Welcome to B.M.C. Durfee High School of Fall River

Guidance Dept. Page For Sophomores

Back to Guidance Home		Guidance Counselor Information
Parent Page	Freshman Page	Junior Page	Senior Page

Standardized Testing
Guidance Calendar of Events

One of the most important milestones that you will face within your high school experiences happens during your sophomore year...the MCAS examinations. It is natural to be worried and nervous, or excited, about the days that you will spend taking the MCAS tests. Feeling confident about your strengths in English Language Arts, Math and Science is the first step towards doing well on the tests. A positive attitude can make a big impact on your success. Here are some other steps that you can take to be ready and prepared:

☺Make sure that you have good attendance in school. What you are learning in school today could help you to answer some questions on the test.

☺Pay attention in your classes and always do your best work. This will allow  your teachers know your strengths and weaknesses, and how they can help you to improve your skills.

☺Attend MCAS tutoring programs when they are offered. It has been shown that you are more likely to pass or earn a higher score with practice  in how  to answer  MCAS questions.

Standardized testing       Back to top

Sophomores are encouraged to take the PSAT, which is offered in October. Books to help you prepare for the PSAT and other tests are located at local bookstores or sometimes can be found at libraries. For the SAT Question of the Day and other helpful information about colleges, majors, and careers, check out college board's website at http://www.collegeboard.com

2007-2008 MCAS Testing Schedule
March 25: ELA Composition Sessions A&B
March 26: ELA Reading Comprehension Sessions 1&2
March 27: ELA Reading Comprehension Session 3
May 21: Mathematics Session 1
May 22: Mathematics Session 2
TBA: US History I
June 3: Science (Chemistry or Biology)

Students: Are you the first one in your family to go to college (the first “generation” to go to college)???  Do you qualify for free or reduced lunch???  Are you planning to attend college in the future???  If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Upward Bound or Talent Search programs may be for you.  Both programs are offered at Bristol Community College (in walking distance right down Elsbree street).  For more information, call 508-678-2811 extension 2324. You can meet with representatives from the program in the cafeteria during lunch periods, or go to the Guidance/Registrar’s Office (across from the cafeteria). They are in the building every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m..  Here is a breakdown of what each program has to offer you:

    

Guidance Calendar of Events     Back to top

Continue to focus on strong study habits, obtaining good grades, participating in extra-curricular activities including school based groups and/or sports, and take a set of courses that are challenging for you in order to be well prepared for college. In addition, continue to identify areas that are interesting for you, and explore potential career fields. Also, remember that all of your grades are now a part of your permanent record.

September

• Check your schedule. Make sure you have all your academic classes scheduled, including electives and physical education and health.

• If you have a problem with your schedule, make an appointment to see your Guidance Counselor.

• Stay in the most difficult classes you can handle.

• Continue with your good study habits, test taking strategies, organizational skills, etc.

• Get involved in extracurricular activities; consider leadership roles.

• Strive to pass all classes with good grades.

• Talk with your parents about taking the PSAT (the practice test for SAT).

• Begin to prepare for MCAS testing.

October-November

• Guidance Counselors will visit classes for Sophomore Seminar.

• Sophomore Seminar includes the following information:

■ Explain the role of the Guidance Counselor
■ Review Attendance Policy
■ Review Graduation Requirements
■ Review a sample transcript
■ Explain effects of class cuts on credits and courses
■ Encourage school and community involvement
■ Explain MCAS test

• Continue with your good study habits, test taking strategies, organizational skills, etc.

• Stay involved in extracurricular activities; consider leadership roles.

• Strive to pass all classes with good grades.

• Guidance Counselors will distribute PSAT information and registration materials.  Students should take the practice test at home.

• Continue to prepare for MCAS testing.

December

• Discuss results of PSAT test.

• Continue with your good study habits, test taking strategies, organizational skills, etc.

• Stay involved in extracurricular activities; consider leadership roles.

• Strive to pass all classes with good grades.

• Continue to prepare for MCAS testing.

January-February

• Students continue to focus on classes and activities.

• Continue with your good study habits, test taking strategies, organizational skills, etc.

• Stay involved in extracurricular activities; consider leadership roles.

• Strive to pass all classes with good grades.

• Adjust any mid-year schedule conflicts.

• Students should be receiving their course selection sheets for next year.

• Students need to review course selections with current teachers.

• Students review course selection sheets with parents.

• Parents sign the course selection sheets and the student returns it to the Guidance Counselor.

• Continue to prepare for MCAS Testing.

March

• MCAS Testing

• Students continue to focus on classes and activities.

• Continue with your good study habits, test taking strategies, organizational skills, etc.

• Stay involved in extracurricular activities; consider leadership roles.

• Strive to pass all classes with good grades.

April

• Continue with your good study habits, test taking strategies, organizational skills, etc.

• Stay involved in extracurricular activities; consider leadership roles.

• Strive to pass all classes with good grades.

• Continue to prepare for MCAS Testing.

May

• Students receive next year’s schedule.

• Review schedule and make sure everything is correct.

• Continue with your good study habits, test taking strategies, organizational skills, etc.

• Stay involved in extracurricular activities; consider leadership roles.

• Strive to pass all classes with good grades.

• MCAS Testing

June

• Students will receive summer reading list in English class.

• Students who need to attend summer school will see their Guidance Counselor to get the Summer School Verification Form.

• Sign up to participate in Tech Prep if interested (see your Guidance Counselor for details).

• Look into volunteer work and/or community service (go to the official website for the City of Fall River, http://www.fallriverma.org/ )

• Get involved in something during the summer to keep you active.

• Students have a safe, healthy, happy summer!!

Back to top            Back to home page
Please send correspondence to: 360 Elsbree Street, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720