Dear Parents and Eighth Grade Students,
Welcome back to the 2009-2010 school year. This is a very important year
for you as you jostle to keep your grades high, and you deliberate as to the
best educational setting for you. It is fun to go to the same high school
as your best friend(s), but it isn't always going to be your personal best
choice.
Here are a few things that you can begin to do in preparation for your
decision.
1. Pick up a questionnaire form from outside my office, or ask Mercy
for one. Take it home and complete it with the help of your
parents. This will give me a more detailed profile of you which will
enhance your recommendation or school application by providing more
information.
2. Begin searching the schools listed in the section: LINKS. Each school
has its own website where you can read about the schools, requirements,
programs,and download an application if you are interested.
3. Plan a visit to the schools you are interested in attending. If possible
set up an appointment with the high school guidance counselor of the
school. If this isn't possible, you will still get a sense of the
school environment by visiting.
4. Make certain that you maintain good grades. Seek academic assistance
from your teachers, if necessary. Should you start to see your grades
drop, get a study group together, seek a tutor, see your teachers or
counselor. Take responsibility for your future.
5. Attend school regularly and be on time for all classes. If you must be
absent, phone a friend from your classes so as to return to school with
all assigned work. Remember to bring in an excuse if you were sick.
6. I have an open door policy for all students. If anything concerns you,
or you need my help with anything, I am here for you. But do not wait
until the problem is too big to tackle easily.
All recommendation forms must be submitted to the Guidance office on the
second floor of Middle School. I will distribute each form to the
appropriate teacher with a deadline date for completion (10 school days).
All forms should be submitted far in advance of the high school deadlines.
Once the application forms have been submitted to the Guidance office, it is
the responsibility of the parent or you to check with the high school to
verify that all requirements have been met.
During the school year there will be various presentations given by several
of the high schools at Key Biscayne K-8 Center. Please check the
ANNOUNCEMENTS section of this site on a regular basis to see what new
information is provided.