3. Handbook-Counseling

COUNSELING *  2009-2010

The counseling center is open from 7:15am-2:50pm to assist students and parents with academic and personal problems, vocational and future planning, and student records. To request an appointment with the counselor, students should sign up in the counseling office for an appointment.

SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS

• Please remember that schedule changes are only allowed during the first three days of a trimester.
• Students who add a class after the 3^rd day of the trimester will not be eligible to receive credit in that class.
• We understand that, on occasion, students may need to drop a class after the first three days. To drop a class after the first three days, pick up a form in the counseling office. This must be completed and signed by the parent, the principal, and the counselor.
• Up to the end of the 8^th week of a trimester, students may drop a class and a “W” will be placed on the transcript. After the 8^th week, an “F” will be entered on the transcript.
• Students wishing to take a 7^th class during any trimester will be charged a $100 fee.

RUNNING START

The Running Start Program allows students to earn both high school and college credit, free of tuition, by attending either Peninsula or Olympic Community College.  Students need to pass the ASSET test to qualify for the program and be of junior status (at least 34 credits).  Books, supplies, and transportation are the responsibility of the student.  Students can attend Running Start on a full or part-time basis, and have the option to take classes at CHS as well.

THE PI PROGRAM

The PI Program is an individual, personalized public education option that allows students to attend weekly classes as well as develop home-based learning plans.  A parent or guardian needs to be available during the day in order to qualify.  PI program students have the option of attending regular CHS classes part-time while in the program.  Class size is limited, so it is important to pick up an application and get on the waiting list as soon as possible.

THE FOCUS ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL

Focus Alternative High School is an optional way for students to earn a high school diploma. Based on the state minimum graduation requirements, students work on a contract-based, individualized educational program to complete credits. Students may take some classes through the regular high school program. Enrollment is limited to maximize personalization and teacher contact time. Students are eligible to apply for admission beginning in the sophomore year. Upon successful completion of all requirements, students will be issued a Focus High School diploma. Students must have successfully completed a minimum of one trimester in Focus to be eligible for the Focus Diploma. Informational packets and applications are available in the Focus classroom and counseling office.

MAKING UP CREDIT

When a student fails more than two classes, it will be his/her responsibility to make up the necessary credits.  Fees may apply.  See counselors for information on the following programs.

• Correspondence:  Students can take up to six credits through a district-approved correspondence program.
• Summer School:  Students can register for up to three credits in summer school, which lasts a minimum of 25 days.  Only core curriculum subjects will be taught. Fees may apply.
• Peninsula/Olympic College:  Students may take classes at the community college without being in the Running Start program.
• Transfer Credits:  Students may transfer credits taken at other schools onto their CHS transcript if the school is accredited by the State of Washington or a national accrediting agency.
• Digital Learning Commons at www.learningcommons.org (a service now available at Chimacum): Offers a wide variety of on-line classes that students will be able to use for credit recovery. Fees will apply.

POST-HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Students are greatly encouraged to continue their education after high school graduation.  The counseling center has information, catalogs, and applications for all of the state schools, and many out-of-state institutions as well.  Following is a description of some post-high school options.

• Four-Year Universities:  Most universities require four years of English, three of math, two or three of science, three of social studies, and two of a foreign language.  Universities also require that the student take either the SAT or ACT test and a 2.5 GPA is usually the minimum.
• Community Colleges:  State community colleges require only a high school diploma.  SAT/ACT tests are not required, but the ASSET test must be taken.  Community colleges feature many different vocational programs lasting six months to two years or students may work toward an Associate of Arts (AA) degree, which consists of two years of general academic course work.  Most community college classes can be transferred to a four-year university of the student’s choice.
• Vocational/Technical Schools:  There are many schools that specialize in Voc-Tech programs and students need only a high school diploma to attend.
• Military:  Representatives from the various branches of the military will visit CHS during the school year to answer questions and give information to interested students.  Students have the option to enlist directly in the military or to compete for one of the ROTC scholarships that would allow them to attend a four-year university directly upon graduating.  Students interested in entering the military after high school should take the ASVAB aptitude test.