{"id":185,"date":"2025-08-01T13:20:30","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T17:20:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meriwethercountyonline.com\/news\/?p=185"},"modified":"2025-08-01T13:59:33","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T17:59:33","slug":"manchester-high-school-9th-grade-orientation-summary-july-31-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/meriwethercountyonline.com\/news\/manchester-high-school-9th-grade-orientation-summary-july-31-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Manchester High School 9th Grade Orientation Summary July 31, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Here\u2019s a summary of the full transcript of Manchester High School\u2019s 9th Grade Orientation Meeting for the 2025\u20132026 school year. Complete audio link at bottom of this page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Manchester High School 9th Grade Orientation Summary (2025\u20132026)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Leadership Introductions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Principal:<\/strong> A Manchester native and alum (Class of \u201998), excited to return and bring back Blue Devil pride.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Assistant Principal:<\/strong> Demonte Prather, also a Manchester alum, emphasizing student growth and success.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Counselor:<\/strong> Jenny Kite, retired from Alabama, now in her fourth year at MHS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Instructional Coach:<\/strong> Mason Brackett, another MHS alum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Key Academic Information:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Students must earn 28 credits to graduate<\/strong>, taking 8 classes per year<\/strong> (4 per semester).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Promotion criteria:\n
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      • 5 credits to become a sophomore<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 13 credits for junior<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 20 credits for senior<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Must complete:\n
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        • 4 English, 4 Math, 4 Science, 4 History courses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Health & PE (weight training does not<\/em> count)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 3 pathway courses (CTE, fine arts, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • End-of-course tests<\/strong> in some classes (e.g., Algebra I, US History)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Students are also required to complete 10 community service hours per year<\/strong> (40 total).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Electives & Pathways:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          • Pathways offered include Early Childhood, Agriculture, Healthcare, Graphic Design, Business, Visual Arts, Drama, and Band.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • 9th graders have limited elective options due to core course scheduling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Technology & Chromebook Policy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            • Each student will receive a Chromebook (for in-school use only).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Damaged devices will result in fines; unpaid fines can delay graduation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Discipline & Cell Phone Policy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              • Strict discipline focus: respect for all staff, punctuality, and responsibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Zero-tolerance<\/strong> for cell phones in class\u2014phones may be used only<\/em> during transitions, breakfast, and lunch. Earbuds\/headphones also must be stored unless approved by a teacher.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Violations may result in confiscation or parent pick-up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Attendance & Tardy Policies:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                • New tardy rules aim to improve attendance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Students are considered tardy if they arrive after 7:56 a.m. without a valid excuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Hard copies of policies are in the provided student bags.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Bell Schedule & Campus Movement:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                  • Doors open at 7:30 a.m.; classes begin at 7:56 a.m. and end at 3:20 p.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Homeroom includes Chromebook checkout\/check-in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Freshmen will move across campus like upperclassmen\u2014no more isolated \u201c9th Grade Academy.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    School Culture & Engagement:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                    • Major push for school spirit with pep rallies, pageants (e.g., Miss Sunshine), parades, a homecoming dance, and other student events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Class dues fund class activities and accumulate through senior year to support events like prom.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Students are encouraged to participate in athletics, clubs, and one-act play.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Wraparound Center Support:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                      • Provides basic necessities, emotional support, and a safe space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Also helps manage health forms for medication distribution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Community Bonding Project:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • A large banner will display all freshmen\u2019s names and handprints.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Students will add a second handprint upon graduation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Stickers track achievements and involvement in activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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