This document provides information for rising 9th grade students at Sequoyah High School about graduation requirements, how core classes are determined, sample class schedules, elective requirements, and differences from middle school. It outlines that students need 4 units each of English, math, science, and social studies, plus additional requirements in areas like career tech, foreign language, health, and electives. It provides details on course selection and registration timelines and addresses common questions.

1. Sequoyah High School
Advisement
for rising 9th
graders

2. Graduation Requirements
• English 4 units
• Math 4 units
• Science 4 units
• Social Studies 3 units
• PE/ Health OR 1 unit
• JROTC 3 units
• Career Tech, Foreign Language, or Fine Arts 3 units
• Electives 4 units
1 unit = two semesters = 1 school year to complete

3. How schools decide what core classes
(Math, English, Science, Social Studies)
you will take
• Milestone scores from 7th
grade
• Current level of classes
• Current grades
• Lexile Scores

4. Sample Schedule
• 9th
Lit/Comp
• Algebra 1 or ACCEL Math
• Earth Systems or Biology
• Lunch
• Health (1/2 year), Personal Fitness (1/2 year)
• Elective (You will request this class.)
• Elective (You will request this class.)
“Connections” classes will be called “Electives” in high
school.

5. CTAE/Fine Arts/Foreign Language*
3 Elective Units Required
Based on student’s Career plan these units may
be all in one area, one in each area, or a
combination.
* Students planning to enter or transfer into a 4
year college/ university must take 2 years of
the same foreign language

6. Elective Requirements
4 units
Academic courses that are not a part of the core
requirements will count as electives.
Additional PE classes, fine arts, career tech, etc.

7. Sample Freshman Transcript
•Each Semester: You OWN it!
•Grades are cumulative
•Aug-Dec (Semester 1) - posted to your
transcript, ex: 9th
Grade Lit/Comp A
•Jan-May (Semester 2) posted to your
transcript, ex: would say 9th
Grade
Lit/Comp B
•Notice that Physical Science has earned
a passing grade, but not received credit.
Why not? Attendance is taken every
period, students must meet grade
requirements and attendance
requirements.

8. Academics
They all count, grades are complete in Dec. and May
Cannot wait until the last minute - study and prepare daily (not the night
before)
Don’t get behind – it’s hard to catch up!
Tutoring is available
Freedom & Responsibility
Remember: Freedom = Responsibility
Build your self-advocacy skills – you find the info, NOT your mom…
Promotion/Retention Policy
You must earn 5 units (including Math, English, and Science) to move from
Freshman to Sophomore (9th
to 10th
grade)
GA Milestones exams (in May) count as 20% of your final grade in the second
semester “B” portion of the course
Opportunities to get involved!
– Clubs, sports, community service
Differences at High School

9. Lunch
an hour-long lunch / sit wherever you want / you may not leave the
campus
Lockers
YES (no fee)
Attendance
Credit is not awarded after 6 absences in a class period
Tardies count toward your absences
TAA (Teachers as Advisors) – Homeroom
– Assigned by grade level
– Meet once a week (currently Wednesday between 1st
and 2nd
period)
– Participate in classroom activities, Bridge Bill activities, disseminate
information – can earn .5 unit elective credit
Differences at High School

10. Registration Plan
• Classroom Guidance with 8th
grade classes (Today)
• Distribute elective offerings request form
• Evening Elective Fair @ SHS - Wednesday, January
23rd
• Arena Registration @ DRMS – February 11th
• Late March/Early April: Course
Recommendation/Request forms sent home for
parent/student review

11. Questions
• Can I take Health and Personal Fitness over the
Summer?
• Do I have to have 1st
period Weight Training to play
football?
• Is a failing grade replaced?