Q: “Why is it important to select 7 credits worth of classes and complete the alternates section on the registration card?”
A: Yes. It is crucial to select 7 credits worth of classes, complete the alternate section, and have your parent/guardian sign your completed registration card. This is YOUR time to voice your opinion on the classes YOU want. The counselors will try their best to put you into the classes you select. If the counselors are unable to put you in a class that you have selected, they will choose from your alternates, or second choices. If you do not complete your registration card as asked, the counselors will have to choose classes for you.
Q: “I want to take virtual classes. How do I select those classes on my registration card?
A: Students have the option to take classes in person at Benton, virtual through SJSD Virtual Academy, or a mixture of both. Virtual classes have a “v” after the course name on the registration card.
Q: “I am a current sophomore that applied for a program at Hillyard Technical Center? If so, how do I complete the registration card?”
A: The counseling team will not know for a while who has been accepted into Hillyard. You will need to go ahead and choose classes as if you were staying at Benton. You will need to choose a full 7 credits on your registration card. Once we receive notice from Hillyard that you were accepted, the counselors will adjust your course requests.
Q: “What if I am going to be a junior and I want to take Personal Finance during Summer School? Do I still have to select that course on my registration card for next year?”
A: Yes. We are thrilled you plan to take a summer school class, but we know things happen and plans change. So, just to be safe, go ahead and select it on your registration card. Once summer school is over and grades are finalized, your counselor will adjust your courses accordingly.
Q: “What math class do I need to take next year?”
A: Don’t stress! Every student currently taking a math class will be recommended to a specific math class or classes for the upcoming year. Your math teacher will enter their recommendation into PowerSchool so that when you log in to select your course requests you will be able to see what class your teacher recommended you for. All core teachers (ELA, Social Studies, Math, and Science) will be recommending you for core classes.
Q: “What if I failed a class and I am not sure if I need to retake it?”
A: Complete your registration card as if you have passed everything. Your counselors will review your transcripts and make sure that you are on track to graduate. If you need to retake any courses, your counselor will let you know and will adjust your requests in PowerSchool at that time.
Q: “What is Physics? What do you do in Technical Theatre Production? What is Convergent Media? What is the difference between Psychology and Sociology? “
A: While your school counselors are a great resource to ask but, your best bet is take a look at the District Course Catalog. To find the Course Catalog, go to www.sjsd.k12.mo.us, click on Academics, click Academic Services, click High School Academics, click Career Planning & Education Guide and go to page 24 to see Course Descriptions.
Q: “I am going to be a senior this year. How do I get an off-hour?”
A: First and foremost, there is no such thing as an “off-hour”. If you have a job, you may qualify for the FLEX program or a Marketing Internship (Marketing Internship is available for those students in a marketing class and have a job.) The counselors will address this with you when we come back to school for the 2021-2022 school year. Until then, go ahead a circle the 7 credits worth of classes that you are instructed to do so.
Q: “I want to take an online course (through MWSU). How do I mark that on the registration card?”
A: Go ahead and circle 7 credits worth of classes on the registration card. Your counselor will address those needs in the semester of Fall 2021. You can write on your card that you are interested in taking an online course.
