2014- 2015 Course Selection Q&A
8th to 9th grade
Q: Can I change my endorsement later?
A: Yes, you can change your endorsement by notifying your high school counselor. And this is
much easier to do during a students’ freshman or sophomore year because many of the courses
taken during the first two years are required for all the endorsements.
Q: Do students still need to take a speech class?
A: Students must have a communication skills component, but there is no separate speech
credit requirement. The component can be satisfied though: Professional Communications,
Communication Applications, Debate, Oral Interpretation, Professional Standards in
Agribusiness, Teen Leadership, Theater, and Dual Credit Speech
Q: Is Web Technologies available for Freshman?
A: Yes. The Course Catalog incorrectly states it’s only available for 10-12th grade. At THS, it is
available for Freshman.
Q: If I would like to take World Geography in the summer, what do I need to do?
A: First, be sure to circle World Geo on your course selection sheet. If World Geo is taken in the
summer and completed, your child will receive their 1st (or possibly 2nd) alternate course
selection to take its place.
Q: When will we know what courses are offered in summer school?
A: The district usually sends summer school information to the junior highs in late March/early
April. Once we receive that information, we will get it out to students & parents via eNews,
webpage and announcements at school.
Q: I heard there are courses offered online for the summer. Is this true?
A: There are multiple courses available online for the summer, however nearly all of the
summer online courses are 10th – 12th grade courses. The only course that appears to be
available for incoming freshman is Health (sem). Go to the following web address for more info
& registration: http://tinyurl.com/katyonline
Q: If I have an option between taking World Geography OR World History, can I take World
History in my Freshman year?
A: No. World History is ONLY available in 10th grade. Also, taking World Geo this summer would
NOT allow a Freshman to take World History in 9th grade.
Q: How many Athletic courses can I circle/sign up for on my course selection sheet?
A: Only ONE, but that doesn’t mean you can only do one sport. Circle the ONE sport which
happens to come first compared to your other sport options in the school year. Coaches will
eventually meet with student athletes about playing multiple sports.
Q: Do I have to take a full year of study hall?
A: First, Study Hall is an optional course. Second, it can be utilized as either a fall(A), spring(B)
,or year long course(Z). If you choose study hall as 1 of your 7 class periods, write in the letter
(A,B, or Z) next to study hall on your course selection sheet.
Q: When is my course selection sheet due?
A: Tuesday, February 3rd to your Social Studies teacher.
Q: Will counselors have an opportunity to speak with my child about the courses they have
chosen?
A: Yes. During the week of February 9th, MMJH counselors will meet with 8th graders
individually to make sure that the course selection sheet has been filled out correctly, and that
the student understands their chosen endorsement and feels comfortable with their choices.
Q: Can I take 2 different foreign language classes at the same time?
A: This would not be recommended. However, some students complete 2 years of one
particular language and then take 2 years of another language.