9th Grade - Build a Solid Foundation Early

As a freshmen, it is vital to establish a strong foundation for your academic and personal development. Prioritize academics by attending classes, completing assignment, and seeking help when needed. Extracurricular activities can help you develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, laying a foundation for future success, whether that be through higher education, trade-school, military, or the workforce.

Encouraging good study habits, providing academic support, and nurturing a love for learning from a young age will equip students to earn good grades early on and build on their skills throughout their high school careers. Students should learn important studying techniques such as time management, keeping a to-do list, and studying incrementally instead of cramming. Additionally, it is important to build a support system that will guide them throughout their high school journey.

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Strategic Planning: The 4-Year Plan

During the end of 8th grade year at Connally Junior High School, students and parents will collaborate with the high school counselors to create a comprehensive four-year plan that includes all necessary credits and aligns with student's post-secondary goals.

3 things to focus on while planning:

  1. Courses

  2. Extracurricular Activities

  3. Interests and Career Exploration

Courses

Connally High School offers a multitude of classes. Courses at Connally High School will be based upon student interest, teacher credentials, and teacher availability each year. Counselors will meet with each student individually to determine which courses are needed to meet graduation requirements. 

For 9th graders, students usually start with eight (8) classes in the following subjects:

*Plans may look different depending on the student's specific plan and goals. Click here for a full list of courses available to 9th graders.

  1. English

  2. Math

  3. Social Studies

  4. Science

  5. Foreign Language

  6. PE or Athletics

  7. Fine Art

  8. Program of Study Elective

Listed below are some resources for upcoming 9th grade students and parents for reference:

Extracurricular Activities:

Extracurricular activities encompass a range of pursuits, from sports and clubs to community service and the arts. For high school students, active participation in these activities is not just a checkbox on an application but an opportunity for personal growth and skill development.

Different programs look for students who invest time and energy in a few activities that align with their passions, demonstrate dedication, and a genuine interest in their pursuits. Leadership roles in these activities can enhance and grow student skills like intiative, collaboration, time management, and resilience - qualities not always reflected in academic transcripts.

A complete list of extracurricular activities is available here: 24-25 CHS Clubs/Organizations

Interest and Career Exploration:

Whether students are headed straight into career or are attending college after graduation, they need to know their career goals. Use tools to learn about their goals and speak with mentors, family members, or counselors. Discovering their strengths and preferences early can guide your future choices.

Students should set goals and pursue opportunities that align with their interests and take advantage of internships, summer programs, and specialized camps to deepen their understanding of potential careers.

Career Interest Profilers