Update from Guidance for grade 8 families

The following is a message from Myers counselors Joe Fesel and Morgan Dunkle:

This month we kick off the high school course selection process for current eighth graders and would like to provide you with an overview.

• This week we will conduct classroom presentations on the overall course selection process, including how high school credits work, what's required to graduate high school, planning to be successful for college/employment and we will review all courses available to freshmen. If you didn't attend last week's Curriculum Fair at Albany High School, you can view the presentation here.
• We will then meet with each student individually to discuss options and select courses. The goal is to foster a sense of ownership as they embark on their high school years. This process takes quite some time, so do not be alarmed if you hear other students have already met with their School Counselor. We will meet with all students and remember, we are only selecting desired courses. The actual scheduling of courses takes place during the summer, once the high school submits its master schedule. It's important to note that freshmen do not have many open periods due to required courses and, as a result, usually select one or two electives. We urge students to select advanced courses where applicable. We schedule in the positive with the hope all students will be successful in their current classes and Regents exams if applicable. Any necessary adjustments to course levels will be made during the summer once final grades and Regents exam scores are published.
• At the conclusion of the meeting, we send each student home with a copy of selected courses. Students have until the summer to make changes. We urge parents to discuss the courses their child has selected and if desired to contact us with any questions. We are more than happy to schedule a follow-up meeting if desired. 

If, at any time you have a question, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can call Guidance at 518-475.6455 or email jfesel@albany.k12.ny.us or mdunkle@albany.k12.ny.us.