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Information

2025-2026

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Welcome to Taylor High School!

We are so happy that you are here. This year will be full of challenges and exciting opportunities for you as you begin your high school career. We want you to know that you have many people who are here to help you along the way.

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Meet Your Principals

Mrs. Simms Mr. Cook

Principal Assistant Principal

hsimms@trlsd.org kcook@trlsd.org

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Meet Your Counselors

Mrs. Heckman Mrs. Heisel Mrs. Ryan

Last names A - K Last names L - Z College & Career

Counselor

mheckman@trlsd.org aheisel@trlsd.org kryan@trlsd.org

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What does a counselor do?

  • Help with academic problems
  • Talk you through any issues that are getting in the way of your academic success.
  • Scheduling Issues
  • Friend issues, conflict mediation
  • Problems at home
  • Help talking with a teacher
  • Assist you with getting organized and setting goals
  • Mental health issues & resources
  • Career & College Information
  • High School and Postsecondary planning

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School Clinic

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Here to help….

Mrs. Kim Kurzhals

Counseling Office Manager

Mrs. Cheryl Noes

Principal’s Secretary

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Here to help….

Mrs. Heather Schmidt

Attendance

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Our friendly advice to you...

  • Get Involved
  • Ask for help and use your resources
  • Practice good study habits from the beginning
  • Reach out for help if you are struggling
  • Open your mind to new opportunities and experiences
  • Set high goals for yourself
  • Be true to who you are
  • Take care of your mind, body, and spirit

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YOU ARE A SENIOR!!

Fulfill all graduation requirements

  • Do you have enough classes?
  • Did you get at least 2 seals?
  • Did you take/pass all EOC’s?

What is your next step?

  • Meet with Mrs. Ryan
  • Enroll, Enlist, Employ
  • You have options! Take advantage of the help you have available.

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Graduation Requirements

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  1. Earn 21 Academic Credits as outlined below
  2. Earn at least a score of 3 on the Algebra & ELA 2 End of Course Tests OR Complete the Alternate Pathway
  3. Earn at least 2 diploma seals, one of which must be Ohio State Seal.

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Earn 21 Academic Credits

English - 4 credits

Math- 4 credits

Must be through Algebra 2 or equivalent

Social Studies- 3 credits

World History - 1 cr.

American History- 1 cr.

Government- 1 cr.

Science- 3 credits

Physical Science - 1cr.

Biology- 1cr.

Advanced Science- 1cr.

PE/Health - 1 credit

PE 1 - .25 cr.

PE 2- .25 cr.

  • Students may qualify for a PE Waiver if they play 2 seasons of a THS sport in grades 9 - 12

Health- .5 cr.

Fine Art - 1 credit

May take 2 semesters of Fine Art in any grade 9 - 12

  • Students attending Great Oaks must take the 2 semesters in grades 9 or 10

Electives- 5 credits

Total Credits- 21 credits

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2. End of Course Testing

Earn at least a 3 on the ELA 2 & Algebra End of course tests. End of Course tests are given to all 9th and 10th grade students in the Spring. Students are given multiple opportunities to

pass the test.

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3. Show Readiness by earning two Diploma Seals

At least one must be Ohio State Seal.

  • OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal (Ohio)
  • Industry-Recognized Credential Seal (Ohio)
  • College-Ready Seal (Ohio)
  • Military Enlistment Seal (Ohio)
  • Citizenship Seal (Ohio)
  • Science Seal (Ohio)

  • Honors Diploma Seal (Ohio)
  • Seal of Biliteracy (Ohio)
  • Technology Seal (Ohio)
  • Community Service Seal (Local)
  • Fine and Performing Arts Seal (Local)
  • Student Engagement Seal (Local)

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If a student does not meet the End Of Course Testing Points, there is an alternative pathway that includes multiple options.

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Alternate Pathway

  • Students must attempt the ELA 2 & Algebra test at least twice.
  • Students must complete one of three options provided by the state.
  • Students must earn at least 2 Ohio Diploma Seals.

