| Walton A to Z... |
Disclaimer: This listing is an abbreviated summary based on a variety of official and unofficial sources. This does not replace the need to read and understand the policies listed in the student handbook (known as the AGENDA). As a student or parent it is your responsibility to seek answers to any questions that you have about Walton High School. The PTSA makes no representations that this is a complete list of all the unique factors relating to Walton High School.
Absences - The day after an absence, your student is required to bring a note explaining the reason for the absence to the homeroom teacher. See the AGENDA for details of returning to school after an absence.
ACT Test - This is a nationally administered college entrance exam taken in Junior and/or Senior year. Check your calendar for testing dates. Walton is usually a testing center. For strategy in taking this exam multiple times and details regarding test preparation classes, pick up and read carefully the information booklets available in the Guidance Center. If you are unfamiliar with this exam, ask your counselor for more information. Information and online registration is available at www.act.org.
ADAP - This is an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program, required for a Georgia driver’s license for high school students (even licenses that are being transferred from out of state). Look for sign-ups during WEB. Georgia doesn’t recognize ADAP certificates from any other state.
Advisement Conferences - All students and their parents are scheduled for a meeting in spring of their freshman year and fall of their junior year to review course selections and progress toward graduation. You should expect to get a letter in the mail with your appointment time.
Advisor - Your advisor is you homeroom teacher and this person generally remains the same throughout high school.
Agenda - The AGENDA is the student handbook. Each student is issued an AGENDA which he/she is required to carry at all times during regular school hours. It contains school policies and system wide policies, hall passes and a “planner” for recording academic assignments and school deadlines.
Alcohol - Zero tolerance applies to alcohol. Refer to the AGENDA for the policy.
AP / Advanced Placement - Advanced Placement (AP) classes are very competitive and college level courses. Passing the nationally administered exams with sufficiently high test scores can possibly gain college credits at selected universities.
AP Exams - These are national exams administered by the College Board and students receive scores of 1-5. Check with AP teachers or guidance counselors for more Information.
Attendance - Refer to the AGENDA. Attendance Office ? See PPO in this listing.
Auxiliary Gym - This is the practice gym located behind the main gym next to the wrestling barn.
Evening of Inspiration - This is a PTSA-sponsored non-denominational service for graduating seniors held off-campus. Bell Schedule ? See the Appendix.
Birthdays - See “special occasions” in this listing.
Booster Clubs - These are parent organizations that support many sport and music activities. A list of booster club and contact persons are included on the web site and in the PTSA calendar.
BPE / Becoming Physically Educated - Becoming Physically Educated (BPE) and Health (see “Health” in this booklet) are required classes for graduation. If you have taken “Personal Fitness” out-of-state, have your previous school send your counselor a course description to determine if the course will fulfill this requirement. This should be discussed at registration.
Bus Stops / Schedule - Information is centralized in the district transportation office. The telephone number is 770 594-8000. A master list for the current year is available in the front office. C
Cage - The cage is the lower parking lot by the stadium. It used to be enclosed with a fence, hence the name “cage”. The fence is long gone—the name isn’t.
Calendar, Cobb County School District - See the appendix.
Calendar, PTSA - The PTSA compiles information for and sells school calendars. These list valuable information about Walton including test dates, holidays and in service days, and other important dates in the school life. Having one of these will make your life much easier! Calendars are sold at the beginning of the year and are available at the Spirit Shop while supplies last.
Carnegie Unit - A measurement of classroom attendance at the secondary school level. One unit of credit is awarded for a minimum of 150 clock hours of instruction. ? 2 semesters = 1 Carnegie Unit of credit. Carnegie Unit, Summer School ? A measurement of classroom attendance at the secondary school level. One unit of credit is awarded for a minimum of 120 clock hours of instruction.
Certificate of Attendance - This is required for all high school students who apply for a Georgia driver’s license, even if you are transferring a license from out of state. Requests are made at the PPO during the school year. The certificate may be picked up after school hours at the front office the day after making your request. There is a $2 notary fee required at time of pick up (exact change only). NOTE: The state requires a student must attend ten days of school before they can receive this certificate; attendance at your previous school doesn’t count; so students with summer birthdays or who move here during the summer are out of luck in Georgia. - SUGGESTION: Wait until you receive your driving record from your previous state before requesting the Certificate of Attendance. Both are good for only 30 days and the driving record can take several weeks to receive. Check with the State of Georgia’s web site: http://www.ganet.org/dps/divisions.html for more information.
