7th Grade Course Selection Overview—2019
William Diamond Middle School
The course selection and team placement process for the 2019-2020 school year is about to begin! ÌýPlease note the following about how this process will unfold:
1) Math course recommendations: Your child’s math teacher will enter a recommendation into Aspen. ÌýThis recommendation will be visible to you through the online Aspen student portal onÌýMay 17.Ìý CLICK HEREÌýto read how math placement works.
Math Offerings:ÌýThe Math department offers two levels of courses for seventh graders: Mathematics 7ÌýandÌýMathematics 7 Math Honors. ÌýPlacement in math courses is based on grade-level common assessments (e.g., unit-based tests and comprehensive tests) and teacher recommendation. Please see our onlineÌýÌýforÌýa thorough description of these course offerings.
2) Online Course Registration: Course registration will occur online at home through the Aspen student portal fromÌýMay 18-24. ÌýÌýWe will provide your student with aÌýÌýthat includes his or her password to access the student portal and directions for navigating the course selection process. ÌýTo prepare for registration, parents and students should review theÌýProgram of StudiesÌý(available online) and the following list of courses.ÌýÌý
3) Parents complete the ÌýStudent Information Form:ÌýPlease return the enclosed questionnaire to your child’s homeroom teacher byÌýFriday, May 24. ÌýWe will use this information as we create teams for next year and as your child’s new teachers get to know your child. ÌýPlease do NOT make requests for specific teams or teachers. Also note that we typically do NOT honor friend requests unless there are extenuating circumstances. ÌýWe will provide a hard copy of this form onÌýMay 18, the day we give your child his or her Aspen portal account login information.
4) Course Registration Verification:ÌýWe will print and mail home course registration confirmation sheets, listing the courses your student has selected for next year. ÌýIf the course list is correct, you don’t need to do anything. If changes need to be made, please mark the changes, sign the form and send it back to us byÌýJune 5.
5) Final placement decisions:ÌýIn early August, we make a number of adjustments to student schedules, especially as we use MCAS scores, final grades, and additional teacher and parental input for those students who may benefit from our intervention programs.
6) Team Placement:ÌýIn late August, we will announce team placement via the Aspen Portal.
7) Student Schedules:ÌýStudents will receive their schedules on the first day of school.
Thank you in advance for helping us with the course selection process. ÌýÌýWith your input and the input of your child’s teachers, we hope to create learning environments in which all students are challenged and supported as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
