9th Grade Information | 10th Grade Information | 11th Grade Information | 12th Grade Information
| Parkland High School Web Site | Parkland School District Web Site
- How do I make schedule changes for my son/daughter?
- How does my child get “working papers”?
- When does my child take drivers training?
- When should my child take the PSAT?
- When should my child take the SAT?
- How many credits are required for graduation?
- What kind of academic/tutoring help is available for my child?
- Do I need to take the ASVAB exam?
- What is a good way to research colleges and/or careers?
- How do I send a transcript to a college?
- What is the High School Project?
- When is the SAT prep scheduled by the high school?
- How does my child get involved in school activities?
- How does my child locate and apply for scholarships?
- Are senior grades important for college admissions?
- How do I get in touch with my child’s teachers?
- If my child doesn’t pass the PSSA will he/she graduate?
- If I forget my password for the Home Access Center, whom should I contact?
- What are the ACT’s?
9th Grade Information
Ninth grade is the freshman year of high school. It is essential to understand the complete picture of academic progression and the implication of doing well from the first day of high school. Credits, course requirements, the high school project, scheduling , tutoring, and involvement in school activities are areas which should be understood at the onset of 9th grade to ensure the success and accomplishment of the goals which both parents/guardians and students have set for academic success at Parkland High School.
Course Requirements
All students must earn 24.25 credits to graduate from Parkland High School.
*For further in-depth information go to: High School Course Selection Book
Page 9
Course requirements are based on levels offered. Ninth graders must take Physical Education/Health and Safety. Although all ninth-grade students are encouraged to participate, students may test out of the aquatics component for reassignment to another fitness area. The health education units will focus on substance abuse, fitness and nutrition, alcohol and tobacco.
*For further in-depth information go to:
High School Course Selection Book
Page 15
High School Projects
All Parkland Students are required to complete a high school project. This project is begun in ninth grade and is to be complete by twelfth grade in order to be compliant with Chapter IV Regulations of the School Code. This code requires that all Pennsylvania students complete a Graduation Project before a diploma can be awarded. Parkland School District has pledged to uphold these state-mandated regulations.
Student Timeline
Ninth grade:
• Review Graduation Project Manual
• Determine Graduation Project topic
• Complete Contract
Tenth grade:
• Research topic
• Organize and gather information
Eleventh grade:
• Present project (must be presented by end of 1st semester)
Twelfth grade:
• Finish project and present, if not already completed
*For further in-depth information go to: Graduation Project Manual
http://www.parklandsd.org/wp-content/uploads/hsproject.pdf
Scheduling
Parents:
All scheduling changes and accommodations can be made by contacting the guidance office (610) 351-5600. Meeting with the counselor to scheduling changes, a meeting with the teacher, or consider courses for tenth grade can be accomplished.
Students:
Blue passes are available in the counseling office to fill out. In turn, the counselor will send a pass on the day of the appointment.
* Scheduling for electives is completed in order of seniority. Seniors are considered first. Any gaps in scheduling will be filled in with study halls.
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Tutoring
If a student is having difficulty in his academic pursuits Parkland offers a variety of solutions which can either be asked for by a student, recommended by a teacher or requested by a parent. Opportunities include but are not limited to:
- Teachers
- Study Lab ( Math and English)
- Pass to lab is needed from a teacher
- National Honor Society tutors
- NHS tutoring forms are available in either the library or the counseling office. NHS tutors are available to tutor is major subjects areas during study halls or after school. The student’s English teacher will notify the student of the time and place of the tutoring.
- Out of school recommended tutors who are willing to work with students on individual paid basis.
Activities
Parkland High school offers a variety of activities for students. These activities include sports, clubs, theatre, and charity events. An Activities Fair is held in September where 9th grade students can learn about specific school activities. Announcements for these activities are made on a daily bases through the school’s TV and posted flyers throughout the building. Because there are so many activities accessing parkland’s homepage provides a chart of activities, advisors, and meeting times.
*For further in-depth information go to:
Parkland High School’s Homepage
Click on the activities link under Parkland High School.
Concerns
Grades:
Colleges do look at freshman grades which factor into a students GPA (grade point average). The GPA plays a significant part in class ranking which is started in 9th grade. It is essential that students and parents understand weighted grades and their impact on class ranking. It is possible to graduate with a 5.0 if one has taken all weighted courses. Many colleges base their acceptance criteria on class ranking and scholarships can be affected by this ranking.
