Thursday, February 15, 2018

Course Verification Season!


It is that time of year again where you have now received your course recommendations for the upcoming school year.  The counseling team fully believes that you should analyze how this year has gone for you and determine how to achieve a better balance in the future.  Now more than ever, you need to consider your options and what you can realistically handle in the coming school year.  It is quite important to take into consideration your responsibilities for each course.  It is equally important to make sure you are maintaining a healthy balance in your life and factoring in down-time as a part of your day.  Academics are just one piece.  

Recently, there was an article published (Children Need Balance Article) advising parents to help their children balance their lives.  They need guidance in this area.  We are seeing far too many students who are stressed, angry, overwhelmed, and feeling anxious.  Students need help making appropriate course choices for the upcoming year.  What is right for one student may not be right for another.  With that said, now is the time to begin discussing what next year might look like.

This year, the counseling office has one document that outlines the process for all courses that might require an application such as Yearbook, Newspaper, Work Based Learning, Peer Leadership, Online Classes, Dual Enrollment, etc.  There are many classes a student can take but they first must be approved.  There is a process for all of them.  You can find that information here:  Application Courses & Processes 18-19.  They are each listed alphabetically.  We encourage you to make sure you have followed the steps.

Students interested in online courses must complete the process no later than March 13th.  Applying for online classes is a two step process.  Complete the CHS Online Contract AND register for the online class. Applications available on March 1st in the counseling office. See flow chart for complete details.  Flowchart  All students who plan to take an online class must submit an online contract to the counseling office no later than March 13th and complete the online google form in the counseling office (Step 1).  If  you do not submit a contract by the March 13th deadline, you will not be approved for online learning.  Students who plan to take classes through Fulton Virtual School must register for their class between March 1 – 13th (Step 2).  Students who plan to take classes through Georgia Virtual School must register for their class between March 15-30th (Step 2).

Dual Enrollment
is equally as strict with their processes.  It is lengthy, but worth it.  The deadline is March 30th.  Students can pick up a step by step packet in our office.  There is also information at this address:  CHS Dual Enrollment Website.  Hey...you want free college??  Gotta jump through a lot of hoops!  You can do it!

Please note that on the course verification sheet, you cannot just scratch out a course an add a course that requires approval (see list of application courses above).  Once the application/process has been approved then the course gets added at a later date.  In the meantime, students should choose an elective from the back of their verification sheet, including some alternates in case a course becomes full or does not work logistically with their schedule.  

Students wishing to take a summer school course, please note that course will not be removed from your verification until we know you have satisfactorily completed the course.  Counselors are back early enough in the summer to make changes at that time.  What you can do is write notes on your verification form giving us insight as to what you would want to take out of your schedule once you complete the summer course.  Example:  US History is being taken over the summer in order to make room for AP European History.    US History is a graduation requirement.  We will not remove a graduation requirement to accommodate an elective.   We love you, but we want you to graduate on time.  

Summer school registration will begin on March 1st.  No paperwork in the counseling office is required to take summer classes. 

We appreciate the questions.  We are available for students to drop in for quick advising on the remaining dates:  February 20th during 4th & 5th period and March 6th during 4th and 5th period.  These are held in the Media Center.  Bring your verification form with you when you come.