Guidance services are available for all students to help them in
making decisions concerning courses in high school, personal problems, and
vocational and educational plans beyond high school. Aside from planned
programs, counselors are available for personal conferences during the
school day to help with:
1. Any personal problem
2. Changes in levels or other course adjustments
3. Information regarding colleges- selecting a college, admissions
and admissions testing, financial aid
4. Career plans- choosing a vocation, post-high school training
5. Testing results - interpretation of test scores and their
significance
6. Military information regarding various services and military
academies
7. Orientation of student to the school and the curriculum
8. Acquainting students with their school record to review
credits, etc.
9. Continuing the above services after graduation, if requested
The guidance department also coordinates other programs for high
school or college credit;
1. Advanced Placement examinations are offered each spring in many
academic subjects through arrangement with the College Entrance
Examination Board. College credit or advanced standing may be granted
later for successful completion of these tests while in high school.
Ordinarily, accelerated level work is needed to best prepare for A.P.
exams. However, some students have been well prepared by taking honors
classes or by studying independently.
2. Correspondence courses for enrichment or to meet graduation
requirements can be arranged through either American School or University
of Kentucky. A correspondence course taken to meet graduation
requirements cannot duplicate one offered at AHS unless the student has
first attempted the equivalent course in the AHS curriculum.
3. Summer school - Each year (pending school board approval)
summer school make up classes are offered in English, Social Studies, and
Math. These classes are for make up purposes only and class enrollment
will determine whether the course will be taught. A student may earn one
credit for a six week class or 1/2 credit for a three week class. Each
class meets two hours per day. There will be a fee charged for each class.
4. Vocational programs - a student who plans to enroll in one of
the vocational programs is urged to plan ahead and to complete the
required courses early. Only English, Math and Social Studies should be
left for the last two years. Elective courses that will help prepare for
the program should be scheduled.
5. Out-of-school-Study - Any student who will be unable to attend
class for a prolonged period of time is urged to meet with a counselor at
the earliest possible time to determine what arrangements can be made to
continue school work for credit during the absences.
The guidance department exists to assist all students with
academic and vocational planning and to assist with addressing social and
personal problems. The following is important information related to:
1. Course Levels and Course Selections - At Athens High School
each student will be given the opportunity of probing as deeply into a
subject as their time, talent and motivation permit. To make such a
program a reality, the vast majority of subjects necessary for graduation
will be offered at several levels of difficulty. The student may select
the level that will allow them the most educational value. Initial level
selections will be carefully evaluated by the student's present teacher.
All basic classes are by recommendation only.
The various levels are designed to promote student success. This
is a basis for establishing a learning environment where the students can
be themselves. The choice of each course level of difficulty should be
made with the use of past grades, achievement test results(stanine
scores), student motivation and teacher recommendation.
A. Basic- These courses are designed for those student who
are somewhat deficient in basic skills who will profit from additional
help with those skills. Past school grades of mostly D's and some F's
with achievement scores in the 2nd or 3rd stanines suggest this level.
Placement in this level is by recommendation only of each department,
guidance and administration.
B. Comprehensive - These courses are designed for those
students who are achieving at an average level. Past marks are mostly C's
and some B's. Achievement score stanines are 4,5, or 6. Limited college
prep material is presented.
C. Honors - These courses are designed for those students
who desire to study a subject in depth. Past marks are mostly B's and
some A's. Achievement score stanines are 7 or 8. Rigorous college prep
material is presented.
D. Accelerated/Advanced Placement- These courses are
design for capable students who are willing to accept the rigorous demands
and challenges of a course at an advanced level. Past marks are mostly
A's and some B's. Achievement scores stanines are 8 or 9.
All elective courses (with the exception of foreign language) are
based on a 4.0 grading scale. Basic classes in English, Social Studies,
Science, and Intervention Math are considered remedial in nature and not
college prep material. These courses are by recommendation only. Basic
courses in Algebra and Geometry are considered two year college prep level
work at a slower pace than comprehensive levels. These courses are also
by recommendation only.
