Welcome to Coxsackie-Athens

High SchoolNinth Grade Parent and Student Orientation Program 2013-2014

WELCOME CLASS OF 2017

Presentation for students and parents

Students leave to explore building, find classes and locker; open and practice opening locker

Parents remain in auditorium for Q and A.

By announcement; students and parents re-unite in cafeteria for popsicles.

Thank you to our NHS student volunteers who are here tonight to help our incoming ninth graders.

Tonight’s Agenda/Format

Mr. Heath Hanley; High School Principal

Mr. Matt Zebrowski; MS/HS Assistant Principal

Mr. Terence Nash; Athletic Director

Mr. Theodore Nugent; Transportation Director

Ms. Carly Meade; Educational Technologist/CIO

Ms. Jess Pray; School Counselor, Grade 9

Ms. Dawn Essex; School Counselor, Grades 10-12 (A-K)

Ms. Angela Zumbolo; School Counselor, Grades 10-12 (L-Z)

Ms. Abbie Breen; High School Nurse

Introductions and People to Know

Our Vision: Coxsackie-Athens inspires learners to achieve extraordinary success.

Our Mission: The Coxsackie-Athens community works collaboratively to create personalized learning opportunities. We develop self-directed college and career ready students who are prepared to succeed in our global society.

Our Mission and Vision at C-A

“Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s Possibilities.”

This Mission is for every one of our students; not just some of them!

What might your possibilities look like?

Our Mission at the High School

Graduation Rate:◦ At least 93% of students will graduate*◦ 100% of students will have a plan for college and careerMastery and Passing:◦ The overall proficiency rate on the NYS grades 3-8 tests and Regents exams will

be either 90% or increase by 15% from 2013 performance levels.◦ The overall mastery rate on NYS grades 3-8 and Regents exams will increase by

12% from 2013 performance levels.Participation:◦ 100% of students will participate each year in at least one community service

activity. College and Career Ready:◦ At least 90% of K-4 students will at or above grade level in reading, as measured

by Fountas and Pinnell.*◦ 100% of 8th graders will enter high school with a plan for success.◦ 100% of graduates will have earned three college credits or a career technical

endorsement.

* Though our current goals are not 100% we are and will be constantly striving to have ALL of our students reading at grade level and graduating .  

Our District-Wide Goals for 2016

The total amount of students passing and achieving mastery on Regents exams will increase 6%, from 78% passing in 2013 to 84% passing in 2014; and achieving mastery 29% in 2013 to 35% in 2014.

The total number of students passing and achieving mastery for their final course averages will increase 6%; from 84% passing in 2013 to 90% passing in 2014; and 55% achieving mastery in three or more of their courses in 2013 to 61% in 2014.

Our Building Targets 2013-2014

Highly effective faculty and staff that is focused on teaching and learning and high expectations for all students.

Every student counts; everyday!

Working together with students and their parents and guardians.

Innovative programs that meet the needs of all of our students:

◦ Rti labs for struggling learners◦ “Blocked” classes for Sciences, Algebra, and Trig◦ Distance Learning…Mandarin Chinese, ASL◦ Online Learning…credit recovery and accrual◦ Integration of Technology…ipads, mobile laptops carts◦ Power Lunches/Career Exploration◦ CTE opportunities◦ Expanding College-credit bearing courses via AP, CGCC, and SUNY◦ Increasing communication with students and parents about scheduling and college planning◦ Integration and implementation of formative benchmark assessments aligned with State

assessments◦ Tighter Attendance and Tardy practices

How Do We Achieve These?

In high school, in order to graduate, you must:

Earn Course Credits…22 minimum in specific areas. (Courses have pre-requisites)

Pass State Exams (NYS Regents Exams)…5 to 9 depending on diploma type.

****All of this culminates in the development of an official transcript…beginning on the first day of

ninth grade!

Two BIG shifts to Know About

Exams and Credits are two different things

Until senior year, there are no exemptions from final exams at the end of the year

There is no such thing as “social promotion” at the high school level

There is a significant difference between “passing” and “career and/or college” ready.

