Frequently Asked Questions
PLANNING INFORMATION
GENERAL
Why do we register so early? Teachers are hired and schedules are built based on registration selections students make now.
I struggle with math and reading. What happens if I need math and / or reading support? Students performing below grade level in math and / or reading may be assigned to additional math and / or reading support courses.
I think I may be advanced in math. Is there anything I need to do at registration time? No, there is nothing you need to do. We use data collected over time to determine placement in advanced courses. You will be notified if you are selected, based on your data, for an advanced math course.
I think I am interested in an advanced English Language Arts or science course. How do I know if this would be a good fit for me? See the information about advanced courses on page 6 of the guide, and read the specific course descriptions for more detailed information.
I am interested in learning about academic clubs or activities. How can I learn about what is offered? Your middle school has a Talent Development leader who organizes extra activities and opportunities that include Battle of the Books, Math League, Knowledge Bowl, essay contests, and off-site learning experiences.
GRADE SIX
What classes do I have? Sixth graders will have English Language Arts( ELA), social studies, math, and science as Core classes. The required elective classes are music, physical education, health and either visual or media art.
What must I do if I want to play an instrument? If you choose either band or orchestra, you need to select an instrument. Your middle school will help in this process. Some schools will ask you to choose in the spring, others will ask you to select in the fall.
GRADE SEVEN
Why do we have to make selections beyond our top two requests? We have students rank their requests in case there are conflicts in their individual schedules. In the majority of cases, students do receive their top choices. Sometimes we may need to go to alternate choice [ s ] when specific demands are made on the student schedule.
Can I take more than one physical education, music, Project Lead the Way, or tech ed class? In 7th grade, students will choose either Physical Education 7 or Personal Fitness 7 as a required elective. You cannot take both. If you want to take more than one music class, register for one as a required elective, and one can be used as a choice elective.
Do I need to take Exploring World Languages and Cultures if I want to take a world language in eighth grade?
Taking World Languages will help in deciding which language to take and is a building block to success for taking full year Level 1 French, German, or Spanish in grade eight. However, taking World Languages is not a requirement for Level 1.
I did not take band, orchestra, or choir in sixth grade. Can I take them in seventh grade?
Yes! The Beginning Band and Beginning Orchestra courses, along with Choir, are offered to everyone interested.
GRADE EIGHT
Can I take more than one physical education, music, Project Lead the Way, or tech ed class?
In 8th grade, students will choose either Physical Education 8 or Personal Fitness 8 as a required elective. You cannot take both. If you want to take more than one music class, register for one as a required elective, and one can be used as a choice elective. Remember music electives are year long every day in 8th grade, so each music elective takes 2 elective slots.
I did not take band, orchestra or choir in seventh grade. Can I take them in eighth grade?
Yes! The Beginning Band and Beginning Orchestra courses, along with Choir, are offered to everyone interested.
Do I really earn a high school credit if I take French, German, or Spanish?
In order to earn high school credit, students must successfully pass their World Language course as well as pass the high school’ s world language assessment tests.
Will my grade in a world language course be part of my high school GPA?
The grade you earn may transfer to the high school and may be calculated into your high school grade point average [ GPA ]. This course is taught at a high school level.
Middle School Registration Guide 5