THE BELL SCHEDULE: 9th - 12th GRADES; 6th - 7th Grades

1. How does a student get to see his/her school counselor?
It is recommended that students go to the counseling office at their school to see when the counselors offer walk-in hours or allot times for individual appointments. 

2. How does a student get ready for college?
The best way to get ready for college is to take the most rigorous courses available in high school and do your best in each of your classes. Every class counts! Assistance with college selection is available from a student’s counselor. Visit your school counseling and guidance office to conduct college searches, career searches, financial aid information as well as other resources that are available.

3. What help is available to help students pay for college?
Information on sources of financial aid and scholarship information are available in the school counseling and guidance office. The school counselors are available to assist students in the search for financial aid. 

4. How does a student make a schedule change?
Students and counselors meet to discuss course selections. Please speak to your counselor for your school’s policy regarding changes in course selection. 

5. What can a student do if he or she is not doing well in a class?
Teachers are available at various times outside of the school day to assist students such as before school, during lunch and after school. Students are asked to let teachers know they would like to meet with them, and they can schedule an agreed upon time. Teachers also offer coach class, during a specific time where students can come to get extra help on previous assignments, preparing for tests and quizzes in addition to addressing general questions or concerns.

6. How can parents monitor a student's progress?
City Schools Calendar lists the end of the marking period, distribution of progress reports, and distribution of report cards. The purpose of the interim/ progress report is to inform parents about their child's academic progress in each subject area. As always, parents are encouraged to contact teachers with questions and concerns regarding their child's performance.
Teachers are available via phone, and in some cases, by e-mail. Teachers’ e-mail addresses are often made available to students and teachers on their course syllabi. Counselors are also available by phone and in some cases by e-mail. Contact your child’s counselor to discuss any concerns that you might have.

7. How do students register for summer school? 
City Schools offers high school courses at four schools, which alternate each year. Summer school information is provided in the spring as the end of the school year approaches. Summer school information is made available in the Counseling Department, usually in May. Registration occurs through June, and summer school begins in late June/early July. Students may take two semesters of summer school earning a maximum of one credit. Courses failed during the year may need to be repeated in summer school. Students should consult with their counselor about course selection. . Check the City Schools website later in the school year for more information.

8. What are things students should be doing each year to be ready for graduation?

9th Grade
9th grade students will participate in transitioning to high school activities within their school, and/or led by their school counselor. They will learn skills in the areas of time management, study habits, decision making, career information, college planning and college admissions tests preparation. It includes a year-by-year countdown to graduation. 
Students should be taking the most rigorous courses available. Research shows that there is a high correlation between high SAT scores and a rigorous high school program.

10th Grade
Continue taking the most rigorous program available. Do a career search to gain an understanding of career preferences. 

11th Grade
Continue taking the most rigorous program available. In October, take the PSAT. In May or June, take the SAT’shttp://www.collegeboard.com/testing or the ACT’sURL=http://www.act.org/aap/index.html. In the spring, meet with your counselor to discuss post-graduation plans. Do a college search in the school counseling and guidance office. Visit colleges during your vacations.

12th Grade
Maintain and if possible enhance your good record. High schools do send senior grades and attendance to all colleges to which students apply. Colleges have been known to rescind acceptances, so it is important to keep your grades high.

9. Can a student receive high school credit for courses taken in middle school?
Credit will be awarded for specific courses after a middle school student has passed the final examination and passed the course. Questions should be directed to a student's school counselor for more information. 

10. What is the Student Service Learning Requirement? 
Maryland State Department of Education graduation requirements contain a student service- learning (SSL) component. City Schools students are required to complete a minimum of 50 service-learning hours, many of which will be through the infusion of service learning experiences in the middle school curriculum. The remaining 25 hours will be earned in high school.

All pre-approved and documented SSL hours from any school system will be accepted toward City Schools graduation requirement.
Hours may be accumulated through the following:

Verification of service (including proof of preparation, action and reflection) is required for hours earned through co-curricular activities, community organizations, and special activities. 
For more information see:

11. How many Advanced Placement classes should a student take? 
Students should consider the increased time needed to successfully handle the rigor of AP courses, and not select more AP courses than they can realistically handle. AP courses are college level courses. AP Exams are given during the second week of May and fee waivers are available. Contact, Dean Richburg, Director of School Counseling, for more information. Students who score well on the exams are able to earn college credit for AP courses. See https://mail.bcps.k12.md.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.collegeboard.com/ap/students/index.html

12. How can a student obtain a work permit? 
A work permit is needed for each job held by a student until they reach the age of 18. Students should have the promise of a jobbefore requesting a work permit. To obtain a work permit please go to www.dllr.state.md.us

13. If a student fails courses for the year, is he or she retained? City Schools Promotion Requirements are:

Grade 9 to 10 - To be promoted to from grade (9) to ten (10), students must have earned at least (4) Carnegie unit/credits, including English 1.
Grade 10 to 11 - To be promoted from grade ten (10) to grade (11), students must earn five Carnegie 
Grade 11 to 12 - To be promoted from grade (11) to grade (12), students must have earned at least six(6) Carnegie units/credits (15) cumulative), including English 1, English 2, and English 3, and have attained at least three years of satisfactory attendance.