Need to Know Information for Parents of 8th Grade Students
The CMS and EHS administration, faculty, and staff work diligently all year to prepare and support students for a successful transition to 9th grade. A link has been set up on the CMS and EHS websites specifically for 8th grade parents. Both sites are easily accessed from the main sau16.org site under School Information. Click on the link for a timeline and current information related to the transition to 9th grade.
Below you will find a list of some questions that have been collected from parents about the transition. In some cases, you are directed to other sources for the answers.
Please also attend the Eighth Grade Parents’ Night at EHS on March 5th. This event happens each year and is where the specifics of the course selection process at EHS are explained.
If you cannot make the meeting on March 5th, please call the CMS Guidance Office with your course selection questions.
Questions and Answers
Course Registration Process
§ How are students’ classes for 9th grade selected?
Students choose with advice from parents, teachers and guidance.
§ How are the 8th grade teacher’s recommendations determined?
Student’s current 8th grade teachers assess students’ performance and capability based
on standardized tests and class grades so far this year to make their recommendations.
§ Is it possible to make changes in their course selection; if so, when and how?
Not really, although there are some very unique situations that a student can address
during the first three days of each semester as outlined in the course change policy.
§ Can parents override level recommendations?
Yes, with the conditions outlined in the course change policy.
§ What is the timeline for the 9th grade course selection process?
Student’s course selection is due back by March 19th.
§ When do the 8th grade students, transitioning to the 9th grade, get their schedules?
June, but classes get balanced throughout the summer, so the permanent schedule is
given out on the first day of school.
§ Why does Exeter High School consider the students’ registration from to be a contract and make it so difficult for students to change their minds about their course selections?
The number of sections, and hired and assigned staff is based on students’ choices. The
final master schedule aligns itself with students’ choices. Every attempt is made to give
students exactly what they ask for.
Class Size
§ What are the anticipated class sizes at EHS for next year?
It is anticipated that all classes will range in size from 15-24, or in some cases, less.
Curriculum/Instruction
§ How can I access more specific information about course content?
Look in the course selection guide and teacher prospectus. The course selection guide
can be found in your eighth grader’s backpack or on-line at the EHS web site. The
teacher prospectus will be given out at the beginning of each class.
§ Do EHS teachers teach different grades?
Some teachers teach mostly one grade, but several levels, as well as one course that is
completely different. For example, an English teacher may teach 4 sections of
Freshman English – 1 100, 2 200, and 1 300 – plus two semester electives for
upperclassmen. Science teachers are certified in specific areas and therefore, teach only
one grade level. 900 level classes are made up of mixed abilities as well as mixed grade
levels.
§ In what classes/subjects are freshmen mixed with upper classmen?
Freshmen may be mixed with upper classmen in Math and electives.
Communication with Staff at EHS
§ Who are the key people that parents can contact with different questions regarding EHS and the transition from 8th to 9th grade - Courses, Special Education, Athletics, Extracurricular Activities, Guidance?
A printed form with this information is given out at the March 8th parents’ night and
will be posted on the website in early March.