Additional Practical Notes

Courses Required for Graduation

TOTAL CREDITS: 22 TOTAL CREDITS: 22

Regents Diploma Math (3 credits)English (4 credits)Social Studies (4 credits)Science (3 credits)Art/Music (1 credit)Health (0.5 credits)Physical Education (2 credits)LOTE (1 credit)Electives (3.5 credits) 

Advanced Regents Diploma

 Math (Alg., Geom., Alg2/Trig)

(3 credits)English (4 credits)Social Studies (4 credits)Lab-based Science (3

credits)Art/Music (1 credit)Health (0.5 credits)Physical Education (2

credits)LOTE (3 credits)*Electives (1.5 credits)

Exams Required for Graduation

5 exams 9 exams

Regents Diploma

Total of 5 exams, with a grade of 65% or higher:

AlgebraEnglish

Global StudiesUS History

One Science

Advanced Regents Diploma**

 Total of 9 exams, with a grade

of 65% or higher: 

Math (Algebra, Geometry, & Algebra 2/Trig)

EnglishGlobal Studies

US HistoryTwo Sciences

LOTE (Checkpoint B equivalent)

Guide to Program PlanningCode of Conduct

Student/Parent Handbook

All located on the HS website under QUICKLINKS

Critical Documents to Get To Know

Daily Routine:◦ 7:30-7:45 Arrival: All students in the cafeteria. ◦ 7:45-7:55 Transition to first period. ◦ Bell Schedule the same as the middle school.◦ Daily Announcements during Period 1 (on

website)◦ All classes are 42 minutes long (except blocked

courses)◦ Lunches are 30 minutes◦ 2:26: General Dismissal…first buses◦ 2:30-3:10: Period 9; Extra help with teachers◦ 3:25: Second round of buses

So now that you’re here, how does it all work?

Actively contribute to a culture of mutual respect Ask for permission and a pass before leaving a classroom.   Do not text during class time (both parents and students) Come to class on time with materials Communicate with your teachers.  We are here because we want

to help!   All 9th grade teachers expect headings on assignments: First and Last Name

◦ Date◦ Class Period◦ Assignment

All 9th grade teachers require binders.  Keep your notes organized, you'll need them in June.

All 9th grade teachers allow you to earn points back on exams if you complete test corrections.   

Academic Expectations from the 9th Grade Faculty

Introducing our Director of

Transportation

Mr. Theodore Nugent

A Few Important Notes from our Technology

Department!

Ms. Carly MeadeEducational Technologist and CIO

Eschool Parent Portal

Monitor your child’s academic progress. Check attendance. Disciplinary records. Add eschool to your SMART phone for progress

monitoring on the go! Come visit me tonight at HS Computer Lab #183

and I will assist you with logging onto the parent portal.

If you have any questions or problems with Eschool please feel free to contact

us at techsupport@coxsackie-athens.org

Highlights to the Code of Conduct:

What you need to know to be successful

Mr. Matthew ZebrowskiMS/HS Assistant Principal

Student Commitments

We are committed to… ◦ Come to school motivated to learn. ◦ Give our best effort each and every day.◦ Collaborate with our peers in learning. ◦ Provide service to our community and make

connections to our global society. ◦ Demonstrate respect and pride in self, others,

school and community.

Notable Changes in Code of Conduct

Electronic Devices- changed to reflect true spirit of the practice

Late/Tardy Policy- 3 strikes; You’re out- ◦ LUNCH DETENTION

No Pass List

Additional hall presence

Action Steps for Success

Be where you are supposed to be, when you’re supposed to be there.

Stay out of the hallways during instructional times.

Do not accept everything anyone says as FACT! (this leads to conflict).

Support and Collaborate with One Another!

Introducing our Nurse…

Ms. Abbie Breen

Introducing our Director of Athletics

Mr. Terence Nash

Academics FirstStay organizedAsk for help and use resources

NO DRAMA!Get involved

Overarching Themes for Success in your First Year of High School

Grades 9-11 Picture Day◦ Tuesday, Sept 11th

Parents’ Night/Open House◦ Tuesday, Sept 24th 6:30 pm

Spirit Week◦ Monday, Sept 16th – Friday, Sept 20th

Homecoming Game◦ Friday evening, Sept 20th

Homecoming Dance◦ Saturday, Sept 21st 7-10pm in HS cafeteria

Upcoming Events

Drama ClubGSA (Gay –Straight Alliance Club)

High School YearbookInteract Club

Language ClubLibrary ClubMock Trial

National Honor SocietyNewspaper ClubProm Committee

Quiz BowlSADD (Students Against Drunk Driving)

Select ChoirStudent Council

World of Difference 

And More……if you are interested in creating a club, you can!!!

Clubs and Activities

How to Read Your schedule

Take your schedule; go out and explore the building: find your locker, make sure you can open it, and find each of your classes.

At the next announcement, we will all meet in the cafeteria for popsicles and to re-unite with you parents/guardians.

HAVE FUN!

And Before Students Go:

Student Questions?

What else do you need to know for the first few days of school, and beyond?

Parent Q and A

What’s on YOUR mind?

THANK YOU FOR COMING!

Let’s rejoin our students in the cafeteria for a popsicle before we go home! Listen for an

announcement for this to occur.