GIRARD HIGH SCHOOL

Dear Parent and Student:

I invite your family to take time to read and understand the material in the Girard High School Scheduling Booklet.  This booklet will assist you in making decisions that will help you earn a diploma and prepare you for life after high school.  It describes courses needed to meet graduation requirements and provides information on the content and prerequisite skills critical to academic success in these various courses.

I encourage you to review these course offerings together and to discuss options in the context of the student’s abilities, interests, and aspirations.  Students have identified a Career Pathway of interest with assistance from faculty and guidance counselors.  The Career Pathways approach allows the student and guardian to view a four-year sequence of course options in a single page.  These offerings help organize choices to ensure students complete the best and most interesting courses for their long term goals for college, career, and life readiness.  

"College, Career and Life Readiness” means that individuals possess the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in life after high school and to thrive in their community.”

Following the suggestions within any of the five identified Career Pathways, a student is able to craft a unique and coordinated four-year program of studies to engage them in their learning and that will prepare them for future success.  Students are encouraged to challenge themselves in honors and AP courses as appropriate.  Meanwhile, the academic level courses will continue to teach students to value the habits of becoming a lifelong learner, ready for college, career, and an independent life.   Please take the opportunity to examine this document within that context and begin to shape a plan for both next year and for your entire high school career.

College admission is typically determined by universities using a holistic view of academic strengths demonstrated in course grades, difficulty of courses completed, involvement in school organizations and programs, and SAT/ACT scores among the focus criteria.  As a result, we have designed a wide variety of course offerings.  Careful planning and intentional selections with a goal in mind is very important during the scheduling process.

This booklet is just one tool that the parent and the student can use in making important academic decisions.  Teachers, counselors, and administrators are prepared and happy to help students during this endeavor.  Please contact the counseling office (774-5607, ext. 6403 or ext. 6440) to discuss any matters concerning scheduling.

Sincerely,

Eric Louis, Principal

Dave Ashton, Principal