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, English Language Arts, or
science. 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 any advanced
course[s].
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 learn-
ing 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
Middle School Registration Guide
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 sched-
uled 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,
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 an-
other 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 success-
fully 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 aver-
age [GPA]. This course is taught at a high school level.
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