High School Connection Time: GRADE 9

The purpose of High School Connection Time is to establish a period of time for teachers and students to develop connections that positively impact students. Teachers will facilitate discussions on relevant themes and provide students with a safe, non-judgmental environment. They will help students to discuss and possibly solve immediate concerns or problems, and help students in setting and reviewing goals.

High School Connection Time encompasses four broad themes. Each quarter will focus on one theme. Optional topics are listed for each theme along with links to suggested resources that may be used to facilitate discussions. Teachers are asked to cover as many topics as they see fit and are free to use other appropriate resources. It is recommended that each year ground rules be set as the first activity of Connection Time, and that goal setting be discussed at the start of each quarter.

  • Organization (Quarter 1): The first quarter is dedicated to helping students begin to focus on issues of organization. Topics could include setting group rules, time management, and goal setting. Resources such as the student handbook have been linked to provide information to students about school rules and policies, extra sources for academic assistance, clubs, sports, etc.
  • Academic (Quarter 2): The second quarter is dedicated to supporting students in academic success. Topics in the second quarter could include learning styles, how to calculate a GPA, graduation requirements, and how to study.
  • Social (Quarter 3): The third quarter focuses on encouraging students to communicate more effectively. Suggested topics include anger management, how to manage stress, accountability, leadership, social media, and manners.
  • Transition (Quarter 4): Finally, the theme of transition is intended to help students focus on planning for the following year and beyond. The suggested topics include course selection, resume building, interviewing skills, and how to complete a job application.
  • Additional Resource Links: Handbooks, Websites, etc

Ninth Grade Connection Time Themes Overview

Quarter 1
ORGANIZATION

Quarter 2
ACADEMIC

Quarter 3
SOCIAL

Quarter 4
TRANSITION

Topics

  • Setting ground rules
  • Introduction to high school
  • Time management
  • Goal setting
  • Study skills
  • Resources/Support services
  • School calendar
  • Icebreakers

Other optional topics:

  • Navigating the school web page
  • Class government
  • Naviance

Topics

  • Goal setting
  • Learning styles
  • Realistic assessments
  • Doing homework

Other optional topics

  • Progress to date, future planning
  • Supports (NHS)
  • Graduation requirements
  • Transcripts
  • GPA's
  • Standardized testing
  • AP's
  • What's my average
  • Why go to class
  • Appeals and exemptions
  • Self-advocacy to get extra help

Topics

  • Goal setting
  • Communication
  • Social/Digital media awareness
  • Conflict resolution
  • Coping skills/Stress
  • Risky behavior
  • Appropriate decision making (drugs/alcohol/ dating)
  • Character building
  • Manners

Other optional topics:

  • Bullying
  • Code of conduct
  • Dress code
  • Leadership
  • Community service
  • Anger management
  • Accountability

Topics

  • Goal setting
  • Resume building
  • Jobs/Career awareness
  • Reflection goal setting
  • O*NET

Other optional topics:

  • Reviewing inventory
  • Course selection
  • Networking
  • Interviewing skills
  • Job applications
  • Work based learning
  • Survey