Preparing for 9th Grade
January 19, 2016 Edition
Tips for 9th Grade Success from Mr. Hawthorne
Show up. Do your own work. Focus on learning first and grades second. (Good grades and other forms of academic success will follow if you do this.) Submit assignments on time, not because it will get you more points, but because staying on top of your work will reduce your stress and enable you to learn in a more efficient and productive manner. Study. Actually study. To study is to do something with the information you want to learn. Rewrite it; organize it; outline it; make flash cards from it; play games with it - whatever works.
Prioritize the classes that are most important to you, your life, and your future. All learning is important, but learning how to prioritize your time is a skill that seems to become more and more crucial every day. On that note: get involved in at least one thing, an activity, a sport, a paying job, volunteer work - something outside the classroom! Ironically, the busier you are, the better you will become at time management. Learn how to see the big picture. Remember that you are young, and you will likely change your mind about your future many times between now and and adulthood. Be open minded to all that is out there. Do not lock any doors of opportunity even if it looks like the door leads to a place you would never want to visit, and never resist an opportunity because you fear you will fail if you try. The person you are today is not the person you will always be. This truth can be daunting and refreshing. View high school as a rebirth, an opportunity to learn new things, meet new friends and create meaningful experiences now and in your future.
Mr. Hawthorne
9th Grade Civics Teacher
8th Grade Parents Meeting Set for February 8th, 2016
AP/Dual Enrollment/STEAM Night at PGHS
Success in 9th Grade
The excerpt below is written by 9th Grade English Teacher, Dr. Mays-Coleman
In their article “ERS Focus on Helping Students Transition to High School,” Legters and Kerr write, “The beginning of high school is a critical time for students. Research shows that making a successful transition to high school can help students form lasting attachments to school and increase students’ likelihood of graduating." As a teacher of ninth graders for many years, I have found this to be very true. Therefore, in order to prepare for this crucial time, I have found that students should come to the high school with the following understandings:
Students need to be positive and motivated.
Students need to be focused on a goal(s).
Students need to ask for help when needed.
Students need to possess a work ethic.
Students need to work with others in order to ensure the success of all. Students need to listen to those teachers and fellow students that they interact with each day rather than electronic devices.
Recognizing these concepts as necessary, possessing an open mind, and appreciating the work of those involved in student success will help make this challenging time more favorable.
Dr. Mays-Coleman, 9th Grade English Teacher
Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center
Calendar for 9th Grade Scheduling
Below is a schedule that begins scheduling classes for high school (9th Grade) - The Middle School Counseling team will be meeting with students on various occasions to guide students through the 9th grade scheduling process. Plus, a parent information night will be held on Monday, January 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the HS Cafeteria.
2/1 8th grade assembly with HS counselors during the school day; parent info night that evening- 6:30pm in the HS Cafeteria
MS counselors meet with 7/8 team in math classes (Mr. Liebel’s students.)
MS counselors meet with 8-1 team in math classes (Mr. Bailey’s students.)
MS counselors meet with 8-2 team in math classes (Mrs. Kelly’s student.)
MS counselors meet with students in Mrs. Davis’ math classes.
2/4 - HS presents AP/Dual Enrollment/STEAM Night for Parents and Students to learn more about high school courses.
Starting 2/2 and through the next several weeks: MS counselors have short 1:1 meetings with 8th graders to go over class selections and enter those selections on powerschool.
2/8 8th Grade Parent Scheduling Night at PGHS at 6:30 p.m. in Cafeteria
3/1/16 - All course selections must be entered
Sign Up for Updates about High School
Sign Up for Remind Alerts for the Class of 2020 by Clicking HERE
This Remind Class will be used throughout your son/daughter's entire high school career for important updates about class events, field trips, and other important items.
Below are the HS School Counselors - All 8th Graders Should Meet with Mrs. Kleinfeltor or Mr. Haupt for Scheduling 9th Grade Courses
Ms. Jill Bossler
Mr. Don Petrella
School Counseling Office
Mrs. Kyra Ebert
Mrs. Lisa Childs
Mrs. Renee Olkewicz
Email: Rolkewicz@pgsd.org
Phone: 610 - 326 - 5105, ext. 7387