1. Course Selection for 2016 – 2017

2. March 4-11:Math teachers make recommendations for placements in 7 th grade courses. In the Program of Studies, available on the school website, you will be able to view criteria for placement, sequencing, and course descriptions. March 14-16:Ms. Limmer goes in to all of the 6 th grade math classes to talk about the 7 th grade courses and to review the selection process. March 16-23:The Aspen portal is open for all 6 th graders to select courses for the 2016-2017 school year March 23:All course requests must be inputted and posted by students/parents/guardians. The course selection portal will close after the 23 rd March 31:All Placement Review Forms due to the Guidance Office Timeline

3. 071 English 7 Math 270 Honors Math 7or 271 Math 7 172 Ancient Civilizations 094 Critical Reading & Thinking (½ year course) 273 Middle School Geometry (½ year course) 372 Life Science World Language: (select one - a continuation of current language enrolled in unless you speak with your Guidance Counselor and the world language subject supervisor): 471 7 th Grade French 472 7 th Grade Latin 473 7 th Grade Spanish 474 7 th Grade Mandarin Physical Education (975 or 975M) Required Courses for 7 th Grade

4. { Elected Courses for 7 th Grade Each student must choose one physical education class and either music, STEM, or art. Please know that taking a music course is not required in 7th grade.  If you choose art: select 772 Art & 975 P.E.  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 Learning Center (By Recommendation Only) (This class will count as one full block in lieu of either World Language or Art/Music) (This class will count as one full block in lieu of either World Language or Art/Music)

5. Selecting your courses in Aspen Enter your requests between March 16 and March 23. 1.Log in to Aspen using your student username 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. However, you may follow the Placement Review Process prior to March 31. If you follow the process and provide me with your completed form by March 31 then I will make the change for you in Aspen. 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. Please try not to use this feature as I do not get notified when there is a note. Emailing me will result in more timely communication. 10.After you complete your requests, click Post. YOU MUST POST BY MARCH 23 rd. The window will close after the 23 rd and you will no longer be able to select your courses.

6. 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 must have a discussion with your teacher.  If, after the discussion, the decision is to override the teacher’s recommendation, you must obtain a Placement Review Form from the Guidance Office.  The completed Placement Review Form will be due to the Guidance Office by March 31st.  The parent/guardian/student request will be honored, upon completion of this process, if submitted before March 31st. At that time, I will also update Aspen to reflect your new math course selection. If you/your parent/guardian disagree with your math teacher’s recommendation you must select the course recommended for you in Aspen but then you may follow the Placement Review Process

7. 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 23rd.  I will not switch your elected courses in the Fall.

8.  Please see Ms. Limmer if you have any questions. Good Luck!!!