In addition to selecting the most suitable level of difficulty,
the student needs to be aware of any special requirements a course might
have. Some courses have certain prerequisites (requirements) which are
noted in the course descriptions of the AHS Curriculum Guide.
2. Your Schedule - Your schedule is a school/student contract. It
represents all of the courses in which you are enrolled. If you requested
a particular course which isn't on your schedule, this is due to conflicts
that cannot be avoided. Educational options will be dated and noted on
your schedule. This will enable counselors to keep track of your credits
and your school progress.
3. Changing Your Schedule- Schedules can be changed only in the
guidance office. No change is to be made in courses, rooms, teachers, or
times of classes before it has been properly made and recorded in the
guidance office. Students must complete their schedule change form and
return it to the guidance office. The student's schedule change will not
be complete and considered invalid if the schedule change form is not
returned to the guidance office.
Your schedule is set for the school year unless one or more of the
following exists:
A. A requested required course was not scheduled
B. A drop of an elective to add a study hall
C. The establishment of educational options by meeting the
requirements
D. Administrator places student in an intervention class
or study hall
4. Guidelines for Dropping a Course- After the fifth week of the
semester, courses dropped will appear on the permanent record. These
courses will be listed as a withdrawn passing (W/P) or withdrawn failing
(W/F). A withdrawn failing (W/F) will be computed into the student's
grade point average (G.P.A.) as a "F" for the semester. No class may be
dropped during the last half of the semester.
Under administrative assignment, a student may be placed in a
study hall instead of attending class, but the course will appear on the
permanent record as a "F" for the semester average.
5. Individual Career Plan (ICP)- The ICP is housed in the guidance
office. The ICP contains a career planner, educational planner, career
skills checklist and record of assessments. This information is collected
and revised each year.
6. Student Records Policy- The Athens City Schools have a policy
regarding student records which conforms to the requirements of the Family
Education Right and Privacy Act. A complete statement of this policy can
be obtained in the guidance office. The most important provisions, in
brief, are listed;
A. You may see your record. Make an appointment with your
guidance counselor
B. You have the right to question any material in your
record which you believe to be inaccurate, misleading, or inappropriate
C. Your record will be make available to others outside
the school only when you (or your parents/guardian) make or approve the
request
D. There is no charge for transcripts, however we do
request a stamped envelope for mailing
7. Earning Credits- During your four years at Athens High School
you earn units of credit for courses you successfully complete. The total
credits required to graduate is 22.
8. Your Record of Credit- Beginning with your work in the ninth
grade, your credits are recorded on a permanent record form. This will
show the courses you scheduled, the level, the semester grade and the
credit earned for each course. These facts along with you attendance
record are kept on permanent file. A copy of record is called a
Transcript of Credits, which you are likely to need later for employment,
college or other school admission, military enlistment, all government
applications, etc. The school Registrar is in charge of these records and
makes all entries and changes. You may examine your records at any time
if you make the request to your counselor. It is the responsibility of
each student to monitor yearly credits and graduation status.
9. Minimum Course Load- Students at Athens High School must
maintain a minimum of 5.50 credits per year.
10a. Proficiency Testing- The 9th Grade Proficiency Test will be
given in October and March of each year. All graduation students must
pass all required parts of this test in order to receive a high school
diploma. Students will have nine opportunities during high school to pass
all sections. An exemption from taking these tests is provided for any
student receiving special education services if the student's IEP excuses
the student. A student cannot be prohibited from taking the Proficiency
Tests.
10b. Ohio Graduation Test- The Ohio Graduation Test will be
initially administered in March, 2005 for sophomores. All graduating
seniors (class of 2007) must pass all required parts of this test in order
to receive a high school diploma. Students will have six opportunities
during the calendar years and three opportunities during summer school
sessions to pass all sections. There are no exemptions for IEP students.
The testing may be taken with accommodations or an alternative assessment
may be given for IEP students.