Charter School - Walton became a Georgia Charter school in 1998 which allows limited local decision making.
Class Rings - Look for ordering information in the sophomore year and delivery in junior year.
Clubs - See the appendix.
Club Fair - This is held on a WEB day at the beginning of the school year. School clubs have representatives stationed in the commons so that students may learn about many of Walton’s extra-curricular activities. This is a good time for students to become familiar with many different opportunities at Walton.
College Entrance Exams - See ACT and SAT in this listing.
College and Career Web Site Listing: - Career Cruising, www.careercruising.com ? Georgia Career Information System (GCIS), www.gcic.peachnet.edu ? CollegeSource® Online, www.collegesource.org; Over 20,000 College Catalogs in complete cover-to-cover, original page format. ? Scholarship Information, www.fastweb.com; ? SAT Registration and Information, www.collegeboard.com; ? ACT Registration and Information, www.act.org, ? GA EASY, www.usg.edu/ga-easy, and Georgia Mentor, a guide to private colleges and universities in Georgia, www.GeorgiaMentor.org.
College Information - See Future Shop in this listing.
Commons - This is the cafeteria. Students arriving late to lunch are considered tardy and required to wait before being allowed to enter and eat.
Counselors, Guidance - See Guidance Counselors in this listing.
Course Levels - See Course Levels in the Walton High School PROFILE pamphlet which is available in the Guidance Center. Some courses are taught on three levels. Level 1 courses are accelerated or honors. Level 2 courses are considered the regular college preparatory program. For example, course #121=honors, course #122= on-level, etc.
Detention - Refer to the AGENDA.
Directory - See Student Directory in this listing.
Dress Code - Walton has a dress code. Check for details in the AGENDA.
Drugs - Zero tolerance applies to drugs. Refer to the AGENDA for the policy.
Early dismissal - Cobb County Schools system-wide early dismissal days are listed on the school calendar. Individual early dismissal for medical appointments is detailed in the AGENDA. Program early dismissal is also detailed in the AGENDA.
Elective - These are courses that are taken beyond those specifically required for a particular diploma. Students often use electives to explore different areas of interest. Local electives are any courses offered beyond the core curriculum. State electives, also called academic electives (required by diplomas of distinction) must be from core courses.
FAFSA / Free Application for Federal Student Aid - This is a free Application for Federal Student Aid which is available in January of your senior year. FAFSA forms are available in the Guidance Center and on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
Freshmen - 9th grade students are freshmen if less than 5 graduation units are earned.
Fighting - Refer to the AGENDA.
Future Shop - The Future Shop college information center is located in Guidance Center. There is more information here than we can describe in one or two sentences: books, videos, applications, computer searches, SAT practice tests, interest inventories and more! These resources are available to students and parents; check this area out in person. It is wise to visit the Future Shop on a WEB.
Gala - This is a privately sponsored Fall and Spring formal dance and is not a school sponsored function.
Gifted Classes - Certain classes are available to students meeting gifted requirements. Check with your counselors for more information.
GPA / Grade Point Average - The GPA is a single numerical representation of a student’s cumulative letter grades. It is calculated by converting each semester letter grade to a number, and then finding the average of these numbers. ? A GPA and weighted GPA are listed on each student’s transcript. Weighted GPAs are the numerical means of determining class rank. GPAs are generally requested by college admission officers. The weighted GPA recognizes the difficulty factor of AP and Honors courses by assigning a higher numerical value to these grades. The conversion scale is: Letter Grade On-Level Honors Class AP Class “A” 4 4.5 5 “B” 3 3.5 4 “C” 2 2.5 3 ? Example: The GPA of one “A”, one “B” and one “C” is 3 (4+3+2=9/3=3). ? The GPA of 1 “A” and 2 “B’s” is 3.33 (4+3+3=10/3=3.33) ? The weighted GPA of an “A” earned in an AP class and 2 “B’s” in a regular classes is 3.67. (5+3+3=11/3=3.67) ? Grading Scale: A=90-100%; B=80-89%; C=74-79%; D=70-73%; F= below 70%. ? Be aware that most colleges recalculate GPA based only on academic classes. Check with the individual school for weights given to honors and/or AP classes. Unofficial transcript information is available to students and parents as part of the Walton web site (http://www.WaltonHigh.org).
