***CLASS OF 2016***CLASS OF 2016*** WELCOME! PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF CURIE'S FRESHMEN

1. ***CLASS OF 2016***CLASS OF 2016*** WELCOME! PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF CURIE'S FRESHMEN BIENVENIDOS! ***CLASS OF 2016***CLASS OF 2016***

2. Orientation Agenda Welcome Parents Graduation Requirements Freshman Courses Attendance Parent Portal Activity Fee Discipline Grading, Failure Procedures and Attendance School/Community Resources and Parent Tips Post-Secondary Planning Helpful Websites and Important Dates Q and A

3. PRINCIPALMR. PERRY ASSISTANT PRINCIPALSMS. ESPINOZAMR. RODRIGUEZ

4. Deans Deans: Provide discipline, security and guidance to our students. Deans: Ms. Matthews: 773-535-2493 Mr. Vargas: 773-535-9842

5. COUNSELORS DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON: MS. DANA MARINE MR. DAVID CORONADO MR. JEFF DACHMAN MS. JOI PERKINS-OWUSU MS. SOFIA VILLAFUERTE MS. SIOBHAN WOODHOUSE

6. How Can your Counselor Help You? • Provide you with socio-emotional support • Help guide your academic choices • Help you find resources inside and outside of the school • Help you transition to and from high school • Help student with college and career choices • Refer to outside counseling services when necessary • Help students find programs and organizations of interest • Help students sign up for summer school and nights school

7. If you’re not sure who to talk to about something… Ask your counselor!

8. Parents: essential element of student success

9. Graduation Requirements • 4 Credits of English • 3 Credits of Social Studies • 3 Credits of Math • 3 Credits of Science • 2 Credits of same World Language • 7 Credits of Education-To-Careers or Electives • 1 Credit of Art • 1 Credit of Music • 2 Credits of PE or ROTC(includes Health and Drivers Ed) • =26 total credits

10. What is a Credit? • Curie works off the semester concept. • One-half (½) unit of credit is awarded for any course that meets 46 minutes per day for 20 weeks. • All credit is granted by semester.

11. Additional Requirements • 40 Hours of Service Learning • Must pass Constitution Exam (offered in U.S. History) • Must complete a 30-hour unit in Driver's Ed. (offered in PE II) • Must complete a 10-week Consumer Ed. unit (offered in Computer Tech.) • Must take PSAE Exam (Including the ACT)

12. Service Learning • Students should complete 10 service learning hours each year to be on track • Students are encouraged to go beyond the 40 hours. Most scholarships and colleges are impressed with 75 service hours or more by the time students are juniors. • Service hours may only be done at non-profit organizations • See the Service Learning website for organizations and ideas

13. STUDENTS NEED... 26CREDITS TO GRADUATE FROM CURIE HIGH SCHOOL.

14. STUDENT SCHOOL DAY... • 7 classes each day. • 4 years of high school. IF STUDENTS PASS ALL THEIR CLASSES OVER THEIR FOUR YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL, THEY WILL HAVE 28 CREDITS.

15. MOST FRESHMEN PROGRAMS WILL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING: • Algebra I (Math) • Survey Literature (English) • World Studies (History) • Earth Science (Science) • PE I and Health or ROTC and Health • Computer Information Technology • Art or Music or Reading Language Arts

16. GRADING REPORTS • Progress Reports (mid-quarter report) • Quarter Grades (mid-semester report) • SEMESTER GRADES - FINAL GRADES ARE DISTRIBUTED TO STUDENTS IN FEBRUARY AND JUNE *If a student has an "F" at semester, then the student has failed the course and will not receive credit. MAKE SURE YOU ASK YOUR CHILD FOR THEIR SEMESTER REPORT CARD. YOU DO NOT PICK IT UP; THEY BRING IT HOME

17. WHAT IF MY CHILD FAILS A CLASS AT SEMESTER? • Student must pay to retake the course during Night School or Summer School.             *Due to decreased funding, CPS is cutting many of the courses offered at Night School and Summer School.             *If your child fails the same class both semesters,             your child will have to take two night school             classes to make up the credit.

