Credit Recovery

Are you behind on credit?  You may be if you have failed a class or received an NC.  Check with your counselor if there is a chance of being behind on credit. 

Here are a few ways you can make up credit.

1.  If possible, retake the class.  This depends on your overall credit earned.  Check with your counselor to see if this is possible.

2.  Night School/Summer School.- Night school is Tues/Weds, from 3-5pm.  It costs $60 to register (good for one year) and an additional $20 for every .25 credit earned.  Night School and summer school are the same cost.  Both night school and summer school use PLATO computer program for credit recovery.  When that program does not offer specific courses, a packet will be used.  Students may come and go as they please, no attendance is taken, but remember, the more you go, the faster you will get it done!  Mr. Baird is the facilitator. 

3.  Utah Electronic High School- not the best option for everyone, but students who are self motivated and committed can choose this option.  EHS is free to residents of Utah.  Everything is done electronically through the computer.  Most textbooks are online, assignments are submitted on line as well as tests.  There is a $22.00 proctor fee when tests are taken at WHS.  You can avoid the fee by taking the tests at the public library.  EHS can be used to make up credit or get ahead.  You can begin at any time and must log in weekly to keep an active account.  Suggested deadlines are 6 months per course.

4.  The last option is the Wasatch Alternative High School.  Students who are typically 4 or more credits behind would be referred to the ALT school.  The Alt school offers both direct instruction and packets, depending on what the student needs.  If a student attends the ALT school, they still receive a Wasatch County High School diploma.  Students may only attend the ALT school for 4 periods, or a half day.

Attendance School

Students, why do this to yourself????? 

Attedance school is an opportunity to make up excessive or unexcused absences, which in turn allows you to receive credit in the class you have received an "NC" in.  If you have an "NC" and you are already at a failing percentage, you will receive the "F" and not have an opportunity to make it up.  If you are at a passing percentage, you will be given the "NC" with the opporunity to go to attendance school to earn back the credit and grade. 

Attendance school has recently enforced their rules, making it more fair to all students and easier to track students who attend.  Here is a summary of the rules:

1.  You must be on time, at 6:00AM!!!!  It does not matter if you have only 1 hour or 4 hours to do, everyone must be checked in at 6:00AM.  We do not allow student in after the starting time. 

2.  It costs $3/hour, which must be paid in full, the day of attendance.  We do not create IOU's, so please don't ask!

3.  No cell phones, IPODs, or other electronic devices.  If we see them, we take them, and students can pick them up after attendance school. 

4.  You MUST bring something to do....homework, a book to read, etc.  It is not a time to play cards, pass notes, or sleep.  If you do not have something to do, you will be sent home. 

5.  NO TALKING!!! 

6.  The directors have the right to send people home when they are breaking the rules.  If you are sent home, you do not receive credit for the hours you have done, nor do you receive a refund of the money you paid.  Rules are posted at attendance school, so there should be no question about it!

***remember, Attendance school is NOT FUN!!!  You can avoid attendance school by going to class and being on time.  You can save your money by going to class and being on time.  You can get the grade/credit you have earned by going to class and being on time.  You can enjoy your Saturdays by going to class and being on time!  Is there any question about why you should go to class and be on time?  

Schedule Change Policy

This 2010-2011 school year has introduced a new Schedule Change Policy.  In summary, here are the things you need to know.

Fall (1st semester) schedule changes:  There are 4 schedule change days in August.  You must sign up for an appointment on your assigned day, according to grade.  These schedule changes are free, and can be made for any class.  TIP:  Although it is busy, this is the best time to make your changes!!!  If you wait, classes are full and we also ask questions as to why you want the change.  It may also require a team meeting to approve the change.  

You may also change classes(electives only!) the 1st two days of school. This gives you a chance to attend each class and get a feel of what it is about and the expectations.  After those 2 days, we implement a $10 fee to change classes.  No class changes are made after the 1st two weeks of school.  If there is a need to change a class after 2 weeks, a meeting will be held and if approved, the change will not go into affect until the upcoming term.

