Seventh Grade FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions By Seventh Graders And Their Parents
1. What classes will my child take this year?
- Bible
- English
- Science
- Geography
- Math or Advanced Pre-Algebra
- Exploration (These classes will offer students exposure to Study Skills, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Literature, and Keyboarding. Each class will last about 7 weeks).
2. How are students selected for the advanced math classes?
In the spring, the counselors from the guidance office administer the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test to all sixth graders. Based on those scores, the fifth and sixth grade achievement test scores, historical math scores, and teacher recommendation, students are selected.
3. When will my child receive his/her schedule?
The guidance office will begin scheduling next year’s seventh graders by the middle of May or first of June. Ideally, the schedule will be mailed to your child by mid-summer.
4. When we receive the schedule, can it be changed?
Generally, the schedule you receive is permanent. However, the Guidance Office can make changes in extreme circumstances, such as, removing a child who has a broken arm from art.
5. Can my child have a specific rotation as his/her first exploration class?
Each exploration class has a limited enrollment in order to facilitate a smooth student transition to each new class. We attempt to place an equal number of students in each of the exploration classes. Generally, it is not possible to predetermine when your child will take a certain rotation class.
6. I know my child will be in the seventh grade, but sometimes I feel I need to talk to his/her teachers. Is it okay to call them?
By all means, yes. Communication between the home and school is as important now as it was in elementary school. Feel free to call the teachers or call the Academic Office to schedule an appointment to speak with them in person. In addition, you should encourage your child to speak with his/her teachers when questions arise or if he/she has trouble.
7. What can I do as a parent to help my child make a smooth transition into Junior High School?
The secret is to give your child enough freedom to help him/her feel a sense of independence and responsibility. However, you need to stay involved enough to know when to throw them a safety line if things begin a downward spiral. Children mature academically, socially, and physically at different rates. Your child may require a little more supervision with homework, book reports, and the like at the beginning than some others may. We are striving for students to become independent and responsible. Do not compare your child with his/her classmates or your other children. Teens compare themselves with each other enough as it is. The critical element is communication. Communication between the home and school is important, but most important is communication between parent and child.
8. A word about the Guidance Office:
Above all else, the Guidance Office is somewhere a student can come for help. We call it the “helper place”. It may be a question about a schedule or sometimes a student has just had a bad day and needs to talk. We are there for the little problems and we are there for the big problems. We want to do our part to help your child be prepared for life. Just as we encourage you to communicate with your child’s teachers, we also encourage you to communicate with us as the need arises.