GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
ARAB HIGH SCHOOL
The mission of Arab High School’s comprehensive counseling and guidance program is to prepare every student socially, academically, and emotionally for present and future challenges. Students are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of self and others, to participate in educational and occupational exploration, and to pursue career- planning opportunities in an safe, caring, encouraging environment. The school counselors work in collaborative partnerships with all students, school staff, families, and other members of the community as an integral part of the education program. The school guidance and counseling program promotes school success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities, advocacy, social/emotional issues, and career development decisions. The school guidance and counseling program promotes the process of helping individuals and their families to make decisions and encourages life-long learning to empower students to reach their highest level of productivity in a technological society.
The comprehensive guidance and counseling program provided at Arab High School is based on the following principles:
1. Every student has the right to experience respect and dignity as a human being and to benefit from the counseling and guidance services.
2. Every student has the right to participate in activities that promote self-direction and self-development.
3. Every student has the right to make choices and accept the responsibility for choices made.
4. Every student has the right to participate in a comprehensive school counseling and guidance program designed to assist in attaining their maximum potential in academic, social, and personal/social development.
Student Competencies
Through individual counseling and/or group presentations, counselors help students understand their learning strengths and weaknesses, select appropriate courses, plan for the transition to college and careers, and meet personal challenges in a responsible, productive manner. Below are competencies which the guidance counselors stress and seek to foster in students:
Learning Competencies:
1. Understand one’s learning ability and applications for success
2. Understand the school environment, rules, and expectations
3. Understand the school curriculum and the impact course selection has on future plans
4. Learn to set realistic goals
5. Develop strategies to meet goals
6. Learn to interpret standardized test results and their impact on future plans
Personal Competencies:
1. Develop a positive self-concept
2. Take responsibility for actions and/or consequences
3. Recognize the feelings of others
4. Learn to listen and follow directions
5. Acquire relationship skills
6. Appreciate one’s own capabilities and show respect for differences
7. Develop skills to work in groups
8. Learn skills in conflict resolution
9. Cope with change
10. Make healthy choices
Career/Technical Competencies:
1. Form tentative career goals and develop strategies for attaining them
2. Understand the course selection process and its strategies for attaining career goals
3. Use resources to understand the career development process
4. Learn about post high school educational opportunities and issues involved in the selection process
CONTACT INFORMATION & STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
|
Barbara Snow 511 Arabian Drive NE Arab, AL 35016 (256) 586-6026 (256) 931-9219 FAX (256) 586-1948 |
Pamela Hornsby 511 Arabian Drive, NE Arab, AL 35016 (256) 586-6026 (256) 931-9221 FAX (256) 586-1948
|
Bill Privett 511 Arabian Drive, NE Arab, AL 35016 (256) 586-6026 (256) 931-9220 FAX (256) 586-1948 |
Organize and coordinate guidance activities for juniors
Organize and complete guidance activities and handouts for freshman
Meet with parents of freshman and juniors
Organize course selection materials for grades 8-11
Coordinate enrollment for dual and accelerated courses for early admission to college
Serve as high school liaison for Selective Service
Articulate with the local community college for dual and accelerated courses
Compile follow-up statistics and report
Provide statistics on yearly means for ACT in English, mathematics, science, reading
Coordinate ACT administration for testing
Coordinate PSAT administration for testing
Organize calendar for visits from military recruiters
Complete necessary letters for military enlistment
Participate and plan with Special Education Task Committee for inclusion scheduling
Participate in remediation planning for Alabama High School Graduation Examination
Maintain summer opportunities program information
Plan and organize junior class guidance classes and handouts
Plan and organize handouts regarding dual and accelerated credit
Maintain credit checks for juniors and freshman
Maintain diploma list of eligible seniors
Coordinate scheduling
Develop and coordinate guidance budget
Participate in career planning activities
Coordinate College-Career Night program
Provide contact for alumni including transcripts and recommendations
Send transcripts
Help with special projects
Coordinate testing for Alabama High School Graduation Examination
Coordinate testing for Writing Assessment
Interpret test results/statistics
Maintain cumulative testing for grades 9-12 for Alabama High School Graduation Exam
Participate in planning remediation for Alabama High School Graduation Exam
Help with College-Career Night/Financial Aid Program
Participate in orientation programs
Plan and organize testing for Alabama High School Graduation Examination
Participate in career planning activities
Serve on IEP Committees
Help with yearly Christmas Angel Tree project
