FAQ Sheet for Incoming 8^th graders 2009

Courses/Credits/ GPA/Class Rank

What are the expectations in a Pre-Ap class?

Pre-Ap refers to the depth and understanding of the course content. Students in these classes must be prepared to do rigorous homework assignments that demand considerable time outside of class hours. The rigor of these courses will help prepare your student for college. The English I Pre-Ap course also has a summer reading assignment.

How many Pre-AP classes should I take?

This will depend on the student. It is important to consider the time commitment required from these classes. Keep in mind all the outside activities your child is involved in when scheduling Pre-Ap classes as well.

What is Communication Application?

This is our speech course. It is a 9 week class required for graduation.

Is keyboarding a technology credit?

No, keyboarding is not a technology credit. It is a 9 week elective that can improve your student’s keyboarding skills. It is recommended that students are proficient at keyboarding before taking technology classes.

Does Algebra I in middle school count as a math credit?

Yes, Algebra I in middle school will count as one of the 4 required math credits for graduation.

Does Dance count as a fine arts and PE credit?

Yes, you will get a credit for fine arts and a waiver for PE.

What is the LEAP schedule like in 9^th grade?

The English I and World Geography class are combined the freshman year. Students will alternate going to class and the class will last 36 weeks.

How do I know if my student is ready to take a Foreign Language?

Foreign Language is a core subject and counts in the GPA and Class Rank. You should consider your student’s class load and if he/she has a strong Language Arts grade in MS. We recommend that a student waits until the sophomore year to start another language.

What is a local credit?

A credit that will not count towards the state credits needed for graduation.

Can my student take choir/theater/band/orchestra/athletics etc. and still get all the required credits for graduation?

Yes, however, students may have to take classes in summer school, online, through correspondence or dual credit if they plan to be in multiple activities all 4 years of high school.

What is the multiplier and how does it work?

The multiplier is used to calculate Class Rank. Courses listed as a Level 2 have a 1.2 multiplier. Courses listed as a Level 1 have a 1.1 multiplier. Courses listed as Level 0 have a 1.0 multiplier. The grade received in the course is multiplied by the assigned multiplier, then that grade is used to calculate Class Rank.

Ex. A Level 2 course grade is an 88. You would multiply 88 x 1.2 = 105.6. The 105.6 will be used to calculate the grade for Class Rank.

Which classes count into GPA and Class Rank?

All grades earned in the areas of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, any AP course and Academic Decathlon will be used to determine GPA and Class Rank.

When do 9^th graders get their Class Rank and GPA?

9^th graders will get their rank and GPA sometime after the end of the 1^st semester.

Can you retake a class to erase a grade from the transcript?

No, once you have received a grade in a course that grade will remain on your transcript. Your freshman year counts towards your GPA and Class Rank!

Can my 9^th grader take college classes for credit?

Dual credit is offered to juniors and seniors only. You must be classified as a junior with a 3.0 GPA before you can take dual credit.

If I want to graduate in 3 years can I qualify for valedictorian and salutatorian?

No, early graduates do not qualify for these awards.

What are some of the DAP measures?

DAP measures are indicated on the course selection sheet with a # sign. A list of the District Tech Prep Courses that may be used as DAP measures are found on pg. 10a & 10b in the Course Selection Guide. The DAP program is defined on pg 6 of the Course Selection Guide as well.

What are classes at Dale Jackson?

Dale Jackson is our Career and Technology campus located in Lewisville. All Dale Jackson courses are off campus and transportation is provided. Refer to the Course Selection Guide for classes that freshman can take.

Can my 8^th grader take classes in summer school to accelerate?

Yes. The most common courses that 8^th graders take are Health and Speech. Check the Hebron website for summer school information in late April or early May.

Schedule Changes

What is the deadline for schedule changes?

All schedule changes must be completed before the 5th day of classes. A completed schedule change request must be turned into your counselor before a change will be made.

When can I drop a Pre-Ap course?

You are allowed to drop a Pre-Ap course within the 1^st 4 days of the class, at the end of the 3 weeks as long as the change is made by the 3^rd day of the 4^th week or at the end of 9 weeks providing space is available.

