Getting There from Here - Moving from Grade 8 to Grade 9

Getting

there from here...

Moving from Grade 8 to Grade 9 A Guide for Parents & Students

2010

Welcome to Secondary School!

Beginning high school is a very exciting time in your life. It is a time when your horizons are expanding, and you are beginning your transition into adulthood and the world of work. Secondary schools in the Avon Maitland District School Board offer a variety of programs designed to meet your needs and assist you in reaching your full potential.

When you first enter your secondary school, it may appear much larger than your elementary school. You may feel worried about finding your way around and meeting the expectations of a challenging high school program. Be assured that your secondary school has much in common with your elementary school - caring and supportive teachers, a variety of coinstructional activities, and friendly students.

Each secondary school offers students an orientation program to help make the transition a smooth one.

This book provides you with important information to help you and your parents prepare for secondary school and plan your secondary school pathway.

The Avon Maitland District School Board

provides students with a program designed to ensure all students experience success as they move into, through and beyond secondary school. The Success for Life program utilizes web-based and school-based resources to support students and their parents with identifying personal strengths, mapping out secondary school course selection, and exploring options in each pathway (Apprenticeship, College, Work, including Community Living and University) beyond high school. This transition guide is a valuable part of the Success for Life program.

More specifically, this program helps students and their parents learn about: √ √ √ √

Skills and Interests Future career options Pathways Opportunities for getting work experience

2

For more information visit:

Here are some common questions teens ask before they get to secondary school I’m used to a small elementary school. What will I do if I get lost in such a huge high school?

Secondary schools organize a Grade 8 open house and a Grade 9 Orientation. Try to attend these events with your parents so you can get more familiar with the school. It may take you a few days before you get used to the school and its layout. If you can’t find a room, ask a teacher or another student and they will be happy to help you.

I am worried about the number of people at the high school. How will I meet friends?

In grade 9, everyone is new to the school and looking for a friend or group of friends. Introduce yourself to other students in your classes and to students who have lockers near yours. Join a team or club – you will meet many new people by participating in these activities.

What will I learn in my classes? Will it be more difficult than my grade 8 school work? How will I keep up?

The material you learn in grade 9 builds on your learning from grade 8. If you don’t understand something, ask your teacher for extra help. You could also ask a classmate. You may feel shy asking a question; however, it is important that you do as there are likely other students in the class who are wondering the same thing.

If you experience difficulties and are wondering if you have the skills and knowledge to succeed in the course, talk to your teacher and your guidance counsellor.

Especially for Parents Get Involved!!

Students are more successful in school when their parents take an active part in their education.

Here are some suggestions: √ Attend Parent / Teacher Interviews √ Join the Parent Council √ Attend special events at the school √ Act as a parent supervisor at school events or school trips

The benefits of parental involvement? √ You get to know the teaching staff and administrative team √ You become comfortable communicating with the teachers and administrators √ You get to know your child’s friends and classmates

Your contacts at the school For academic concerns, contact the teacher of the subject for which you have concerns.

For all non-academic concerns and help with course selection, contact a guidance counsellor. The guidance counsellor will assist with timetables and provide support for issues that arise. They can also assist in accessing additional community or board-based supports if required.

For attendance concerns, speak to the vice-principal.

3

Cultivating Character We believe, model and practice the following character attributes in all Avon Maitland DSB schools:

fairness honesty empathy respect courage integrity optimisim compassion perseverance Responsibility

Character attributes are the basis of healthy relationships.

What to do about bullying Regardless of the age of your child, you can help by encouraging your child to talk to you about bullying and giving your child the following advice: √ Walk away from the situation √ Do not respond – don’t talk back, don’t email back, don’t hit back √ Tell an adult whom you trust about the situation – a bus driver, teacher, coach, principal √ Find a friend to be with in places where you do not feel safe.

For more information about bullying and what you can do to support your child, access the following: √ Bullying is not tolerated in AMDSB schools. If you believe your child is being bullied, contact the school immediately. √ the Huron-Perth Bully Prevention website at www.bullyprevention.ca . √ a booklet, “Bullying, We Can All Help Stop It”, is available from the Ontario Ministry of Education to assist parents and students with issues of bullying. Contact AMDSB at 519-527-0111 or 1-800-592-5437 to request a free copy. These are also available on the Minstry of Education website. √ Kids Help Phone by calling 1-800-668-6868, or visit www.kidshelpphone.ca

4

Want to register for an Avon Maitland School?

