COURSE SELECTION PROCESS

Scheduling Statement The master schedule is developed to maximize each student's opportunity to take the courses (at the appropriate level) each year. Seniors are given priority in the scheduling process followed in order by juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. In some cases, students will not be able to be scheduled for every course they would like to take. This situation may occur when students are trying to take courses out of the typical sequence or if courses are offered at the same time.

Students should make the effort to talk about course selection with their parents, teachers, and/or school counselor. Students should think about which courses will help them the most; which ones are needed to prepare for college and future career, how much time and energy are needed for other responsibilities such as family, sports, work, or other extracurricular activities. Make the most of the opportunities provided at PHS.

Students need to select their classes and their alternate selections carefully during the scheduling period. Because classes are determined based on student interest, it is essential that we get an accurate count for each class. Once registration is complete, the courses will be scheduled for the student. When all of the students are scheduled, decisions will be made regarding the number of teachers needed to staff our high school. Therefore, students and parents should treat the course selection sheet as a contract. Parents indicate that they support the classes selected by signing the course selection sheet.

Schedule Changes

The master schedule and staff allocations are determined based on student course selections. The College and Career Counseling Department strives to create a balanced schedule in order to maintain class sizes which best promote learning. In certain extenuating circumstances approval may be granted for a schedule change. Students need to review the following criteria prior to requesting a schedule change:

▪ Graduation requirements are missing

▪ Prerequisite requirements have not been met

▪ Duplication of courses

▪ Student wants to add an available elective in place of an open block

▪ College is requesting a specific course

▪ Student was placed in a course they did not request

Please Note: All requests for schedule changes should be made prior to the start of the academic year through the College and Career Counseling Department and in accordance with deadlines published by the high school.

To request a change, students need to obtain a Schedule Change Request Form from the College and Career Counseling Department Office, fill it out, have it signed by a parent, the teachers involved (if required), and return it to the school counselor. The College and Career Counseling Department will advise the student if or when the new schedule will take effect.

Policy Regarding Failed Classes and Make Ups

Many courses at PHS follow a sequence. Therefore, students cannot advance to the next course until they have successfully completed the prerequisite. In many cases, it is impossible to reschedule make-up courses during the school year. We strongly recommend that students who fail courses, especially required courses, enroll in a summer, night, online, or credit recovery program. This will not only ensure a timely progression through courses but also ensure that graduation target dates will be maintained. Under no circumstance will students enroll in a course where the prerequisite has not been met. The College and Career Counseling Department will provide listings of pre-approved summer or night school courses available in the surrounding area. Results from summer or night courses are not factored into the student’s GPA. Only courses taken at PHS and VLACS are included in the GPA.

Transfer Students

High school students who live in Pelham or who move to Pelham and wish to transfer to PHS should contact the PHS College and Career Counseling Department to obtain a New Student Information Packet. This packet contains registration information as well as a list of essential records and other documents required for enrollment in PHS. New students should also schedule an appointment with a school counselor to complete the scheduling process. During this appointment, the school counselor will review the transcript(s) from the other school(s), discuss the remaining graduation requirements, and make recommendations and suggestions regarding a course schedule.

Administration will make a determination on transfer of credit for all courses taken, grades earned, and equivalent credits earned by the student on a PHS transcript. All courses, grades, and credits earned at PHS will be added to the transcript thereafter. High school curricula and course leveling systems differ greatly from school to school. Due to such complexity, it is difficult to obtain an accurate assessment of grades from previous schools; therefore, only classes taken at PHS will be included in a student’s grade point average (GPA). Students will not receive a rank in class until they have completed four (4) semesters at PHS.

All prospective students and their parents should feel free to contact the PHS College and Career Counseling Department to obtain additional information regarding the transfer of a student.

Early Graduation

PHS offers a comprehensive program of studies that requires all students to attend school for eight semesters. In the event that a student and their parents seek to graduate early, consideration will be decided on a case-by-case basis, and is subject to review and recommendation by administration and the school counselor. Under no circumstances will an exception be made for less than seven (7) semesters of attendance. All early graduation requests shall be related to career and/or educational plans of the student making the request.

Students need to meet the requirements listed below.

▪ The student has successfully completed all required courses and has maintained an overall GPA of 2.0.

▪ The student has achieved the minimum number of credits for graduation eligibility.

▪ The student has presented an Application for Early Graduation and a letter stating the extenuating circumstances and/or reasons for the exception to their school counselor no later than the end of their junior year.

▪ The student has discussed and reviewed the plan with a school counselor prior to the formal request. ▪ The student has completed the Community Service Program requirements prior to making the request for early graduation