This process has four main components. It's really important to understand how each of these four parts works together and should all factor into your ultimate decision for courses. Each component on its own is powerful, but you'll be able to make the best choice for yourself next year by utilizing all four.
I: Program of Studies and Course Descriptions
Students and families should access the course descriptions on this website to get a sense of what each class will be like. This is a great starting point to begin to learn about a class and how it will fit into your overall schedule and workload for the following year. Following up with a teacher about any questions could be a great next step.
II: Teacher Recommendations and Conversations
Teachers use their experience with a student this year as well as their knowledge of the next year's course to make these recommendations. We encourage students and families to reach out to teachers where there are questions about the recommendation or options for courses next year. A teacher's recommendation about level will be where the student in placed the next year. Families wishing to review this recommendation can follow the process outlined below.
III: Conversations with Guidance Counselors
Each student in currently in 9-11th grade, will meet with their guidance counselor 1-1 during the month of March. At these meetings, counselors will discuss a student's overall goals, course options, requirements, and ultimately arrive at a schedule individualized for that student. Students will finalize their course requests in the meeting with their counselor.
IV: Conversations with Family and Friends
Having conversations with your family about what your life outside of school looks like, what your future goals are, and how all of that interacts with courses for next year can definitely be a really important part of this process. Speaking with friends and peers about their experience in certain courses can also be helpful. It's important to keep in mind that friends and peers may have had different experiences in one course or another based on a whole list of reasons. As you move through this process, keep coming back to what you know and believe is true and right for you individually based on all information you've been able to gather.
Students and families disagreeing with a teacher’s recommendation regarding course selection for the upcoming year must first discuss the matter with the teacher. If there is still disagreement, the student must complete a placement review form, which they can receive from their guidance counselor. Once completed and reviewed by the student’s teacher and parent or guardian, the form will be forwarded to the Department Director. The Department Director may contact the parent/guardian depending on the nature of the request. To be considered, placement review paperwork must be completed and turned in by the stated deadline. All paperwork handed in after the stated deadline will not be considered.
*You can find more specific details about the Course Review Process in the Student Handbook (linked here) beginning on page 14.
Course Placement Review Forms:
This change requires the completion of the Course Review Process. The form for each subject is linked below.
Important Dates:
9th - 11th Grade Students
February 3rd - 12th:
Current 9th - 11th grade teachers have conversations in class regarding recommendations and options for next year.
February 14th:
Current 9th - 11th grade teacher recommendations are all live and posted in the Portal.
February 28th:
Current 9th - 11th grade students must submit their course requests in the Portal. Screencast HERE!
March 3rd - March 24th:
Current 9th - 11th grade students meet 1-1 with Guidance Counselors to finalize course selections.
March 31st:
Students and Families requesting a Course Placement Review must submit by this day.
8th Grade Students
February 28th
8th Grade Students attend Course Fair
March 5th
BHS Administrators and Head of Guidance meet with BMS 8th Grade Students.
March 21st
Current 8th grade students receive email with teacher recommendations.
March 21st- March 31st:
8th grade students submit Course Request Google Form for electives.
March 31st
Students and Families requesting a Course Placement Review must submit by this day.