Many insurance companies will give lower rates for a student’s insurance when he/she starts to drive if a B average can be documented for the company.
All grades are accessible to parents by logging onto Home Access Center which can be accessed from Parkland High school Homepage, Information, Home Access Center where an identification and password will be required.
Contact with student’s teacher:
Each teacher has an individual email account that can be accessed by going to the High School Staff Directory Page. Search for staff member in the search box.
10th Grade Information
Tenth grade is the sophomore year in high school. It is a time when one considers future plans, takes preliminary tests, considers getting working papers, and continues to build documentation toward college placement. GPA and class ranking continue to affect future plans. It is a year to add to credits towards graduation, continue with the high school project, consider driver education, and evaluate academic progress through tests. It is a time to access college resources, consider the progress of goals set during the freshman year, and evaluate effort towards achieving success at Parkland High School.
Credits/Course Requirements
Continue to obtain 24.25 credits toward graduation.
*For further in-depth information go to:
High School Course Selection Book
High School Project
Student timeline for tenth grade:
- Research topic
- Organize and gather information
Driver Education
Driver Education–Theory 2 is offered in 10th grade. It emphasizes sound principles of highway safety, students’ responsibility in the operation of a motor vehicle, and endeavors to show students the effect of physical, mental, and emotional traits on safety. This course includes presentations and discussions on defensive driving, alcohol and drugs, traffic laws and enforcement, driving attitudes, automobile insurance, vehicle maintenance, driver fitness, pedestrian safety, and basic and advanced driving techniques. Drivers Education is a required prerequisite for Behind the Wheel training. Driver Education grades do not affect GPA.
If you are 16, and have submitted your learners permit to the guidance office, you may sign up for Behind the Wheel training before school, after school at 3:15, or during a study hall. Summer sessions are also available.
*For further in-depth information go to:
Parkland High School’s Homepage
Click on the Departments link
Click on Driver Education
Testing- PSAT
The PSAT is optional but not required in 10th grade. It does provide additional practice for the SAT and the student will receive valuable feedback regarding student’s scores. High scores are not considered for National Merit Scholar until their junior year. It is suggested that the PSAT is taken before the SAT to gain experience taking this type of test. It is suggested that a student take the SAT’s at least twice.
College Resources
The College and Career Resource room provides excellent materials for the post high school decisions. Information about colleges, their admission requirements, costs, etc. are easily accessible. Appointments can be made to discuss individual plans by calling Mr. Roberts 610-351-5900 ext 73519 or by emailing him at robertse@parklandsd.org.
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Informational Websites:
Further information:
Monthly College representative visits (Universities, Colleges, Community Colleges, and Armed Services)
Working Papers: Working papers may be obtained in the main office which is open until 6 p.m. A parents or guardian needs to come prepared with documentation for their child’s name and birth date. Documentation may include birth certificate, pass port, etc.
Further Information
Grades: All grades are accessible to parents by logging onto Home Access Center which can be accessed from Parkland High school Homepage, Information, Home Access Center where an identification and password will be required. If you lose your password, please contact Joan McCue at mccuej@parklandsd.org .
Junior Interviews: Although in the spring of the junior year counselors will meet with all students Junior Interviews, all students are encouraged to seek out their counselor for questions they may have concerning their academic progress or career.
11th Grade Information
Eleventh grade is the junior year of high school. It is a time when one looks toward completion of many of the goals set freshman year. One should continue to keep track of the necessary credits to obtain for graduation, plan on completing and presenting the high school project, and focus on tests and test preparation for post high school plans.
Credits/Course Requirements
Continue to obtain 24.25 credits toward graduation.
*For further in-depth information go to:
High School Course Selection BookHigh School Project
Student timeline for eleventh grade:
- Present project (must be presented by end of 1st semester)
Testing
It is recommended that students takethe PSAT in the fall of their junior year.
This is true even if student took the PSAT in their sophomore year.
Only the junior scores will be considered National Merit Scholarship eligibility.
- Sign-ups for the PSAT will be at the high school in the rotunda outside the guidance office in the Fall.
- Payment is cash only.
- Information about sign-ups is provided to students and parents at the start of the school year via newsletter and the Parkland web-site.
- Parkland High School offers fall and spring evening classes
- SAT prep booklets are available in the counseling office
- Online tests are available at Collegeboard.com
- Kaplan, Prepare, and LCCC also offer out of school SAT preparation. Costs will vary for each.