If you are new to the community and want to register your child in an Avon Maitland school, contact your local secondary school to find out the dates for registration and to make an appointment with a guidance counsellor.

Bring the following information to your meeting: √

Student’s Birth Certificate or Canadian Citizenship document.

Contact the Avon Maitland DSB office at 519-527-0111 OR 1-800-592-5437 for more information or clarification on proof of citizenship.

√

The student’s address including 911 civic address (fire number), lot, concession, county, postal code, and telephone number.

√

Doctor’s name, address and telephone number.

√

Custody information – if applicable.

√

Parents’ place of employment – including daytime telephone number.

√

Emergency contact person and telephone number.

School Directory Central Huron Secondary School

St. Marys District Collegiate and Vocational Institute

F.E. Madill Secondary School

South Huron District High School

Goderich District Collegiate Institute

Stratford Central Secondary School

Listowel District Secondary School

Stratford Northwestern Secondary School

Mitchell District High School

Avon Maitland Distance E-Learning Centre

165 Princess Street East, Clinton N0M 1L0 519-482-3471 yourschools.ca/CHSS 231 Madill Drive, Wingham N0G 2W0 519-357-1800 femadill.com 260 South Street, Goderich N7A 3M5 519-524-7353 yourschools.ca/GDCI

155 Maitland Avenue South, Listowel N4W 2M4 519-291-1880 yourschools.ca/ListowelDistrictSS 95 Frances Street East, Mitchell N0K 1N0 519-348-8495 yourschools.ca/MitchellDistrictHS

338 Elizabeth Street, Box 970, St. Marys N4X 1B6 519-284-1731 yourschools.ca/StMarysDCVI 92 Gidley Street East, Box 820, Exeter N0M 1S6 519-235-0880 http://www.shdhs.ca 60 Andrew Street, Stratford N5A 1A3 519-271-4500 yourschools.ca/StratfordCentralSS

428 Forman Avenue, Stratford N5A 6R7 519-271-9740 yourschools.ca/StratfordNorthwesternSS 62 Chalk Street North, Seaforth N0K 1W0 519-527-0111 http://www.amdec.ca

5

What’s It Take?

For an OSSD, it’s as easy as...

(Ontario Secondary School Diploma)

1

30 credits in total

2

40 hours of community involvement

3

completion of the literacy requirement

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN...

18 compulsories:

» Group 1

» 4 credits in English (one credit per grade) * » 3 credits in mathematics (at least one credit in Grade 11 or 12) » 2 credits in science » 1 credit in Canadian history » 1 credit in Canadian geography » 1 credit in the arts » 1 credit in health and physical education » 1 credit in French as a second language » 0.5 credit in career studies » 0.5 credit in civics Plus one credit from each of the following groups:

1 additional credit in English, or French as a second language, or a Native language, or a classical or an international language, or social sciences and humanities, or Canadian and world studies, or guidance and career education, or cooperative education**

» Group 2

1 additional credit in health and physical education, OR arts OR business studies OR cooperative education**

» Group 3

1 additional credit in science (Grade 11-12) or technological education or computer studies, or cooperative education**

+ 12 optional credits of students choice*** *A maximum of 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English literacy development (ELD) may be counted towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the fourth must be a credit earned for a Grade 12 compulsory English course. **A maximum of 2 credits in cooperative education can count as compulsory credits. ***The 12 optional credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual credit courses.

6

A credit is the way the Ministry of Education recognizes the successful completion of a course.

One credit is earned based on 110 hours of instruction. A credit can only be granted by the principal of a secondary school.

Community Involvement Hours must be completed, unpaid, outside normal school hours. Grade 9 students will receive the 40 Hour Community Involvement Record.

For an OSSC (Ontario Secondary School Certificate)

7

+

compulsory credits » » » » » »

7

optional credits

2 credits in English 1 credit in mathematics 1 credit in science 1 credit in Canadian history or geography 1 credit in the arts 1 credit in health and physical education

For an OSSCA (Ontario Secondary School Certificate of Accomplishment) This certificate recognizes achievement for students who plan to pursue certain vocational programs or other kinds of community integration.

Substitutions: Principals may replace up

to three compulsory credit courses with courses from the list of compulsory categories that meet the requirement. Substitutions are granted on an individual basis.

The literacy test is based on Ontario curriculum expectations for reading and writing in all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Students, who are unsuccessful, will be able write the test again, or to take the equivalent OSSLC. Students write the test in Grade 10.

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) is available to students who are unsuccessful in passing the literacy test. OSSLC can count as the Grade 12 Compulsory English credit.

