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A College Student’s Guide to Time Management

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A College Student’s Guide to Time Management

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Mastering the Clock: A College Student’s Guide to Time Management

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Mastering the Clock: A College Student’s Guide to Time Management

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Balancing Act: Stress Management Tips for College

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FCPS schools offer SAT exam opportunities

SAT Weekend Exams

FCPS schools host SAT exams on weekends throughout the year. Saturday exams are open to any student through registration with College Board, including students attending private schools, home instruction, and other school divisions. Saturday testing allows students to register for the essay option and for subject area tests.

Weekend test dates and location in our region can be found through the SAT Test Center Search. Look for testing sites in our geographic area.

SAT School Day for Grade 12

FCPS high schools host SAT School Day for grade 12 students in October. SAT School Day is offered at no charge to FCPS twelfth graders. The essay option and subject area tests are not available during the SAT School Day.

The date for the SAT School Day for school year 2022-23 is Wednesday, October 12.

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FCPS schools offer SAT exam opportunities FCPS schools host SAT exams on weekends throughout the year. Saturday exams are open to any student through registration with College Board, including students attending private schools, home instruction, and other school divisions. Saturday testing allows students to register for the essay option and for subject area tests.

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Book Pack: Back to School High School Edition 

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Book Pack: Back to School High School Edition 

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Student and Adult Well-Being Are Key to Positive Conditions for Learning - Attendance Works

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When positive conditions for learning are in place students are more motivated to attend and engage in learning. In collaboration with AIR, Attendance Works developed a graphic (see figure) showing how chronic absence is a sign that positive conditions of learning are missing. Attendance Works Execu…

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This web page is being translated through "machine translation" using Google Translate. [ Disclaimer]

The 2021-2022 School Year In-Person Tutor List is updated monthly. Please email the Parent Resource Center for a list of available in-person tutors.

The FCPS Parent Resource Center (PRC) Tutor List contains the names of FCPS employees who hold a valid and current teaching license in Virginia and want to tutor after their contracted school day.

Tutors:

Must apply every year.

Are current FCPS employees

Are private, independent contractors who provide instructional services to the public for a fee.

May not provide services during school hours or on FCPS property (unless they have paid the appropriate rental fees).

Staff interested in tutoring should visit the FCPS Tutoring Hub page.

Parents:

Email the PRC for the list of tutors.

Parents who want to hire one of these instructors should make arrangements directly with the tutor. FCPS is not responsible for these arrangements.

FCPS cannot guarantee the instructors' licensure status, the content of their private tutoring services, suitability for a particular child, or costs.

Neither the PRC nor anyone else at FCPS will make recommendations about the relative merits of the instructors.

More Information:

Parents are not required to hire any of these instructors, and students do not need to use their services in order to succeed in FCPS.

Claims or concerns about tutor services should be raised directly with the tutor, not FCPS.

This list is a resource offered by the PRC, but parents are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employees may not tutor or provide private instruction to their own students for private compensation. Please see Regulation 4705 (PDF)

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Parent Resource Center In-Person Tutor List

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This web page is being translated through "machine translation" using Google Translate. [ Disclaimer] The 2021-2022 School Year In-Person Tutor List is updated monthly. Please email the Parent Resource Center for a list of available in-person tutors.

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Tips for Getting a Good Start in High School 

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Tips for Getting a Good Start in High School 

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Like the fireman whose clothes and boots are laid out so he can jump on the truck at a moment's notice, getting yourself organized and ready for a new school year can really help you get off to a good start. In high school, you can expect more homework and less oversight from parents and teachers. It's up to you to structure your own time and study routines, and how you do that makes all the difference in how successful you'll be. Study habits that are effective for you - realistic about your strengths and weaknesses - will leave mind space available for the reason you go to school: to learn. Here are some tips:

Be realistic about time. If you're starting at a new school, do a run-through of your schedule so you will know the best route to classes and how much time you will need to get there.

Buy an academic planner/calendar with large daily blocks in which to write your assignments and class schedule. Get in the habit of writing assignments in them while you are still in class, as teachers are writing or handing them out, to cut the risk that you'll forget.

In your planner, mark out blocks of time for each assignment. Get in the habit of timing your assignments so you can realistically estimate how long it takes to, say, do math problems or write an essay or read 50 pages. In this way, you will soon be able to accurately mark out those blocks.

Plan manageable chunks of time to work, not one long slog. This will lower your resistance to settling down to work and you'll get positive reinforcement each time you finish a chunk.

Use color-coding for each subject. This will allow you to see at a glance which classes require the most attention on a given day, week, or month. The colors work as an "eye opener" to focus your attention on what needs to be done.

Schedule personal time as well as work time in your planner. It's important to put aside time for things you want to do, so that you know that school work isn't taking all the fun out of your life. If your activities have their "own space," you won't have to take time away from fun to do your work. There's time for both!

Schedule weekends as well as weekdays. If you set aside blocks of time for work during the weekend you'll see clearly that there's plenty of time left for other things you want to do.

Use a timer. If you're planning to read for a half hour, you won't waste a lot of time and energy looking at the clock all the time, and you can focus more on what you're reading.

Be realistic about when you're going to get up. Don't schedule a big block of study time for 8-11 Saturday morning if you're basically never awake at that time. If you do manage to get up, you'll resent not getting enough sleep; if you don't, you'll feel badly about oversleeping.

Be strategic about work and play. If you're going to dinner and a movie with friends on Saturday night, reserve 1-4pm for studying. You'll have an incentive to concentrate while you're working, and afterwards will be able to go out without worrying about work.

Schedule breaks. Give yourself a break every half hour when you're working, but don't do something you could get pulled into, like checking email or talking on the phone. Do something physical - shoot some hoops or make the bed or get a snack - but something over which you have control.

Set up your environment to work for you. Prepare a space in which to work with a full set of supplies; this will be a real time and energy saver and will help prevent procrastination.

Consider your sound track. Some people need white noise to concentrate effectively, others music, others complete silence. Know what works and let it work for you!

Get a big wall calendar to post in your room. This is for long-term assignments, because seeing things on paper, in color, can help you become a strategic planner and get your tasks done in a timely manner.

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Tips for Getting a Good Start in High School | Child Mind Institute

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Like the fireman whose clothes and boots are laid out so he can jump on the truck at a moment's notice, getting yourself organized and ready for a new school year can really help you get off to a good start. In high school, you can expect more homework and less oversight from parents and teachers.

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Freshman year of high school is a BIG transition. You'll move to a new building, take more intense classes, meet new people, and start seriously thinking about your future.

This year sets the stage for success in high school and in college. Get a preview of what you can expect academically and what college prep milestones should be on your radar.

Your High School Freshman Year Goals

1. Up Your Study Game

High school usually brings more homework, including multi-step projects that will require some planning. If you figure out how to get good grades now, you'll be on the right track for the rest of high school. Put together a calendar so that you can manage your workload and know that our expert tutors are on call for you 24/7 if you need homework help.

2. Take Challenging Courses

If you want to take AP courses later on, now is the time to work hard and earn great grades. Take a look at your school's course offerings, and make sure you are on track to take the most challenging high school schedule you can and still have success. Remember, a B in an AP or Honors Class is usually better for your GPA than an A in a standard class.

3. Choose a Few Extracurriculars

Did you play soccer in middle school or snap photos for the yearbook? Keep it up! High school is also a great time to try something new. Don't clutter your schedule with a ton of extracurricular activities, though. Colleges would much rather see you excited about a few meaningful activities than marginally involved with a long list of clubs. They also love to see students demonstrate leadership skills, so choose activities where you can grow and possibly take on a leadership role.

4. Write up a Storm

Top-notch writing and vocabulary skills will serve you across the board from research papers and lab reports for your high school courses to standardized tests and college applications. Learn how to outline and draft your essays now, and practice polishing your work to eliminate typos and other errors.

5. Find Your People

Chances are it's been years since your parents have solved a logarithmic expression. So who can you lean on if you get stuck? Maintain good relationships with your teachers and make sure that you're aware of any services your school offers for academic support. Know the signs you need a tutor -it's never too late to get homework help online!

6. Relax!

Freshman year is a time to get acclimated, not add the stress and worry of taking unnecessary tests (even the PSAT®). Instead, find time to get enough sleep, eat healthy food, and focus on getting used to the new and exciting challenges you'll experience in high school.

Stuck on homework?

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The Staff of The Princeton Review

For more than 35 years, students and families have trusted The Princeton Review to help them get into their dream schools. We help students succeed in high school and beyond by giving them resources for better grades, better test scores, and stronger college applications. Follow us on Twitter: @ThePrincetonRev.

