Dear Parents of Rising Grade 9 Students,
It was so exciting to meet you all in person, witness the excitement, and see the passion with which you and your students engage with teachers. We would love your feedback about last week’s presentation. Please take a moment to fill out this Rising 9 Course Selection Feedback Form.
Here are some of the common questions that parents and students asked:
What is the purpose of the 4-year plan?
The 4-year plan is a document that helps students plan their journey toward graduation. They use it to determine how they will meet the minimum graduation requirements. The 4-year plan is for students’ personal use – they do not have to submit it.
What is the course electives document?
This document helps students prioritize and select courses according to their preferences. They can number the courses from 1 to 9, from their first to their last preference. Students are required to submit this course elective document to their teachers by Friday, March 3.
What happens if a student has already met the minimum graduation requirement and still chooses a course in that subject?
If a student has already met the minimum graduation requirement in a subject but chooses to take another course in that same subject, it will count toward one of their 6 required elective credits. For example, if a student takes Art in grade 9, successfully completes the course, and earns a credit, choosing Art in grade 10 would earn them an elective credit.
What is Study Hall?
Study hall is structured time for students to complete their work and do group assignments. It is assigned in PowerSchool. It is not mentioned in the 4-year plan as students do not earn credit for study hall.
House Leagues
The house league assignments have been shared with our rising grade 9 students. We could not be more excited! With this information, students will be able to start working directly with their high counselor, who will support them through the course selection process.
We look forward to welcoming the class of 2027 to high school!
All my very best,
Ms. Jennifer Mendes
High School Principal
HS Course Selection Process & Timeline
Individual meetings (optional)
High School Counselors will be available in the Middle School Office from 1:00 to 1:30 pm on the following days for students to drop by and ask questions:
Monday, Feb 13
Tuesday, Feb 14
Monday, Feb 20
Tuesday, Feb 21
Course Selection
March 3-8: PowerSchool open for Course Selection (PowerSchool Portal)
March 7-8: HS counselors will assist students with entering their selections on PowerSchool during ELA classes
All course selections are due by 3:00 pm on March 8, 2023
Additional Resources
HS Course Selection Rising Grade 9 2023: Process & Timeline (Google Slides)
Welcome to the HS, Rising Grade 9 Students (Google Video)
HS Program of Studies 2023-2024 (SSIS Website)
HS 4-Year Plan (SSIS Website)
HS Academic Pathways: AP at SSIS (SSIS Website)
HS Academic Pathways: IB at SSIS (SSIS Website)
HS Academic Pathways: FAQ: AP, IB, and SSIS Curriculum Options (SSIS Website)
HS Academic Pathways: Student Interviews about AP, IB, and SSIS Curriculum Options (Google Drive Video)