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Option 1 for Alternate Pathway

Demonstrate two career focused activities with at least one activity from the foundations list

Foundational

Proficient scores on WebXams

-Offered through Taylor High School’s Teaching Professions or Business Professions programs

-Offered through select labs through Great Oaks

A 12-point industry credential

- Offered through Taylor High School’s Electrician Program

- Offered through select labs through Great Oaks

A pre-apprenticeship or acceptance into an approved apprenticeship program

Supporting

Work-based learning

Earn the required score on WorkKeys

Earn the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal

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Option 2 for Alternate Pathway

Enlist in the military

Show evidence that you have signed a contract to enter a branch of the U.S. armed services upon graduation.

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Option 3 for Alternate Pathway

Complete College Coursework

Earn credit for one college-level math and/ or college-level English course through Ohio’s free College Credit Plus program.

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In addition to completing one of the three options listed above, students must also earn at least 2 Ohio Diploma Seals to obtain the Alternate Pathway

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Show Readiness by earning two Diploma Seals

At least one must be Ohio State Seal.

  • OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal (Ohio)
  • Industry-Recognized Credential Seal (Ohio)
  • College-Ready Seal (Ohio)
  • Military Enlistment Seal (Ohio)
  • Citizenship Seal (Ohio)
  • Science Seal (Ohio)

  • Honors Diploma Seal (Ohio)
  • Seal of Biliteracy (Ohio)
  • Technology Seal (Ohio)
  • Community Service Seal (Local)
  • Fine and Performing Arts Seal (Local)
  • Student Engagement Seal (Local)

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What is a transcript?

A transcript is a record of important student information collected on one sheet of paper. Transcripts include…

-Student name, address, birthdate, graduation year

- Summary of classes taken, grades earned, and credits awarded

- List of attendance including days missed and tardies for each grade level

- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) and class rank

You will receive your transcript multiple times throughout the school year through advisory.

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What is a GPA?

A GPA is a grade point average of all the grades you earn throughout your high school career. The GPA is weighted depending on how difficult the course is that you are taking. More difficult classes have a higher weight. Your weighted GPA reflects how hard you work and how rigorous your classes are.

Every class you take in high school is counted in your cumulative GPA. Employers, colleges, and the military all review your GPA as they make admission decisions during your postsecondary planning. Having a good GPA also helps you get scholarships and financial aid.

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Honors Diploma

The state of Ohio has many options for students to demonstrate academic excellence by achieving an Honors Diploma.

Options for Honors Diploma include Academic, Career Tech, STEM, Science, Arts, & Social Science and Civic Engagement.

To view requirements for each honors diploma, please see the Ohio Department of Education website HERE

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Each Taylor High School student has access to a college & career readiness site called Schoolinks

Students should access Schoolinks through your Clever account.

Students can find interest inventories, college search tools, career profiles & videos, scholarship information, ACT test prep and more.

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Planning for Your Future

It is not too early to start thinking about life after high school. Our goal at THS is to give each student the preparation and resources they need to be successful. Success can look different for each one of us.

Our goal is to help you combine your interests, skills, and strengths to find a career path that gives you the life you want.

Whether it be entering the workforce, the military, or college- we want you to have a plan!

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What can you do to prepare for your future?

  • Get good grades and do your best.
  • Choose a rigorous schedule to challenge yourself and give you experience in the areas you are interested in.
  • Do your research- there are a ton of resources on Schoolinks & Ohio Means Jobs to help you explore colleges & careers.
  • Get involved- join clubs, groups, and sports that give you leadership experience and cultivate your interests.
  • Talk to people in career fields that interest you. Utilize your job shadowing day to see a career first hand.
  • Attend events either in person or virtually including Lunch with the Pros hosted at THS.

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How can you research colleges now?

