Class Rank

Thank you to all of the Senior students and parents who joined us online for last night's college information presentation!  I want to highlight a couple of the topics over the next week or so on my blog just to reinforce the information you heard in the presentation.

The first is regarding Class Rank.

When completing college applications you will find that most colleges will ask “What is your class rank?” and if they can’t get you to give them an exact rank they might also ask you for a percentile ranking. (Some schools may not ask you and may ask on the counselor form that I am required to complete for you.) The official answer is “We Do Not Rank.”

That is what I write on all of the forms that I complete for you and what you should indicate on your application – UNLESS you are one of the students with a grade point average of a 4.0 or higher for your high school career. If you have greater than a 4.0, then you are automatically ranked #1 in the class. (So yes, that would mean that there are multiple Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores ranked first in their respective class.)

As you already know, WKHS is an academically competitive high school and we would not want a class ranking to hurt you in any way. For example, a GPA at WKHS might rank in the top 20% , but at a less competitive school the same GPA might rank in the top 5 or 10%. So, unless you have a 4.0 or better, do yourself a favor and write “Do Not Rank” when completing your applications.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade Point Averages (GPA's) are a big part of high school lingo... and yet some students might not  know how grade point averages are computed.  Your transcript is a record consisting of every high school class you have ever taken and the grade you earned in each class. 

The "easy" explanation for how your GPA is calculated is that every class you take at WKHS taught by a Kilbourne teacher or a CC+ instructor with traditional grading is computed into your GPA.  Some students begin taking high school courses while still in middle school.  Those grades will appear on your transcript, but they are not calculated into your GPA.  This is done to assist you because many times middle school students haven't recognized the impact that their grades have on their high school GPA and the long-term impact on their future college applications.  Additionally, any classes that you pass that were taken as pass/ fail appear on your transcript but will not be calculated in your GPA.

All regular and honors classes are unweighted which means that they are all based on a 4.0 scale.  AP, IB and CC+ courses are weighted on a scale of 1.25.  Below is a chart that shows how GPA is calculated.

Letter Grades	Percentage	GPA Scale	AP/ IB Weighted Calculation	AP/ IB Weighted GPA
A	90 – 100%	4.0	4.0 x 1.25	5.00
B	80 – 89%	3.0	3.0 x 1.25	3.75
C	70 – 79%	2.0	2.0 x 1.25	2.50
D	60 – 69%	1.0	1.0 x 1.25	1.25
F	0 – 59%
S	Satisfactory
P	Passing

All classes are granted credit based upon the semester.  This means that when you pass the 1st semester you have earned that credit and it is computed into your grade point average.  Each semester class is worth 1/2 a credit excluding physical education courses which are worth 1/4 a credit.  So, if you earn a B in the first semester of English 1 and a C in the first semester of Physical Science, then your GPA for these two semesters of classes would equal a 2.5.  Plusses and Minuses in your grades are still calculated based upon the base grade as we don't have different GPA weights for a B+ vs a B or B-.

It is important to know that some students have taken classes at other schools and are transferring their credit to WKHS.  Those classes will also appear on your transcript with the grades, but are not computed into your GPA.  This is because your Kilbourne GPA will just reflect your Kilbourne classes - any classes you took in another district or an online school will have the GPA that you earned at that school.  So, for example, if you transferred to WKHS from a surrounding district, your classes and grades will be transferred over to Kilbourne, but they won't be included in your Kilbourne GPA.  This means that students will not have a grade point average until after they have completed a semester at WKHS.  The reason that this is important is that some students have transferred from schools that have different grading scales and it doesn't allow equitable comparisons.  When students are applying to college you will submit both of your transcripts so that they have the complete picture of your grade point average.

You can see a copy of your transcript on Infinite Campus and it also shows your grade point average.  If you have any questions about your GPA, stop by and see me.

Parent Lunch & Learn Series

Last year we tested out hosting zoom lunch and learn workshops for parents once a quarter and they were very well received.  As a result, we have increased our offerings and, throughout the year, we will be hosting a series of 7 Lunch & Learns for our parents.  All of the sessions will take place from 12-12:30.

These workshops are very brief 30 minute zoom meetings where we will spend about half of that time sharing information with parents about a specific topic and then the remaining time will allow us to answer your questions.  The zoom link will be emailed to all parents the morning of the Lunch & Learn and it will also be posted on the WKHS Counselor website.

The first session kicks off this Friday, September 2nd.  Our topic will be Coming up with a Test Prep Plan (PSAT/ PreACT).

Additional dates and topics are:

October 14th: What to do if my child has a D or an F

November 11th: Honors Diploma

January 13th: Understanding the Graduation Requirements

March 17th: Mental Health Support

April 21st: College Admissions Tests (ACT/ SAT)

May 5th: Career Exploration

We hope parents will save these dates and join us for the sessions!