Winter (2nd semester) The last week of 1st term are considered schedule change days.  You may change electives for whatever reason.  After that week, we implement a $10 fee.  After the 1st 2 weeks of the new semester, no changes can be made.  If there is a need to change a class, a meeting will be held and, if approved, the change will not go into affect until the upcoming term. 

For the policy in full detail, please see the counseling department website, which can be found by accessing the Wasatch High School webpage.

SEOPs

Your SEOPs are for your benefit!  It is to be used as a planning meeting to help outline courses for the remainder of your high school years, as well as discuss plans for life after high school.  The following describes the focus of the yearly SEOP.

9th grade-High School success-individual, with assigned counselor; create/review 4 yr plan, introduce Regent's Scholarship, explain transcripts, career/educational goals, success in high school

10th grade- Choosing a career- small group, 30 minute presentation with Career Choice focus, meet with counselor, choose classes for 11th grade, review 4 yr-plan, review credit

11th grade-College Focus- small group, 30 minute presentation with scholarships, college choice, and college success focus, choose 12 grade classes, review career choice, review credit

12th grade- Senior Interview w/assigned counselor.  Discuss what schools student wants to go to or other post high school plans.  Review credit, make sure they are on track to graduate.  Exit interview (spring)-confirm plans for after high school, one last credit check

SCHOLARSHIPS!!!

Show me the MONEY!!!!  We all want more money, especially when it comes to paying for post high school education.  Scholarships are the way to go!  Although it is time consuming, it really does pay off.  Even though it is spring time, and most students have already chosen a school to go to in the fall and applied for scholarships through those schools, it is NOT TOO LATE to search for scholarships! 

You might be wondering where to start so late into the "scholarship season", so here are some suggestions. 

1.  Create accounts with FREE scholarship search engines.  These websites will ask you a series of questions, then email you when scholarships that closely match your profile come up.  Here are a few of search engines to get you started.
        a. http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/  (rated #1 by Forbes magazine)
        b. http://www.fastweb.com/
        c.  http://www.utahfutures.org/


2. NEVER, EVER pay someone to do what you can do for yourself.  Many people will "guarantee" a scholarship when you pay for their services, however, you can find your own scholarships.  They might find you a scholarship to a specific school that you would never intend to go to.  For example, there is a Christian Bible College in Alabama that offers a scholarship to anyone who marks "christian" on their application.  It is a "guaranteed" scholarship, but you would never be able to use it, unless you want to go to Alabama! Most Utah students do not want to go that far!

2.  Check out our own WHS counseling webpage!  Go to http://www.wasatch.edu/, select Wasatch High, click on counseling and guidance, then click on scholarships.  You will find a PDF list of scholarships, sorted by month, with embedded links to take you directly to the scholarship webpage.  Even though it is late in the year, you can still look at the scholarships available in April, May, and June.  There are even a few that are ongoing, without a definite deadline.

4.  Save documentation of your scholarships!  This way, if you do not hear from them, you can follow up on your application.

5.  Wasatch Community Foundation scholarships.  The applications will be available after spring break.  They provide numerous scholarships from private/business donors in Wasatch County.  This is a great opportunity for our students, take advantage of it!

6.  Let us know!  When you receive a scholarship, please let the counseling secretary know.  We want to recognize your awards during our senior recognition night.  All scholarships and awards are mentioned.  If you don't tell us, we won't know to acknowledge you!

Welcome to Cummings' Counseling Corner

Welcome to Cummings' Counseling Corner!  Here you will learn important information ranging from the importance of academic rigor to scholarships, and even the opportunities for credit recovery.  This blog is menat to be used by the students of Wasatch High School.  Information stated on this site is drawn from Wasatch High School's specific programs and resources.  While other students may browse this site, please understand that information given may not be accurate according to the school you attend! 

I hope all who browse this site will find it beneficial.  If you have suggestions as to what information you would like to see on this site, please leave a comment.  Thank you!
Mrs. Cummings