Help with special projects
Coordinate and organize college applications/financial aid/scholarships with seniors
Counsel with seniors regarding post-secondary selections and/or career planning
Meet with parents of seniors for academic/credits/graduation
Meet with parents of seniors regarding post-secondary planning
Maintain diploma list of eligible seniors
Organize and complete guidance activities and handouts for sophomores
Write and distribute scholarship newsletters to seniors
Coordinate with various scholarship committees
Meet with college representatives
Communicate with local community clubs/organizations
Maintain scholarship files
Complete counselor portions of application forms for college and/or scholarship forms
Send transcripts
Coordinate financial aid applications for seniors
Organize and coordinate Awards Program and related activities
Maintain lists of scholarship awards with monetary worth/combined values
Coordinate NCAA information
Help with College-Career Night/Financial Aid Programs
Chair for Building Base Support Committee
Coordinate and monitor support plans
Monitor and counsel at-risk students
Consult 504 Plans
Coordinate schedules for students with health problems that require attention in school
Participate in Prom Promise activities
New student orientation
Ninth grade brochures describing requirements for graduation
Career and educational planning
Course selection with group and individual meetings
State mandated testing both Writing Assessment and Alabama High School Graduation Exam
PSAT testing for selected college-bound students
College-Career Night Program
Career and educational planning
Course selection with groups and individual meetings
Guidance groups regarding ACT testing and post high school selection in English classes
PSAT testing
Planning for college visits and post high school enrollment
Testing regarding Alabama High School Graduation Exam
Course selection classroom presentation and individual meetings
Classroom meetings regarding post high school planning
College-Career Night Program/Financial Aid Program
Visits by college representatives during the year
Individual meetings for planning
Individual meetings for transcript and graduation requirements
Group meetings for graduation supplies/planning
Financial aid and scholarship information
Test information
Military recruiters
Besides working directly with students, the guidance counselors are responsible for processing and disseminating a wide range of information to students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Some of the tasks counselors perform include helping students indirectly and include:
23. Collaborating with other educational professionals for attendance appeals, IEPs
A high school transcript is an academic record of all the grades, credits, test scores, attendance, and grade point averages. An official copy of this record includes these vital items, an official’s signature, and school seal. Ordinarily, official transcripts are mailed; however, unofficial copies (to check on credits, apply for a scholarship, take for a college visit) can be obtained by going to the guidance office.
511 Arabian Drive, NE
Arab, AL 35016
SEND A COPY OF MY TRANSCRIPT TO THE FOLLOWING:
NAME OF AGENCY OR COLLEGE_____________________________________________
ADDRESS _________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
_________________________ _____________________
NAME (PRINT) YEAR OF GRADUATION
_________________________ _____________________
SIGNATURE PHONE #
_________________________
DATE
PLEASE REMIT $2.00 PER COPY TO COVER THE COST OF POSTAGE, DUPLICATION, EQUIPMENT COSTS. The address of Arab High School is 511 Arabian Drive NE, Arab, AL 35016. THANK YOU.
Each spring students complete a four-year plan with a career-planning portfolio. This activity is developed with in-put from teachers, counselors, parents, and students. The plan should encompass the required courses for graduation by grade level and appropriate electives. Review electives in relationship to occupational goals. Investigate career technical opportunities offered at Arab High School. Students must take English, mathematics, science, and social studies each year; other criteria are health, computer, fine arts, and physical education. Students must also pass the five portions of the Alabama High School Graduation Examination as described.
Planning and scheduling for the following year should be taken seriously. Once schedules are set, it may be difficult to change a class.
English 4.0 credits
Mathematics 4.0 credits
(including Algebra and Geometry)
Social Studies 4.0 credits
Science 4.0 credits
Health 0.5 credit
Physical Education 1.0 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Computer 0.5 credit
Fine Arts 0.5 credit
Electives
Promotion Standard Graduation Requirements
9th to 10th 6 units Class of 2005 28 credits
10th to 11th 12 units Class of 2006 27 credits
11th to 12th 19 units Class of 2007 26 credits
Class of 2008 25 credits
Class of 2009 24 credits
Class of 2010 24 credits
The Alabama Board of Education requires that any student receiving a diploma in Alabama pass all five subject tests of the Alabama High School Graduation Examination (AHSGE), Third Edition, and fulfill requirements regarding number of course credits. Students are usually tested for the first time in March of the sophomore year. Students who do not complete this requirement in tenth grade are tested again in March of the junior year. During the twelfth-grade year seniors who have not passed have four other opportunities--July, September, December, and again in March to take and pass the examinations. Once a student passes a portion, he/she does not repeat the subtest.
