Freshman

&
Sophomore
Checklist
DA School Counseling
Department
Allison Armstrong
Duval County Graduation
Course Requirements
24 credits ▪ 2.0 unweighted GPA
4-English ▪ Pass ELA FSA Grade 10
4-Math Alg I, Geo, + 2 math ▪ Pass the Algebra 1 EOC
3-Science ▪ Complete one online high
school course
Bio, + 2 sci
3-Social Studies
World Hist, US Hist, Eco/Gov
2-World Language
Must be in same language
1-Practical or Performing Fine Art*
1- HOPE
6-Electives*
 Grade Point Average
• State, Unweighted, Graduation GPA (4.0 scale)

• District, Weighted, Ranking GPA (5.0 scale)

• Re-calculated, Academic GPA

Includes half of an extra quality point for each academic honors course,
whole extra point for AP, DE) State University Schools in Florida (other
colleges/universities recalculate based on their unique formulas)

• Florida Bright Futures GPA

Uses specific courses and includes half of an extra quality point for each
honors, AP, or DE course. Go to www.floridashines.org
Building Academic Skills
• Building Academic Skills
• Time Management
• Modeling how we manage our time
• Open-ended questions
• Prioritization
• Study Skills
• Difference between homework and studying
• Create a consistent routine
• Diffused thinking vs. cramming
• Create a study goal for each session
• Have your student teach you what they have learned
 Building Academic Skills

• Build a Growth Mindset

• Growth mindset is a belief that
a person’s abilities and
intelligence can be developed
through practice, hard work,
dedication, and motivation.

• Best Practices for Absences

• Email your teachers
• Schedule a time to retake any quizzes or tests you may have missed.
• Submit any outstanding assignments.
• Check their website, Focus, or OneNote to find out what the
upcoming homework assignment is.
• Turn in a note for an excused absence to the front desk.
Extracurricular Activities
• What activities are going to give
you a meaningful experience?
• Think beyond the laundry list
• What is going to help you grow and
build your character?
Community Service
• Make this an obligation that you
dedicate yourself to. • Create a goal of completing at
• Do you want to be a leader in this least 25-50 hours each school
organization?
year
• What are your passions beyond the
classroom? • Find service opportunities that
• Club List on the DA website interest you
• Internships and summer programs • You can even connect your
• Dedicated involvement over time service to career exploration
• Students taking on leadership • Silver Cord
opportunities
• 250 hours of community service
Meet with Your Counselor
• Scheduling a meeting
• Before or after school
• Lunch & Learn
• Cafeteria: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• How we can help
• Brainstorm ideas
• Look for opportunities
• Newest knowledge about specific schools
• Map out High School Curriculum
• Rigorous coursework
• The Opportunity Myth
• Take the PSAT
• Strategize test prep for Junior Year
 College Exploration Career Exploration

• Attend the College Fairs • Career Assessments

• Beginning of October • Holland Interest Assessment
• O*Net online
• Go on college tours • fscj.emsicareercoach.com/
• College Reps in cafeteria during • Careershines.org
L&L • Myers-Briggs
• 16 personalities
• Pre-College Programs
• Discuss values and skills
• Focus on the major
• Job Shadowing
• Resources:
• Fiske Guide
• Volunteer service or
internships
• Big Future • Youth Jobs +
• CollegeEd
• College Essay Guy • US Department of Labor
• Social Media- Facebook groups
 How Can Parents/Guardian
Help?

• Demonstrated Interest • Develop a financial plan • Build boundaries

• Help students build • Get to know the around discussions
self-advocacy skills financial aid process of college
with colleges • Searching for • Find the “Best” fit
• Communication scholarships • Values
should come from the • Have discussions
student • GPA & Test
about what is feasible
Scores
• Create a college
savings account • Major
Thank you!
DA School Counseling
Department