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Freshman year of high school is a BIG transition. You'll move to a new building, take more intense classes, meet new people, and start seriously thinking about your future. This year sets the stage for success in high school and in college.

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Varsity Tutors – Online Tutoring Services

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Access free resources like on-demand chat tutoring and online classes through Varsity Tutors.

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Given the unique circumstances of the 2020-21 school year, essential standards by grade and by course have been identified as the most critical content students will learn by the end of the school year.

High School is a time for students to a consider a future path. Will it be one that leads to higher education? Perhaps to a four-year college and a bachelor's degree? A community college and an associates degree? Or is a student ready to enter the workforce after technical training and internship opportunities?

The FCPS Portrait of a Graduate strategic plan guides the school system to develop programs that allow our students to become global thinkers, communicators and collaborators. From the core curriculum to our Career and Technical Education programs, everything that the schools do is in the hope of sending FCPS graduates out into the world well-equipped for success, no matter what their path or passion.

High school counselors are available provide information, explain options and give support to students and families. Contact information for the schools can be found in the Schools and Centers Directory.

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Given the unique circumstances of the 2020-21 school year, essential standards by grade and by course have been identified as the most critical content students will learn by the end of the school year. High School is a time for students to a consider a future path.

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Preparing for life after high school requires research, exploration, and planning. To meet the increasing demands of the 21st century workforce, students must be ready!

Student success is individualized. It is based on achieving goals, and determining the best fit and match in postsecondary planning to achieve those goals. Students today are preparing for jobs that don't yet exist. The undreamed-of is becoming commonplace! Citizens of the world need to be designers and creators. Discover your potential by exploring options now to prepare for an ever-changing world. Let's begin the journey today!

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Preparing for life after high school requires research, exploration, and planning. To meet the increasing demands of the 21st century workforce, students must be ready! Student success is individualized. It is based on achieving goals, and determining the best fit and match in postsecondary planning to achieve those goals.

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Many CTE courses prepare students for industry certification opportunities.

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Alternative and Nontraditional School Programs

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Programs include alternative high schools and learning centers, the Interagency Alternative School (IAS), the AIM Program (Achievement, Integrity, and Maturity), state programs, out-of-school support, and the adult high school.

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High School Success: A Strategic Transition from MS to HS

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High School Success: A Strategic Transition from MS to HS

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High School Success: A Strategic Transition from MS to HS

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Ah, the big day you've been waiting for is almost here-high school! As the day gets closer and closer, you may be wondering how you can best prepare for the new world you're about to experience. Not to worry. There are plenty of things you can do to get ready for high school. To make it easy for you, we've put together a handy list of helpful suggestions you can use to make sure you're fully prepared.

Talk to any friends you have that are going to the same high school and make plans to meet up on the first day so you have some familiar faces around you.

This article was co-authored by Jai Flicker. Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego. This article has been viewed 61,799 times.

To get ready for high school, visit your school early if possible so you can get an idea of where your classes and locker are without the stress of everyone else being around. During summer activities and orientation, chat with other freshmen since they may end up being your classmates, and it'll be nice to have some friendly faces to recognize. Before your classes start, try and set a healthy routine of at least 8 hours of sleep and a healthy diet of three meals a day so you'll have the right mood and energy to be successful. You can also grab a planner and set up your desk at home with all the supplies you might need so you're already ready to go when you get your first assignments. For more tips, including how to strengthen your critical thinking and mathematical skills before high school, scroll down!

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 61,799 times.

"I'm starting freshman year in a few months, so I needed to know how to get ready and how to enjoy myself in school. Do add that you should embrace the small but funny moments in class! " ..." more

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12 Ways to Get Ready for High School - wikiHow

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Ah, the big day you've been waiting for is almost here-high school! As the day gets closer and closer, you may be wondering how you can best prepare for the new world you're about to experience. Not to worry. There are plenty of things you...

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4 Ways to Know What to Expect for the First Day of High School

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4 Ways to Know What to Expect for the First Day of High School

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Starting high school can be scary, and it's perfectly normal to feel nervous. Stay positive, and remember that your new classmates feel nervous, too. Before your first day, try to learn about your new school by checking out its website and social media pages. Go to orientation, where you'll receive your schedule, maps, and other info. Start conversations with new people, and do your best not to be intimidated by upperclassmen and teachers. By the end of the day, your workload might seem overwhelming, but you'll get used to having a little more homework. Once you get settled, you'll wonder why you were ever nervous!

Add New Question

How should you act on the first day of high school?

Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.

Be yourself. When it comes to interacting with others, be a good listener. Look people in the eye when they speak and try to not interrupt anyone. If there are any class discussions, try to participate. In the hallways and at lunch, chat with your classmates. So long as you're friendly and respectful, you'll be fine.

Hi. My name is Samuel. Please tell me what do I expect for the first day of high school because I am extremely nervous and I already have enough anxiety. Can anybody help me to not be nervous about it

Just remember everyone else in your class is nervous, too. Try to take deep breathes, imagine being in a relaxing place, and tell yourself that you nervous feelings will pass. If you feel like you can't stop feeling anxious, you can talk to your parents or your school guidance counselor.

How do you deal with bullies?

If you feel unsafe or that you can't handle a bully on your own, talk to a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult. If possible, just ignore them. Don't let them make you feel like you're any less of a person. Remember that they're probably being mean because of their own insecurities or because they want to look cool.

1. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. Academic & School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.

2. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. Academic & School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA. Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. This article has been viewed 165,076 times.

To know what to expect for the first day of high school, visit your school's website to get an idea of the buildings and grounds, and see pictures of your teachers and classmates. Additionally, attend your freshman orientation, where you'll meet your classmates and receive helpful information, such as your class schedule. You should also look at the school map before your first day so you know where your classes are. For tips on how to start talking to new people on your first day, keep reading!

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 165,076 times.

Cassidy Siveu

"Thx helped me few lease stressed about starting highschool!"

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4 Ways to Know What to Expect for the First Day of High School

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Starting high school can be scary, and it's perfectly normal to feel nervous. Stay positive, and remember that your new classmates feel nervous, too. Before your first day, try to learn about your new school by checking out its website and...

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Entering high school can be nerve-racking, especially given that movie and television portrayals of those years have historically included students being shoved into lockers and divided by social cliques.

"A lot of things you hear about high schools are just urban legends," says Jeff R. Sherrill, lead for community engagement at the National Association of Secondary School Principals' department of student leadership.

Students will face both social and academic changes as they move into their final four years of compulsory schooling, including increased accountability for their academics and time management. Here are 10 tips from experts to ease the adjustment from middle school to high school.

1. Learn the School

Prior to the start of classes, many high schools offer an orientation to rising ninth graders. Take the time to explore the building - noting the location of your classrooms and locker, as well as the gym, lunchroom and school nurse and counselor offices, experts say. If you have your locker assignment, practice opening it.

Orientation also provides a chance to meet your peers and teachers.

2. Challenge Yourself

Experts advise students to pick classes that challenge them, but not to the point where it's overwhelming. To understand what type of load you can take on, consider the whole picture, including your home responsibilities and extracurricular activities.

"I know the transition is scary and every student's experience is going to be individualized," says Richard Tench, a school counselor at Saint Albans High School in West Virginia and chair of the American School Counselor Association's board of directors. "I think that all students and parents alike need to really reflect on how their middle school years went," looking in particular at test scores and demonstrated work ethic.

3. Pick Classes of Interest

Freshmen usually have limited choices for their classes compared to upperclassmen. But to the extent possible, it's important to pick classes that interest you. Electives, for example, are a way for students to explore their passions or develop new skills.

"I understand there's some kids who enter ninth grade already thinking about college and what colleges want to see," says Kimberly Greer, principal at Langley High School in Virginia. "Really at this point, they need to get to know where their interests and passions lie. It's really a great time during that freshman year to begin to explore and to answer those questions by way of the elective."

4. Get Organized

Compared to middle school, high school comes with more assignments, tests, group projects and activities. It can be easy to lose track of deadlines, so find a way to stay organized, experts say.

Be sure to track important dates on an online or paper calendar or get a planner, for instance.

5. Connect With Upperclassmen

Some schools pair freshmen with seniors as part of a mentorship program. But ninth graders can also make the effort to connect with an upperclassman - like a friend's older sibling, a neighbor, fellow club member or teammate - on their own.

"Just keep in mind that the upperclassmen were freshmen, too," Sherrill says. "It's not like you're the first one to go through this. There are students that can share their stories, be helpful and give good tips."

6. Stay True to Your Values

Students may face pressure to fit into a certain mold in high school. But don't let that dissuade you from sticking to your values and passions, experts say.

