Dear Fort Underclassmen & Parents:

As we make our way through this year, we begin to look ahead to the 2024-2025 school year. In November, we are starting the initial stages of the course scheduling process for next school year. Though the course scheduling process begins now, it does not truly end until August when students start the new school year.

On Thursday, November 2, we will have our Fall Recommendation Day. On this day, students will have the opportunity to get course recommendations from their current teachers. Each student will get a recommendation form in their first block class. Students will carry this form to each of their four teachers on Thursday to get their input. At the end of the day, students will write their initial course selections on their recommendation form. These selections can continue to be modified throughout the school year as students learn more about different scheduling options for next year. Between Fall Recommendation Day and late March, school counselors will meet individually with all underclassmen to discuss their course selections for 2024-2025.

On our 24-25 FDHS Scheduling Google site, you will find multiple resources to facilitate discussion with your student about initial course selections for next school year. All students are asked to completely fill out their Fall Recommendation Day form on Thursday, November 2, so we can begin to compile important staffing information for next year.

After students have submitted a recommendation form, students and parents can choose to setup a meeting with their school counselor as necessary throughout the school year. As stated above, we recognize that students are making initial selections and can change them throughout this process. This is where we start. Please review the resources on our Google site and ask questions as you have them.

Please contact your student’s school counselor at 540-245-5050 or via email if you have any questions or concerns.

Ms. Hope Stevens, School Counselor (A-G)

Mr. Jeff Farthing, School Counselor (H-M)

Mrs. Allison Labadie, School Counselor (N-Z)

Mrs. Shawna Lambert, Registrar

Timeline

Information in this section provides procedures and timeline for registering students for classes in the upcoming school year.  Based on students’ course requests and requirements, administrative decisions are made on staffing and course offerings are finalized.  The master schedule is determined based on staff availability and efforts to provide the most opportunities for student choices, and with the fewest scheduling conflicts.

November - February

Students will receive information from their counselors about course registration.  Students will learn about programs such as senior mentorship, Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School (SVGS) and Valley Career & Technical Center (VCTC).  Interested students will also have the opportunity to visit SVGS and VCTC..

Students will make their initial course selections on Fall Recommendation Day in November. These initial selections will be used as building blocks for a student’s 2024-2025 schedule. These initial selections are not considered final and can be altered in conversations between the school counselor, student, teacher, and parent. Fall teachers recommend appropriate course levels based on student achievement.  Selections can and will be altered based on student performance in class during the fall and spring semester.

Students and/or parents are invited to meet with their school counselor regarding course requests, graduation requirements, and educational & career goals and should contact the school counseling office if they wish to set up an appointment. 

March to April

Staffing and course offerings are finalized. Spring teachers recommend appropriate course levels based on student achievement. The list of the tentative course requests will be shared with parents by spring break.   Counselors may meet with students individually to review plans and make any necessary changes.  Students wishing to change any course selections should see their counselor after spring break.   The initial master schedule is developed. 

April to July

The master schedule and teaching assignments are finalized. Students’ course lists may be revised to reflect previous course failures.  Schedule conflicts are resolved and alternate courses are chosen as necessary.

Early August

Teacher assignments and student schedules are finalized.  Schedules are available to students and parents in portal.  Schedule changes at this point should be primarily limited to resolving schedule conflicts.