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Dinwiddie High School

Home of the Generals

Class of 2029

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Objectives

  • Icebreaker
  • About School Counselors
  • Grades
  • Graduation Requirements/ Diploma Types
  • Plans After Graduation
  • Helpful Tips
  • True or False
  • Conclusion

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This or That

TikTok

NBA Youngboy

Calling

McDonalds

Cats

TV Show

Instagram

Rod Wave

Texting

Chick-Fil-A

Dogs

Movie

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School Counselor’s Role

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Why should I visit with my

counselor?

  • Academic advising - selecting classes and making sure you are on track for graduation
  • Preparing for college and a career
  • Social - emotional issues - friendship/relationship issues, bullying, etc
  • Personal matters

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How can I meet with my counselor?

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  • Click on Request to see Counselor on Student Intranet Site OR email counselor directly (mawinfield@dcpsnet.org)
  • Urgent requests we will see ASAP - other requests as soon as counselor’s schedule permits

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Grades & Diploma Types

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Aug 18 - Oct 17

Oct 21 - Jan 9

End of semester 1 - final grade calculated

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Jan 13 - March 20

March 24 - May 28

End of semester 2 - final grades calculated

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Grades: How are they calculated?

  • Q1 + Q2 / 2= Final grade
  • Example: English 9
  • Q1: 60
  • Q2: 80
  • 60 + 80 = 140 divided by 2 = 70

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Credits: How do I earn credits?

  • Earn one (1) credit for each class you pass at the end of the semester (final grade=60 or higher)
      • 4 credits per semester
      • 8 credits per year
      • Promotion criteria - 9th graders must earn 6 credits (including English 9) to be classified as a 10th grader
    • GPA Activity

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Diploma Types

Standard

VS

Advanced

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Graduation Requirements

  • Diploma Types
    • Standard: 28 credits
    • Advanced Studies: 30 credits
      • Requires more credits in math, science, social studies and world language
      • Not required to take Honors or AP/Dual Enrollment courses to earn the Advanced Studies diploma
      • Both diploma tracks prepare students for college
    • Counselors review diploma requirements every year when we meet to discuss scheduling - make sure students are taking the courses required for graduation
    • Students may change diploma tracks with parent permission - easier to move from adv. studies to standard than from standard to adv. studies

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After Graduation

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What are your goals after high school?

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Enroll

Enlist

Employed

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Preparing for Trade School or World of Work?

  1. Take electives to prepare you for future goals
  2. 11th and 12th grade: consider enrolling in trade programs at Rowanty and Brightpoint
    1. Rowanty: Welding, Carpentry, Auto Body, Auto Mechanics, Cosmetology, Nursing, Masonry, Electricity
    2. Brightpoint: Precision Machinery, Welding, Early Childhood, Industrial Electricity, Mechanical Maintenance
  3. Internships/Work study programs: Teen Staff, Independent Study, Office Worker
  4. Job shadowing

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Preparing for the Military?

  1. Enroll in JROTC at DHS
  2. Take the ASVAB test during junior or senior year at DCHS
  3. Explore the different branches and jobs within that branch
  4. Interested in a Military Academy?
    1. See your counselor in the 10th grade

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Preparing for College

  1. Take the PSAT 8/9 at Dinwiddie High School on October 8th, 2025
  2. Take challenging coursework and maintain good grades
  3. Start thinking about what majors/ specific areas of study that would interest you.

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Group Activity: true or false

  1. I can go see my school counselor about academic, career, and personal issues
  2. Do I have to take a foreign language to earn a standard diploma?
  3. I can take standard classes and a foreign language and still get an advanced diploma.
  4. I will automatically be promoted to 10th grade if I do not pass my classes
  5. My three options after high school are to enroll, enlist,or enter the workforce
  6. My attendance at school impacts my grades

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Tips: How can I be successful in high school?

  1. Attend all classes. You can’t learn if you’re not here.
  2. Participate - listen, take notes, engage in discussions, ask questions
  3. Complete and turn in assignments.
  4. Review notes daily/nightly.
  5. Have “your space” to study at home in a quiet place.
  6. Use Infinite Campus to track grades, missing assignments and attendance.
  7. Having difficulty in class? Get help early
    • Ask your teacher; sign-up for remediation sessions
    • Find a study buddy, identify areas of weakness
  8. Prioritize Your time: Make To-Do List/Setup Google Calendar - DON’T PROCRASTINATE!
  9. Get involved in school and local community activities. Develop leadership skills, have a positive impact and have fun!!! Student Activities

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Support/ Resources

  • School Counselor- Ms. Winfield
  • College and Career Advisor- Ms. Wall-Green
  • Teachers

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Questions