"Just being yourself is so incredibly important and powerful," says Stephanie Owens, executive director of Reach Higher and vice president of student advocacy and engagement at the Common App. "The middle school to high school transition is tough because you're figuring out who you are and who you want to be. Recognize that is totally OK."

7. Connect With Others Through Activities

High schools offer a number of activities throughout the year, including sporting events, concerts, plays and pep rallies. Attend these activities when you can - go with friends or use the opportunity to meet other students. You can also connect with peers by participating in a club, honor society or volunteering.

"Find a way to make the large school community a small one," Greer says.

But don't just join a number of clubs to boost your college application, as it can lead to burnout. Instead, find a select few that you're interested in. College admissions officers "are going to know that you just did them because you were checking off boxes," Owens says. "So be intentional about how you're using your time."

8. Build Relationships With Teachers and Staff

As soon as the bell rings, students are generally in a hurry to leave the classroom. But instead, take the time after classes to get to know your teachers and counselors. Developing those relationships can ease the transition and be helpful in the long run - especially as students start to apply to colleges.

"We often see teachers within schools that actually attend events that kids are involved in, be it performing arts performances or sports," Greer says. "If you see your teacher at an event, make sure to acknowledge that. Tell them thank you because they are there in support and have an interest in seeing you do well."

Sometimes it's "hard to connect with teachers on an academic level since some students are only at school because they have to be there," Tench says. Participating in a club is another way to relate to teachers over shared interests.

9. Prioritize Your Mental Health

The coronavirus pandemic took a toll on the mental health of many teenagers and young adults. Thirty-seven percent of students at public and private high schools, for instance, experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021 report. Female and LGBTQ high school students were more likely to report feelings of sadness or hopelessness within the last year than their peers.

Experts advise students not to be afraid to seek out help, as most schools have mental health resources and services available, including counselors, psychologists and social workers.

"There are so many big emotions that happen from your freshman year of high school to your senior year of high school," Owens says. "The development that just your body goes through is huge. So take care of yourself mentally, physically, socially. But absolutely pay attention to your mental health."

10. Be Present

Some students enter high school with their eyes already on college. But stay in the moment and make the most of your four years in high school.

"If you have a bad day, remember a bad day only lasts 24 hours," Sherrill says. "It's a moment in time and then you go on. Enjoy your high school career. Figure out ways to make it fabulous."

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Entering high school can be nerve-racking, especially given that movie and television portrayals of those years have historically included students being shoved into lockers and divided by social cliques. "A lot of things you hear about high schools are just urban legends," says Jeff R.

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Teacher Offers Best Advice for High School Freshman

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Teacher Offers Best Advice for High School Freshman

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Teacher Offers Best Advice for High School Freshman

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An English teacher writes a top-ten list of advice for high school freshmen including these two: build relationships from the very beginning and be honest.

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How to Survive Your Freshman Year in High School

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How to Survive Your Freshman Year in High School

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The transition from middle school to high school can be exciting, but the change can be scary for a lot of people. Remember, every other person out here has gone through the same thing that you're going to experience, and you will survive. In fact, you'll flourish! There's a lot to look forward to in high school. You have more freedom, you may find your first boyfriend or girlfriend, and you'll make friends who will stick with you for life. Try to look at the bright side and don't worry.

Here are 12 tips for surviving (and thriving) during your freshman year of high school.

Add New Question

What can I do to turn things around if I'm always late?

Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.

Remember, all you can do is show up on time, go to your classes, and hope for the best. There aren't any hidden tricks or hacks here. You have to get to class on time and put the work in to do well.

How can I impress teachers on the first day of school?

Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.

Just pay attention. Whether they're lecturing or doing some kind of intro presentation, focus on your teacher. Make eye contact, keep your desk organized, and ask questions. If you're engaged, your teachers will be impressed.

How should I introduce myself to classmates?

Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine.

Just say your full name. If there are any ice-breaker questions you can answer those, but you don't need to say anything else. You can also tell your classmates what your preferred pronouns are, depending on whether that's important to you or not.

See more answers

Don't worry too much about being cool. Even if you aren't the most popular kid in your class, you're really not missing out on anything. Be yourself and you'll have a grand time in high school!

If you're given a map of the school, use it! Plan out the routes between classes so you know where you're going on the first official day of school. It can help to hold on to this map in a folder and carry that around when transitioning between classes until you can memorize the layout.

1. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.

2. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.

3. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.

4. ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. This article has been viewed 1,241,243 times.

If you're worried about surviving your freshman year of high school, start by being outgoing and friendly to people in your classes. It may be a little scary at first, but it's okay to say hi to somebody sitting next to you and try to strike up a conversation with them. Along with having a social life, make sure to have a solid study plan so that you can survive academically. For example, take good notes in class and spend a few minutes every day reviewing them so you'll be ready when it's time for quizzes and tests. For tips on how to get ready for your freshman year before the first day of school, keep reading!

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,241,243 times.

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12 Ways to Survive Your Freshman Year in High School - wikiHow

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The transition from middle school to high school can be exciting, but the change can be scary for a lot of people. Remember, every other person out here has gone through the same thing that you're going to experience, and you will survive....

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10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in High School

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10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in High School

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Parents can play a vital role in helping teens succeed in school by being informed and lending a little support and guidance. Even though teens are seeking independence, parental involvement is an important ingredient for academic success.

Here are 10 ways to keep your teen on track to succeed in high school.

1. Attend Back-to-School Night and Parent-Teacher Conferences

Teens do better in school when parents support their academic efforts. Attending your school's open house or back-to-school night is a great way to get to know your teen's teachers and their expectations. School administrators may discuss school-wide programs and policies, and post-high school options that parents and guardians of juniors and seniors need to know about.

Attending parent-teacher conferences is another way to stay informed, although in high school, staff usually set these up only when parental involvement is needed to address issues like behavior problems, falling below grade-level expectations, or alternatively, benefiting from advanced class work.

If your teen has special learning or behavioral needs, meetings can be scheduled with teachers and other school staff to consider setting up or revising individualized education plans (IEPs), 504 education plans, or gifted education plans.

Keep in mind that parents or guardians can request meetings with teachers, principals, school counselors, or other school staff any time during the school year.

2. Visit the School and Its Website

Knowing the physical layout of the school building and grounds can help you connect with your teen when you talk about the school day. It's good to know the location of the main office, school nurse, cafeteria, gym, athletic fields, auditorium, and special classes.

On the school website, you can find information about:

the school calendar

contacting school staff

special events like dances and class trips

testing dates

current grades and missing assignments

sign-up information and schedules for sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities

student resources for life after high school

Many teachers maintain their own websites that provide access to textbooks and other resources, and detail homework assignments, and test and quiz dates. Special resources for parents and students are also usually available on the district, school, or teacher websites.

3. Support Homework Expectations

During the high school years, homework gets more intense and grades become critical for college plans. Students planning to attend college also need to prepare for the SATs and/or ACTs. Amid all these changes, many teens are learning how to balance academics with extracurricular activities, social lives, and jobs.

An important way to help is to make sure your teen has a quiet, well-lit, distraction-free place to study that's stocked with supplies. Distraction-free means no phone, TV, or websites other than homework-related resources. Be sure to check in from time to time to make sure that your teen hasn't gotten distracted.

Regularly sit down with your teen to go over class loads and make sure they're balanced, and help him or her stick to a homework and study schedule.

Encourage your teen to ask for help when it's needed. Most teachers are available for extra help before or after school, and also might be able to recommend other resources.

4. Send Your Teen to School Ready to Learn

A nutritious breakfast fuels up teens and gets them ready for the day. In general, teens who eat breakfast have more energy and do better in school.

You can help boost your teen's attention span, concentration, and memory by providing breakfast foods that are rich in whole grains, fiber, and protein, as well as low in added sugar. If your teen is running late some mornings, send along fresh fruit, nuts, yogurt, or a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Many schools provide nutritious breakfast options before the first bell.

Teens also need the right amount of sleep - about 8½ to 9½ hours each night - to be alert and ready to learn all day. But early school start times - on top of schedules packed with classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and friends - mean that it's common for teens to not get enough sleep. Lack of sleep is linked to decreased attentiveness, decreased short-term memory, inconsistent performance, and delayed response time.

Most teens also have a change in their sleep patterns, with their bodies telling them to stay up later at night and wake up later in the morning. Ideally, teens should try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. You can help by reminding your teen before bedtime to turn off the phone and limit video games and TV. Napping during the day can also push bedtimes back, so it's best if teens don't nap after school. Many teens try to catch up on sleep on weekends. But try to keep your teen's sleep and wake times within 2 hours of what they are during the week.

