2012 VHS Freshman Registration-Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How does my child select their courses for next year? How can I help? High School counselors will be visiting VUSD middle schools for a student orientation assembly. At the assembly, students will be given a course description book and registration materials, which includes a “9th Grade Registration and Recommendation Form.” This form will be supplied to them by their middle school and will reflect their current teachers’ recommendations for next year’s courses. Please go through the course description book. Take into careful consideration the teacher recommendations to help your child select their courses. Due to counselors limited availability to return phone calls during this peak season it is important that you take advantage of the opportunity on March 21, 2012 to resolve any unanswered questions you may have. Lastly, be sure your child returns his or her registration materials to the middle school prior to the date in which counselors are returning for registration (for dates see below). If after your student attends the Welcome Assembly at their school, you attend parent orientation on March 21st, we register your studnets at the middle school and you still have questions that you would like to address, we will have a Q & A session on, April 25th at 3:45 pm at the VHS Counseling Office.
What does a typical freshman’s schedule look like? A typical VHS Freshman has 6 classes: English, World History 1, Math, PE and 2 Electives. If a student is in Marching Band , AVID or 7th period JROTC Drill, s/he may have an additional class, a 7th period.
If my student only wants to take 1 Honors level class, may they take regular English and World History Honors (or the reverse)? Yes. Starting 2012-2013, students may select one honors level class and not the other, for example Honors English and Regular History classes in grade 9.
Do we have to sign up for the course my child’s teacher recommends? A recommendation is purely a recommendation. The ultimate decision rests with you and your child. If you child does not meet the guidelines and after careful consideration your child still wishes to select that course, it will be necessary for you to fill out and sign a course waiver.
What if we change our mind about a course selection after spring registration is over? VHS Counselors will be available to meet with parent and student together to make any modifications to selections on April 25th at 3:45 p.m. Please have parent & student together to attend this. Otherwise, have your student stop by the Counseling Office on Freshmen Locator Day in August and ask for a schedule adjustment after s/he picks up her/his class schedule.
My child wants to try out for a sport team. Can I ask that they be placed in regular PE 9, sixth period, so on the chance they make the team their schedule will not be disturbed? Unfortunately, there are hundreds of students who try out for a sports team and only less than 60 spots in (“regular”) PE 9 sixth period. Most 9th graders will need to have a schedule change upon making a sports team. However, counselors will try to keep the student with the same teachers if period changes are necessary.
Can we request a specific teacher? Due to the nature of our large campus (approx. 3000 students), it is not feasible to hand pick teachers, nor take requests to be changed to a specific or period. Every teacher is unique and has something to offer your student! A parent’s positive attitude about the child’s teacher assignments can greatly help a student get off to a good start.
Should I encourage my child to take honors classes? Counselors recommend that students take the most rigorous courses they are qualified for. However, when selecting the number of honors classes to undertake, you may want to take into account your child’s extracurricular activities and their personal motivation/dedication to their studies so s/he can achieve a healthy balance.
To help your child get familiar with Vista High School, please plan to attend 8th grade Parent/ Student Orientation on March 21st, 2012.
Registration dates: April 12- Rancho Minerva MS; April 11- Washington MS; April 10- Roosevelt MS; April 9- AM- Vista Academy & PM- Vista Magnet MS; April 13-Madison MS; April 25- Private Schools