2013-2014 8 th Grade Registration Procedures (Class of 2017)

1. 2013-2014 8th Grade Registration Procedures(Class of 2017) Mason High School

2. Introduction to Registration Process • NEW & IMPROVED Registration Process for 2013-2014! • Includes collaborative effort between: • Students • Parents • Teachers • Counselors • Administrators • Ultimate Goal: To assist students & parents in making informed decisions.

3. The Importance of Making Informed Decisions • Course selections impact GPA • Future Planning & Goals • 4-year University Requirements • 2-year College Requirements • Career & Technical Training • Armed Forces

4. Available Resources • www.masoncomets.org • Registration Videos • Checklist: How to Schedule in 10 Easy Steps • Sample Course Selector/Registration Forms • (Recommend that students/parents follow along with this during presentation). • Graduation Requirements • Frequently Asked Questions • Course Catalog

6. Blocks = # of Trimesters the course is scheduled • There are 15 “Blocks” per year (5 courses per trimester) • Your block total should = 15 exactly. • 3 Blocks Example: Current Literature & Culture (1st trimester) • English IA (2nd trimester) • English IB (3rd trimester) • 2 Blocks Example: English IA (1st or 2nd trimester) • English IB (2nd or 3rd trimester)

7. Step 1: Header Information • Complete header information • Student Email/Phone # very important! • Will be used in the event of scheduling conflicts over the summer months.

9. Step 2: Core Courses • Complete Core Courses section. • Bubble selection for each subject area. • Mathematics • 4 Years Required • Science • 3 Years Required, including Chemistry • Language Arts • 4 Years Required • Social Studies • 3 Years Required • ECA • OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS • Physical Education, Health

12. Step 3: Electives • Complete Electives section • Things to remember: • 1 credit of Fine Arts required for graduation • 2 years Foreign Language required for admission into 4-year Universities. • Select courses you intend to take- make informed decision! • Pay attention to # of blocks selecting

14. Step 4: Teacher Signatures & Feedback • Now that you have made your selections, consult with your teachers to ensure you are selecting appropriate classes. • Obtain teacher signatures for courses which require it.

16. Step 5: World LanguageMandatory Alternate • If you have selected American Sign Language, German, or French as your World Language, please also select a 2nd choice (alternate) World Language. • Spanish does not require an alternate selection. • This course will not be scheduled unless there is a problem with the original selection.

17. EXAMPLE: Spanish IA & IB

18. Step 6: Additional Alternates • In addition to the World Language Alternates, list 5 Additional Alternates. • These will ONLY be used in the event of a scheduling conflict with other electives. • Will NOT replace any graduation requirements! • Every attempt will be made to ensure students receive their 1st choice with electives.

19. EXAMPLE: Computer Applications for College Art Foundations Speech & Debate Drawing I Intro to Web Design

20. Step 7: Counting the Blocks • You should have EXACTLY 15 blocks • Enter the number in the block selection box. • Reminder: Marching Band is not included in the 15 blocks. 15

21. Step 8: Student Signature • Sign the back of the Course Selector/Registration Form • By signing, you understand that it is your responsibility to ensure all graduation requirements are met and that you have scheduled the appropriate classes. • Drop/Add Policy: Students have 3 days at the beginning of the trimester to change into another class, and 5 days to drop a class for a study hall. After 5 days, students who drop a class will receive an F for the course. • Schedule changes will only be made in the following circumstances: • Missing a graduation requirement • Incorrect class sequencing • Scheduled for fewer than 5 courses per trimester • We cannot make schedule changes for the following reasons: • Teacher Requests • Lunch Schedule • Friends

22. Step 9: Parent Signature • Please ensure that your parent has been consulted and they are aware of all course selections. • Parent signature required

24. Step 10: Turning in the Form • March 15, 2013- Turn in Registration Form to HOMEROOM TEACHER. • Once form is turned in, counselors will review and enter course information. • Schedules will be created based upon the following: • Met Pre-requisites • Master Schedule • # of course offerings • Available times of course offerings • Every attempt will be made to ensure students receive their 1st choice with electives. • In the event of a scheduling conflict, counselors will utilize alternates listed on the registration form (Step 6).

25. Registration Timeline • Class Meetings • March 11-13 • Counselors/Administrators review registration process • Official colored hard copy Course Selection Forms provided • 8th Grade Parent Transition Night • Wednesday, March 13th 6:00 • MHS Auditorium • Homeroom to Collect Forms • March 15th

26. Questions? • Check out our Frequently Asked Questions document at www.Masoncomets.org • For information about specific courses, view our online course catalog at www.Masoncomets.org • Contact teachers for answers regarding student readiness level and placement recommendations. • Attend the 8th Grade Parent Transition Night on March 13th.

27. Counselor Contact Information