18. SAMPLE REPORT CARD FIRST SEMESTER Algebra I - F Survey Literature - C Earth Science - D World Studies - F Physical Education - C Computer Technology - A Art - B 2.5 CREDITS The student will need to retake Algebra and World Studies during Night School or Summer School. SECOND SEMESTER Algebra I - C Survey Literature – F Earth Science - C World Studies - B Health - C Computer Technology - B Art - B 3 CREDITS The student will need to retake Survey Lit. during Night School or Summer School.

19. TRUE OR FALSE: FRESHMAN YEAR IS THE MOST IMPORTANT YEAR

20. TRUE! FRESHMAN YEAR IS... The most important year of high school. The make-it or break-it year. WHY IS IT SUCH AN IMPORTANT YEAR? Students who are on track freshman year have a better chance of graduating and going on to college.

21. BEING IN SCHOOL AND HAVING GOOD ATTENDANCE... • is extremely important for success.  • leads to better grades. • helps students pass class and stay on track. According to research, Freshmen who miss two or more weeks of school fail, on average, at least two courses. 90% of freshmen who miss less than a week of school per semester graduate.

22. Attendance On time in school and in every class Valid cause of absence Excused vs. Unexcused Absence Truancy Early Dismissal

23. Expectations of Student Attendance  THE ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF OF CURIE METROPOLITAN HIGH SCHOOL EXPECTS THAT EVERY STUDENT WILL: 1. ATTEND school and all classes EVERY school day throughout the entire school year. 2. ARRIVE to school and to every class BEFORE the second bell sounds. 3. BE SEATED in the classroom BEFORE the second bell sounds.

24. Absence “Valid Cause for Absence”shall mean:  • Student illness • Observance of a religious holiday • Death in the immediate family • Family emergency • Circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent/ legal guardian for the safety or health of the student. • Other situations beyond the control of the student as determined by the attendance office. “Excused Absence”shall mean:  • An absence for which there is a valid cause and has been reported by the parent to the attendance office, including suspensions issued pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct • A written letter (or note) signed by the parent or legal guardian stating the cause of absence, is presented by the student to the division teacher, classroom teachers and the attendance office. The note must be brought either before the absence or one day after the date of the absence. Such absence will then be marked excused. “Unexcused Absence”shall mean: • An absence for which there is no valid cause, (ex. vacation trip on school days, etc.,) • A written letter or note signed by the parent or guardian has not been presented to the attendance office by the student.

25. Early Dismissal • Students who need to leave school before the end of their school day must report to the attendance office to obtain an early dismissal. No student is permitted to leave school grounds on his or her own without the approval of the attendance office. Students will not be released to individuals who are not listed on official school records. The parent or legal guardian must come into the attendance office and present an ID to sign the student out of school. • Student Illness – Report to the nurse’s office first. Student must notify guardians from the nurses office using school phone. 2. Predetermined Doctor’s Appointment - Report to the attendance office. Please make every effort to schedule doctor appointments after school or on weekends.

26. Emergency Form • Kept on file in the Attendance Office • This form must be completed, signed and presented by the student on Orientation day of each school year. • Guardians should be sure to give any updates in regards to their contact information to the Attendance Office as soon as possible.

27. Reinstatement/Reporting of Student Absences • A note from home is required after each absence. Students who are absent from school/classes three consecutive days or more must report to the attendance office and obtain a reinstatement. If the absence is the result of a medical condition, the student must report to the school nurse in order to be reinstated. The student’s parent must phone the Attendance Office, as well student must also bring the note to the Attendance Office the day of their return to ensure that the absences are marked excused in the computer. Failure to do the aforementioned will result in an automatic detention and an unexcused absence.

28. Failure to Act in Accordance with the Student Attendance Policy • The student will lose all extra-curricular privileges and will not be allowed to attend or participate in any extra-curricular activity including athletics, clubs, ASM, Homecoming and senior class events. Off-campus lunch privileges for juniors and seniors will be revoked. Significant improvement must be shown and verified by the Attendance Office to restore privileges.

29. The following people can provide your child with support: • Teachers • Counselors • Administrators • Deans • Support Staff • Peers WE ARE HERE TO HELP.  WE WANT YOUR CHILD TO SUCCEED AND HAVE A POSITIVE HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE.

