Course selection will be open this year from March 19 until April 2 at midnight. A special Advisory will be held on March 19 for students to fill out the course selection form in Sapphire. Following course selection, students will receive a course verification sheet in Advisory on May 28 that lists all the courses they will be enrolled in next year unless changes are made.
If a student needs to change their verified courses, they can fill out the Drop/Add form to change their desired course. The Drop/Add form will be available in Sapphire only from May 30 until midnight on July 20. If students want their request to be viewed by a counselor, they must submit the form within this given time frame.
“It’s important to be aware of this time frame. This form will only be open for one period and after this, students will be unable to add or drop a course for the next school year,” said MTHS Counselor Michelle Pollis.
Pollis also provided answers to many of the questions that students frequently have about the course selection process.
How do teacher recommendations work?
Teacher recommendations are open now through March 14. Their execution may vary from teacher to teacher based on the formality of the recommendation. They are used so that the teacher and student are on the same page about the level of courses they should be taking. However, students do not need to follow the recommendations. Parent override forms to change teacher recommendations may be submitted between March 19 and April 2.
How are electives given out?
A common misconception among students is that electives are first-come, first-serve. However, there is another process behind it, Pollis said. Preferences for electives are collected and once the course selection window closes, the demand for courses is evaluated. If a course does not have enough interest, it will not be offered that school year.
Another reason a course may not be offered is if a teacher is not available to teach that course due to other teaching demands. This may happen if they have to teach other classes and do not have the time in their own schedule to teach an elective. This can also occur with core classes but it is less common. Additionally, if a student does not get an elective that they selected, it may be because another class in their schedule conflicts with it. Pollis encourages students to make sure to look at the course verification and drop/add form, because you may be able to make a change that would get you a desired elective.
What are the virtual course offerings?
Virtual courses are offered through Manheim Township Virtual Academy. Specific course offerings may vary from year to year, similar to elective courses. Pollis emphasizes that if students are interested in taking a virtual course, it is important that they are a self-motivated learner who will be able to do work on their own accord without a teacher making them. She believes that virtual courses can be extremely beneficial for students interested in specific topics and that they can allow for a more in depth exploration of potential careers or unique topics. If a student has decided to take a virtual course, during course selection, they should select the virtual elective box in the form. Then, when course selection closes, they will get an intake form from their counselor with a specific list of courses that you may select.
Advice from Mrs. Pollis:
Oftentimes, students will leave holes in their schedule in order to get a study hall. As a reminder, if students have a full schedule, they can drop a class and add a study hall, but if a study hall is selected, another class cannot be added. So, it is advised that students fill their schedule fully so in the case that they want to drop a class, they have the capability and credit capacity to do so.
The Educational Planning Guide (EPG) is a critical tool in course selection that is often not used, according to Pollis. She said it is important for students of all grade levels to be aware of all the courses that are available to them and how they might impact their credits and education. Counselors recommend that students use the control search feature on the EPG in order to easily find specific information that is relevant to their course selection process.
For upperclassmen, asking for a minimum of five credits in their schedule does not increase their potential of getting late arrival and/or early release. So, as mentioned above, it’s better to fill their schedule and then drop courses in order to get a study hall at the desired time.
It’s never too early or too late for students to meet with their counselor about course selection. Counselors can help students decide what courses are right for them. Additionally, they can help students make changes if they are unsatisfied with their courses.