- It is suggested that students wait until the spring of their junior year to take the examination.
- To register for SAT’s go to Collegeboard.com. A major credit card is needed.
- SAT II is offered in addition to the SAT. This examination depends on the major and college to which a student is applying. Reviewing admissions requirements is important to determine if test is needed.
Under the “No Child Left Behind” regulations and the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment or PSSA, students in grade 11 will participate in the PSSA Writing assessment, Reading, Mathematics assessment, PSSA Science assessment. In addition, the PSSA retests in reading, mathematics and writing are offered to students in grade 12.
- A student can not graduate from Parkland with out passing the PSSA’s
- If a student is not proficient is all subject areas they will need to take a remedial course and retake the parts of the test that they didn’t pass in order to graduate
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is not mandatory. However, it is an excellent tool to help a student explore possible careers.
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College Information
The College and Career Resource room provides excellent materials for the post high school decisions. Information about colleges, their admission requirements, costs, etc. are easily accessible. Appointments can be made to discuss individual plans by calling Mr. Roberts 610-351-5900 ext 73519 or by emailing him at robertse@parklandsd.org.
Informational Websites:
Additional Information:
- Monthly College representative visits (Universities, Colleges, Community Colleges, and Armed Services)
- It is highly recommended to visit college campuses during spring of junior year or during summer.
- Contact college admissions office via phone or online for appointment
- Many schools have scheduled visitation dates/ programs for students and families
- Students can also visit colleges informally on their own
Further Information
Parkland recommends that students have 3-4 years of a language if post high school planning included college. Most competitive colleges look favorable upon the upper levels of a language
Letter of recommendation from staff should be requested within sufficient time to allow for personalization of the letter. Summer is an excellent when the time for teacher/staff is not as demanding.
All grades are accessible to parents by logging onto Home Access Center which can be accessed from Parkland High school Homepage, Information, Home Access Center where an identification and password will be required.
12th Grade Information
Twelfth grade is the senior year of high school. It is essential that all requirements are met in order to graduate. It is the time to focus on post high school plans and prepare documentation allowing smooth transition into the adult world. Scholarships are awarded, grades reflect effort completed, and a transcript reflects your involvement at Parkland High School.
Credits/Course Requirements
24.25 credits must be completed by the end of twelfth grade to graduate.
*For further in-depth information go to:
High School Course Selection Book
High School Project
Twelfth grade:
• Finish project and present, if not already completed
- Must be completed to graduate
Testing
The ACT test assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
- The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
- The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay
It is recommended that students at PHS retake the SATs if they are not satisfied with their scores or the schools they are selecting require higher SAT scores.
The PSSA must be met with proficiency by all Parkland Students. PSSA remediation (before and after school), local assessment, and 12th grade re-test are coordinated by Mrs. Stack at 610-351-5900 ext. 73431 or email stackt@parklandsd.org.
* LCCC does not require SATs for admission
College Scholarships:
There are no fees for scholarship but awareness of deadlines is essential.
- Applications for scholarships are available in the college in career resource room.
- Scholarship board and application file
- Listed in parent newsletter
- Local Businesses
- Religious organization
- Online sites
Transcripts:
- Transcript forms are available in the guidance office
- A signed transcript release form with a student signature and the signature of a parents or guardian is necessary if a student is under 18 years of age.
- A (Withdraw Passing)WP or (Withdraw Failing)WF will be recorded on the transcript, but will not factor into GPA
- Any course taken outside of PHS will not be recorded on the PHS transcript
Admission:
- Students should start applying to college in the beginning of their senior year, paying close attention to the application deadlines.
- Be aware of how admissions are completed at each school (rolling admission or deadline contingent)
- Check entrance difficulty for all colleges to which applying (Collegedata.com)
Resources:
The College and Career Resource room provides excellent materials for the post high school decisions. Information about colleges, their admission requirements, costs, etc. are easily accessible. Appointments can be made to discuss individual plans by calling Mr. Roberts 610-351-5900 ext 73519 or by emailing him at robertse@parklandsd.org.
Informational Websites:
Senior Year Grades
Colleges will see first semester grades as transcripts are being sent out during this time. Many schools will request mid-year reports and/or second semester grades. Final transcripts are sent at the end of senior year to colleges. A student’s decline in grades may impact scholarships or admissions.