Do you remember sitting in the auditorium in 8th grade being scared out of taking honors classes? Do you remember hearing about how you’d have no social life if you wanted to take all honors? Well, we’re here to give you real opinions and advice on scheduling for your classes next year.
It’s scheduling season at North Allegheny Intermediate, and the school is abuzz with teachers giving course recommendations and kids asking friends what electives they’re taking. A bunch of important dates are coming up, so make sure to keep an eye on your schedule.
February 10: Last day for students to make changes to course requests in their student PowerSchool account, all changes must be done through the counseling department after the 10th
February 10 – 14: 10th Grade Individual Scheduling Meetings
February 18 – 28: 9th Grade Individual Scheduling Meetings
February 28: Waivers due at 3PM, final course selections due
March 4: Students and families receive verification notice of course requests for final review
March 7: Last day to make any changes to course requests
And before you know it, the end of August will come around and we’ll once again be back in school, but this time a year older and a year wiser. This timeline can look scary, but we got student and counselor opinions on scheduling to make it a little less intimidating.
We spoke to several NAI sophomores on their recommendations for freshmen:
Kam Yeske says, “Take more honors.”
Yeske went on to encourage, “If you think you’re capable of it, do it.”
And Yeske (and several other sophomores) want you to, “Beware of Honors Math.”
We also spoke to several freshmen about their plans for sophomore year.
Harlie Donnely, rising sophomore, plans on taking “Honors Algebra 2, Honors English 2, Honors Chemistry, AP HUG, gym, a half credit study hall, Honors German 3, Speech and Debate, Psychology, and Journalism.”
We also had a chance to ask Mr. Kiggins about advice for any students that are scheduling. He simply said, “Focus on what is going to be best for you and everything you do in or out of school. Take class levels that make sense for you. Don’t feel pressure to take really difficult classes, and make sure to explore different options.”
So, in summary: Schedule the classes and class levels that are right for you. Keep your extracurriculars and mental health in mind when balancing your course load and make sure to try new things. Believe in yourself, and, of course, beware of honors math.