5. Instill Organizational Skills

Learning and mastering the skills of getting organized, staying focused, and seeing work through to the end will help teens in just about everything they do. But this is not usually explicitly taught in high school, so teens can benefit from some parental guidance with organization and time-management skills.

Parents and guardians can help teens keep assignments and class information together in binders, notebooks, or folders that are organized by subject. Creating a calendar will help teens recognize upcoming deadlines and plan their time accordingly. Don't forget to have your teen include non-academic commitments on the calendar, too.

It also helps for teens to make prioritized daily to-do lists, and to study and do homework in a well-lit, quiet, orderly workspace. You can remind your teen that when it comes to studying and homework, multitasking is a time-waster. Working in an environment free of distractions like TV and texts works best.

6. Offer Help With Studying

Planning is key for helping your teen study while juggling assignments in multiple subjects. Since grades really count in high school, planning for studying is crucial for success, particularly when your teen's time is taken up with extracurricular activities.

When there's a lot to study, help your teen to break down tasks into smaller chunks and stick to the studying calendar schedule so he or she isn't studying for multiple tests all in one night. Remind your teen to take notes in class, organize them by subject, and review them at home.

If grades are good, your teen may not need help studying. If grades begin to slip, however, it may be time to step in. Most parents still need to help their teen with organization and studying - don't think that teens can do this on their own just because they're in high school!

You can help your teen review material and study with several techniques, like simple questioning, asking to provide the missing word, and creating practice tests. The more processes the brain uses to handle information - such as writing, reading, speaking, and listening - the more likely the information will be retained. Repeating words, re-reading passages aloud, re-writing notes, or visualizing or drawing information all help the brain retain data.

Even if your teen is just re-reading notes, offer to quiz him or her, focusing on any facts or ideas that are proving troublesome. Encourage your teen to do practice problems in math or science. If the material is beyond your abilities, recommend seeking help from a classmate or the teacher, or consider connecting with a tutor (some schools have free peer-to-peer tutoring programs).

And remember that getting a good night's sleep is smarter than cramming. Recent studies show that students who sacrifice sleep to study are more likely to struggle on tests the next day.

7. Know the Disciplinary and Bullying Policies

All schools have rules and consequences for student behaviors. Schools usually cite disciplinary policies (sometimes called the student code of conduct) in student handbooks. The rules usually cover expectations, and consequences for not meeting the expectations, for things like student behavior, dress codes, use of electronic devices, and acceptable language.

The policies may include details about attendance, vandalism, cheating, fighting, and weapons. Many schools also have specific policies about bullying. It's helpful to know the school's definition of bullying, consequences for bullies, support for victims, and procedures for reporting bullying. Bullying via text or social media should be reported to the school too.

It's important for your teen to know what's expected at school and that you'll support the school's consequences when expectations aren't met. It's easiest for students when school expectations match the ones at home, so they see both environments as safe and caring places that work together as a team.

It's also important to note that educators may call law enforcement officials to the school for serious infractions, and consequences may differ based on students' ages.

8. Get Involved

Volunteering at the high school is a great way to show you're interested in your teen's education.

Keep in mind, though, that while some teens like to see their parents at school or school events, others may feel embarrassed by their parents' presence. Follow your teen's cues to determine how much interaction works for both of you, and whether your volunteering should stay behind the scenes. Make it clear that you aren't there to spy - you're just trying to help out the school community.

Parents and guardians can get involved by:

serving as a grade-level chairperson

organizing and/or working at fundraising activities and other special events, like bake sales, car washes, and book fairs, or working at a concession stand at athletic events

chaperoning field trips, dances, and proms

attending school board meetings

joining the school's parent-teacher group

working as a library assistant

mentoring or tutoring students

reading a story to the class

giving a talk for career day

attending school concerts, plays, and athletic events

Check the school or school district website to find volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Even giving a few hours during the school year can make an impression on your teen.

9. Take Attendance Seriously

Teens should take a sick day if they have a fever, are nauseated, vomiting, or have diarrhea. Otherwise, it's important that they arrive at school on time every day, because having to catch up with class work, projects, tests, and homework can be stressful and interfere with learning.

Teens may have many reasons for not wanting to go to school - bullies, difficult assignments, low grades, social problems, or issues with classmates or teachers. Talk with your teen - and then perhaps with an administrator or school counselor - to find out more about what's causing any anxiety.

Students also may be late to school due to sleep problems. Keeping your teen on a consistent daily sleep schedule can help avoid tiredness and tardiness.

For teens who have a chronic health issue, educators will work with the families and may limit workloads or assignments so students can stay on track. A 504 plan can help teens with medical needs or health concerns be successful at school. Talk to school administrators if you are interested in developing a 504 plan for your child.

10. Make Time to Talk About School

Because many teens spend so much of the day outside the home - at school, extracurricular activities, jobs, or with peers - staying connected with them can be challenging for parents and guardians. While activities at school, new interests, and expanding social circles are central to the lives of high school students, parents and guardians are still their anchors for providing love, guidance, and support.

Make efforts to talk with your teen every day, so he or she knows that what goes on at school is important to you. When teens know their parents are interested in their academic lives, they'll take school seriously as well.

Because communication is a two-way street, the way you talk and listen to your teen can influence how well he or she listens and responds. It's important to listen carefully, make eye contact, and avoid multitasking while you chat. Remember to talk with your teen, not at him or her. Be sure to ask open-ended questions that go beyond "yes" or "no" answers.

Besides during family meals, good times to talk include car trips (though eye contact isn't needed here, of course), walking the dog, preparing meals, or standing in line at a store.

When teens know they can talk openly with their parents, the challenges of high school can be easier to face.

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10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in High School

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Parents can play a vital role in helping teens succeed in school by being informed and lending a little support and guidance. Even though teens are seeking independence, parental involvement is an important ingredient for academic success. Here are 10 ways to keep your teen on track to succeed in high school.

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What to Do in High School to Prepare for College

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What to Do in High School to Prepare for College

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For U.S. high school students, the college preparation, application and decision-making process has long been a source of stress and anxiety, and the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have only made things worse.

In a fall 2020 survey from NBC News and Challenge Success, a school reform nonprofit affiliated with Stanford University, almost 60% of high school respondents said their worries about college had increased during the pandemic, and that number was closer to 70 percent for female students.

Amidst that concerning trend, college administrators and admissions experts point to steps students can take as early as freshman year to best position themselves for college. By starting early and planning wisely, students can avoid having senior year become a source of anguish rather than excitement.

Students can sometimes focus on taking difficult courses to improve their chances of getting into a particular college. But experts emphasize that high schoolers should also spend time exploring potential career interests in order to make the often costly college experience as worthwhile as possible.

"What I want students to be doing in grades nine through 12 is not just challenging themselves," but also "taking advantage of the opportunities that they have," says Michelle Whittingham, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at the University of California-Santa Cruz. "I don't want them to do things that are just for a university or 'I think this will look good.' I want them to think about what they are interested in."

Freshman Year

As students start their high school careers, they should seek out adults who can serve as mentors, says Lisa King, director of the American College Application Campaign, an initiative aimed at increasing the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing higher education.

That means not only connecting with school counselors but also coaches, family members or other adults who "have navigated the path to college and can help answer questions," King says. "It's about finding the adults in your life who will help you over those next four years, who will be your biggest champions. Students shouldn't think they are going to do it alone."

Experts recommend that students create an ongoing list of skills, potential job interests and possible colleges. And they suggest that freshmen begin to get involved in student organizations, where they can later pursue leadership positions.

"That's going to help the individual find their calling," says Monte Randall, president of the College of the Muscogee Nation in Oklahoma, adding that participation in clubs could also lead to scholarship opportunities later in high school.

Sophomore Year

While experts say there are no major distinctions between freshman and sophomore year as far as college preparation, the second year of high school can be a good time to begin taking practice tests for the SAT or ACT. Sophomores can also take the PSAT, the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships.

Students should continue to take rigorous coursework - including Advanced Placement classes if available - and begin to select courses that align with the college path they are considering.

"If they know they want to be a doctor, making sure they are taking the right science courses along the way" is key, says King. "Some colleges will have some of those expectations coming in, that you have certain courses behind you."

Still, while taking AP courses is helpful, students' goals should not just be to take as many of such classes as possible, Whittingham says.

"If you are just focusing on as many AP courses as you can, you may lose other opportunities," Whittingham says. She suggests students keep an ongoing resume highlighting jobs, volunteer work, extracurriculars and other accomplishments - along with reflections on those experiences - because when they apply for college, "it can be challenging to reflect on the prior years effectively."

By reviewing your resume, she says, you might discover that, for example, "maybe I'm a little lopsided. I'm doing too much just focused on academics. What are some leadership skills I might want to build?"