11. The Honor Diploma- To be awarded a diploma with honors, a student who
completes the college preparatory curriculum in the high school shall be
required to meet at least all but one of the criteria listed:
A. 4 credits of English
B. 3 credits of Mathematics which shall include at least
the competencies obtained in Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II
C. 3 credits of Social Studies
D. 3 credits of Science that include instructional
emphasis on the physical, life, and earth and space sciences
E. 3 credits of one Foreign Language or 2 credits each of
two Foreign Languages
F. 1 credit of Fine Arts
G. Maintain an overall high school grade point average of
at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale up to the last grading period of the senior year
H. Obtain a composite score of 27 on the ACT test or 1210 on SAT
I. either one unit of business/technology and two
additional units in (a) through (f) above or earn three additional
units, in (a) through (f) above
12. Early Graduation- Any student contemplating early graduation
must complete 22 credits. Students who are candidates for early
graduation (11th or mid-12th) may not utilize "aide" credit(s) toward
fulfillment of graduation requirements. Only students who have completed
all requirements will be permitted to participate in the commencement
exercises in June. Other students will receive their diploma upon
completion of their requirements. All students interested in early
graduation must complete an early graduation form by January, which is
available in the guidance office.
13. International/Exchange Student Enrollment Procedures- Students
requesting to enter Athens High School on a visa or passport basis must
meet enrollment criteria of the Athens City Schools prior to being
accepted for enrollment at Athens High School. Information can be
obtained in the guidance office.
14. College Visitation- A student may be excused from school to
visit a college providing he/she follows the proper procedure:
A. The student must obtain a college visitation form from
the attendance office
B. The visitation form must be completed and returned to
the attendance office two school days before the visitation is scheduled
C. The student must obtain a verification form to be
completed by the Admissions Office at the college visited and return it to
the attendance office within two school days after returning from the visit
D. Juniors are limited to three visitations
E. Seniors are not restricted to a number of visitations
as long as this privilege is not abused.
F. Any college visitation not following the above
procedure will be considered an unexcused absence
15. College/Military Recruitment- A student may be excused from
only one class per day to meet with a single recruiter.
EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS FOR EARNING HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT
1. Work release options can only be obtained by registering in a
recognized vocational course such as OWA, OWE and Community-Based Work Study.
2. Attendance in the concurrent enrollment option program will be
monitored by AHS personnel.
3. All students enrolled in educational options are eligible for
extra-curricular activities as long as they are considered full-time
students and meet eligibility requirements for each grading period.
4. If a student drops out of an educational option, he/she will be
assigned to study hall until such time that an appropriate schedule change
can occur.
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT GUIDELINES
Independent study, tutoring, travel, mentoring, correspondence
courses, technical school and college courses (concurrent enrollment) are
examples of what the Board of Education views as educational options
supplementing the regular school program. The following are specifics:
1. All students with high school status are eligible to
participate in these programs
2. All educational options are subject to the approval of the
superintendent of schools or his/her designee prior to enrollment. The
appropriate option forms are available in the guidance office. These
include parent approval, instructional plan guidelines and an evaluation
plan. Credit cannot be granted if the plan has not been recorded in
advance and permission formally obtained.
3. A maximum of six credits may be applied to the 22 credits
required for graduation. The following are guidelines for the granting of
credit:
1 credit- 120 contact hours with instructor
1/2 credit- 60 contact hours with instructor
1/4 credit- 30 contact hours with instructor
4. A certified teacher will provide instruction and evaluation of
all independent study or tutorial programs.
5. Courses and programs should not compete with courses offered in
the regular AHS program of studies unless they are not currently being
offered or are not being taken for credit.
SB-140 POST SECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS PROGRAM
The Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program allows students with
10 credits to register for college work either for college credit only
(Option A) of for both high school and college credit (Option B).
Additional information about these options and applications can be
obtained in the guidance office. The deadline date is May 1 for Ohio
University and Hocking College.