7

The Choice is Yours!

It is important that young people find work that is rewarding, dignifying, and allows them to become valuable contributors to our communities. This search may lead directly to work, to an apprenticeship, to college or to university. Which pathway will you choose?

A pathway is designed to lead a student to a particular destination. This does not mean the student will always end up at that destination. Students should be free to make new choices as they develop new interests, skills and abilities. Thoughtful course selection with a realistic examination of interests and abilities is an important aspect of a successful pathway. Sometimes, parents and students are influenced by how society views success in secondary school. Often, success is perceived to be completion of college or university. It is important to realize that these goals may not match the strengths and needs of all students. Many will find rewarding opportunities in direct entry to the world of work or apprenticeship. We need only to look at our own communities to see entrepreneurs and skilled trades people who have expanded their knowledge base.

What is a Program Pathway?

+ Your interests, skills, goals, needs and preferred learning styles

8

=

+ Appropriate course selection and meaningful curriculum

Knowledge, skills and experiences appropriate for your desired postsecondary destination

your program pathway

It’s Time to Plan!

Follow these steps to make decisions about your program pathway.

Parents, you can guide your child through the following steps to help them make the best decision and to take responsibility for the outcomes. Talk positively to your child about their interests, skills and abilities, and how they may relate to the workplace.

Start with the end in mind

Reflect – Time for a reality check

Build your Pathway to Success

√ Talk to parents, family members and friends about different kinds √ Check the chart to see that the √ Talk to a guidance counsellor in of work. job that interests you is in line with your secondary school now that √ Look at the Career and Educational your learning style. you have decided your probable Pathway Planner chart on the √ Make any necessary changes to destination (work,college, centrefold to find possible jobs that your plan so far. apprenticeship, university). may interest you. √ Visit www.successforlife.ca for √ Be sure to examine a variety of more information on building your possibilities. pathway. √ Use this chart to discover the type(s) of post-secondary education, if any, that your choices require. √ Use this chart to identify the secondary school courses appropriate to realize your goals.

Research about YOU √ What is your learning style? Use the Get Connected: E-Resources page to determine how you learn best (by seeing, hearing and/or doing). √ Look at your report card marks, EQAO scores and other test/ evaluation results. √ Gather information from your teachers, past and present. In which type of course do they think you will be most successful?

Make on honest, informed decision √ Decide what type of course matches your learning style best.

Remember, one course type is not better than the other. They just lead to different destinations based on different learning styles.

9

T

NTR O L

NTRO L

E CO

E CO

AK

AK

T

Arts, Communication and Recreation

Business, Finance, Sales and Service

Health, Natural and Applied Sciences

Information Technology

Social Sciences, Government and Human Services

Trade, Transport and Industrial Technologies

Career and Educational Pathway Planner

Career Pathway Description

10

T

Grade 10 Suggested Electives

Grade 9 Suggested Electives

NTRO L

NTRO L

E CO

E CO

AK

AK

T

Introduction to Computer Studies

www.successforlife.ca

Introduction to Computer Studies

Year 1

Year 2

Years 3, 4, (5)

Planning Your Pathway Post - Secondary

Depending on which pathway you choose in secondary school, you will be working your way towards: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) Ontario Secondary School Certificate of Accomplishment (OSSCA)

Flexibility is possible in most subjects to allow students to make pathway changes. More information is available from the Student Services Department in your secondary school.

12

Course Types Explained You will need to select specific types of courses in grade 9. The information below will give you an idea of what course type is best for you. If you are uncertain, ask your teacher for assistance, or contact your secondary school Student Services Department.

Type of Course

Description

Course Codes (examples)

course codes explained...

ENG 1P These three letters identify the subject

Subject Codes:

The first letter in the course code stands for the course’s department area:

This number identifies the grade: 3 = grade 11 1 = grade 9 2 = grade 10 4 = grade 12

A = Arts B = Business C = Canadian & World Studies E = English F = French as a second language G = Guidance and Career Education H = Social Sciences and the Humanities I = Computer Studies K = Non-Credit Courses L = International Languages M = Mathematics N = Native Studies P = Health and Physical Education S = Sciences T = Technological Studies

Every course in secondary school has a unique COURSE CODE. All courses have the first five characters as mandated by the Ministry of Education.

14

This letter identifies the type/pathway:

Grade 9-10

D = Academic P = Applied L = Locally Developed O = Open

Grade 11-12

E = Workplace U = University C = College M = University/College O = Open

? uh

H

how to read a timetable...

