
– MARKETING
– HEALTH SCIENCES
– ENGINEERING TECH
– LAW & JUSTICE
– TEACHING AS A
PROFESSION
• FINE ARTS
– VISUAL ART
– BAND
– CHORUS
– DRAMA

6. HOW DO WE EARN CREDITS ?
•Pass ALL classes with a 70 or BETTER
Promoted/Ret
ained
5 credits-
Sophomore
11 credits-
Junior
17 credits-
Senior
23 credits-
GRADUATE

7. How will I know where I stand with
credits?
• Credits are earned based on semester grades.
• Grades are entered into the system and on your
transcript at the end of each semester. There are
two semesters in a year- Fall and Spring, or
Semester one and Semester two.
• You do not have all year to pass a class!
• What you earn is your final grade!!!!!!

8. Why are grades and
credits important?
Your grade point average (GPA) is calculated based on
your grades for every class you take averaged together.
The GPA scale ranges from 1.0 to 4.0 with 1 being the
lowest, and 4 being the highest. Colleges take GPAs
SERIOUSLY! Your GPA is a reflection of the type of
student you are and how seriously you took your high
school education.

9. How do I earn good grades?
Now that you are in high school, everything counts!
You must take your homework seriously! In some of
your classes, the difference between a ‘D’ or an ‘F’ or
an ‘A’ or a ‘B’ is the percentage of the homework you
completed! Do your homework and study!!!

10. Resources for Staying On Track for
Graduation
• PANTHER ACADEMY
• TUTORING
– PRIVATE/NHS
– TEACHER ASSISTANCE
– TUTORING
– ADVISEMENT QUARTERLY
• BEFORE SCHOOL / AFTER SCHOOL
– TEACHER ASSISTANCE
• COUNSELOR
– GRADES/CREDITS/OUTSIDE RESOURCES/REFERRALS
• GRADUATION COACH
– TUTORING REFERRALS
– CREDIT RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

11. Are there additional tips for high school
success?
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teachers or a caring adult.
• Don’t goof off and think you have the next nine weeks to catch up…you
won’t!
• Leave behind poor attitudes and work habits—you don’t have time!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Issues/concerns regarding grades, assignments, other problems in the
classroom, your teacher is your first line of defense…immediately contact
your teacher and set up parent conferences!
• Stay on top of your grades and assignments and check parent portal often.
• Keep a planner or scheduler to help you stay organized.
• Get involved with a club or organization to help you feel connected. There’s a
higher probability you’ll invest more into your high school education if you
are connected to an extracurricular activity!
• Exam exemptions can be rewarding when students keep absences low and
grade averages high! Freshmen cannot exempt more than two exams per
semester and cannot exempt the same exam during 2nd semester.

12. Frequently Asked Questions…
• What happens when I’m consistently late to class?
– Detention
– ISS
• What happens if I violate the dress code?
– Your parents will be notified that you have violated the dress code and
you will need to change or spend the day in ISS
• When do I get my locker?
– Lockers are assigned the first week of school by the fourth period
teacher
– Summer Panther Academy
• How many lunches are there and how does it work?
– There are three lunches (approx 30 min)
• What if I’m having problems and need to talk to someone?
– Students are given a great deal of freedom and are expected to adhere
to the rules. If they encounter a problem (personal, social, family, or
academic they should see their counselor)

13. Frequently Asked Questions…
• How do I sign up for a sport, club or organization?
– Check LHS panthers website athletic pages and look for contact
information or posted information concerning try-outs
– During the first weeks of school, clubs and organizations advertize
membership opportunities
• How can a parent be pro-active and hold their child
accountable to keeping up with assignments? How can a
parent be aware of assignments?
– Teacher websites/Contact Teacher (email addresses on website)
– Planner
– Parent Portal

14. Frequently Asked Questions…
• What’s the difference between Personal Fitness and Team Sports or any other PE class?
– Personal Fitness and Health are state graduation requirements. Personal Fitness promotes personal fitness
assessed as a comprehensive health-related physical fitness program. A student must complete the ½ unit of
personal fitness and ½ unit of health OR complete three years of ROTC in lieu of personal fitness and health
in order to graduate.
• Am I required to take a Social Studies class my Freshmen year?
– No. According to the State Graduation Requirements, a student must complete three units of Social Studies.
I unit of World History (Recommended grade level-10th); US History (Recommended grade level -11th); ½
unit of American Government (Normally taken in 12th grade) and ½ unit of Economics (Normally taken in 12th
grade)
• How do I determine if I should take an AP class my Freshmen year?
– There are only two AP classes available to Freshmen… One is AP Human Geography and the other is AP
American Government. AP Government will satisfy the ½ unit of Government needed for graduation.
– Your success in these classes could depend on the following:
• Passion for the social sciences/government
• Ability to manage class assignments ( advanced college level course)
• CRCT scores in social studies/grades in social studies
• Career interest in AP subject area

15. Registration Form

16. Registration Form