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 . Students also take music , physical education , health and 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 ? Yes , in seventh grade , if you choose Physical Education and Physical Education : Fitness as your top two choices , you could be scheduled into these two classes . If you had band or orchestra in sixth grade and would also like to take another music course , list them as your top two choices . Likewise , you can choose PLTW and Tech Ed as your top two choices , you could be scheduled into these two classes .
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 , world language , Project Lead the Way , or tech ed class ? Yes , in grade eight , if you choose Physical Education and Physical Education : Fitness as your top choices , you most likely will be scheduled with these two classes [ sometimes students end up with two physical education courses a day ]. Please note : You cannot take Physical Education [ full year ] and Physical Education [ every other day ]. If you had band or orchestra in seventh grade and would also like to add another music course , list them as your top choices . Likewise , you can choose PLTW and Tech Ed as your top two choices , you could be scheduled into these two classes .
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