Grades Online - Grades can be accessed through Walton’s web site (www.WaltonHigh.org). Individual privacy is protected through ID and PIN numbers. Look for Internet Web Site PIN Registration forms to set up access to your individual grades. These forms are printed on bright blue paper and available in the Guidance Center or in the Main Office. Grades can also be accessed via http://www.mindspring.com/~walton1.
Graduation Ceremony - Seniors order caps, gowns, announcement etc. in the fall. They should receive an information packet in the spring with details as to the required rehearsals and graduation ceremony itself.
Graduation Exams - State-wide graduation exams are administered during the junior year.
Graduation Requirements - See your registration booklet, your counselor or the web site for a written list of courses. A minimum of 22 graduation units are required. You may graduate with distinction with 24 units and specific requirements.
Graduation Unit - This is equivalent to one year’s course work. For example, one year of English equals one unit. Each semester course is equal to .5 unit.
Guidance Center - This is the home to counselors, the records room and Future Shop. It is located across from the commons area.
Guidance Counselors - They primarily advise students on developing a high-school course of study and advise the college application process. Counselors are assigned alphabetically by student’s last name. They are available for classroom guidance conferences and individual counseling.
Halloween - Check in October for policies regarding costumes.
Hall Pass - This is required at all times and located in the AGENDA.
Hats - Hats are not allowed, except on special “hat days.” Refer to the AGENDA.
Health - Health and Becoming Physically Educated (see “BPE” in this booklet) are required classes for graduation. If you have taken “Health” out-of-state, have your previous school send your counselor a course description to determine if the course will fulfill this requirement. This should be discussed at registration.
Homecoming - Homecoming is in the fall; see calendar for exact date. Activities include a football game, dance, parade, pep rally and an election of a court.
Homeroom - This is an “advisement” period between 1st and 2nd periods. Homerooms are assigned alphabetically by grade. Homeroom teachers are also referred to as advisors. Students receive important notices during this time and watch Walton’s news station for announcements. You will probably have the same homeroom teacher every year.
Homework Policy - This is a policy for homework missed due to absence. Refer to the AGENDA.
Honors Classes - These are academically more rigorous than regular (on-level) classes and the course numbers end in 1, for example, American Gov’t 121 is 12th grade honors.
Hours - The MAIN OFFICE is open from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Monday-Friday. Because the school building is often open for extra-curricular activities beyond these hours, it is often possible to pick up forgotten books, homework assignments etc. from lockers beyond these hours (just don't count on it). The RECORDS ROOM and GUIDANCE CENTER have very limited summer hours (check recorded message); and PPO is closed during the summer.
Incentive - Students who meet incentive requirements may choose to exempt up to two final exams. Incentive requirements are listed in the AGENDA.
ISS / In School Suspension - Refer to the AGENDA.
Joint Enrollment - This is an arrangement between the Cobb County School District and a regionally accredited postsecondary public or private institution wherein a student enrolls in postsecondary classes and earns Carnegie units of credit that count toward high school graduation requirements and hours for postsecondary credit.
Juniors - 11th grade students are juniors if 10-15 graduation units have been earned.
Late Arrival - See PPO in this listing and refer to the AGENDA.
Leaving Campus - Refer to the AGENDA.
Letter Jackets - These are sold through the Walton Facilities Foundation. Letters are awarded for achievement in sports, fine arts and academics.
Library - See Media Center in this listing.
Media Center - The Media Center houses books and on-line research sources. Refer to the AGENDA for an extensive description of how to use Media Center resources.
Minimum Day - Seniors with sufficient credits for graduation may apply for a shortened day. Ask your counselor for more information.
Morning Tuition School - This occurs during zero period before the start of regular school day. Course offerings are based on demand and tuition is charged. Check with counselors.
New Student Orientation - This is held on the Friday before school starts. It is geared towards students new to Cobb County Public School system. New students and their parents attend this orientation in addition to the orientation on Thursday before school starts where students pick up their schedules from their homeroom. Homeroom lists will be posted on the front doors.
Open House - Near the beginning of each semester, parents are invited to an evening program which allows them to follow their student’s schedule and to hear a short summary from each teacher. Check the calendar for exact dates.
Outdoor Classroom - This is an area with benches which is located between the visitor parking area and Bill Murdock Road.
Parking - Purchase of a student parking permit is required each semester. Parking is limited. Seniors have priority. Check with school security for details regarding when and how to apply for a parking space.
