Advisement or focus
periods
Advisement or focus periods are similar to what
many parents experienced as “home room.” A group
of students meets regularly with a teacher who is
their adviser. This period is an opportunity for teachers
to help students with study skills, share important
information and provide opportunities for students to
get extra help if needed, or to explore something new
through an enrichment activity.
What to expect
in the classroom
Each teacher gives students a course syllabus at the
beginning of the course. It outlines the course content
and expectations, and indicates how often teachers
will post grades online through A-HConnect.
In general, students can expect to be in classes with
an average of 38 students. Class periods often include
a mix of activities including discussion, small group
activities, projects and lecture.
Homework
Students receive more homework in high school than
they did in middle school. Teachers expect that all assignments will be completed and turned in on time.
Students need to be organized and keep up with their
work on a daily basis. Organizational strategies such as
keeping an assignment planner similar to the one they
learned to use in middle school will help. Most student
schedules do not include a study hall so students must
do most homework after school hours. Teachers are
available before and after school to help students who
need it. Parents are encouraged to check the status of
their child’s homework completion by using A-HConnect
(see page 6).
Credits count!
High school is the first time students must
earn credits. Students must pass required
and elective courses as well as state tests in
reading, mathematics and writing in order
to earn a high school diploma. Retesting is
available to all students who need it.
The school district provides opportunities for
students to retake courses they fail through
summer school and evening school. Students
are allowed to make up only 1.5 missed credits
per year.
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