The Alabama High School Graduation Examination is composed of questions measuring the objectives in five subject fields.
Reading determines if the student can read and comprehend textual, functional, and recreational material. Standards include the following:
1. Demonstrate literal understanding.
2. Interpret passages.
3. Apply critical analysis strategies.
4. Utilize strategies that enhance comprehension.
Language helps to measure the student’s knowledge of language mechanics and expression. Standards include the following:
1. Recognize correct grammar and usage.
2. Demonstrate appropriate word choice.
3. Recognize correct sentence structure.
4. Use correct capitalization and punctuation.
5. Use appropriate organizational skills for writing and revising.
Mathematics helps to measure the student’s knowledge of Algebra 1 and geometry. Standards include the following:
1. Perform basic operations on algebraic expression.
2. Solve equations and inequalities.
3. Apply concepts related to functions.
4. Apply formulas.
5. Apply graphing techniques.
6. Represent problem situations.
7. Solve problems involving a variety of algebraic and geometric concepts.
Science measures the student’s knowledge of biology and physical science.
Standards include the following:
1. Nature of science (scientific process).
2. Matter (states, transfer, change, types).
3. Diversity of life (classification, structure, function).
4. Heredity (mutations, DNA, traits).
5. Cells (structure, function, reproduction).
6. Interdependence (populations, ecosystems).
7. Energy (transformations, waves).
8. Force and motion laws
Social Studies measures the student’s knowledge of United States history. The following standards are included:
1. Global influence of the pre-colonial eras of the Western Hemisphere.
2. Formation and development of the United States.
3. Eras of revolution, expansion, and reform prior to the United States Civil War.
4. United States Civil War Era.
5. Developments of the late 19th and 20th centuries.
6. Causes and effects of World War 1.
7. Great Depression and World War 2.
ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRACURRICULAR
Students must earn six full units of credit (including English, mathematics, science, and social studies) and average a minimum of 70 for participation in extracurricular activities. Students who participate in extracurricular activities and/or drive an automobile to school must agree to random drug testing. Parents may obtain a consent form from the main office.
Set the tone for planned learning to meet goals and make better grades. The more a person knows, the more he or she can do. The most important aspect of studying is attitude. Think Positively!
Monitor your physical and mental health. Budget time for the right experiences: 1)adequate sleep; 2)regular exercise; 3)plenty of fun; 4)varied meals; 5)yearly checks for eyes and teeth.
Using study skills and being creative make learning easier.
CONDITIONS FOR EFFECTIVE STUDY
1. Flattop desk.
2. Straight-back chair.
3. Ample lighting.
4. All necessary materials handy.
5. Adequate room temperature.
6. Quiet area with no distractions.
1. Follow a schedule.
2. Study in the same place at the same time each day.
3. Use the method: Preview, Question, Review, Summarize, and Test.
4. Do periodic review; do not wait to the last minute.
5. Keep pencil or pen in hand for notes when reading.
6. Organize notes in legible form.
7. Budget time for daily work as well as long-term assignments.
8. Tackle the hardest subject first.
9. Keep a calendar for assignments and due dates.
10. Organize materials in folders by subject; keep neat notebooks.
1. Set short- and long-term goals.
2. Take frequent, short breaks.
3. Review material often.
4. Ask for help as needed but study alone. Question your understanding of the subject matter.
5. Memorize before going to bed.
6. Identify the time of day when you learn the best and take advantage of that knowledge.
7. Develop sets of note cards (3x5) for main points: 1)Easily sorted, 2) Easily carried, 3) Easily modified.
8. Review and practice prior to a test.
9. Evaluate methods after each assignment and make improvements.
1. Take notes in class; listen carefully; stay alert.
2. Organize facts, outline major points; show relationships.
TEST-TAKING HINTS
1. Before the test, study daily.
2. Two-three days before the test, review notes, flash cards, vocabulary, etc.
3. Study items that are unclear.
4. The day before test, question yourself. Review difficult ones.
5. During the test, relax, read the directions carefully. Quickly look through the entire test in order to be able to pace yourself.
