Planning for High School Registration

Take Time to Plan Your Class Schedule

The course selections made by students at pre-registration are the basis upon which the school determines teacher needs and a master schedule for the following year. Once classes are scheduled and teachers are hired, students will find it difficult to make changes in courses. Many classes will be filled. Pre-registration usually is held in mid-year. Afterward, the school builds the master schedule, trying to allow every student to take his or her chosen courses without conflicts. At final registration, held just before the opening of school, students receive their individual class schedules and books.

The Eighth Grade Teacher Can Be Helpful

The eighth grade teacher can make suggestions on appropriate level of courses. He/she has worked with your student long enough to know strengths and weaknesses, progress and problems.

All Career Pathways Require Education

Career exploration during the freshman year will help students to see the relationship between different types of careers and the educational background they each require. Each level of education carries a financial commitment which can be met by the combined efforts of parents, students and financial aid as needed. Aim High! Go for the highest level of education your career interests require.

Draft an Educational Plan

Every ninth-grader develops an educational plan of study leading toward a career plan. Counselors meet with the student and parents prior to the second semesterto discuss what the student hopes to gain from high school. Together, they select courses that will help the student prepare for life after high school. This ensures that requirements are accounted for and that each year represents a balance of required and elective courses.

Consider College Requirements

Students who earn a diploma endorsement recognizing academic achievement beyond district and state requirements will have met the course requirements for admission to the three Arizona universities. A diploma which does not have the endorsement might also qualify a student for admission. Other universities may require additional courses for admission, and some two-year colleges may require fewer.

Effective with the graduating class of 1998, the following core areas are part of the admission requirements for Arizona universities.

• Language Arts - 4 credits
• Mathematics - 4 credits
• Social Studies - 2 credits (1 credit American History and 1 credit in related field)
• Laboratory Science - 3 credits (from Thinking Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
• Foreign Language - 2 credits of one foreign language
• Fine Arts - 1 credit (selected from the established list)

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in the above core courses or rank in the upper 25% of their class academically for unconditional acceptance to an Arizona university.

Foreign Language is a Big Plus

With the international focus on today's world, multi-lingual applicants are sought frequently by business and industry, the health professions and the armed services. Most colleges require a foreign language for graduation. Often a multi-lingual person can command a higher salary. A widely spoken language other than English is most practical. A diploma endorsement requires two credits of the same foreign language.

Electives Serve Interests and Aptitudes

Some elective courses may be chosen because they support a career interest. Some may be chosen because they represent a college admission requirement. However, some should simply give a student a chance to explore or further develop an interest or aptitude. Along with all the courses your student seems to "need," be sure to include something for personal satisfaction and enjoyment. It could be a course to enhance understanding of the fine arts, learn a craft, play an instrument, or develop a leisure time sports activity.

Be Familiar with the Career Preparation, Career and Technical Education & Work Experience Programs

The Glendale Union High School District is committed to providing students with opportunities which will enhance student transition from school to advanced training and to future careers. Students can explore a variety of occupational fields plus get a head start in career planning and decision-making. A variety of career and technical education and work experience programs are offered to all students in the areas of Applied Technology; Business and Computer Education; and Family and Consumer Sciences. Some courses are partnered with community colleges and other post secondary opportunities. Additional programs are partnered with business and industry. Some classes offer concurrent college credit.

Don't Forget Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are an important part of the high school experience. Many times, these activities support the academic program. The district encourages participation in extracurricular activities as a way to develop leadership, teamwork and good sportsmanship to investigate new interests. Students must learn to budget their time for school subjects, extracurricular activities, personal interests, family, church and part-time jobs in order to maintain positive balance in their daily lives.

Keep a Record of Accomplishments

School extracurricular activities, honors and awards are important to show a well-rounded education. We recommend that students keep an on-going record of accomplishments which can be used to develop a resume for job applications, scholarships and entrance to higher education. Teachers and counselors are ready to assist in this endeavor.

Getting Started

A special orientation is planned for freshmen giving new students a chance to get to know some teachers, to find classrooms, and to begin to make new friends. Orientation is held in August and leads into registration. During the summer, students and parents receive a letter specifying registration and orientation dates and times.

Attendance is Essential

It's important for students to attend school every day and to be on time to class. The district believes that every student's attitude toward attendance is extremely important and that high school attendance is the responsibility of the student and family. Students should remain out of school only when absolutely necessary because they may lose credit eligibility in any class. (Recognized religious holidays are not included in the attendance policy) Try not to plan vacations when school is in session. By February, the school calendar for the following year will be available. Dates for the beginning and end of school, as well as for spring break and winter recess, are set.

Keeping Kids in Class

The Glendale Union High School District Governing Board approved a revised attendance and tardy policy in June 2004. Following several months of study and deliberation, a committee comprised of parents, teachers and administrators recommended changes that became effective with the start of the 2004 - 2005 school year.

The former policy allowed tardies and absences totaling 19 instances, whereby the new policy allows a combination of tardies and absences totaling 13 before a student is in danger of losing credit for a class.

Students can most benefit from their classes if they are ON TIME - IN CLASS - EACH DAY.

Good Study Habits

These are important years for students and their parents. The high school years will strongly impact your student's future. Tips for parents: Stay interested in what is happening in school. Let your dinner conversation include a discussion of what your student is learning in school. When you have questions about progress or problems, call the teachers and the counselor. Take a realistic look at the developing interests and aptitudes of your student and help him or her make decisions based on that criteria

Nutrition Services

Breakfast and lunch are available at all high school sites. Any student interested in working in the School at Work, Work at School paid student worker program should apply with the Food Services Supervisor on campus.

Health Records and Birth Certificates

Students are required to show birth certificates and to have documented, up-to-date immunizations when they enter high school. At registration in the fall, new students will be required to fill out a health card - signed by a parent - that includes an immunization record. Immunizations can be updated at free clinics or by your family doctor.

Physical Exam Required for Athletics

Students who plan to participate in athletics MUST have an annual physical conducted by an M.D., D.O., certified registered nurse practitioner (NP) or a certified physician's assistant (PA-C). Free athletic physicals are offered each April for the following school year. The Assistant Principal for Operations and Resources on your campus has specific information.

Physical Education Uniform Specifications

Uniforms are required for all Physical Education classes and are available, at a competitive price, at all school bookstores. Students opting not to purchase the school uniform may provide their own clothing, following these guidelines:

Shirt: Light blue or gray, no writing or printing of any kind; long length so that it remains tucked into shorts. Sleeves required. Must meet standards of modesty and safety.

Shorts: Solid color (blue preferred), no writing of any kind; inseam of 5" minimum, elastic waist (no zipper/buttons/ fly), hemmed pant legs. Must meet standards of modesty and safety.

Work With Your High School Counselor

Your counselor is in your high school to help YOU! High school counselors are available to work with students and their families on the transition from adolescence to adult life. The complex changes that occur during the high school years are addressed by a Counseling and Guidance Program with a full range of services.

The Competency Based Guidance Program assists all students with planning for the future and exploring the educational steps which will lead them to their chosen careers. The school's counseling department can provide information to help students select a college or other post-secondary education and obtain financial assistance to continue their education. Counselors are also trained to assist students in examining all possible solutions to personal and social concerns. Referrals are made to community resources when necessary.

Students will see their counselors through individual counseling sessions, small group discussion, and during classroom units. Students are encouraged to contact their counselor whenever assistance is needed. Parents are strongly encouraged to call or make an appointment when any situation arises that may distract students from their class work.