FAQ
Q: How many classes should I have?
A: You should have at least 6 per semester. Classes that say “S1” or “S2” indicate semester-long classes. Classes that say “24-25’” indicate year-long classes.
Q: How many study halls will I have?
A: If you take 6 classes in a semester, you will have a study hall approximately once per day. If you take 7 classes in a semester (the maximum you can carry), you will have a study hall approximately once per week.
Q: How many credits will I earn?
A: Year-long courses are worth 1 credit. Semester-long classes are worth 0.5 credits. You need at least 5 credits at the end of the year to advance to sophomore status.
Q: Why don’t I see the elective I requested?
A: Upperclassmen have priority in choosing classes. If you do not see an elective that you requested, it is either full or does not fit around your academic classes. If you do not see an academic class that you requested, call your school counselor ASAP.
Q: Can I drop a course once school starts?
A: If you are taking 7 classes, you can drop a class within the first 5 weeks of school without penalty. Please note that if you would like to add a course once school has started, this must be done within the first 5 days of school.
Q: Can I add or change my electives now?
A: Yes. Check out the Program of Studies and contact your School Counselor with your request. The Program of Studies can be found on the NHS website, under “Quick Links”.
Q: Why don’t I see study halls on my schedule?
A: These will be added to your schedule over the summer.
Q: I see on my schedule that I am taking Culinary 2/Graphics 2/etc. before Culinary 1/Graphics 1/etc. Is that okay?
A: No, please contact your School Counselor. You must take the first level of a class before moving on to further levels. (Exceptions to this are Powertech and Greenery)
Q: How does the override process work?
A: If you disagree with the recommendation of the classroom teacher, the student should speak to the teacher first to find out why they were recommended for that particular level. After speaking with the teacher, if the student would still like to take the higher level, the student and parent should fill out an override form. These forms are available in the School Counseling Office or on our website.
Q: When will I know my teachers and room numbers?
A: Mid-August. Please note that schedules are not finalized until the first day of school.
Q: How do my teachers make recommendations for my course levels?
A: Please see the criteria sheet for more information. You will be able to see your recommendations on Powerschool by early February.
Q: How do I choose my electives?
A: This is the first time that you get to choose classes that interest you so choose something that you think you will enjoy!
Q: What information should I bring to my scheduling appointment with the high school counselor?
A: You should bring your top 3 elective choices and backup choices. You should also know who you are meeting with and the time of your appointment. If you are interested in an elective course that has an application or requires a teacher recommendation (Introduction to Engineering Design, Biomedical Science, or Journalism), please make sure that you mention this at your appointment.
Q: What do we talk about at my scheduling meeting with the NHS school counselor?
A: We will go over your recommendations, ask you for your elective choices, and answer any questions you have.
Q: What happens after my appointment with my counselor?
A: The master schedule is built based on the course requests. No changes to course requests may be made during this time. You will see your scheduled courses on PowerSchool in June. Please note that you may not be scheduled for all of your first-choice elective requests.
Q: What do I do if I want to override a teacher recommendation?
A: If you disagree with the recommendation of the classroom teacher, the student should speak to the teacher first to find out why they were recommended for that particular level. After speaking with the teacher, if the student would still like to take the higher level, the student and parent should fill out an override form. These forms are available in the School Counseling office or on our website. Override forms are due at the end of March.
Q: How will I know how to read the schedule?
A: You can either write your classes into this schedule or you will receive a copy of your schedule at Freshmen Orientation and on the first day of school with your classes in the rotating schedule format. Do not worry if you do not understand it at first!
Q: What if I get lost?
A: You will get a tour at Freshmen Orientation and you are welcome to come to NHS over the summer to walk around as well. There are also plenty of friendly faces that can help if you get lost at the beginning of the school year!
Check to make sure your classes and/or levels are correct. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your school counselor.