January-February
Rising 7th and 8th Grade Students Students will attend "course registration" presentations during the school day. The presentation is designed to inform them of required classes (English, Math, History, Science, and Health & P.E.) and options for Related Arts classes. Students are reminded that enrollment in Related Arts classes is dependent on academic performance. If they struggle in a class, we may need to place them in a remedial class, which would replace a Related Arts class. At the end of the presentation, course registration sheets are handed-out to students. Students select top choices, get a parent/guardian to sign, and return the paperwork to Mrs. Zimmon by the set deadline.
Rising 9th Grade Students The counselors from SJHS will announce a date for parents/guardians and students to attend a "Scheduling Night" at NFMS. During the presentation, the counselors discuss the requirements for graduation, explain high school specific terminology (such as verified credit, grade point average, advance placement classes, etc), give an example of a student schedule, and explain how the scheduling process will work.
After the presentation, families are welcome to ask questions. A course handbook and a course registration form are handed to those who attend. The remainder are distributed to 8th graders at school the next day. Counselors set a date to come to NFMS and meet with the 8th graders, individually, to select classes.
February-March
Rising 6th Grade Students Mrs. Zimmon meets with the 5th grade classes at Ashby Lee Elementary. The students learn about middle school course registration via a presentation. Here, they are informed about required courses and Related Arts offerings. Course registration sheets are handed-out. Students select top choices, get a parent/guardian to sign, and return the paperwork to their 5th grade teacher by the set deadline. All paperwork is delivered to Mrs. Zimmon at NFMS.
April-May
Rising 6th Grade Students The 6th Grade team will meet with the 5th Grade team to set a date for the rising 6th graders to come explore NFMS. On the day of the visit, the students are welcomed by administration and then are divided in to groups. They go through a rotation of activities, including: a student-guided tour, a locker relay, filling-out a getting to know you survey, and a Q & A session. This provides 5th grade students with an opportunity to get acquainted with middle school and address any concerns/questions they may have.
August
Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students Information regarding Open House will be sent out to families in mid-July. Open House is held right before school starts. During this time, families enter through the Cafeteria where they can visit a variety of stations. These include picking up a handbook and paperwork, meeting with the nurse (if needed), purchasing a gym uniform, putting money on a lunch account, etc. The final station is where students will receive their schedules. At that point, they can walk around the building, meet their teachers, try out their lockers, and run through their schedule. Administration will have a brief “welcome back to school” presentation that is optional for families to attend. If students wish to request schedule changes, they may fill-out a form in the guidance office. Changes are not guaranteed. Any students who are unable to attend Open House will receive their schedules on the first day of school.
Rising 9th Grade Students It is encouraged for rising 9th graders to attend "Basic Training" which is a freshman orientation that occurs on the same day as Open House. Training includes a tour of the school, the opportunity to meet teachers, a chance to walk through their schedule, and other activities. Information about this training will be sent-out by SJHS in the spring. If students do not attend the orientation, they will receive their schedules on the first day of school.