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March, 2008
Dear Parent/Guardian, It is hard to believe that we have reached that point in the year where we need to begin thinking about NEXT year! Yet here we are, trying to evaluate what is the best course of studies for your child. Please know that we are here to answer your questions, and we enter the process together with you, looking forward to making the 2008-2009 school year a success for your child. As you and your child begin the process of choosing courses for the 2008-2009 school year, our experience encourages us to ask you to consider some very important points. First of all, it is imperative that you read all course descriptions very carefully. This is especially true in the case of "Honors" or "Advanced Placement"(AP) courses. In the case of courses such as these, there are very specific course prerequisites. Ultimately, the final grades for the 2007-2008 academic year will be a determining factor as to whether or not a child qualifies for a course. For now, however, you should look at your child's January report card as a reference point for whether or not your child will qualify for a particular class. It is not wise to speculate on what your child may or may not achieve on a yet to be published report. Also worthy of consideration is the amount of time a student can expect to spend in preparation for a particular course. The homework load and study time outlined in the course description are based on the experiences of students who have taken this course in the past. In choosing such courses, students (and their parents) should consider the "big" picture of a student's schedule. What other courses will the student be taking? What are the expectations for these courses? What about the student's various extracurricular involvements or part time job? How will all of these factor into the decision to sign up for a particular course? Most AP courses require the student to complete a summer assignment. Please be aware that in some cases, this summer assignment is the final determining factor in whether or not a child will be admitted to a course. Teachers evaluate summer assignments to determine whether students have the work ethic, background, and level of thinking required to succeed in a particular course. A student must successfully complete the summer assignment as outlined in the course description in order to be enrolled in the course. A student who fails to submit a summer assignment by the due date will not be permitted to enroll in the course. Any student who chooses an AP or honors course must also choose an alternative course for each AP or honors course selected. In the event that the student does not qualify for the AP or honors course for any of the reasons outlined above or in the course description, he or she will be assigned to the alternative selection. Again, please spend time with your son or daughter considering all factors before selecting courses. Feel free to contact your child's guidance counselor, or one of us, if you have any questions. Together we can make next year a success for all members of the CCHS family. In God's Peace, Jeanne R. Burns - Vice Principal Christopher F. Sullivan - Assistant Principal, Dean
of Studies
GENERAL INFO
REQUIRED COURSES
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