30. Parent Portal Grades Attendance Report Cards Teacher Communication

31. Activity Fee $120

32. Student Code of Conduct Cell Phones and Electronic Devices Dress Code Respect school property Respect each other Bullying Student Entry and Dismissal (Tardiness/No Cutting)

33. Miscellaneous Bus Card Physical Exam Required for all Incoming Freshmen Lunch Application Required for everyone See-thru backpack Supply List Gym Uniform and Locks

34. IMPORTANT RESOURCES • Saturday TNT Tutoring (9:00 a.m. – Noon in the 1-East Cafeteria) • SES Tutoring • Robert Morris TRIO Program • GEARUP • CTE Coordinator—Ms. Graham

35. HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD? • Ask your child about his/her school day. • Encourage your child to attend tutoring. • Encourage you child to get involved in extracurricular activities. • Create a quiet place for your child to study. • Show that you have confidence in your child. • Set up homework guidelines. • Keep in contact with us.  We want you to be involved!

36. Extra-Curricular Activities • According to research, students who are involved in extra-curricular activities (school clubs and sports) do better academically and are more likely to succeed in college. • Curie offers over 70 clubs and sports for our students!

37. What Can I Join? • Student Council • After School Matters • Build On • Sports • Key Club • Marie’s Garden • Latinos Juntos • And Many More! • Listen to announcements during Second Period

38. PLEASE KEEP IN CONTACT WITH US BY: • Calling: 773-535-2100 • Emailing (all teachers' emails are on the Curie website) • www.curiehs.org • Scheduling an appointment for a conference

39. Counseling Community Resources Metropolitan Family Services Ada S. McKinley 3834 W. 63rd Street 2659 W. 59th Street 773-884-3310 773-918-6100 Family Focus: 312-421-5200 Mujeres Latinas en Acción: 773-890-7676 Parent Hotline: 800-840-6537

40. Robert Morris University Illinois Educational Talent Search Program Reaching Educational, Academic & Career Heights

41. What is ETS? • Educational Talent Search is an academic outreach program sponsored by Robert Morris University Illinois and funded through the U.S. Department of Education. • The Robert Morris University Illinois Educational Talent Search Program enhances, promotes, and teaches the skills needed to succeed in school while at the same time assisting students in reaching academic goals and achievements.

42. Available Services • One on One academic and personal counseling • Academic skills assessment • Self-esteem / values workshops • Test taking skills workshops • College tours • Tutoring • Cultural and educational enrichment activities • Assistance with completing Financial Aid forms and college/scholarship applications for post-secondary education

43. ETS College Tours!!

44. How do I qualify? • The U.S. Department of Education and Robert Morris University Illinois have set the following criteria… • Students must be: • Between the ages of 11 and 27 • At a low family income level • Potential first generation college student • U.S. Citizen, national or permanent resident • Enrolled at one of our target schools sites

45. Questions • Student can contact the ETS Office: • via telephone at (312) 935-4566 • via Facebook at rmutalentsearch@yahoo.com • via email at rmutalentsearch@yahoo.com

46. EXPLORE PLAN ACT • ALL FRESHMEN TAKE THE EXPLORE EXAM • STUDENTS ARE TESTED IN: ENGLISH GRAMMAR, MATH, READING AND SCIENCE • THE SCORE SCALE IS 1-25 • Students take an Interest Inventory and World-of-Work Map • This test shows the track towards college readiness the students are in • Prepares students for Ultimate ACT Test

47. Post-Secondary/College Planningfor High School Freshmen • Meet with your counselor. • Get involved with extra-curricular activities. • Work hard to maintain a high GPA. • Develop your leaderships skills through service. • Challenge yourself. • Attend college fairs. • Go on college visits. • Research schools and their admission requirements. • Research cost of colleges and scholarships. • Look for summer learning programs and support programs such as TRIO.

48. What’s Next Illinois Planning • Whatsnextillinois.org • Career Exploration • College Planning • Financial Aid • THIS IS LIKE AN ONLINE LOCKER WITH RESOURCES FOR PLANNING YOUR FUTURE

49. Home and Hospital Instruction Program (HHIP) The Home and Hospital Instruction Program (HHIP) enables students who are ill to maintain academic skills and school affiliations until they are able to transition back to an educational setting. October 2010

50. Students in Temporary Living Situations