7th to 8th Grade Enrollment
The course selection process for students moving from 7th to 8th grade will begin February 27th & 28th, 2024. SLMS counselors will meet with students in their math classes.
Students will receive an individualized enrollment form that includes course recommendations. Students and their families may request a core class different than recommended by completing a waiver (see link below). A student's request will not be changed until a waiver has been completed, signed by the parent, and returned to the school counseling department.
Students will finalize their enrollment for 8th grade on March 6th and 7th.
All forms must be filled out and signed by the parent before March 6th. Information on the enrollment form needs to be transferred into the student's PowerSchool account before March 6th. (see instructions below)
All class selections and requests will be reviewed by counselors and students on an individual basis.
How will student lockers be assigned?
Each student is assigned a hall locker to secure supplies and personal belongings while at school. Lockers are randomly assigned to all students by their Homeroom (Advisory) teacher. Students will receive either a top or a bottom locker. In rare situations where, due to student height, a bottom or tall locker is problematic, Homeroom teachers will work with our Counseling Center to make a switch if possible.
Will my student have to dress out for physical education?
Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will NOT be expected to dress out for PE classes. Students will be expected to dress appropriately for physical activity. If not dressed appropriately, students will have access to the locker room to change into clothing suitable for safe participation in physical activities.
I would like for my child to take an advanced course but he/she was not recommended by their current teacher – what options do we have?
It is strongly encouraged that families follow the recommendation of their child’s current teachers when selecting courses. Over the years, we have most often found these recommendations to be an accurate placement for students. Families of students who did not receive a recommendation for enrollment in Advanced Studies (AS) course(s), may request a waiver from the Counseling Center.
Can/Should a student take all four Advanced Studies (AS) classes?
6th-grade: Students in 6th grade who have been recommended may take accelerated math. All other 6th-grade core classes will be the grade-level curriculum. Student recommendations for 7th-grade advanced studies classes will be determined by each student's performance in his/her 6th-grade coursework in a middle school setting.
7th and 8th grade only: Students who have been recommended for all four AS classes, and have a strong interest in all of them, can take all four. There may be more independent work.
Will not taking Advanced Studies courses in 6th or 7th grade affect what I can take in 8th grade?
The only course that is affected by this is Math. 8th-grade Advanced Studies math is Algebra and does receive a high school elective credit. The other core classes (ELA, Social Studies, Science), will have recommendations again for 7th and 8th grade, and a choice can be made.
If I have never taken a band or strings class, but want to, can I sign up for 6th or 7th grade?
No, a student who has never been in band or strings, can't sign up for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade band or strings. Also, if a student stopped playing, but wants to rejoin band or strings, he/she may do so by contacting our band or strings instructors before signing up if this is the case.
What time can I drop off/pick up my student?
Students are not allowed in the building until 8:05 am (car riders) and 8:08 am (bus riders). Unless a student is staying after school for a supervised activity they must ride the bus or be picked up by 3:15 pm.
What are the academic requirements for students to participate in athletics & activities?
Students will automatically be eligible for their 1st quarter of 6th or 7th grade. Students however shall not fail more than 1 class to be eligible for participation in the next quarter. In addition, grade checks will be done during the athletic/activity season approximately every 2 weeks to ensure students are in good academic standing. Those who have more than 1 failing grade will not be eligible to compete until they are passing all but 1 class. Students can practice during this time.
What are the citizenship requirements for students to participate in athletics & activities?
Students will automatically be eligible for their 1st quarter of 6th or 7th grade. Students must maintain good citizenship behavior standards each quarter to be eligible for sports/activities the next quarter.
What is MSHSAA?
Missouri State High School Activities Association is the governing body for middle school and high school sports/activities in the state of Missouri.
What does it cost to participate in any MSHSAA sport/activity?
Students wishing to participate in any MSHSAA-sponsored activity/sport will be charged $25 for yearly participation. A maximum participation fee of $50/family will be charged for participating in activities/sports.
If my student is on an IEP, what classes will they take in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade?
Each student on an IEP will have a transition meeting with their elementary IEP team and Mrs. Bichsel, the Instructional Evaluation Specialist at SLMS. Classes for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will be determined by the team based on each student’s current services. Please contact your student’s current case manager or Mrs. Bichsel if you have any questions.
If you have additional questions, please contact our Counseling Center at 816-986-1378.