Grade Level Info. and Activities (Grade 10)
Transfer Student Orientation- August
Students that are transferring to Sanderson from another school, and their parents, are invited to attend a transfer student orientation. This is an opportunity for both students and parents to learn about Sanderson, get familiar with our opportunities and expectations, and to learn about all that we have to offer. Families will be invited to sign up for this event while at their enrollment appointment. Transfer orientation will occur just before the next school year begins. Dr. Taperek is the contact person for this program.
Meet the Teacher Night- September & February
This evening is an opportunity for parents to meet and greet their students' fall and spring semester teachers, respectively. Parents attend an introductory session in the auditorium and are greeted by Sanderson principal, Dr. Greg Decker, and other key Sanderson staff. Parents follow their students' schedule after the presentation, spending 10 minutes in each of the students' classes (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th periods). Parents can expect to hear about the course syllabus & content and teacher expectations. Parents interested in conferencing with teachers will be able to leave their contact information, as this event does not allow time for individual parent/teacher conferences. Students are invited to attend as well.
Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) - October
WCPSS high schools administer the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) annually in October, to qualifying 10th and 11th grade students. The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT (an assessment tool used by college admissions offices), and gives juniors a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills. In 2009-10, sophomores having successfully completed Algebra I, or be enrolled in Algebra I Part II in the fall term, will automatically be registered to take the test at no cost. Interested juniors will need to register in advance of the test and pay a test fee. The 2008-09 fee was $13.00 per test, but is subject to change based on new PSAT pricing each year. More information will be published as it becomes available.For more detailed information, please visit: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html .
PSAT Score Results Sessions- December
Sophomores and juniors who take the PSAT do so in October. Their scores are returned to Sanderson and students are given those scores in the form of small group results presentations. Students attend a designated area (classroom, media center, auditorium, etc) with a counselor to hear/view a powerpoint presentation, see a video from College Board (makers of the PSAT and SAT) and then review score reports from the PSAT. Students have an opportunity to ask questions as well. Students receive information on practice for the PSAT, SAT and ACT in the form of a handout.
Resources include:
My College Quickstart:
Go to collegeboard.com/quickstart. Here you can see PSAT answers with explanations, get a personalized SAT study plan, and find lists of colleges, majors, and careers right for you. Code number from student's PSAT score report is required to access this site.

CFNC:
The College Foundation of North Carolina offers free test prep for both the SAT and the ACT. Visit www.cfnc.org and click the "Student Planner" tab at the top, then "College Test Prep." If you don't already have a CFNC account, you will need to make one in order to participate. All services through CFNC are free and making an account will only take a few minutes.

The North Carolina Virtual Public School:
Offers an SAT Prep Course for 1 credit. It has also offered non-credit SAT prep courses in the past. Check the web site, www.ncvps.org, to determine whether these courses are suitable for you. Availability is subject to change. Interested students should make an appointment with their school counselor to inquire about eligibility.

Collegeboard.com:
The developer of the SAT, the College Board, has a web site where you can learn about the SAT and practice taking the test. Go to collegeboard.com, click on "Prepare for the SAT." Under "SAT Preparation Center" you can select the area on which you want to practice. The College Board also sells test preparation books and programs.

ACT.org:
The ACT Assessment is developed by ACT, Inc. You can go to their web site, actstudent.org, to learn more about the ACT. The site has information about the test and some practice items.

Additional resources:
There are a number of companies or organizations that offer SAT and ACT prep courses. We have brochures from some of them in the Student Services Office/Career Center. Sanderson High School does not endorse or recommend any company providing services to you for a fee.
Sophomore & Junior Parent Night- February
Immediately preceding the Meet the Teacher Night program held each February, Sanderson also offers a Post-Secondary Planning Night program for parents of sophomores and juniors. An admissions representative shares valuable information regarding college options, the college search, what colleges consider when reviewing a student's application for admission, various college programs, and more. Sophomore and junior post-secondary planning booklets are provided to attendees. This program lasts approximately one hour and is advertised through the PTSA newsletter, Sanderson's yahoo group email, and a phonemaster call to all student homes.
Have a successful sophomore year by engaging in the following activities:
For a successful sophomore year we encourage you to: You can also look forward to your junior year and life after you leave Sanderson High School by taking advantage of resources available at Sanderson. Whatever your future holds, college, a technical school, military service or the job force, you can begin planning during your sophomore year. Begin to explore the following possibilities:? Select your courses wisely…sign up for honors and AP classes if you can, take advantage of Career Technical Education (CTE) courses to find/explore your interests, and make sure you are fulfilling graduation requirements.