Grade 5:
Students are given access to the course selections and 6th grade schedule during the Sixth Grade Orientation that takes place the last week in August, before the 6th grade year begins. Students and parents are both invited to meet the staff, learn about policies and procedures, and take part in activities that promote a positive mindset for fall.
Grade 6:
Typically, students in grade 6 will, individually, begin working on 7th grade course selections in February of his/her 6th grade year. Students are given the 7th Grade Course Selection document listed below to take home and review with parents. During this time, the School Counselor also talks with students about future college and career aspirations. This allows for great discussions about the preparation and hard work that should take place in the middle school years to make gains on those goals.
Grade 7:
Seventh grade students are met with individually in January/February of his/her 7th grade year to look at course offerings for the following year. Eighth grade coursework includes the addition of Spanish 8. Students review and refine future college/career goals at this time. Students are encouraged to think about upcoming Career Jam and Howard G. Sackett Technical Center (BOCES) field trip experiences (during the spring of 8th grade) in efforts to engage in more career exploration.
Grade 8:
Students in 8th grade entering high school will work with the Middle School Counselor to evaluate academic progress during middle school, talk about work ethic and preparedness, and assess interests that may be satisfied with high school elective courses. Students will be able to map out a rough idea of high school curriculum in core subjects, while reviewing and selecting elective course work that may prepare a student for a future career path or satisfy a personal interest. Career goals and college/technical education goals are discussed as a part of this meeting. Parents are encouraged to attend.