Personal Fitness - Refer to BPE (Becoming Physically Educated) for information on this course required for graduation.
Post Secondary Options - This is a joint enrollment program between public schools and public postsecondary institutions wherein a student enrolls in postsecondary classes and earns Carnegie units of credit that count toward high school graduation requirements and postsecondary hours.
Powder Puff - This is a Springtime girls “flag football” game. Class teams are chosen by lottery. Boys are the cheerleaders.
PPO / Pupil Personnel Office - PPO is located between the Commons (cafeteria) and the Gym, across the hall from the Campus Security Office. All matters of attendance are taken care of here. See the AGENDA for details of absences, late arrival, early dismissal and tardy.
Prom - This is a school sanctioned formal dance for juniors, seniors and their dates.
Prom Promise - This is a program prior to prom to encourage safe behavior before, during and after the prom.
Promotion / Graduation - Promotion to each grade is based on units of credit earned. 5 units of credit are needed to be promoted to 10th grade; 10 units of credit are needed to be promoted to 11th grade; 16 units of credit are needed to be promoted to 12th grade; and a minimum of 22 units are needed to graduate (24 to graduate with honors).
PSAT / NMSQT Tests - The Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The PSAT/NMSQT measures the critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills that you've been developing throughout your life. It does not measure things like creativity and motivation, and it doesn't recognize those special talents that may be important to colleges. These tests are given nationwide once a year in October. Sophomores and Juniors take this exam as practice for the SAT. Juniors who take it may qualify for scholarships. At Walton this exam is given to all sophomores at no cost. Juniors may choose to take it for a nominal fee.
PTSA - The Parent Teacher Student Association is an organization whose mission it is to connect parents, students, and teachers to promote the welfare of students. The PTSA promotes parent involvement in the school, provides parenting programs, and serves as an advocate for students. One of the best ways for learning about Walton is to volunteer for one of the many PTSA committees.
Quill and Saber - This is the student-published school newspaper.
Raider Review - This is the PTSA newsletter which is mailed to parents six times during the school year.
Records Room - This is located in the Guidance Center. Transcripts, work permits etc. can be ordered here. There are limited hours during summer (check recorded message). Required classes for graduation See a counselor or check the web site for a written list of courses.
SAT - This is a nationally administered college entrance exam taken in the Junior and/or Senior years. This is a reasoning test said to measure verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities important to successful performance in college. SAT scores are considered a factor in almost every college’s admission process, but to a varying degree of importance. Check the PTSA calendar for dates. Walton is usually a testing center. For strategy in taking this exam multiple times and details regarding test preparation classes, pick up and carefully read the information booklets available in the Guidance Center. If you are unfamiliar with this exam, ask your counselor for more information. Information and online registration is available at www.collegeboard.org.
SAT II (Subject Tests) - Many colleges require or recommend one or more of the SAT II Subject Tests for admission. These tests measure a student’s knowledge or skills in a particular area of study and the ability to apply that knowledge. A student should find out if a particular college has any specific testing requirements. At some colleges, SAT II scores are a factor in admissions decisions; at others, the results of the tests are used only for placement purposes once a student is enrolled. If you are unfamiliar with these exams, ask your counselor for more information. Information and online registration is available at www.collegeboard.org.
Saturday School - Detention may be served on Saturday morning at school. Refer to the AGENDA.
Schedule Changes - Changes must be made within the first 10 days of the semester. Students should sign up to see their respective counselor as soon as possible. Sign-up sheets are posted in the Guidance Center and students are sent for in the order listed on sign-up sheet.
Semester Scramble - Each semester is like the start of a new year. Teachers and classes are reassigned to allow for flexibility in schedules.
Seniors - 12th grade students are seniors if at least 16 graduation units have been earned.
Senior Cut Day / Skip Day - There are NO Senior Cut (or Skip) Days at Walton.
Senior Breakfast - This event is held in the fall at school for seniors.
Senior Picnic - This event is held in the spring at school for seniors.
Senior Portraits - Look for a postcard in the mail near the end of 11th grade announcing times for scheduling a senior portrait in late summer. Some seniors prefer to choose their own photographer and must bring in their own picture for the yearbook.
SGA-Student Government Association - See separate club information in the appendix.
Sophomores - 10th grade students are sophomores if 5-9 graduation units are earned.