CC+ Classes Begin

Just a reminder to all students who are taking a CSCC class through CC+, your classes begin this week!  These classes meet for 2 periods, but only twice a week.  So, those of you who are taking English Comp 1, you will have classes on Mondays and Wednesdays.  If you are taking Psychology or Ethics, you will have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  There are no CC+ classes on Fridays.

As we have talked about in the past, you will still have work to do for your college classes outside of your designated class time and those non-meeting days are an ideal time to stay disciplined at using for work time on those courses.

One important suggestion - because your CSCC professors will all use your CSCC email, I would strongly suggest you set up the automatic forward option on your emails to send it to a gmail account which you check regularly or set up your CSCC account to your phone.  Check out the details on CSCC's website for more information on how to do that.

Good luck as your start your college classes!

Pack Periods

A lot of new students and parents ask about a homeroom period and we don't have a traditional homeroom for students.  However, approximately every other week, on Wednesdays, you will have an extended 2nd period class for a Pack Period.

The Pack Period is a time for students and staff members to forge stronger connections, share important information, and to build on student success skills for learning and for life.

We are on a different bell schedule to give you an extra 24 minutes to be in the Pack Period.  This means each class is 3 minutes shorter - so your 2nd period class will begin 3 minutes earlier than normal (a really important point to be aware of if you are a student with late arrival and no class during 1st period so that you're not late to 2nd period on Pack Period days.)

Your first Pack Period starts this coming Wednesday.  I know that the Counselors are looking forward to learning more about you during this Pack Period and administrators and the rest of the teachers responsible for creating the Pack Period content are also seeking your input.

We Love Worthington Schools

Last week at a meeting with the whole district, Dr. Bowers and other district leaders focused on why we love Worthington Schools.  As I sat there listening, I thought my answer was VERY simple...

I love Worthington Schools because of "my kids."

The students at WKHS are incredible and as I start my 17th year at Kilbourne (yes, I really am that old), I have had well over 1,000 students move through these walls as a part of my caseload.  But each of you - current and former - are not just a number of a caseload to me.  You are not just students, you are my kids.  That is how I think of you and how I refer to you.  You are and will always be a part of my heart.  So, I hope that you will know that I love Worthington schools because of each of YOU!

I have also been thinking about how much I hope that YOU also love Worthington Schools and Kilbourne in particular.  It is my hope that you will take ownership and responsibility for Kilbourne as being YOUR school.  That you will strive every day to make sure we have a welcoming and accepting environment where all students will feel valued and appreciated.  Most of all, I hope that when you think of why you love Worthington that you will think of Kilbourne as a place where you WANT to be.  

With tomorrow being "rivalry week" between the two Worthington teams as WKHS and TWHS prepare to compete in football, remember that how you act is a reflection of Kilbourne... so have fun, but make sure anyone who walks away from the game thinks about how impressive the students at Kilbourne are because I want them to see you in the same incredible way that I see you.

Office Workers

We have a great volunteer opportunity that students can take advantage of during the school day within the comfortable walls of WKHS.  We have office workers volunteer their time to help out in the counseling/ administrative offices. Our office workers each year have been amazing!  They helped run passes, update the bulletin board, put together packets or whatever else was needed.  Some days were busier than others and so there were days when they didn't have to do much of anything to help us other than be available.  We do have an application process to be selected as an office worker, but if you are interested, we'd love to have you!  And selfishly, I'd love to have more of "my" students helping as office workers because it is a nice treat to see you each day.  Students with a period of academic prep or options in their schedule would be eligible to apply.  (You would no longer have prep or options if you chose to work in the office.)  You will accumulate community service hours as an office worker.  Applications are available in the front of the counseling center.  No more than 2 students will be selected for each period of the day.  

I have had already had so many moments in the last few days when I wished we had office workers so that I could send a pass for a student to come see me.  So know that this is a service opportunity that is truly valued and appreciated.  Please apply as soon as possible if you are interested so that we can get you involved!

Confidentiality & Seeing Me

It is very important to me that I work to earn your trust every day. During high school there are times when you may wonder if there is anyone who cares and is willing to listen to what you are going through and I want to remind you that I am here for you. Please remember that what you say to me is confidential between us unless you are a risk to yourself or someone else or if someone is hurting you in which case I am required to report it.

If you want to meet with me - just drop by my office! That is honestly the BEST way to meet with me. You don't need to schedule an appointment in advance. I'm generally around before and after school as well as during your lunch or academic prep/ option periods for you to stop in and chat. You don't need a big reason to come down and say Hi. I am happy to see you even if you just wanted to tell me how well or how poorly you did on a test that day. If I am busy meeting with another student or parent - you can stop back down, leave a pass for me, send me a message on Remind, or send me an email to let me know you want to see me. If I don't know who you are and you have left a pass that leads me to search for you in the commons please try to help me out and let me know that "you" are the student. (I know, not always easy, but if you left a pass and I haven't tracked you down that day or the following day, chances are I can't find you in the commons - so please come back!)