Students should also consider finding an after-school job and community service opportunities to discover a potential career interest and develop more relationships with adults, King says.

"It's a chance for them to build relationships with people outside the classroom ... and get exposure to other types of jobs that exist and just the way you interact with others and function as teams," she says.

Junior Year

While junior year is often associated with college visits, students should tour campuses whenever possible, says MorraLee Keller, senior director of strategic programming for the National College Attainment Network, a nonprofit aimed at closing equity gaps in higher education.

While on campus, students should visit departments connected to their potential areas of study, tour residence halls and find out what support services are available, such as a writing center, Keller says.

For students who are thinking about moving to a new community, it makes "such a difference" to visit in person, King says.

Junior year is also often filled with standardized tests, like the ACT, SAT, PSAT and AP tests. Students can take advantage of test-preparation programs like the free, personalized SAT prep offered by Khan Academy in partnership with the College Board. But staying focused on school coursework is also important, experts say.

"Doing well in the most rigorous curriculum at your high school is really going to be the best step to prepare you for scoring well on tests," says Keller.

In addition to AP classes, students should also seek out dual-enrollment courses if available, Randall says. These are college-level courses that allow students to earn both high school and college credit.

"It gives them an introduction to the college setting," Randall explains. "It gives them a head start towards that degree. It helps them financially."

He also advises students to start researching potential scholarship opportunities to help with the cost of college.

Senior Year

As students begin to apply for college, they should work from a list divided into three categories: reach schools, meaning those that might be more difficult to get into; target schools, which match well with your qualifications; and likely schools, meaning those you are likely to get in to, either because of open enrollment or because you exceed their academic profile.

Students should submit four to five applications, including one from each of those categories, King says. And if you want to be considered for financial aid, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well.

As for the application itself, a personal essay is often a crucial piece. Students should include values, goals and any experience in leadership positions, Randall says.

Schools and scholarship programs are considering whether to invest in you, Randall says. "Think of it in that mindset. You're seeking investors into yourself, into your professional development."

Students must also decide whether they want to apply for a school through the early action or early decision process, meaning that they apply early and get an earlier response, typically by December or January. While this can possibly improve a student's chances of acceptance, early decision is binding, meaning you commit to attending that school if accepted.

"There are some students who have done a lot of work on their research and just have the college that they are just going to die if they don't get in. If there is a college or two like that on your list, then maybe early decision is for you," says Keller.

To manage the anxiety of not knowing which schools will accept you and which school you wish to attend, Keller advises students to remember: "There is no such thing as a bad college degree or credential."

"It's not where you start; it's where you end up," Keller says. "So starting at community college and transferring to a four-year" program can be a good option.

King has one more piece of advice for students as they apply for colleges and decide which one to attend: Celebrate.

"If you're putting the pen to the paper and submitting the application, submitting the FAFSA, we want to celebrate those steps," says King. "They are huge milestones for students as they prepare for this next part of their life."

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What to Do in High School to Prepare for College

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For U.S. high school students, the college preparation, application and decision-making process has long been a source of stress and anxiety, and the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have only made things worse.

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School Psychology Services

Our school psychologists are mental health specialists with knowledge of child development, the psychology of learning, behavior management and intervention, monitoring progress of students, and program evaluation. Our psychologist school assignments are listed here.

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Office of Communication and Community Relations

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Parent Advocacy Handbook: High School Grades 9-12

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Parent Advocacy Handbook: High School Grades 9-12

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There are many dedicated individuals at your child's high school who are there to work with you and your child to insure student success. These individuals include administrative, instructional (classroom), and support staff. Make sure you know the names of each of these staff members, and how to contact them if necessary.

Principal. Every school has one principal who is the chief administrator and instructional leader.

Assistant Principals. Assistant principals in high school may be responsible for overseeing specific grade levels (as grade level administrator) and/or subject areas.

Teachers. Teachers are responsible for the day-to-day instruction of students. High schools have many more teachers than elementary schools, including:

Classroom Teachers: High School Teachers teach specific subject areas and may see your student every day in class or every other day, depending on class schedules.

Special Education Teachers. SPED teachers provide individual instruction or assistance for students with disabilities in and outside the general education classroom.

ESOL Teachers. ESOL teachers support students who speak other languages learn to read and understand English so they can succeed in school.

Equity Lead Teacher. The equity lead teacher works with the school principal to build relationships and foster a culturally responsive environment at school.

Director of Student Services. The Director of Student Services, or DSS, is a member of the school's leadership team and oversees the student services (or guidance) department, including counselors, social worker, and psychologist.

High School Counselor. Counselors consult with parents, teachers, and other staff to help a student's adjustment to school; collaborate with the student's teachers to ensure academic and social-emotional progress; coordinates student services for children with special needs; advise students on college and career options; and, assist students and parents to identify special enrichment and support programs to help with academic work. Counselors also write the Counselor Recommendation letter for college applications. Every high school student is assigned to a specific counselor. (If you have two, or more, children in the same school, they may have different counselors.) Make sure you know who your child's counselor is and how to contact him or her.

Social Worker/Psychologist. School social workers provide services to address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. School psychologists provide family-school collaboration services to help families navigate educational and community systems to support students to address academic, mental health, and behavioral needs.

School Librarian: Every high school has its own library that provides special programs and workshops for students and loans books to its students. The school Librarian is another instructional leader in your child's school, and can assist high school students in learning how to do research, how to use source materials, and how to find books and reading material of interest to the student. The librarian can help students with access to technology to use at home.

System of Support Advisor (SOSA). The SOSA provides the school team monitor students' academics, behavior, and wellness, through a multi-tiered system of support framework. The role that a SOSA plays is determined by the principal. Some SOSAs, for example, monitor school attendance, while others coordinate SOL testing.

College and Career Center Specialist. The CCC Specialist provides students and parents with resources on college and career options and assists students in navigating the college admissions process.

Director of Student Activities. The DSA oversees student extracurricular activities at school, including athletics and after-school clubs and activities. The DSA also oversees building use.

Office Assistants/Administrative Assistants. School office assistants take care of scheduling appointments, greeting visitors, and communicating with school staff. If you have questions about registration, bus schedules, school lunches, immunization, or attendance, call the Main Office. Remember they are busiest at the start and end of each day.

Student Information Assistant (SIA). The SIA serves as Registrar for the high school and oversees student records. The SIA is responsible for maintaining high school transcripts, and providing them to colleges, employers, etc. upon a student's request.

Instructional Assistants. Classroom assistants help teachers and students in large classes.

Parent Liaisons (PL). Most (but not all) schools have parent liaisons who work with parents and teachers to help your child. They are usually local parents and speak the predominant language of your community. If your school does not have a PL, and you feel one is needed, start with the principal.

School Health Aide. The School Health Aide provides oversees the School Health Room (often called the "clinic").

School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS). The SBTS provides technical training and tech support to schools and school staff. Your SBTS may be able to assist you if you are having difficulty gaining access to school technology resources for parents.

School Security Staff. High schools have several staff member (depending on overall school size) who oversees safety and security in the school building. The school Security Office also oversees parking for staff, students, and visitors.

Student Resource Officer (SRO). The SRO is a uniformed member of the Fairfax County Police Department, who is assigned to the high school.

High school students take classes in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Health & Physical Education. They also may take courses in World Languages; Fine Arts; and Career and Technical Education. In addition, all high school students are required to take an Economics and Personal Finance class to earn their high school diploma.

The basic sequencing for core courses (other than math) in high school appear below. Not all students follow this sequencing, or order. Speak with your child's counselor for more information on course selection.

English

English 9*

English 10*

English 11* or AP English Language

English 12* or AP English Literature

Science

Biology*

Chemistry

Physics* or
AP Physics 1, Active Physics, or
Geosystems* or
AP Environmental Science

Choice of:
Astronomy
Geosystems
Human Anatomy
Oceanography
AP Environmental
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
AP Physics

Social Studies

World History & Geography 1*

World History & Geography 2* or AP World History

US & VA History* or
AP US History

US & VA Government* or
AP US Government or
AP US & Comparative Government

*indicates that course also is offered as an Honors class.

NOTE: IB students take IB English SL or HL and IB History of Americas in grade 11 and IB English 2 HL or SL and IB Topics in grade 12.

The basic math sequence available for high school mathematics in FCPS is as follows:

IB students may take IB Math SL or HL courses for some of these math classes.

Most students take Math through Algebra 2. Some students may begin this math sequence in middle school.

