It’s Scheduling

Season!

Scheduling Timeline:Current 8th Grade

January 28-30: 8th grade EDP presentations in ELA classes.(Power Point at: WMS-Counseling.portage.site.eboard.com )

February 1: High school counselors visit WMS to teach 8th graders about high school requirements. Each student received a Program of Studies and course request forms.

February 6: PN & PC hold 8th grade Parent Night 6:30 p.m. (which students are also welcome to attend). This is a great opportunity to learn about the curricular offerings at PN & PC.That’s tonight!

8th Grade cont.

February 12/13: Parent/Teacher conferences at WMS. Parents are encouraged to discuss high school course placement with current teachers.

February 18: High school course request forms, signed by a parent, are due to 1st hour teachers.

March 11: Begin ACT Explore testing with all 8th graders.

April: ACT Explore results will be returned to students & parents.

May: 8th graders finish the year STRONG!

August (date TBD): 9th grade orientation at PN & PC.

Student

selection

Teacher

rec.

Parent

selection

Must have!

Due by Feb. 18

Student completes

Teacher rec.

Parent selection

Must have!

Due by Feb. 18

Frequently Asked Questions:Q: What if I’m applying to KAMSC? What courses should I request?A: You will still request 7 credits. If you are invited to attend KAMSC, your high school counselor will work with you to adjust your schedule.

Q: How many encore classes do I get?A: In high school, “encore” classes are called electives. There is no set number of electives that you will have in a year. Your total course schedule must equal 7 credits for the year.

Q: How do I know if a class is ½ credit or 1 credit?A: Each semester of a class is ½ credit. A full-year class would be 1 credit, and a class that only meets for ½ the year (one semester) would be ½ credit. Your total course schedule must equal 7 credits for the year.

Q: What is a seminar? How do I know if I should have one?A: A seminar is another word for “study hall”. In seminar you will have time to work on homework or get help from an available teacher. It is very similar to our XTS, but it meets every day for a full class period. Many students – especially those who participate in extra-curricular activities - like having a seminar because it gives them to get a head-start on homework. The choice is up to you.

Q: Do I have to list alternatives?A: Yes. If you’ve requested a class that isn’t available for some reason (not offered or maybe it’s full), the counselor will look at your alternative choices to fill in your schedule.

If you have an 8th grade student, please try to attend 8th Grade

Parent Night.

Wednesday, February 6th

6:30 p.m.PN & PC Auditoriums

February 12: Visit 7th grade science classes to discuss options for 8th grade classes.

February 6-11: Science recommendation letters mailed to 7th grade parents.

February 12/13: Parent/Teacher conferences at WMS. Parents are encouraged to discuss 13-14 course placement with current teachers.

February 26: Course selection forms due to science teacher.

February 26: Parent input forms due to counseling office.

Current 7th Grade

Math Plus and Science Plus will count as high school credit and will be included on the HS transcript (affecting high school GPA).

Current 6th Grade

February 11: Visit 6th grade science classes to discuss options for 7th grade classes.

February 12/13: Parent/Teacher conferences at WMS. Parents are encouraged to discuss 13-14 course placement with current teachers.

February 26: Course selection forms due to science teacher.

February 26: Parent input forms due to counseling office.

Current 5th GradeJanuary 30: 5th grade Parent Orientation at WMS.

February 4: Middle school principals meet with 5th grade teachers to discuss transition to middle school and class placement.

February 11-15: ELA/Math placement recommendations mailed to 5th grade parents.

February 12: WMS music presentations for 5th graders.

February 19-20: Elementary parent/teacher conferences. Parents are encouraged to discuss 13-14 course placement with current teachers.

February 26: 6th grade course selection forms due to 5th grade teacher.

February 26: Parent input forms due to 5th grade teacher or WMS counseling office.

April 29-May 1: 5th graders visit WMS.

August (date TBD): 6th grade orientation at WMS. All 6th graders invited to get schedules, meet teachers, get locker assignments, etc.

Math Plus = accelerated program. All of Math 6 and ½ of Math 7

Music = required

Use for current 5th , 6

th &

7th graders

This form is not required

It is very important to us that your child is placed in the appropriate classes. Please talk with your child’s

teacher(s) if you have questions about course selection for the next grade level.

We want students to feel challenged but not overwhelmed. For some that will mean placement

in grade level classes. For others it will mean placement in plus level classes

We want your child to be placed in classes that are the best fit for him/her.

It is our goal for every student to feel successful academically.