Don't forget I have candy and toys in my office - so it is always worth just stopping by to say hello. :-) 

Upcoming Evening Presentations

Meet the Teacher Night:

Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 23, is Meet the Teacher night at WKHS.  The evening will begin at 6:45 in the auditorium and then from 7-9 parents will walk through the student schedules to have the chance to see the classrooms and meet the teachers for all of your classes in the day.  I know a lot of parents really appreciate the chance to meet your teachers face to face so that they can picture what you're talking about when you share stories about your school day with them.  One huge hint - please be sure that you give your parents a copy of your schedule or help them to access it on Infinite Campus before they come to school.  You know how stressful it could feel when you didn't know where you were going from class to class and your parents are going to want to know where your classes are each period.

Senior Student and Parent College Information Night:

A week from tomorrow, Tuesday, August 30th, at 7pm on Zoom is the Senior Student and Parent College Information Night.  This is a key evening where we share important information such as how to request your transcript, navigating recommendation letters, and application mistakes to avoid.  Based on senior student and parent vote, this evening will be virtual and we will record it and post it later on the Counselor Website.  It is really beneficial for both senior students and their parents to attend this presentation because seniors, you are the ones applying to college!  And parents, your son/ daughter will need your assistance and support to make sure they put their strongest application forward.

We are looking forward to 2 great nights and hope you will make plans to join us!

Final Day for Schedule Changes

Do you feel ready for a 5 day week of school?  I am excited to start feeling like life settles down into more of a routine with all of you being established in your classes for the year.  Along those lines, I want to make sure that you all understand that tomorrow (Monday) is the last day to add a class for the first semester.  So, after tomorrow, you won't be able to drop and add something else into your day until we reach semester break at the end of December.  As a result, it is really important that you make sure you see me or email me tomorrow if you are wanting to drop/ add something in your schedule.  

School Night for Freshmen

It's a school night... for the freshmen!  I am so excited to get the 2022-23 school year underway.  I look forward to seeing each of you, hearing about your summers, and finding out what is new and exciting in your lives.  Tomorrow though, the whole day is for and about the freshmen who make up the Class of 2026.

Yes, that means that the majority of sophomores, juniors and seniors have one more day of summer vacation.  The exception to that is those of you who will be attending the Delaware Area Career Center - your classes start at DACC tomorrow.  There will also be a lot of upperclassmen at WKHS tomorrow to help lead the freshmen day and they have been working hard to prepare to make sure it will be a great day.  I know that I am looking forward to having the chance to meet all of the freshmen during the day.

I think what I like best about the start of a new year is that it is like an unopened present - full of excitement, hope, and possibility.  You get to make this year whatever you want it to be and I hope that it will be your best year yet.  Get a good night's sleep because even though you get to sleep in later than past years, after a summer of sleeping in, 8:40am will feel really early!

Prepare for Success

This week we will start a new school year and it is important to put yourself in the best position possible to be successful.

The first step is to set your goals for the year.  What are you hoping to accomplish?  What do you need to do to reach these goals?  It is often easier to dream big and, quite honestly, most of you could achieve any goal that you set your mind to, but it will take dedication and commitment.

Many of you are also out searching for new school supplies.  As you buy your folders, binders, and notebooks, pause for a moment to think about what organization system tends to work best for you.  Are you a "stuffer" who just stuffs papers into whatever happens to be available?  If so, folders are probably best for you.  If you are the type of person who wants to be able to combine notes from class with notes that you take from the book, you might gravitate toward a binder with loose-leaf paper rather than a spiral notebook. Whatever system you select, make sure it is one that will work for YOU.

Preparing for success is probably most closely connected to having an organization system for tracking your assignments.  Perhaps you bought a planner or maybe you're hoping to use an app.  It doesn't matter to me what type of an organization system you have selected, but it is essential that you pick something and commit yourself to using it.

This will be a great year!  I hope you are looking forward to getting started (even though it means that summer is over) and if you need help with setting reasonable goals or with organization, please don't hesitate to stop in and see me.

Common App 101

The Common Application (better known as Common App) went live for the Class of 2023 yesterday.  Why does that matter?  Because for seniors, it means it is time to start applying to college!  Common App is a website that many colleges use to allow students to fill out one application that will then be sent to multiple colleges.  If you are applying to 4-year schools it is worth your time to explore Common App and see if the colleges you are considering use it.

Because the vast majority of our students will apply using Common App we have learned a lot of the common questions students have when filling out their application and frequent errors you will want to be sure to avoid.  To help share that information with our students, the counselors will be hosting 2 Common App 101 workshops so that you can pick the date/ time that best meets your schedule.

The workshops will be held on Thursday, August 11th at 11:00am and on Monday, August 15th at 1:00pm. Both sessions will take place in Room 207 and students will need to bring your Chromebook or laptop with you because you will be working on your actual application during our time together.

We are asking all seniors to sign up for the session that you want to attend using the email that was sent to your wscloud account yesterday so that we know how many people to anticipate each session.  I am hopeful that ALL of my seniors who plan on applying to college will be at one of the workshops.  It will truly help you get a huge jumpstart on your applications!