6. For objective tests, read twice before you answer. Answer the easy questions first. Return to the hard ones to do last.
7. For essay questions, cover the points asked in the question. Think who, what, when, where, how, and why. Write legibly in paragraphs.
8. Before turning in paper, question yourself. Did I follow instructions? Did I check my spelling/grammar? Did I answer all questions completely? Did I leave any blank? Make changes.
9. When the test is graded, read the comments. Identify mistakes, and correct. Ask questions if you do not understand.
10. Make studying your job!
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Think Tank Tutoring Dates and Times
Weekly—Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:00-7:25 A. M.
Free tutoring with certified teachers in English, mathematics, science, and social studies is offered weekly.
Encourage your child and set expectations for success in high school. To ensure graduation and adequate preparation for success after high school, monitor and review frequently.
1. Meet your child’s teachers.
2. Expect your child to have homework.
3. Provide a quiet place to study.
4. Help your child set goals and objectives.
5. Insist on daily attendance—in school and on time every day.
6. Check grades for your child—report cards, midterm reports, and/or STI grade book. Monitor for credits yearly and review four-year plans.
7. Adjust and help with your child’s time management.
8. Encourage involvement in the school’s clubs/organizations.
9. Regulate time and avoid too much time/energy in leisure/work activities such as watching TV, playing computer games, spending excessive time on the computer, talking on the phone, text messaging, hanging out with friends, working too many hours during school year.
10. Be a good listener.
11. Talk with your child about the dangers of smoking, drinking, and using drugs.
12. Notice any changes in attitudes, dress, behavior, friends.
13. Help your child gain confidence as a problem solver.
14. Use rewards and consequences to effect improvement.
a. Recognize effort.
b. Find rewards for academic increases.
15. Influence your child as a good role model.
Review schedule for appropriate course selection.
Earn the best grades possible.
Become involved in a variety of activities.
Learn the school’s rules and expectations.
Establish a reputation for reliability and excellent attendance.
Plan for tenth grade.
Identify a career goal.
Review credits and eligibility.
Review schedule for appropriate course selection.
Earn the best grades possible.
Continue in a variety of activities.
Establish an excellent attendance record with very few tardies.
Begin a resume.
Take the Alabama High School Graduation Examination
Consider taking the ACT as a benchmark for college enrollment.
Consider taking the PSAT as a practice for the SAT
Consider dual and/or accelerated credit courses for summer, next school year.
Plan for the eleventh grade.
Review educational plans.
Review career goals.
Review credits and eligibility.
Review schedule for appropriate course selection.
Earn the best grades possible.
Continue in a variety of activities.
Continue to reflect an excellent attendance record.
Take the PSAT in October.
Write or revise a resume.
Gather information on colleges.
Plan college visits during vacation time.
Take the ACT Assessment.
Consider dual and/or accelerated courses.
Plan for twelfth grade.
Review educational plans.
Review career goals.
Review credits and eligibility.
Review schedule for appropriate course selection.
Continue establishing a positive grade point average.
Continue with a variety of activities.
Maintain an excellent attendance record; avoid tardies.
Speak with a counselor about a credit review for graduation.
Revise resume.
Analyze career plans, majors, requirements for college degree/technical program.
Take the ACT Assessment in October, if necessary.
Discuss post high school plans with a counselor.
Fill out college application forms.
Write scholarship applications/essays.
Complete financial aid applications, including FAFSA.
Review grades and credits.
Make a final decision regarding your college options.
Testing for the ACT Assessment and SAT I & II
The high school code for Arab High School is 010130.
Arab High School is also a test center for the administration of the ACT Assessment. The test center code is 214200.
For more information go to www.act.org
The Scholastic Aptitude Test is also administered several times per year. The closest test center is in Huntsville. Contact a counselor for more information. Or, go to www.collegeboard.com
Transfer of credit within Alabama
Dual enrollment permits high school students to take college classes for which they receive both high school and college credit. Eligible students will be introduced to college-level coursework and receive college credit upon graduation.
Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
**Have a ‘B’ average
**Be in 10, 11, or 12 grade
**Have approval of principal/
superintendent.
Students must pay tuition the same as any other college student.
Benefits include accelerating the completion of college coursework and saving time. Several classes are offered at Arab High School during the regular school day.
