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Welcome, high school graduating class of 2013, to the 2008-2009 school year! One of the goals of the faculty at River Trail Middle School is to help you have the best school year ever and to help you prepare as best we can for ninth grade and high school, while still having some fun in your last year of middle school.

This being your last year of middle school, you will soon be embarking on a journey through high school that will lead to college, work, the military...whatever. It's not too early to begin researching for your future.

If you are planning to attend college, do you know what the average GPA (grade point average) for freshmen entering your goal college earned this year? Should you know that information?

Do you know that the grades you earn in 8th grade will determine what level classes you will be in next year (honors, on level)?

Do you know that the best way to predict how well you will do in ninth grade is to look at your final eighth grade report card?

Do you know that the grades you earn in ninth grade are approximately 33% of the grades college admissions officers will be considering when you apply?

Do you know that your grades and whether or not you take honors or Advanced Placement classes carry more weight than an SAT score for most college admission?

This is the year to fine tune (or do a major overhaul) of your study habits. Next year (ninth grade) all of your grades are on you high school transcript (see above).

Make the most of your last year in middle school. Have fun, but balance that with improving your study habits, learning how to deal with difficult situations, TALKING WITH YOUR PARENTS, and working with other adults in your life to make the most of this year.

GOOD LUCK!!!
(but remember...the luckiest people are usually the people who work the hardest)

Archie Baggett
8th grade counselor
River Trail Middle School
baggett@fultonschools.org