Special Occasions - Lots of people send friends balloons and/or flowers and/or presents that they can carry around on birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine’s Day or as congratulations of one sort or another.
Spirit Shop - This is open on Fridays during lunch periods for purchases of Spiritwear and Walton memorabilia. Look for special hours in December. It is located at entrance to the commons.
Spirit Ribbons - These are sold by Cheerleaders on Fridays during the football and basketball seasons.
Sports Eligibility - Refer to the AGENDA for academic and other standards which must be met for participation.
Student Directory - The directory is compiled and sold by the PTSA for a nominal cost, but it’s priceless when you need to get in touch with someone in your class! Parental permission is needed for inclusion in the student directory. Directory forms for listing are available at the beginning of the year. Directories are delivered in October.
Student ID - This is the picture ID made through the school.
Student Parking - See Parking in this listing.
Summer Camps - Fine arts and sports have summer camps. Check with department heads and/or coaches for information.
Summer Reading - All English and Social Studies classes have required summer reading assignments. These books are to be read so students are ready to be tested on them the following Fall.
Summer School - Information on summer school course offerings, associated costs and schedules may be obtained in the Guidance Center.
Tardy - See PPO in this listing and refer to the AGENDA.
Telephone Directory - See Student Directory in this listing.
Threatening behavior - All threatening behavior and threats must be treated seriously for the safety of others. Refer to the AGENDA.
Transcripts - A student’s cumulative academic record is listed on the transcript. You should check your own transcript to make sure that it is correct. This is especially important for students transferring grades from outside of Cobb County. Official transcripts are required for all college applications. In order to be valid, transcripts must be sent directly by the school to Walton. Walton transcripts are ordered from the Guidance Center Records Room. The final transcript is free; all others are $2 each. Unofficial transcript information is available to students and parents as part of the Walton web site (http://www.WaltonHigh.org). Look for Internet Web Site PIN Registration forms to set up access to your individual grades. These forms are printed on bright blue paper and available in the Guidance Center or in the Main Office. Grades can also be accessed via http://www.mindspring.com/~walton1. Students transferring international records can get help in translating their overseas records at Cobb County’s International Welcome Center: Campbell High School; 5265 Ward Street; Smyrna, GA 30080; telephone: 770-319-3892; fax: 770-319-3893. It is recommended that you call first for an appointment.
Tutors and Tutoring - Names of professional tutors are on file in the Guidance Center. Peer tutoring is available through the NHS (National Honor Society) and Foreign Language Honor Societies. Classroom teachers are available for tutoring during WEB days.
Weapons - Zero tolerance applies to weapons. Refer to the AGENDA.
Weighted Courses - Students may earn additional quality points toward their Grade Point Averages (GPA) by enrolling in certain courses considered to be challenging and difficult. Typically, the higher level of some required courses along with Advanced Placement and IB courses are weighted for extra credits. Please Note: Weighting for advanced courses is used only by the high school in calculating GPA for purpose of determining Valedictorian, Salutatorian, class rank, and honor graduates. Most colleges and universities do not use a weighted GPA.
WGC - The Walton Governance Council is composed of parents, students and teachers. It provides input to the administration for school policies.
WEB (Walton Enrichment Block) - WALTON Enrichment Block is the period of time from 12:42 PM to dismissal at 3:25 PM on most Wednesdays, though there are occasionally a Tuesday or Friday WEB. This block of time is devoted to academic enrichment. On WEB days, each of the regular 7 periods is shortened to 30 minutes to free up the afternoon for labs, tutoring, research, study groups, ADAP classes etc. WEB days are listed on the school calendar published by the PTSA. Details of this program are given in the AGENDA. See the appendix for more WEB information.
Walton Facilities Foundation - The Walton Facilities Foundation is an organization whose purpose is to raise funds to benefit Walton High School.
Winterfest - This is held in mid-January (check calendar for date) and includes a basketball game, dance, pep rally and an election of a court.
Work Study Program - This is a technical program which includes class and work experience. Check with your counselor for more information. It is open to juniors and seniors.
Wrestling Barn - This is located immediately behind main gym.
Yearbook - Order forms are sent directly to students’ homes. Look for this in the mail around October. Yearbooks are delivered via homeroom near the end of the school year (usually on a WEB day which is devoted to yearbook signings).
Zero Period - See Morning Tuition in this listing.
Zero Tolerance - Zero Tolerance is determined by school board policies. Refer to the AGENDA.
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