1. Course Selections for 2014 – 2015

2. March 3-19:Math teachers make recommendations for math levels based on the criteria in the Program of Studies March 19-20:Ms. Limmer meets with the 7 th graders. March 21-28:The scheduling window of the Aspen portal is open for all current 6th and 7th graders to select courses for the 2014-2015 school year March 28:All course requests must be inputted by students/parents/guardians and POSTED. March 28:All Placement Review Forms due to the Guidance Office Sequence of Events

3. 081 English 8 Math 280 Accelerated Algebra Ior 281 Algebra or 282 Pre-Algebra 182 World History I 382 Integrated Science 784 Technology Education (½ year course) 783 Family Consumer Science/Health (½ year course) World Language: (select one - continuation of current language): 481 French 482 Latin 483 Spanish Physical Education/Health (975 or 975M) Required Courses for 8 th Grade

4. Elected Courses for 8 th Grade Each student must choose one physical education/health class and either music, STEM, or art. If you choose Visual Art & Design: select 772 & 975 P.E. OR select 792 & 975 P.E. (if you have already taken 772) If you choose STEM: select 787 STEM & 975 P.E. If you choose band: select 583 Band & 975M P.E.Music If you choose chorus: select 581 Chorus & 975M P.E.Music If you choose orchestra: select 585 Orchestra & 975M P.E. Music Those who qualify for a Learning Center will take that course for a full block in lieu of either World Language or Art/STEM/Music

5. To play or not to play… You do not have to continue with band, chorus, or orchestra as you move from 7 th to 8 th grade. The Guidance Counselors are not responsible for placement in green, white, or silver music classes. Any questions regarding the music class that you are recommended for should be directed to your music teacher. Yes, it is a commitment. If you do not want to make that commitment then you need to have a conversation with your parents about it now.

6. Selecting Your Classes: Enter your requests between March 21 and March 28. 1.Log on to the Student view using your Aspen Portal login user ID and password. 2.Click the My Info tab. 3.Click the Requests side-tab. 4.Read and follow the instructions in the Instructions box. 5.In the Primary requests box, select your requests for the different subject areas. 6.Click Select next to the subject and the courses you can request appear. 7.The Status column will show which math course your teacher recommended for you. Please select the level recommended for you. If you disagree with the recommended level, you may follow the Placement Review Process before March 28, 2014. If you do not fill out the paperwork then you will be placed in the recommended level. 8.Select the checkbox in the Select column of the course(s) you want to request, and click OK. 9.In the Notes for Counselor box, type any notes to your counselor regarding your requests. However, emailing me will result in more timely communication. 10.After you complete your requests, click Post. YOU MUST POST BY MARCH 28 th.

7. If you/your parent/your guardian disagree with your math teacher s recommendation for you then you must follow the Placement Review Process: Please refer to the Program of Studies to see how your teacher determined your math level. If, after reviewing the Program of Studies, you still question the recommendation, your parent/guardian should contact the teacher for a discussion. If, after the discussion, the decision is to override the teachers recommendation, you must obtain a Placement Review Form from the Guidance Office. However, you cannot override from 282 into 281 or 280 as it is a different course. The completed Placement Review Form will be due to the Guidance Office by March 28th. The parent/guardian/student request will be honored, upon completion of this process, only if submitted before March 28th. Please know that all math recommendations are revisited again in June. So keep up the hard work because it could affect your placement.

8. Can I change my mind??? Please do take this process seriously. You should have an honest talk with your parents about whether you want to take Art, STEM, or Music next year. By selecting your elected courses, you are agreeing to participate in these classes for the entire school year. Changes will not be permitted to your selections after March 28th. Your guidance counselor will not switch your elected courses during the 2014-2015 school year.

9. Good Luck!!! Please see Ms. Limmer if you have any questions. You know where to find me. You can find course descriptions in the Program of Studies which is available on the school website www.duxbury.k12.ma.us. Looking forward to another great year with you guys!