Scheduling Timeline: Current 8 th Grade January 28-30:8 th grade EDP presentations in ELA classes. (Power Point at: WMS-Counseling.portage.site.eboard.com ) February 1:High school counselors visit WMS to teach 8 th graders about high school requirements. Each student received a Program of Studies and course request forms. February 6:PN & PC hold 8 th grade Parent Night 6:30 p.m. (which students are also welcome to attend). This is a great opportunity to learn about the curricular offerings at PN & PC. Thats tonight!

8 th Grade cont. February 12/13:Parent/Teacher conferences at WMS. Parents are encouraged to discuss high school course placement with current teachers. February 18:High school course request forms, signed by a parent, are due to 1 st hour teachers. March 11:Begin ACT Explore testing with all 8 th graders. April:ACT Explore results will be returned to students & parents. May:8 th graders finish the year STRONG! August (date TBD):9 th grade orientation at PN & PC.

Student selection Teacher rec. Parent selection Must have! Due by Feb. 18

Student completes Teacher rec.Parent selection Must have! Due by Feb. 18

Frequently Asked Questions: Q: What if Im applying to KAMSC? What courses should I request? A: You will still request 7 credits. If you are invited to attend KAMSC, your high school counselor will work with you to adjust your schedule. Q: How many encore classes do I get? A: In high school, encore classes are called electives. There is no set number of electives that you will have in a year. Your total course schedule must equal 7 credits for the year. Q: How do I know if a class is ½ credit or 1 credit? A: Each semester of a class is ½ credit. A full-year class would be 1 credit, and a class that only meets for ½ the year (one semester) would be ½ credit. Your total course schedule must equal 7 credits for the year. Q: What is a seminar? How do I know if I should have one? A: A seminar is another word for study hall. In seminar you will have time to work on homework or get help from an available teacher. It is very similar to our XTS, but it meets every day for a full class period. Many students – especially those who participate in extra- curricular activities - like having a seminar because it gives them to get a head-start on homework. The choice is up to you. Q: Do I have to list alternatives? A: Yes. If youve requested a class that isnt available for some reason (not offered or maybe its full), the counselor will look at your alternative choices to fill in your schedule.

If you have an 8 th grade student, please try to attend 8 th Grade Parent Night. Wednesday, February 6 th 6:30 p.m. PN & PC Auditoriums

February 12:Visit 7 th grade science classes to discuss options for 8 th grade classes. February 6-11:Science recommendation letters mailed to 7 th grade parents. February 12/13:Parent/Teacher conferences at WMS. Parents are encouraged to discuss course placement with current teachers. February 26:Course selection forms due to science teacher. February 26:Parent input forms due to counseling office. Current 7 th Grade

Math Plus and Science Plus will count as high school credit and will be included on the HS transcript (affecting high school GPA).

Current 6 th Grade February 11:Visit 6 th grade science classes to discuss options for 7 th grade classes. February 12/13:Parent/Teacher conferences at WMS. Parents are encouraged to discuss course placement with current teachers. February 26:Course selection forms due to science teacher. February 26:Parent input forms due to counseling office.

Current 5 th Grade January 30:5 th grade Parent Orientation at WMS. February 4:Middle school principals meet with 5 th grade teachers to discuss transition to middle school and class placement. February 11-15:ELA/Math placement recommendations mailed to 5 th grade parents. February 12:WMS music presentations for 5 th graders. February 19-20:Elementary parent/teacher conferences. Parents are encouraged to discuss course placement with current teachers. February 26:6 th grade course selection forms due to 5 th grade teacher. February 26:Parent input forms due to 5 th grade teacher or WMS counseling office. April 29-May 1:5 th graders visit WMS. August (date TBD):6 th grade orientation at WMS. All 6 th graders invited to get schedules, meet teachers, get locker assignments, etc.

Math Plus = accelerated program. All of Math 6 and ½ of Math 7 Music = required

Use for current 5 th, 6 th & 7 th graders This form is not required

It is very important to us that your child is placed in the appropriate classes. Please talk with your childs teacher(s) if you have questions about course selection for the next grade level. We want students to feel challenged but not overwhelmed. For some that will mean placement in grade level classes. For others it will mean placement in plus level classes We want your child to be placed in classes that are the best fit for him/her. It is our goal for every student to feel successful academically.