Contact a high school guidance counselor to complete necessary forms and select appropriate courses.
English Composition 101 3 Hrs.
English Composition 102 3 Hrs.
Precalculus Trig 113 3 Hrs.
Calculus 125 4 Hrs.
Six hours of college credit equal one high school unit. The English and mathematics courses can substitute for twelfth-grade subjects in high school.
To enroll, students must take a placement test in English, math, and reading prior to registering for classes. Students may take the exam, COMPASS, Monday through Thursday at 1:00 P. M. at Snead State Community College. EXCEPTION: Students who have taken the ACT and scored at least 20 on all sub-tests are exempt from testing. Math placement requires 25 on the math subtest. Registration will be denied to any student who does not meet one of these two testing options
STEPS FOR ENROLLMENT:
1. Application form. (Print from www.snead.edu)
2. Proof of residence in Alabama
3. Permission form from principal/superintendent.
4. Transcript.
5. ACT or COMPASS test attesting to score of minimum of 20 or equivalent in all academic areas.
6. Register for appropriate high school course.
7. Register with Snead State.
8. Pay appropriate tuition costs.
9. Purchase textbooks.
ON-LINE REGISTRATION:
1. Go to college website: www.snead.edu
2. Click on SSCC online.
3. Follow directions for Online Registration.
4. The student identification is the social security number.
5. The PIN is the six-digit date of birth (MMDDYY).
1. Print registration form.
2. Keep copy.
3. Send form with payment, or
4. Use credit card.
5. Note deadlines. Students will be dropped from classes if payment is not made by the deadline.
Final grades are available online at the end of the semester. Grade reports are not mailed. Students also receive a grade on the high school report card and transcript.
The Bookstore is located in the Boaz Outlet Center across from Key West Inn. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 A. M. until 2:00 P. M. The phone number is (256) 593-1861.
Guidance Department
Arab High School
511 Arabian Drive NE
Arab, AL 35016
(256) 586-6026
COORDINATING COLLEGE CONTACT
Martha Buchanan
Snead State Community College
Office of Student Services
220 North Walnut Street
P. O. Box 734
Boaz, AL 35957
(256) 593-5120
ACCREDITATION AND TRANSFER GUIDE
Snead State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degrees. Check the STARS System for information on the transfer guide on this web site:
Transfer of credit within Alabama
Accelerated enrollment permits high school students to take college classes for which they receive college credit. Eligible students will be introduced to college-level coursework and receive college credit upon graduation.
Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
**Have a ‘B’ average
**Be in 11 or 12 grade
**Have approval of principal
**Must provide own transportation
Students must pay tuition the same as any other college student.
Benefits include accelerating the completion of college coursework and saving time. Several classes are offered at Arab Center of Snead State Community College during the regular school day and at night. Eligible students may attend A. M. or P. M. Eleventh graders may take one course per semester; twelfth graders may enroll in two classes per semester. Summer enrollment permits taking two subjects (6 hours).
Contact a high school guidance counselor to complete necessary forms and select appropriate courses.
Classes are varied but constitute core and/or elective subjects. Offerings include fine arts, computer, social science, humanities, mathematics, speech, etc. Students should investigate requirements in their major field. Students may not take core high school courses as a part of accelerated credit.
To enroll, students must take a placement test in English, math, and reading prior to registering for classes. Students may take the exam, COMPASS, Monday through Thursday at 1:00 P. M. at Snead State Community College. EXCEPTION: Students who have taken the ACT and scored at least 20 on all sub-tests are exempt from testing. Math placement varies dependent on level of the course. Registration will be denied to any student who does not meet one of these two testing options.
STEPS FOR ENROLLMENT
10. Application form. (Print from www.snead.edu)
11. Proof of residence in Alabama
12. Permission form from principal.
13. Transcript.
14. ACT or COMPASS test attesting to score of minimum of 20 or equivalent in all academic areas.
15. Register with Snead State.
16. Pay appropriate tuition costs.
17. Purchase textbooks.
ON-LINE REGISTRATION:
6. Go to college website: www.snead.edu
7. Click on SSCC online.
8. Follow directions for Online Registration.
9. The student identification is the social security number.
10. The PIN is the six-digit date of birth (MMDDYY).
6. Print registration form.
7. Keep copy.
8. Send form with payment, or
9. Use credit card.
10. Note deadlines. Students will be dropped from classes if payment is not made by the deadline.