  • Every college has a website full of great information. Check out the admissions tab for the requirements needed to get admitted to the school.
  • Use your Schoolinks account - utilize the search tools and look at the thousands of college profiles listed.
  • Go on college visits to see the school first hand. Each junior & senior gets 2 excused college visit days. Make sure to sign up for the Plan For Your Future Fridays!
  • Talk to people who have gone to the school and ask them about their experience.
  • Attend college fairs to meet with a large number of schools at once. Check your THS email for information regarding college fairs or events.

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NCAA Eligibility Center

Any student who wishes to play Division I or Division II athletics in college must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Students should register during their junior year of high school.

The NCAA Eligibility Center ensures the academic eligibility of student athletes in division I and Division II.

•All Division I & II athletes must go through the Clearinghouse in order to play in college. To register on the account, visit https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

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NAIA Eligibility Center

Any student who wishes to play college athletics at a school in the NAIA division must register with the eligibility center.

Students and parents should visit the website to understand eligibility rules and requirements.

Students can create an account and register at https://play.mynaia.org/

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Steps to College Application

Decide on your College

____Check out the college search tools in Schoolinks & YouScience

____Use your college visits- go on college websites to sign up. Usually can be found in Admissions and you can register online.

____Talk to friends and family

____Research online

____ Use your job shadowing day.

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Gather Application Materials

____Write or Edit Required Essays- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmZR0Y_GxNQ

Make sure to have someone read over your essay. This can be a parent, teacher, or counselor.

____ Create and edit a Resume or List of Activities. You can share this through google doc or upload it on Schoolinks

____Send Your Test Scores. These most likely need to be sent directly from the testing institution.

ACT- www.actstudent.org.

Login to act website.

Click on Send My Scores

Choose the Test Date

You will see the schools listed that have received your scores. If your school is missing, enter the school code. You will need to pay a fee to send these scores.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ1kMUaX5kA

SAT- www.collegeboard.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgMUw5XUJl0

____ Ask for Letters of Recommendation- through Schoolinks

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Apply to College

_____ Online Application either directly to the institution or using the Common App.

Find this information on the college’s website.

Pay the Fee or Submit a Fee Waiver

_____ This can be done online through the application.

Request Your Transcript & App Materials through Naviance from your counselor

_____ Log on to Schoolinks through the Clever App or www.clever.com

Request Transcripts TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SENT THROUGH Schoolinks

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Submit the FAFSA

______ Create an FSA ID for both the student and parent

______ Submit the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov

Apply for Scholarships

______ Check out the Scholarship List on the Colleges Tab in Naviance

______ Complete the Online General Scholarship Form by the deadline (available in November)

______ Apply for scholarships provided by the university you are applying to. Figure out the process that happens at each of your schools and know your deadlines.

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Are you entering the workforce after high school?

We would love to help you find the right job with the right employer.

We are also available to polish your resume and practice interview skills.

It is vital that each of you have a plan after high school. Let us help you find the best choice for your next steps in life.

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Resources

Linked Up Connect

YouScience

Schoolinks

Career Presentations

Job Shadow

Career Fairs

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Are you entering the military?

Each branch assigns a military recruiter to work with THS students and parents. These recruiters are hosting virtual rep visits in the Fall. Every interested junior & senior is encouraged to attend.

We encourage you to meet with several branches of the military to find the right fit for you. Please let your counselor know if you would like to be connected.

Have you enlisted in the military? We want to celebrate you! Email your counselor after you have enlisted with a picture so we can showcase your commitment and dedication to our country.

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Ok Some More Advice….

  • Make the most out of your time at Taylor High School
  • Try new things and be involved
  • Take care of yourself and others
  • Push yourself academically so you can give yourself the most options during and after high school
  • Don’t let yourself get stuck or behind, ask for help and use your resources.
  • See the good around you and be part of the solution.
  • CHECK YOUR EMAIL!
  • Know you are a part of the Yellowjacket family and we are all in this together!

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