Sample Timetable Period 1

ENG1Pa Mr. L. Jackson 301

Section Indicator Course Code

Period 2

MFM1Pc Ms. J. VanCamp 259

Room Number

LUNCH

Gender Specific Course (Phys Ed only)

Period 3

PPL1OFb Ms. C. Lee 250

Period Number

Period 4

TIJ1Oe Mr. B. Sanderson 126

Teacher’s Name

Period length will vary depending on each school’s daily schedule

15

Student Success Every secondary school has a Student Success Team which works to ensure that every student has a successful secondary school experience.

Members of the SS Team include the principal (or viceprincipal), Guidance, Student Success and Special Education Teachers. Student Success Teams develop credit rescue, credit recovery and transitional plans with students. They make sure that programs and activities are in place to help every student be successful.

Student Services Guidance Counsellors are teachers with special training who provide assistance with choosing courses, postsecondary plans and personal issues. Parents and students are encouraged to seek the support of the Student Services Department.

Special Education A wide variety of programs and services are available for students with special education needs. These programs and services focus on specific needs of students and create opportunities to develop their individual potential. They are developed in partnership with parents and guardians in an atmosphere of cooperation and respect. Parents and students, please contact your secondary school’s Special Education Department for more information about specific school programs.

16

skills 4 success...

Attendance Recommendations • Attend school each day • Arrive for class on time If you • Miss school • Have more absences noted on report card than expected Then • Discuss attendance record with school administration • Develop a plan to ensure regular attendance • Ensure school work for absences is brought home, completed and submitted

Homework & Assignment Submission Recommendations • Amount of time spent on assigned homework depends on student’s needs, subject, school schedule, proximity to tests, exams and assigned homework due dates • Complete and submit all assignments for assessment If you • Do not complete assigned homework regularly • Do not submit assignments for assessment Then • Be sure you understand the homework or assignment • Seek additional help from your teacher • visit www.gsc2.amdsb.ca for homework help

Organization & Time Management Recommendations • Take accurate notes and keep binder well organized • Use an agenda to plan assignments, projects, and tests • Manage study time and begin to prepare well in advance If you • Do not have or use an agenda • Have disorganized or incomplete notes Then • Get an agenda • Seek help to set up a time management and organizational plan • Monitor use of your agenda and notebook Parents, you can help your child experience success by encouraging the development of these skills.

Get Connected: E-Resources Exploring All Pathways

Exploring Training & Careers

iQuizzes www.jobsetc.ca

Success for Life www.successforlife.ca

Career Cruising: Explore Careers www.careercruising.com

National Occupation Classification www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

•

•

Human Resources and Social Development Canada www.hrsdc.gc.ca

•

•

comprehensive website from the Avon Maitland District School Board addresses all destinations – apprenticeship, college, university, and work links to many other informative and interactive sites including myblueprint.ca

Exploring Your Learning Style Career Pro News www.careerpronews.com •

•

•

comprehensive and interactive career guidance resource includes interests and skills inventories; in-depth profiles of hundreds of different occupations; detailed information on colleges, universities, and apprenticeships; multimedia interviews with people in many occupations contact the school for information about the username and password

AMDSB: Program & Course Calendars http://www.yourschools.ca/students/ secondarycoursecalendars.htm

Apprenticeships www.apprenticesearch.com

provides tools to help young people develop skills and knowledge about themselves, career alternatives, career and life planning, personal management and service to their community

Mazemaster: Self Assessment www.mazemaster.on.ca

Glossary OSR – Ontario Student Record

The official school record for a student. The OSR contains achievement results, credits earned, diploma requirements completed, and other information important to the education of the student.

OST – Ontario Student Transcript

This document is an official summary of a student’s achievement in Ontario secondary school courses. A current, accurate and complete copy of the OST is included within the Ontario Student Record.

Prerequisite

A prerequisite course is a course that you must successfully complete before taking the next course.

OYAP – Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

OYAP is a special cooperative education program which enables senior students to register as Ontario apprentices and gain secondary school credits while enrolled in Avon Maitland secondary schools.

Students must be 16 years of age and be enrolled full-time in grades 11 or 12.

17

Heather Hovius - Apprenticeship (LDSS) Heather Hovius is the youngest in her family of four and lives on a farm outside of Listowel. All four of her grandparents immigrated from Holland and settled on farms in the area. Both of her parents attended Listowel District Secondary School.

Heather is a member of the LDSS Choral Ensemble and Chamber Choir. She loves reading and going to work in the woodshop. Her favourite sport is soccer.