High school teachers may use a combination of various tools to measure your child's progress in the subject matter of their class offering, including:

Teacher-made quizzes, tests, and examinations

In-class assignments and exercises

Classroom participation

Homework assignments

Special projects

According to Grading Assignments and Assessments, "Teachers are expected to grade each assignment and post grades to the electronic gradebook within seven school days after the due date with the understanding that major projects/papers may require additional time to ensure quality feedback."

Progress reports (Report Cards) are sent home four times a year (you must sign and return the progress reports). High School students may receive an alphabetical grade ranging from A through F.

A

3.8-4.0

93-100

Designates the status of a student who consistently demonstrates accurate and complete knowledge of content and skills specified in the FCPS Program of Studies (POS) and applies that knowledge to solve problems in a variety of settings.

B+

3.1-3.3

87-89

Designates the status of a student who demonstrates knowledge of content and skills specified in the FCPS POS, with some improvement needed in accuracy and/or consistency in performance, applying that knowledge to solve problems in a variety of settings.

C+

2.1-2.3

77-79

Designates the status of a student who demonstrates knowledge of basic content and skills specified in the FCPS POS, but requires additional practice and instructional experiences to acquire skills necessary to solve problems.

D+

1.1-1.3

67-69

Designates the status of a student who needs significant practice and instructional experiences to acquire the knowledge of basic content and skills specified in the FCPS POS necessary to solve problems. As a final mark, it is not necessarily sufficient to meet the prerequisite requirements

F

0-0.7

Below 64

Designates the status of a student who has not demonstrated the basic knowledge of content and/or skills specified in the FCPS POS and requires additional practice and instructional experiences in order to succeed.

High School students also may receive a mark of:

Incomplete (I) - when, for example, a student has excused absences and are unable to complete assignments during the marking period but will complete assignments.

No Mark (NM) - when, for example, a student has been diagnosed with a medical issue which prevents them from completing work or there are other circumstances in which prolonged absences hinder a student's ability to complete work.

Pass-Fail (P or F) - when a high school student chooses to take one elective credit per year to be marked pass-fail. See Regulation 2436.

Audit (T) - In special circumstances, high school students may be allowed to attend one course without receiving credit for it.

Withdraw, Pass-Withdraw, Fail (W/P or W/F) - when a student drops a high school course. See Regulation 2445.

GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a calculation that results in the average, or mean, for all final high school grades. GPA is one indicator that colleges and universities may use when evaluating applicants for admission. GPA also may be used to determine various honors and awards given at high school graduation.

The 4.0 Scale in the table above determines the weight to be given each grade to determine a high school. Students who take Honors classes, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes receive an additional .5 to 1.0 for each course when determining GPA.

Yes. If your base high school does not offer a desired program of study, your student may apply to attend another high school that offers the program or desired course sequence. Students request such placement for sequential curricular programs (IB vs. AP), world languages (where a language is not offered at the base school), and academy sequences. You may request the school with the desired program that is closest to your residence that is open to student transfers.

Students on request also may take a single course at another school if their base school does not offer the desired class (e.g., academy courses; advanced math or language classes; JROTC). Be aware that the student loses an additional elective scheduling block for travel to the other school, and may need to take a summer school or online course to meet all graduation requirements.

Transportation is provided for students enrolled in academy programs and JROTC.

FCPS offers many dual enrollment options for students at select high schools and high school academies. Students who complete these courses may receive college credit in addition to high school credit upon successful completion.

Students may take English 12 as a dual enrollment course with English 111 and English 112 at NOVA. Students also may take select courses in math, science, social studies, and fine arts as dual enrollment courses with NOVA, George Mason University, James Madison University, and Shenandoah University.

FCPS students also may take college classes through NOVA in various Career and Technology areas, such as: CTE: Business and Information Technology (e.g., Cyber: Cisco 1A & 1B; 2A & 2B; Computer systems technology, network administration); CTE Family and Consumer Sciences (e.g., Culinary arts; early childhood education; teacher for tomorrow); CTE: Health and Medical Sciences (e.g., EMT, physical/occupational therapy); CTE: Marketing (e.g., entrepreneurship); CTE: Technical and Engineering Education (e.g., architectural drawing; engineering drawing; CTE: Trade and Industrial (e.g., auto collision services; criminal justice; HVAC ).

In dual enrollment courses, grades are awarded based on the FCPS grading scale, however, the college grades will not carry a plus or minus (e.g., no A+ or B-). Dual enrollment courses receive a weight of +1.0 when calculating GPA. For information on specific course weighted credit, see the course catalog.

The FCPS Online Campus allows students to enroll in up to two credits as part of their standard high school credits without fees. If students wish to take an online course as an eighth credit, there is a fee.

Online courses are identical in content to those offered in a traditional classroom. They align with the SOL and FCPS Program of Study.

Online classes are a good option for students who start a course after it has begun, have scheduling conflicts, personal reasons (e.g., health). Speak with your school counselor for more information.

Graduation requirements are set by state law. In Virginia, students must take a minimum number of credits to earn a standard diploma (for example, students who enter 9th grade in 2018-2019, must earn 22 standard credits). Some of these credits must be verified credits, i.e., the student must pass both the course and the end-of-course SOL test for that course. Students with disabilities may use credit accommodations to earn a standard diploma. The minimum requirements for graduation include courses in the following:

English

Mathematics

Laboratory Sciences [Update re: science SOL req. changes]

History and Social Sciences

Health and Physical Education

World Language, Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education

Economics and Personal Finance

Electives

Students who take additional classes may qualify for an advanced diploma.

Be aware that the Commonwealth of Virginia often changes its graduation requirements. If you have more than one child in high school at the same time, those students may not have the same graduation requirements. Speak with your student's counselor for more information about graduation requirements.

If you are a military family, the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Families governs how course waivers, verified credits, and transfers in senior year are handled for dependents of military enlistees.

Students must pass Standards of Learning (SOL) tests to earn verified credits required for graduation. Since your student will need verified credits based on when they enter high school, not all students take the same tests.

In addition, some students have a graduation requirement of a "student-selected" test. Parents and students may give input into which SOL test(s) they may attempt to earn their verified credit.

When your student has earned all of their verified credits, they are not permitted to take additional SOL tests, unless you as a parent "opt in" for such testing.

FCPS offers several elective courses that can help high school students develop executive functioning skills.

Strategies for Success: Strategies for Success is an elective course for students who need help on assignments in their core courses. It provides instruction in learning strategies, study skills, time management, organization, and self-advocacy skills.

AVID: AVID is an elective course that teaches students study skills, and offers motivational activities and the opportunity to explore college and career options. AVID students learn strategies for organization, planning and time management, and effective notetaking.

Speak with your student's counselor for more information or assistance.

Speak with your child's counselor about credit recovery. The Credit Recovery Academy provides an opportunity to recover one high school course credit. (Students may not take these courses for new course credit.) Students are eligible to enroll in a Credit Recovery course if they have previously received a grade of F. However, students who have passed Algebra 1 may take the Credit Recovery Academy to improve their understanding and skills before the next school year. No additional course credit will be awarded to these students.

A failing grade should not come as a complete surprise, as teachers are required to provide quarterly grades every nine weeks. Parents can get up-to-date information about your student's grades through the SIS Parent Account. Monitor your account regularly.

Naviance Student (formerly called Family Connection in FCPS) supports academic and career planning for middle and high school students. Naviance Student supports students in creating their Academic and Career Plan, which is designed to develop their post-secondary (after high school) plans. Students also can track service learning opportunities through x2VOL, accessed through Naviance. Many different resources are available for students through Naviance Student.

Naviance Student is part of the FCPS 24-7 Learning: Parent View. High School and Middle School parents with an active SIS Parent Account can access Naviance Student by clicking on the link for their child. The same log in credentials for SIS will also work for FCPS 24-7 Learning: Parent View.

Summer time offers many opportunities for high school students. Students who have failed a course and need to recover a high school credit have an opportunity to do so through the FCPS Credit Recovery Academy. Students who wish to get ahead in a subject area or take a course required for graduation that is difficult to fit into their school year schedule also may do so through the FCPS Online Campus over the summer.

There are many summer enrichment programs available throughout the area for high school students interested in pursuing their passions or new interests. High school students also may use the summer for internships or paid employment. Your school's Department of Student Services and College and Career Center can provide more information on these opportunities. Encourage your student to use these school resources to identify summer opportunities they might find interesting.

Summer Reading: Encourage your high school student to read over the summer, and to pay attention to any summer reading requirements their school may have for all students and/or any required reading teachers may have for some subjects or classes.

FCPS Summer Programs: FCPS operates various summer programs for high school students looking for academic support or enrichment. These programs include:
Credit Recovery Academy (Grades 7-12) students may recover one high school course credit through this online summer program. Speak with your child's counselor about this program.

