8th Grade Parent Information

8th Grade Parent Night - TUESDAY, MARCH 25th, 2025 from 5:15pm - 8:00pm

Welcome to Beckman High School and the beginning of four exciting years for you and your soon-to-be ninth grader!

We invite you to form a partnership with Beckman High School and actively participate in the education of your child. To learn more about Beckman High School, we encourage you to attend our 8th Grade Parent Night on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025. The night’s program is highlighted by several breakout sessions designed to provide you with specific information about the various programs that support our school’s continued vision of achievement in the FOUR A’s (Academics, Athletics, Activities, and the Arts). Administrators and counselors will explain the college preparatory programs, enrollment and registration process and graduation requirements, while directors, coordinators, coaches, advisors and teachers will speak about specific programs they lead. It is a great night to learn and ask questions about all of Beckman’s programs

SESSION	5:00 - 5:50	6:00 - 6:25	6:30 - 6:55	7:00 - 7:25	7:30 - 7:55
1.  Principal's Message	PAC
2.  ASB/Student Government				112	112
3. Athletics Program		Commons	Commons	Commons	Commons
4. AVID		216	216
5. Cheer		Dance Room	Dance Room	Dance Room	Dance Room
6. Counseling		PAC	PAC	PAC	PAC
7. Dance		Dance Room	Dance Room	Dance Room	Dance Room
8. Early College		204/205	204/205	204/205	204/205
9. Human Geography		117	117
10. Math		231/232	231/232	231/232	231/232
11. VISUAL ARTS		802	802	802	802
12. robotics /engineering		804	804	804	804
13. Science		217	217	217	217
14. Performing Arts		318	318	318	318
15. World Language		131/132	131/132	131/132	131/132

All sessions will begin promptly at the time indicated.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS:

1. Principal's Message (Dr. Rafter) – A general welcome with information about the school and what to think about as you and your child move through high school and the course selection process.

2. ASB/Student Government (Mr. Cooper) – Parents will learn about various ways students can get involved in student government and leadership through elected and appointed positions.  There will be an overview of the ASB class and how freshmen will apply and the interview process.

3. Athletics Program (Fischel/Salas) – An overview of the athletic opportunities available at Beckman with information about our overall approach to athletics, tryouts, and our summer programs. VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION HERE.

4. AVID (Ms. Dawson) - An overview of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at Beckman.  The session will go over the characteristics of a successful AVID student, the topics that are covered in the 4 years of the AVID elective, and the WICOR strategies that are used in the program to work towards the mission of AVID (to close the opportunity gaps and improve college and career readiness for high school students, especially those traditionally underrepresented in higher education). VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION HERE.

5. Cheer (Vaca/Salas) - Parents will receive information regarding the upcoming 2024-2025 BHS Cheerleading tryouts. We will discuss dates, times, program rules and policies, team commitment, and expectations for the cheer team. 

6. Counseling and Resources (Mrs. Charles & Ms. Sun) – In this session, the freshmen counselors will discuss the typical freshman day and how your student can use high school as an opportunity to discover, and build, strengths, learn about themselves and others, and balance activities with academics. You will also learn about some common high school terms, high school requirements and available resources.

7. Dance (Chavarria/Salas) - Parents will receive information on the new team tryout meeting. The dates, times, and how to sign up for the tryouts will be discussed. Parents will learn what the audition criteria, technical skills, team commitment and competition requirements are for the dance team. 

8. Early College (Robert Melendez) – Early College is a 4-year program at Beckman where students take a set series of classes through Irvine Valley College and earn both high school and college credit.  At the completion of the 4-year program, students will have earned their high school diploma AND an associate degree from IVC. For more information, please visit our Early College page HERE.

9. Human Geography (Mr. Veitch) - Human Geography is an amazing way for 9th graders to be introduced to the rigors and opportunities of the AP programs offered at Beckman. Students will learn about the multiple ways that humans interact with the modern and ancient world, and how that same world influences our behaviors and interactions today. VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION HERE.

10. Math (Mr. Scott) - This presentation will look at the various Math Pathways offered to students at Beckman, consider the differences between the Honors and CP math courses, and will lay out how to ensure your child is set up for success. 

11. Visual Arts (Mr. Boice, Mrs. Tipping, Mrs. Squieri & Mrs. Manning) - Join the Visual Arts teachers and learn about Photography, Graphic Design, Film, and Painting & Drawing Pathways. For more information, please visit our Arts page HERE.

12. Robotics (Mr. Lanning) - Parents will learn about the courses and what is covered in Principles of Engineering and Engineering Design and Development.  Information will be shared as to how these two classes can complete the CTE Pathway for their student.  Information also will be shared about the Beckman Robotics Team and how their student can apply for an opportunity to be on next year’s team. 

13. Science (Mrs. Hammer) - Science pathways will be discussed as well as the differences between Biology and AP Biology at the 9th grade level. VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION HERE.

14. Performing Arts (Mr. Kollias) – Learn about the various award-winning Performing Arts programs here at Beckman.  We offer instrumental music (band and orchestra), vocal courses, and theater.

15. World Language (Mrs. Martin & Ms. Beauchamp) - Parents will receive an overview of the different world languages available at Beckman High School. Topics that will be discussed include the benefits of learning a second language, required length of study, language maintenance, and the State Seal of Biliteracy. VIEW SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION HERE.

> IVC Early College Program Information

This event is designed for incoming students/parents (Fall 2025). We will showcase Beckman Athletics and have Coaches and Booster Parents on hand to discuss their specific Programs.More information coming soon!