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This presentation will be available to students on their Google Classroom, available to parents in the HOWL and available on the SPWHS Student Services Website

SPWHS

Freshman

Presentation 2024

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Essential Question:

What do you need to know to help you reach your academic and personal goals at SPWHS?

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Meet Your Counselor

Ms. Thao U-Z

Ms. Saldana A-G

Ms. Wagner N-T

Mr. Medema H-M

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Overview

Credits
Graduation Requirements
Academic help
Transcripts (What is it? How to read it.)
What’s ahead: Standardized Testing and Scheduling
Academic and Career Opportunities

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What are they and how do you earn them?

Each time you complete a high school class with a passing grade (D- or above), you earn credit *Exception is study hall/TA, which is 0 credits.
Each semester class at SPWHS is worth ½ of a credit (0.5 credits)
Successful completion of SP30 activities are worth .125 per semester

Credits

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Sun Prairie Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

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Transcripts & Grade Point Average

To view your transcript:

Open Infinite Campus
Click on “Reports” or “Documents”
Click on “Unofficial Transcript”

*TIP: Check your transcript after each semester

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Your cumulative GPA is your grade point average over the course of your high school years.
GPA can be used for various reasons such as college admissions or scholarships

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Thinking Ahead: National Standardized Tests

Pre-ACT- 9th and 10th graders take twice a year. 11th graders take it in the fall only.

What is it?? Pre-ACT is a test given to Wisconsin high school students. The subjects include English, math, reading, science, and writing.

PSAT - OPTIONAL - 11th graders can take in October.

What is it?? PSAT is a practice SAT test. Also, students’ scores may qualify them to earn entry into the National Merit scholarship program.
Registration will begin in the spring of 10th grade and closes first week of school during 11th grade.

ACT - 11th graders take in the spring.

What is it?? ACT is a required test given to Wisconsin 11th graders each year. Scores may be used by students for a variety of reasons such as college applications, scholarships, college course placement and/or NCAA eligibility. Students can retake the ACT on their own if they choose.

SAT - OPTIONAL - 11th and 12th graders can take on specified dates throughout the year.

What is it?? SAT is a test that students can register for on their own. They may wish to take it for the purposes of college applications or scholarships.

ASVAB- OPTIONAL- Free Career Exploration tool open to 10-12th graders.

Can be used to meet the entrance requirement for Military service (NOTE: scores are only valid for 2 years). Can be retaken as many times as they want (with time restrictions). This year it will be offered December 12th! See your counselor for more information.

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Methodize Test Prep

Each student at SPWHS has access to FREE ACT prep through a program called Methodize test prep. To access Methodize, log into your Xello Account:

Click on “Methodize” under “Links and Resources” on your Xello Dashboard.�

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SPWHS College, Career and Life Readiness Coordinator

Mrs. Griffin

Located in Student Services Office

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Academic and Career Opportunities

Some classes at SPWHS may earn you college credit through:

Dual Credit, Advanced Placement (AP), and Project Lead the Way

STEM Academy - 2 year program at Madison College

Apply during Sophomore year
If accepted you will attend Madison College Junior and Senior years
May earn up to 60 college credits

Early College Credit Programs (ECCP) allow you to take courses at UW Madison during junior/senior year.
Start College Now (SCN) allows students to take courses at Madison College during junior/senior year.

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Academic and Career Opportunities

ACCEL Academies

Business, AP Environmental Science, Marketing
Work-based learning with real-life projects

Youth Apprenticeship Program

Prepares students for work by giving them a combination of classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training

Meet with a military recruiter

Military recruiters are at lunch on Tuesdays

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Thinking ahead: SCHEDULING

What you need to know now about scheduling for 2025-26 school year!

We will use Xello course planner (stay tuned for updates to the course guide!)
New course catalog will be updated prior to winter break
Course Expo will take place January 21, 2025
You will have time to work on your class planning in SP30
Course requests will be due in early February

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Thinking Ahead: College Planning Checklists

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Direct Admit & WI Guarantee Programs

What is Direct Admit Wisconsin?

Direct Admit Wisconsin is an initiative by the Universities of Wisconsin to proactively offer admission to qualifying high school students between their junior and senior years of high school.
Direct admission removes the traditional application process and instead uses data provided by the high school to admit students to universities.
For more information about Direct Admit Wisconsin, please visit the following website: www.wisconsin.edu/direct-admissions

What is the Wisconsin Guarantee (Act 95)?

The Wisconsin Guarantee will offer guaranteed admission to Universities of Wisconsin schools for Wisconsin high school students in the top 5% (ALL UW schools including Madison) and 10% (all other universities, excluding UW Madison) of their graduating class.
For more information about the Wisconsin Guarantee, please visit the following website: www.wisconsin.edu/wisconsin-guarantee

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Academic Help

Don’t wait – Communicate!

Find a time to connect with your teacher if you have questions about your grade, assignments, or other class-related concerns

WIN

Use FlexiSched to sign up for a time to get some extra support

Wolf Study Lounge Schedule

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Future Focus MONDAYS!

Wear your favorite college gear on Mondays &

join the movement promoting the great

opportunities available to all SPWHS Students!