Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Middle School Honors Classes

1. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Middle School Honors Classes January 2013

2. What are Middle School Honors Classes? THEY ARE: The new name for “Flex” classes Offered on both teams Addressing the same standards as grade level classes Faster paced; less repetition An opportunity to go into greater depth; more challenge Requiring a greater degree of independence on assignments THEY ARE NOT: An accelerated class; you will not be skipping a grade level class A class that earns HS credit More work; work is matched to your instructional level

3. Who Should Sign Up? Think about this in terms of sports. You are all at different levels of experience and skill in sports and you find a team that fits your skill set. That’s true for school, too. We are all at different levels of learning.  Some of us are fine in the regular class, but some students need to work at a faster pace and want more challenge. 

4. Who Should Sign Up?Students who: • feel the pace of the regular class goes too slowly, has too much repetition, and doesn't require them to learn anything new. • are willing to work hard and do their best work • have strong reading and writing skills • are able to work independently on assignments with few directions • are eager to explore new concepts in English, Science, or Social Studies

5. Registration and Notification Process • Three MS Honors classes will be offered: English, Science, and Social Studies. • Write in your choices • Only rank the classes you are interested in, You do not have to fill in all three lines • Discuss this with your parents or a trusted adult; Two signatures are required on the form – student and adult First Choice: _______ Second Choice: ______ Third Choice: _______ Return Form by Thursday, March 21 to your Target Teacher

6. Registration and Notification Process • Scheduling conflicts may occur, but we will make every attempt to honor your request by enrolling you in at least one MS Honors Class. • You will find out what classes you are enrolled in when you pick up your schedule in the Fall

7. Once I am in, then what? • Strive to do your best, not be the best • We expect all students to maintain a “B” average • What happens if I am struggling to keep up? Talk to your teacher to see what you can do to improve your grade with the help of your parents and teachers. Consider whether it is in your best interest to stay or move to the regular class.

8. Frequently Asked Questions • Are MS Honors classes offered on both teams? Yes or they will be available to both teams. • Will I get what I signed up for? Due to potential scheduling conflicts, we cannot guaranteethat you will be enrolled in all the classes you signed up for. • Can I sign up for all 3 classes? Yes, you can sign up for all three classes, but you need to think if that is in your best interest based on your other outside interests and activities.

9. More Frequently Asked Questions: Will I have more homework? It will not be more, just different. You will be required to work more independently on some projects. Can I enroll in a MS Honors Class once school has started? We strongly encourage you to register NOW. Scheduling and class size may limit your options if you wait until next year.

10. More Frequently Asked Questions? Will I get high school credit? No, these are not high school classes. When is the registration form due? Return to your Target teacher by March 21st.

11. Questions?