Franklin Middle School Registration process 2017-2018

Registration form Top left hand corner of form identifies all courses that your child is currently pre-registered for. These courses are based on teacher recommendations. If you are concerned about what is listed, write a note in this section.

Academic Course Recommendations Academic course recommendations are based on your child’s performance to date and other data points used in the recommendation process. All academic course recommendations are initial and can be changed as new information becomes available. If a change is made during the latter part of this school year, students and parents will be notified.

Elective Pathways New for next year – Students have the ability to select their elective pathway. Students must list preference of pathway in order of preference (1 for first choice, 2 for second choice, and 3 for third choice). Elective pathways are described on reverse side of Pre-registration form. Elective pathways may differ for each grade.

Elective Pathways Once an elective pathway is selected, the student is committed to that pathway for the upcoming school year. Changes will not be made prior to or during the school year. Families are strongly encouraged to use the course descriptions to help guide their decisions. This will help student make an informed decision based on interest and preference.

Review & Signature Students and parents must sign pre-registration form. Collection of incoming forms for incoming 6th grade students is being managed by each elementary school. Forms for current FMS students should be returned to their respective homeroom teacher by Wednesday, January 18th.

Frequently Asked Questions Why is my child registered for Reading and not Spanish? Reading placement is based on MAP data and PARCC scores. If your child is currently not on grade level based on these indicators, he/she has been scheduled for Reading. At the beginning of the school year, students in reading will be administered a diagnostic reading assessment. Movement out of reading can occur based on performance on this assessment. How can my child be screened for Advanced Academics (GT)? Requests for screening can be made by emailing your child’s grade level counselor. Your child’s grade level counselor will initiate the process to the FMS GT Review and Referral Team.

Frequently Asked Questions I have concerns about other academic course recommendations. Where should I express that concern? Who will address my concerns? There is a section on the registration form for you to note your concerns. Your child’s grade level counselor will notify your child’s teacher(s) of your concern and will follow up with you throughout the spring. Please do not cross out any academic course on the Pre-registration form. How many credits will my child have next year? All students should have 7 credits. Typically, students will have 5 academic credits. The other credits are obtained through participation in elective pathways: This includes PE, Health, Music, Art, Business Computer Science, Family Computer Science, AVID and math assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions Can my child change his/her elective pathway? What if my child changes his/her mind during the summer or at the beginning of the school year? Changes will not be made at any time. Once an elective choice is made, your child is committed to that course for the school year!!!

Frequently Asked Questions Do any middle school courses affect high school GPA? For the 2017-2018 school year, only current 6th grade students (next year’s 7th graders) who take a high school course in middle school are affected by this policy. These courses include: Spanish 1, Spanish 2, Spanish 3, Algebra 1, GT Geometry. In addition to earning credit for the course, your child’s final grade in the course will be calculated in your child’s high school GPA and will be noted on their high school transcript.

Partnership The FMS staff is committed to partnering with you during this process. Registration is a crucial part of your child’s academic development in middle school. Do not hesitate to ask questions or contact any of the following staff members: FMS administration (Mrs. Maul, Mrs. Rijo, Mr. Wilson, Ms. Caulton) FMS Counseling Department (Mr. Zuckerman, Mr. West, Ms. Price, Ms. Mears) FMS Department Chairs (Mr. Gordon, Mrs. T. Gordon, Mrs. Sumpter, Mr. Causarano, Mrs. Cherio, Mrs. Sunderlin, Mr. Lavallee, Ms. J. Gordon, Mr. Samay)