IMPORTANT High School Information

High School Advisor

Ms. A. Ortiz

Ext. 2230

November 17, 2011
Letter to 8th Grade Parents regarding Senior Dues

High School Process FAQ's



GETTING READY FOR HIGH SCHOOL
 
*Grades- Your 7th grade marks are the most important grades for entrance into high school. When high schools make their admission decisions, your 7th grade marks and scores will be reviewed. Study hard for test and properly prepare all your homework assignments. Pay close attention to the advice from your teachers and school counselors in the coming year.   
 
Standardized Test Scores- Your reading and math scores are used by schools when they make admission decisions.   
 
*Attendance- Good attendance is VERY IMPORTANT!!!! High schools look at attendance as one factor for choosing students.   
 
*Punctuality- Getting to class on time is extremely important. When you are on time every day, you will not miss any work in your classes. Punctuality develops good habits. It is also one criterion used by high schools to evaluate students. A high school does not want to waste a choice on someone who is not going to come to school or who is not going to be on time. They will choose someone else who has better attendance and is never late.   
 
*Demonstrate Responsibility- When you complete all assigned tasks, such as homework assignments, book reports and science projects by the designated date, you demonstrate commitment and a high level of responsibility.   
 
*Ask Questions- If you need help with your class work, ask your teacher for assistance and sign up for tutoring.   
 
Read- Reading will build your vocabulary, expand your knowledge and prepare you for high school. Read for pleasure as well as for class assignments. Ask your teachers and neighborhood librarian for summer reading suggestions and summer programs.   
 
*Take Care of Yourself- Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly.   
 
*Visit and Learn about High Schools- During your 7th grade school year, visit those high schools to which you might be interested in applying. Find out when there are special events at the school during the evening or on weekends and attend them with your parents. (New York City Department of Education online: http://schools.nyc.gov.)   
 
*Attend High School Fairs & Open House Events- Citywide and Borough specific High School Fairs are held in the fall, while fairs for the new high schools are held in February. Information Sessions and Open House Events are held throughout the year to help you learn about the high schools. Attend as many as you can when you are a 7th and 8th grader.   
 
*Please Ask Your Child- What they would like to study in high school. For example: business, medical, computers, environment, art, law, etc.  If they have no special interest, consider “Humanities & Interdisciplinary.” Humanities & Interdisciplinary means general studies which is basically the type of classes they are taking at IS 318.     
 
*DECIDE in what borough you would be comfortable having your child attend High School, or what is the MAXIMUM TRAVEL TIME FROM YOUR HOME TO THE SCHOOL that you desire for your child. For example, will you feel comfortable if your a child travels 45 minutes, 1 hour or 1 ½ hours to get to school. GO TO: WWW.HOPSTOP.COM to help you with traveling time and directions to the school from your home.   
 
*Eligibility- requirements (upper left side on page). This will tell you if a certain school or program is available to someone who lives in your neighborhood or in your borough. For example, certain programs in Queens high schools will only accept students who live in Queens.   
 
*Enrollment- or size of school-total number of students (large school vs. smaller school)   
 
*Program(s) Offered- If the “Selection Method” is called SCREENED, it means that your child must meet the academic requirements which are listed on the page in the directory. For Example: English (85-100) Math (85-100) Social Studies (85-100)  Science (85-100) Math Levels 3-4; ELA Levels 3-4; VERY FEW ABSENCES AND LATENESS (i.e., 4 or less).   
 
MAKE up a preliminary list- up to 12 choices, no less than 4-of schools and/ or programs that you want to put on the application.   
 
PARENTS-GO AND VISIT THE SCHOOLS WITH YOUR CHILD!! IT IS THE PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRANGE FOR SCHOOL VISITS! CALL THE SCHOOLS FOR TOURS, INFORMATION SESSIONS, OPEN HOUSES AND DATES AND LOCATIONS OF BOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL FAIRS.  Do not take someone else’s word about whether a school is good or bad- go see for yourself and decide for yourself. VISIT BEFORE you apply to the high schools; do not wait until after the application process is completed and it’s too late. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!!   
 
CHECK the New York City High School directory or http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/High/Directory.gov for more details.   

Schedule of Graduation Events

Graduation Ceremony High School of Fashion Industries
225 West 24th Street
New York
8th Grade Prom Fleur De Lis Catering Hall
870 Cyress Ave.
Ridgewood, NY 11385

Parents Guide to High Schools

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR 7TH GRADE STUDENTS