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Parent Advocacy Handbook: High School Grades 9-12

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There are many dedicated individuals at your child's high school who are there to work with you and your child to insure student success. These individuals include administrative, instructional (classroom), and support staff. Make sure you know the names of each of these staff members, and how to contact them if necessary.

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Remember What You Learn: Powerful Strategies to Boost Your Child's Confidence and Grades

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Remember What You Learn: Powerful Strategies to Boost Your Child's Confidence and Grades

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Remember What You Learn: Powerful Study Strategies to Boost Your Child's Confidence and Grades - YouTube

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10 Back-to-School Tips for Kids Ages 3-17

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10 Back-to-School Tips for Kids Ages 3-17

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Parenting Podcasts | Celebrate Calm | Celebrate Calm

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Celebrate Calm | Stop Power Struggles with Strong-Willed Children.

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THE TOP 5 CALM PARENTING PODCASTS

De-Escalate & Discipline A Defiant Child: My Best Podcast Ever
This 30-minute podcast will change how you handle meltdowns, yelling, and discipline in your home. Ever feel helpless when your kids are out of control or defiant? So do your kids. So learn how to break these negative cycles, lead your child to calm, and show him/her how to deal with frustration. This is rich with insight into your kids...and you. Share this one. It will change relationships.
Click here to listen via Simplecast.

No More Excuses, Kids! You Have Unique Advantages (For Parents & Teachers)
It's heartbreaking to hear kids say, "I'm stupid" and shut down. Your kids have struggles, but I don't want to coddle them or make excuses. In fact, I want you to turn their negatives into positives. Listen until the end for one of the most powerful talks you could ever have with your child or student. SHARE THIS WITH TEACHERS. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Want Respectful, Responsible Kids? Do the Step Back.
Yeah, I know we all want the same thing: kids who are responsible, respectful and become good citizens. I'm going to share a very powerful secret that will get your kids to actually step up and be responsible for themselves. It will eliminate so many of the power struggles. This is inspiring! Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Get Your Strong-Willed Kids To Do Stuff Without the Fight
You have a strong-willed child who automatically resists you at every turn, chooses the harder path, and won't do things the way you want them to be done. Kirk gives you 5 ways to get your kids to do homework, get ready in the morning, apologize, do chores, and more in this important podcast. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Discipline When Consequences Don't Work
How do you discipline a child who doesn't respond to consequences? Who doesn't ever want to do things the way you want? How can you discipline without making your child feel like a failure? Kirk will show you how to handle misbehavior, blurting out, lying, stealing, screen time, and much more! Email Casey@CelebrateCalm.com or call 888-506-1871 to get practical help and our free newsletter. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

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working with add adhd strong willed child

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Parenting Podcasts | Celebrate Calm | Celebrate Calm

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Kirk Martin shares practical strategies to stop the defiance, disrespect, yelling and power struggles in the Calm Parenting Podcast

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A Great Phrase to De-Escalate Back-to-School Tension

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A Great Phrase to De-Escalate Back-to-School Tension

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Parenting Podcasts | Celebrate Calm | Celebrate Calm

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Celebrate Calm | Stop Power Struggles with Strong-Willed Children.

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THE TOP 5 CALM PARENTING PODCASTS

De-Escalate & Discipline A Defiant Child: My Best Podcast Ever
This 30-minute podcast will change how you handle meltdowns, yelling, and discipline in your home. Ever feel helpless when your kids are out of control or defiant? So do your kids. So learn how to break these negative cycles, lead your child to calm, and show him/her how to deal with frustration. This is rich with insight into your kids...and you. Share this one. It will change relationships.
Click here to listen via Simplecast.

No More Excuses, Kids! You Have Unique Advantages (For Parents & Teachers)
It's heartbreaking to hear kids say, "I'm stupid" and shut down. Your kids have struggles, but I don't want to coddle them or make excuses. In fact, I want you to turn their negatives into positives. Listen until the end for one of the most powerful talks you could ever have with your child or student. SHARE THIS WITH TEACHERS. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Want Respectful, Responsible Kids? Do the Step Back.
Yeah, I know we all want the same thing: kids who are responsible, respectful and become good citizens. I'm going to share a very powerful secret that will get your kids to actually step up and be responsible for themselves. It will eliminate so many of the power struggles. This is inspiring! Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Get Your Strong-Willed Kids To Do Stuff Without the Fight
You have a strong-willed child who automatically resists you at every turn, chooses the harder path, and won't do things the way you want them to be done. Kirk gives you 5 ways to get your kids to do homework, get ready in the morning, apologize, do chores, and more in this important podcast. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

Discipline When Consequences Don't Work
How do you discipline a child who doesn't respond to consequences? Who doesn't ever want to do things the way you want? How can you discipline without making your child feel like a failure? Kirk will show you how to handle misbehavior, blurting out, lying, stealing, screen time, and much more! Email Casey@CelebrateCalm.com or call 888-506-1871 to get practical help and our free newsletter. Click here to listen via SimpleCast.

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working with add adhd strong willed child

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Parenting Podcasts | Celebrate Calm | Celebrate Calm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kirk Martin shares practical strategies to stop the defiance, disrespect, yelling and power struggles in the Calm Parenting Podcast

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The Truth About Learning Styles and Why it Matters for Your Child’s Success in School

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The Truth About Learning Styles and Why it Matters for Your Child’s Success in School

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPzAbqf0whY

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The Truth About Learning Styles and Why it Matters for Your Child’s Success in School

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14 Ways to Prepare for College in High School

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14 Ways to Prepare for College in High School

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High school is a huge step in life from elementary school and middle school, and college feels even bigger. Once you reach high school, you're expected to start really thinking about your future. It can be a little overwhelming, but try to think of it as an opportunity to consider what kind of life you want to lead. Whether you're a freshman in high school who's excited to start looking at colleges or a senior who's feeling a little freaked by looming application deadlines, this article is here to help make preparing for college a smooth and stress-free process.

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What can I do to get ready for college?

Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master's in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.

Professional School Counselor

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

The best way to prepare for college is to get really good grades. That's a reflection that you fully understand the material you're being taught, which means you'll be prepared for undergraduate learning. It's also important to be well-rounded-most colleges want to see that students will be involved in a meaningful way when they're on campus.

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Pursue electives towards your college major and interests. For example, if your direction is journalism, take a class in TV broadcasting or write for the school paper. Schools will be impressed that you already have experience in your desired field.

Meet with your high school counselor at the start and end of each school year. Do this so they can guide you in the right direction, prepare your schedule for the next year, and give you more information on potential colleges.

Some schools set this up, but some may not. If you don't know, head to the guidance office at your school and ask.

1. ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.

2. ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.

3. ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.

4. ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.

1. ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.

2. ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.

3. ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.

4. ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.

5. ↑ Alicia Oglesby. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.

Professional School Counselor

This article was co-authored by Alicia Oglesby and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master's in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events. This article has been viewed 71,037 times.

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 71,037 times.

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14 Ways to Prepare for College in High School - wikiHow

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High school is a huge step in life from elementary school and middle school, and college feels even bigger. Once you reach high school, you're expected to start really thinking about your future. It can be a little overwhelming, but try to...

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Back-to-School Templates for Teachers and Families | Common Sense Education

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Back-to-School Templates for Teachers and Families | Common Sense Education

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https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/free-back-to-school-templates-for-teachers-and-families

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Back-to-school traditions are an important way to help students and families tap into the opportunities of a new school year. As teachers, we enjoy setting up and decorating our classrooms, organizing new school supplies, or maybe planning a brand-new unit to try teaching this year. We might even be thinking about bringing some new digital tools or media into our classroom instruction.

But back-to-school is also a great time to consider how we communicate with, and support, families during this part of the year that's so pivotal to students' success. To help make this year's back-to-school time a little easier, we've put together a set of customizable templates focused on supporting you, your students, and their families during the transition back to the routines of the school year.

You can use any (or all!) of the templates below and customize them to work for you and your students. Whether you want to set norms and expectations for device use, communicate your class's daily routines, or help families support their students' learning with helpful at-home resources, we've got you covered.

Every school year is a new beginning and a fresh start. We're here for you! Thank you for all you do for your students and their families.

Set a positive culture of digital citizenship from the start with this customizable student agreement. Set expectations for device care, online safety, media use, and more. Offered in English and Spanish.

Discuss expectations for online communication, privacy and safety, device use, and more with your middle and high school students. Offered in English and Spanish.

Provide helpful support to students and families as they adjust to the school-year schedule. Use it to outline daily schedules and learning activities, provide any important information parents and caregivers need to know, and check in with how students are feeling each day. Offered in English and Spanish.

