Welcome to the

Grade 8 Parent Night

Wednesday, March 12

People you need to know

Mr. Dennis HarterHS Principal

Mrs. Sonia Martínez S.Counseling

Administrative Assistant

Ms. Tammy GordonHS/University Counselor

Last names A-L

Mr. Jim BarekmanHS/University Counselor

Last names M-Z

Mrs.Barbara HarrazHS Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Cheryl AugustineAcademic DeanIB Coordinator

Mrs. Angele BaharyanIB Administrative Assistant

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 ☺

The HS Experience

• Same rotating schedule – 8 blocks, 4 per day

• Academic Responsibility

• Personal accountability

• Finding balance

Beyond Academics

• Grade Level Retreats

• Student Interest and Service Clubs

• Athletics and Activities

Austrian Matura

The Academic Program

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

US DIPLOMA24 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

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 KnowledgeCreativity, Action, Service Extended Essay

International Baccalaureate(Starts in Grade 11)

3 Higher Level + 3 Standard Level Subjects

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

TYPICAL GRADE 9 SCHEDULE

English 9German (at appropriate level)World History 9Introduction to Physical Science (IPS)Math (at appropriate level) PE/Health or Art of MovementThe Arts Additional Course (Elective, Spanish/French or

another course from The Arts)

TYPICAL GRADE 10 SCHEDULE

English 10Modern Language (at appropriate level)Modern European History Non-IB Science Math (at appropriate level) PE/Health or Art of MovementThe Arts Additional Course (Elective or an additional course from

Modern Languages, Social Studies, Science, Math or The Arts)

ENGLISH

GERMAN

MODERN LANGUAGES (SPANISH & FRENCH)

SOCIAL STUDIES

SCIENCE

MATHEMATICS

THE ARTS

Non-IB Arts Art I, II, III, IVArt of Movement Concert BandConcert ChoirDramaFine Arts Introduction to GuitarString EnsembleStudent Sound and Light Technician

IB Arts IB Theater SL/HL IB Visual Arts SL/HL IB Literature and Performance SL

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• Physical Education/Health

• Art of Movement

ELECTIVES

Electives Creative Writing (starts in Gr. 10) Journalism Publications Java Programming AP Computer Science A (online – starts Gr. 10)Technology Explorations Applied Cognitive StudiesStudy Skills (upon approval)

IB Additional Course Requirements

Theory Knowledge I (second sem. Grade 11)Theory of Knowledge II (first sem. Grade 12)

THE REGISTRATION PROCESSIMPORTANT 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)

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

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)

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