T

High school has provided her with many opportunities to explore her talents and interests. She describes her NT teachers as kind and considerate and says they E CO ROL K A helped her on the journey toward her goal of becoming a cabinetmaker.

“All through high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I enjoyed many different courses. Eventually, through a coop placement, I decided that I wanted to apprentice as a cabinetmaker. I am currently apprenticing through OYAP, while finishing my final year at secondary school.”

For the last two years Mr. van Leeuwen, her woodworking teacher has had a significant impact on her life. He was lways willing to give up part of his lunch hour to help students with their wood projects.

Heather would give the following advice to students at LDSS , “Take every opportunity that comes your way. You may not like it at the time but twenty years down the road, you’ll regret not taking that opportunity.”

Chaney Aitcheson - College E AK

(MDHS)

CONTROL

T

High school has been a great experience for Chaney. He has enjoyed the freedom to explore different courses and experiences and particularly the chance to play sports. In fact, some of Chaney’s best memories include winning Huron-Perth Basketball and competing in WOSSAA for golf. He loves to golf and competed in the Canadian Nationals in Ingersoll this past summer.

School has helped to prepare him for his life direction but he also appreciates his part-time work experience that has allowed him to see how a business really functions and realize what needs to be done to be successful.

In thinking of his future career and life, Chaney wanted to do something he loves. He has a great passion for golf and has discovered the Golf Facility Operations programme at Georgian College. He credits his family with helping him achieve his goals. They have supported him living his dreams in every way.

18

Katey Potter - University (SHDHS)

In the movie, Hope Floats, Sandra Bullock said “Beginnings are scary and endings are usually sad, but it’s what you do in between that counts.” This quotation accurately describes Katey Potter’s high school experience.

A grade twelve student at South Huron District High School, Katey says she was terrified of coming to high school, but now as graduation approaches, she is beginning to realize what she will be leaving behind. She has two brothers; Will, in grade nine and Mac, attending Lakehead University in Thunder Bay majoring in Environmental Sciences.

Entering high school she never intended to become involved, but as luck would have she is now Student Council Premier. She is most proud of the “Sea of Red” shirt campaign launched this year to encourage school spirit. Katey has been fortunate to participate in two trips to Europe, both organized by the Canadian and World Studies department and it was these two trips that instilled in her the greatest sense of pride for our country and veterans. She is extremely thankful for these opportunities and would encourage everyone, if there’s an opportunity to travel, to take it.

T

Her “in between” of high school has been extraordinary, and it is the experiences she’s had in high school that have made her the person she is today. Throughout high school she was involved with the rugby team, Habitat for Humanity, the Video Club, Senior Concert Band and Student Council. And to top it off she has had the opportunity to travel to Chicago, Ottawa, England, Belgium, France and Italy.

E AK

CONTROL

T

Her “in between” prepared her for her ending at South Huron and a new beginning at university where she intends to study International Development and Human Rights. It is her goal to work for the United Nations and try to give other people the opportunity to experience some of the things she has experienced. Katey says, “I could not have asked for a better high school experience.”

E AK

CONTROL

Mackenzie Baker is in his fifth year at CHSS. He completed his OSSD after four years but decided to return to CHSS for two courses: math and history.

He believed that having a grade 12 math would be of value in the workplace and if he ever decided to apply to college he would have grade 12 math and English. He wanted to take history because it is one of his favourite courses.

Mackenzie Baker - Work (CHSS)

Mackenzie has lived in Clinton his entire life and comes from a family of six children. His sister is in grade 10 and the rest of his siblings are either working or pursuing post secondary education.

Mackenzie loves to be actively involved in sports. In the summer he plays soccer and in the winter he passionately plays and referees his favourite sport of hockey – this interest has led him to a potential career. Mackenzie’s first involvement with hockey began at the young age of four when he played for the Clinton Little League hockey team. Mackenzie played on travel hockey teams throughout elementary and secondary school. At the age of 14, he began refereeing hockey at the local Clinton arena and is now refereeing out of town games. He feels that he has the right temperament to make a good referee as he is able to adequately cope with the hassles of refereeing by being able to deal with angry players, coaches and parents. After taking his Level 3 refereeing certification, he hopes to pursue refereeing as a part time career. Mackenzie has plans to move to a larger centre, get a part time job during the day and work as a referee at night. We wish Mackenzie all the best in his pursuit of refereeing hockey at the national and international level.

19

Avon Maitland

Avon Maitland

District School Board

62 Chalk Street North Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0 yourschools.ca

1-800-592-5437

Š 2010