Help parents and caregivers stay informed about their student's progress with this customizable short discussion guide. Give families a brief look into what's happening in class, and offer some conversation starters, suggested questions, and class reminders. Offered in English and Spanish.

Edit and share this handy guide to make sure families have the information they need about any school-issued devices that students will use for learning. From how to log in to where to get technical support, make sure students and their families can easily get answers when they need them.

Edit and share this handy FAQ with families at the start of the year. Make sure they know how to contact you, where you post class assignments, and who else they can reach out to for additional support. Plus, the weekly check-in prompt is a nice way to start building relationships with families from day one! Offered in English and Spanish.

Help students focus on what they'll gain next year, not what they've lost, with these (mostly) free tools.

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Free Back-to-School Templates for Teachers and Families | Common Sense Education

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Help students and their families lay the foundation for a positive, successful school year.

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How to Handle Bad Grades (2023- 2024 School Year)

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So what's high school really like? Is there more work? More stress? Will it be difficult going from being one of the oldest middle school students to one of the youngest high schoolers?

If you're having thoughts like these, you're not alone: Lots of other freshmen are feeling the same way you are - you're all starting out in a new place. With that in mind, here are a few topics that commonly worry incoming freshmen and some things you might want to know about them.

Starting Out at a New School

You may not know a lot of people when you start high school. Maybe your friends from middle school are going to a different high school. Even if you know other freshmen, you might feel nervous that you don't know any upperclassmen. How are you going to make friends among this sea of unknown faces?

Most high schools hold a freshman orientation before school actually starts. These are helpful not only because you learn your way around the building and get to meet some of your teachers, but you also get to meet fellow freshmen. That way, when you show up on your first day of school, you may already recognize a few familiar faces. If you think it might help, tour your school another time before or after orientation to make sure you have a good sense for where your classes, locker, etc., are.

When you talk to people at orientation, you'll probably find that a lot of them are feeling just like you are. They're all new to the school and don't know what to expect. Talking about a common concern with your classmates can spark new friendships.

Learning Inside the Classroom

How about the workload in high school - is it a lot harder? Again, this is something your classmates are probably worried about, too.

The work in high school builds on what you learned in middle school, giving you a more advanced knowledge of many academic subjects. So you may find you have more work to do or that it's a bit more challenging. But these challenges can make you feel less bored with the usual routine - it feels great when you've mastered something really tough. Maybe you'll find a new appreciation for biology or discover a passion for literature.

If you ever find your work too overwhelming, teachers and tutors are available for extra help. While you have more independence as a high school student than you might have had in middle school, there are still many resources to fall back on if you feel the work is too much or if there's something you don't understand.

Extracurricular Activities

High school also has more extracurriculars than middle school did, such as clubs, music and theater groups, student government, and sports teams. This is a fantastic time to explore your interests and try new things. Who said school has to be all work and no play?

These activities may take place before or after school, or during free periods or study halls. Because of this, it helps to sharpen your time management skills in your first year. Extracurricular activities are great, but remember to leave free time for yourself. Everybody needs some downtime.

Learning Outside the Classroom

High school is a time of increasing independence and responsibility. As in middle school, you or your friends may have some tough times. But if you ever find that personal issues get really overwhelming, find someone to talk to. Just because you're becoming more independent does not mean you're alone.

Friends and parents can be great resources, but sometimes that's not enough. School counselors or therapists can be very helpful if you want to talk with someone outside of your friends and family. So many people are available to help you.

Middle school taught you the basics of academics, time management, and social skills while providing you with a little extra support and guidance - kind of like a bicycle with training wheels. High school gives you the chance to take off those training wheels and learn how to be more independent.

It's perfectly OK if you're nervous at first. Even if you don't get off to the best start, that's normal, too - everybody's a bit wobbly the first time they take off their training wheels. Just be patient and keep trying. Once you've adjusted to your new independence, you may find you can go farther than you ever imagined.

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So what's high school really like? Is there more work? More stress? Will it be difficult going from being one of the oldest middle school students to one of the youngest high schoolers? If you're having thoughts like these, you're not alone: Lots of other freshmen are feeling the same way you are - you're all starting out in a new place.

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Time Management Tips For Student Athletes And Busy Learners

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Time Management Tips For Student Athletes And Busy Learners

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Time Management Tips For Student Athletes And Busy Learners

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Balancing the demands of academics, sports, extracurricular activities, and a social life can be daunting for students. In this blog, we’re sharing three tested time management tips for students with jam-packed schedules who are trying to manage it all.

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 Help Your Kids Do Better In School workshops 

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 Help Your Kids Do Better In School workshops 

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Free Parent Workshops To Help Your Kids Do Better In School

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Educational Connections provides free parents workshop to teach practical strategies to help your kid(s) do better in school and achieve their academic goals.

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How to Cope with Stress as a Student - Healthy Minds

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How to Cope with Stress as a Student - Healthy Minds

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How to Cope with Stress as a Student - Healthy Minds

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Hear from high schoolers about the challenges they face and how they cope.

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Event Information

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Mental Health Care for All High School Students

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FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to help eliminate barriers to quality mental health care services for all high school students, at no cost to families. Available beginning April 10, 2023.

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Test Preparation Resources - College and Postsecondary Options

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So you want to go to college. Explore the resources on this page so you are prepared to take college admissions tests.

What are the SAT and ACT?

Both the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Test (ACT) are tests. The scores from these tests are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. In most cases, colleges do not prefer one test over the other and neither is considered harder than the other. Historically, students tend to do better on one test over the other.

Both the SAT and ACT offer free practice through their websites, including entire practice tests. The actual tests are about 3 hours long and consist of multiple choice questions and optional essays. It is recommended that you test once by the end of your junior year and again at the beginning of your senior year. You are responsible for sending your scores to college. Your counselor CANNOT do this for you.

SAT® (College Board) Resources

This site requires JavaScript to be enabled in order to run.

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Test Preparation Resources - College and Postsecondary Options

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So you want to go to college. Explore the resources on this page so you are prepared to take college admissions tests.

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Explore our SAT Vocabulary Quiz section designed to enhance your vocab mastery for the SAT.

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 Testing Accommodations-How to request if you have a 504 or IEP plan   

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 Testing Accommodations-How to request if you have a 504 or IEP plan   

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https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/types-student-assessment/sat/college-board-accommodations

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Accommodations Process for College Board Testing

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Understand the FCPS process to request accommodations for College Board tests

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https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/psat

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Official Digital SAT® Prep | Test prep | Khan Academy

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If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

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Requesting accommodations for College Board exams differs from the process used for school or state exams. So we'll explain the dates and deadlines, how to submit documentation-and why it's best to request accommodations through your school.

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College Board is committed to providing services for students with disabilities to enable participation in our tests with the accommodations they need.

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Using Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy – SAT Suite (collegeboard.org)

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College Board is committed to giving every student free access to the best test prep available. The test prep program we recommend to students is Official SAT Practice, delivered online through a partnership with Khan Academy. Official SAT Practice will diagnose your strengths and weaknesses, provide you with a customized program of study, and provide you with materials to practice with every day.

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College Board gives every student free access to the best test prep available: Official SAT Practice, delivered through a partnership with Khan Academy.

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ACT | College and Career Readiness Solutions

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act.org,actprofile.org,act.org,actstudent.org,act.alertline.com,services.actstudent.org,career4.successfactors.com,engage.act.org,discoveractaspire.org,qc.vantage.com,myworkkeys.act.org,twitter.com,facebook.com,youtube.com,plus.google.com,linkedin.com,preview.act.org,workreadycommunities.org,pearson.com,instagram.com,actaspire.org,run2.careerready101.com,run2.keytrain.com,leadershipblog.act.org,my.act.org

Next Test Date: February 10
Registration Deadline: January 5

More Information About the ACT Test

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ACT | College and Career Readiness Solutions

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ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization, best known for the ACT test, dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success through industry leading college and career readiness solutions.

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Navigating College Independence: Learn the Key Skills Your New College Student Needs for Success

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Navigating College Independence: Learn the Key Skills Your New College Student Needs for Success

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Navigating College Independence: Learn the Key Skills Your New College Student Needs for Success

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Postsecondary Opportunities for High School Students

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Postsecondary Opportunities for High School Students

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Postsecondary Opportunities for High School Students | Virginia Department of Education

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To prepare Virginia’s students for postsecondary education or to meet employers’ expectations of candidates for entry-level jobs House Bill 1299 and Senate Bill 738 (2022 General Assembly) charged the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) with collecting information that assists high school students in making more informed decisions about their futures after graduating from high school. This ensures that such students are aware of the costs and benefits of different educational and certificate programs.

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The Family Academy is your resource for an enriching educational journey!