How do I request a schedule change?

Come by the counseling office and pick up a schedule change form. Complete the form and return it to the counseling secretary. You may need to see your counselor as well, depending on the request.

Can I make teacher requests?

No, we do not accept specific teacher requests.

Can I change my mind about which elective I chose once school starts?

No, we will give all students a chance to revise their schedule in late May. After that time, we have a building policy that does not allow for discretionary changes.

Can I have a schedule change to have a certain lunch period?

No, we do not change schedules so that students can have a particular lunch schedule.

Building Questions

Are tutorials offered?

Yes! We encourage all of our students to take advantage of tutorials. Each teacher will have his/her own tutorial schedule before and/or after school. The tutorial schedule will be posted on the Hebron website.

When are announcements?

Announcements run on the televisions all day. In addition, verbal announcements are made at the beginning of 2^nd period.

How does my student sign up to see the counselor? Where is the counseling office?

Each counselor has a color-coded form that the student may fill out in order to see the counselor. These forms are located on the counseling secretary’s desk. The counseling office is located in the main hallway across from the entrance to the library and one door down from the nurse’s office.

Can the counselors provide therapy for my child?

If your child is experiencing difficulties that may be addressed through therapy the counseling office can provide you with a list of LISD approved counseling referrals.

Do I need to meet with the counselor so she can get to know me and my child?

Our goal at Hebron is to foster independence to prepare your child for the future. There will be numerous opportunities for the counselor to meet with your student. We schedule individual student conferences each spring as well.

How do I find out my student’s grades?

Using the Esembler grade book is the fastest most accurate way to keep track of your student’s grades. Teachers at Hebron update their grades in Esembler every Monday. You must create a new login and password each year. A link to Esembler in on the Lisd homepage at www.lisd.net.

If my student is failing whom should I contact?

The teacher will have the most up to date information about your student’s progress. Email is a fast way to make this contact. The email addresses can be found on the Hebron HS website.

Who is the 504 contact? Who is the Special Education contact?

The 504 contact is Stan Van Hoozer. The diagnosticians for Special Education are Kathy Dayton and Lauren Skipworth.

Who do I call if I need to pick up my child early for an appointment?

You will call your student’s attendance office. A student must have a pass from the attendance office in order to leave campus during the day. It is a good idea to call ahead if you need to sign your student out of school.

How do I report an absence?

Call your student’s attendance office anytime. Voicemail will always answer and is checked continuously throughout the day. Doctor and Dentist excuses can be faxed to 972-350-9258.

To reach the direct line for your attendance office call: 469-948- extension.

Extensions are: A-Harr 2817

Hars-Ok 2812

Ol-Z 2819

What is the drop off/pick up like?

Traffic will be a challenge while our school is under construction. Be prepared for waits and allow enough time for lines when planning your drop off and pick up schedule.

What is night school and how long does it last?

This is time after school that is used for discipline and attendance concerns. Night school is on Wednesdays and goes from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. As the year progresses other nights may be added.

Miscellaneous

When are football tickets sold?

Season tickets are available in early to mid - August from the Athletic department. Check for more information on the LISD website. Individual tickets may be purchased at Hebron once school has started.

Tickets are only sold at Hebron for the game that week. They are available to students in the front office before and after school. Parents may come by during the day and purchase tickets also. Tickets are not available after 9 am on Friday mornings.

When can I order a yearbook?

Yearbooks may be ordered at the fall open house.

Extracurricular Expectations

Do you need prior experience to participate in sports/band etc?

Activities at Hebron are competitive and require some type of prior experience. Please contact the coach or sponsor of the activity if you have specific concerns.

If my student fails can he/she be removed from an activity?

It is important for a student to be eligible to participate in many of the activities at Hebron. On occasion, a student may be removed from an activity if they remain unable to compete due to continued failure.

If my student does not make an athletic team will his/her schedule change?

Yes, the student will be moved into PE if the results of the tryout are after the deadline for starting a new class.