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
This method is used primarily to complete credit deficiencies or
to supplement normal course work. Courses are taken through either the
American School in Chicago, Illinois or the University of Kentucky. This
work is done under the supervision of the guidance counselors and
permission from guidance personnel and parents must be obtained prior to
beginning the work. This process can be initiated by contacting your
guidance counselor. There are fees for each course.
PASS-FAIL OPTIONS
Students have the option of taking a maximum of two elective
courses each semester on a "pass-fail" basis. Courses taken to satisfy a
specific graduation requirement or those restricted by a department may
not be taken on a pass-fail option. A student wishing to enter a course
on a "pass-fail" basis must inform the instructor when he/she enters the
class. The student must also complete a "pass-fail" form available in the
guidance office and return it within the first eight days of class.
The name of the course, its level and mark of "pass" or "fail"
will be written on the student's permanent record. No credit will be
given for a failing mark. The "pass-fail" course will be counted toward
rank and G.P.A. only if the course is failed.
AUDIT PROVISION
A student may elect to audit a class for no credit with the
permission of the teacher, counselor, and appropriate administrator. This
provision will exist only if the student remains a positive influence in
the class as determined by the teacher.
GRADES AND GRADE POINTS
Letter grades will be awarded in all classes unless the
"pass-fail" option is requested. Evaluation of a student will be done in
relationship to the level of the specific course or subject. Thus, an "A"
in a regular, comprehensive, or basic class is not the same as an "A" in
an honors or accelerated class.
Graduation class rank is required for admission to most colleges
and is requested or required by many prospective employers. In an effort
to be fair to all students, a procedure has been established that will
weigh all grades according to the level of a particular subject.
Courses that are not marked specifically as honors or accelerated will be
treated as regular or comprehensive courses in the evaluation of grades
for the purpose of computing class rank. Individual grade point averages
are calculated by computer using the fractional credit to reflect that
portion of the course which has been completed. If you want information
regarding the weight of courses, a sheet will be provided by the registrar.
GRADING AND PARTIAL CREDIT
If a student earns F's in both grading periods during a semester,
no credit will be granted regardless of the final exam grade. If a
student withdraws from a course prematurely, partial credit will not be
granted.
In cases where the student has not completed the course
requirements, an incomplete will be recorded. Any incomplete must be make
up within two weeks after the next grading period begins unless an
administrative extension is granted. If a student does not complete the
work within this time frame, the incomplete will become an "F". When all
work is completed and the grades average out to a passing level, credit
will be granted.
For transfer students who enter AHS at or near the mid-year, it
may be necessary to schedule a portion of a semester course to make an
adequate schedule. In these cases (providing the student does
satisfactory work), partial credit may be granted.
HONOR ROLL
Honor Roll selections will be based on an average of all grades
received for each nine-week grading period. Principal's Honor Roll is
achieved with a 3.00 to 3.49 average, having no grades below a B-. Merit
Honors are achieved with a 3.50 to 3.99 average. Cum Laude honors are for
averages between 4.00 and 4.49. Magna Cum Laude honors are for averages
of 4.50 and 4.99. Summa Cum Laude honors are for averages of 5.00 and
above. This ranking will be integrated with the graduation recognition
process. A student may also qualify for special recognition by teacher
nomination.
FINAL EXAMINATION POLICY
Final examinations are given in all courses at the end of the
first and second semesters. The dates and times of exams will be
published by the administration. Semester and final exams can be taken
early only with written approval of both the classroom teacher and the
building administrator. Written approval to take an exam early must be
obtained from the principal at least five days prior to the published date
of the exam. Appointments to take an exam early once approved by
administration will be made at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
If a student fails to report for a final examination, the teacher will
assign an incomplete for the course which can be made up only if the
absence is excused. Make-up exams must be arranged between the student
and each classroom teacher. The teacher will leave make-up exams in the
assistant principal's office. All make-up exams must be completed within
two weeks of the published exam date. Students who fail to complete their
make-up exams within the two week period will receive a zero "0" on the
exam.
Students may leave school after completing final exams if their
name is not listed as ineligible. Those students who are qualified to
leave must have a note from their parents/guardian to be excused from
school.