1. The Right Steps Lead to the Right Place!

2.  What’s your favorite subject?  Are there subjects you really DON’T like?  Do you have a possible career path in mind?  What kind of classroom atmosphere helps you learn the best?  How much help do you need? ◦ Advance Program for acceleration ◦ ESS (Extra School Support) tutoring ◦ ECE/ESL – may look different than at JFK

3.  After-school options: do you want to be on a sports team? Be in a club? Not every school offers them…find out what your choices are!  Transportation: you can’t drive…can your parents take you to school? Are you willing to have a LONG bus ride to get to your school of choice?  What is your assigned school? Before crossing it off the list, visit it at Showcase… you might be surprised! *

4.  Read the descriptions of ALL middle schools in Choices so you know what’s offered. *  Note the schools that look interesting and talk to them at the Showcase of Schools. (Check out High Schools too…they’re only 3 years away!)  Look at school websites – they’ll tell you about things that you might forget to ask.  Go to Open Houses and/or Tours to see schools and meet teachers for yourself. *  Ask neighbors and friends who go to those schools now what they like best about them.

5.  On the JCPS website, each school has a link to the “School Report Card” published by the Kentucky Department of Education (far left below address).  Look at the Courier-Journal to compare scores between schools. (Article published 10/1/2014)  Keep an open mind when looking at test scores! Remember, JFK has been labeled a “failing school” in the past, when anything lower than 100% was considered “failing.”

6.  Once you’ve figured out which direction you’re going, ask your friends what they’re doing – where they want to apply, and why.  Remember, middle school is a great place to make new friends and meet new people – don’t worry if some of your friends are going to a different school!

7. Go to www.jefferson.kyschools.uswww.jefferson.kyschools.us Click on the green “register and apply” button Use your Parent Portal log in information to sign in No Parent Portal account? Go to the Parent section of the website, click on Parent Portal, and follow the prompts to set up an account. Step 5: You’re ready to apply!

8.  Application window opens on October 20, 2014 and closes on January 9, 2015.  First Choice Only schools: ◦ Brown ◦ MST ◦ Traditional ◦ (Noe – not listed as “first choice only,” but rarely accepts students who apply as their second choice because it fills with first choice students) Westport MS Montessori Magnet gives first consideration to JFK students!

9.  After your application is received by the Options and Magnets office, they’ll send you a postcard or email confirming receipt.  If your selected middle school wants other information, they should contact you. Check their website for application details just in case they don’t!  Middle Schools usually want report cards AFTER 1/9/2015 grades are entered – we aren’t being lazy when we tell you to wait!