9th & 10th Grade Newsletter

Dear 9th and 10th Grade Students and Families,

I hope you all had a great mid-winter break and able to relax and recharge as we continue with second semester.

I am excited to share the second edition of our 9th and 10th Grade Newsletter for the 2025-2026 school year. This edition includes important information and updates on college and career-related topics, as well as resources to support your student's high school journey, including pre-college programs, internships, and job opportunities.

Thank you,

Mr. Gil
College & Career Advisor
Woodside High School

As you head into planning for the 2026-2027 school year, it is important to look at both the WHS graduation requirements and the minimum "a-g" admission requirements.

You need to meet all your high school graduation requirements and earn 220.0 credits to graduate with your diploma from WHS. The minimum grade needed to earn high school graduation credit in each class is a D-.

Students meet the minimum "a-g" requirements by earning at least a C- in their "a-g" classes. This will provide students the opportunity to apply to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) and be competitive applicants to out of state and private colleges/universities.

Review the attachments below for more information. If you have any questions about the high school graduation and "a-g" requirements, please reach out to your school counselor and/or college & career advisor.

Start Earning College Credits as a High School Student by taking courses from subjects not offered at WHS!

Students who are concurrently enrolled have the opportunity to start earning CSU and UC transferrable credits, explore careers, and adapt to college-level courses while still in high school without having to pay tuition costs!

This is a helpful guide for students to follow as they make their way throughout high school. It provides recommendations on what to do each school year, as they work toward their senior year.

This virtual event is your opportunity to learn more about the UC experience. Hear from current students to discover the academic, social and experiential learning opportunities that await you at the University of California. The event content will include:

• An overview of the UC system and value of a UC degree
• Undergraduate campus presentations
• Live panel with current UC students
• An overview of admission requirements for first-year and transfer applicants
• Admission tips and guidance

Admission representatives from all nine undergraduate campuses will also be available during the event to answer your questions. Learn more about this event.

Space is limited, so be sure to register today!

The second semester is a great time to start planning ahead for Summer 2026! Internships and pre-college programs are excellent opportunities to explore your interests, gain valuable experience, and strengthen your future college applications.

While some programs do have a cost, many offer financial aid or scholarships to help make them accessible. We strongly encourage all eligible students to review the available opportunities and consider applying.

If you have any questions or need support, please reach out to your College & Career Advisor. We are here to help every step of the way!

• Applications are open for UCSB’s pre-college programs, the Summer Research Academies and the Research Mentorship Program. Both provide talented, highly motivated 9th–11th grade students the opportunity to earn college credit while engaging in interdisciplinary research. We encourage students to register for a free informational webinar to learn about these transformative programs and start their application today!

Program Details

​Interns are paired with a Chef Mentor for hands-on culinary training in a restaurant kitchen where they develop the skills needed to secure and maintain a culinary job. Graduates use these entry-level jobs to kickstart culinary careers, pay for education, or pursue new industries. Since 2012, dozens of young adults have landed first-time, competitive jobs in the modern restaurant industry.

Eligibility

No experience in the restaurant industry is required.

To join our program you must:

• Be 16-28 years old

• Have interest in culinary work or the desire to work a culinary job to pay for your next step in life

• Have a working knowledge of English (Intermediate ACTFL level)

• Be willing to devote a minimum of 12 hours per week to Sprouts training shifts

• Be available for a duration of 8 weeks (96 hours of training total)

• Live in stable housing

• Have access to transportation

• Have experienced hardship (low income, conflict with the law, lapse in school, involved with substance abuse, involved in gang violence, experienced domestic violence, learning disability)

Program Highlights:

• Completely FREE to participate!

• Includes all learning supplies, professional instruction, breakfast, lunch, and a graduation celebration with gifts for every participant.

• Gain hands-on experience and critical skills to prepare for future success.

• Apprentices who attended last year become journeywomen this year and get to work on more advanced projects

• Featured in the news last year for our impact in the community.

Camp Details:
Location: Rebuilding Together, Redwood City
Dates: June 22–24, 2026

Hummingbird Music School is currently recruiting talented musicians to lead rock band groups at Rock Band Summer Camp. Rock Band Camp Counselors must have a knowledge of guitar, bass, keys, and vocals, and must have the ability to create simple and fun arrangements of popular songs. Teaching experience with kids in classes, private lessons, or summer camp is also preferred.

Anticipated hourly pay rate:

$22/hour

It's ok to ask for help. Please know that you are not alone and there is support available to you. Here is a link to resources available throughout this school year and beyond.