By Katie Baskin

Austin High School principal

As the second semester is already in full swing at Austin High School, we are also planning for the 2015-16 school year as students begin the process of selecting classes for the next academic year. This is an extremely important process for students at AHS as we are asking students to plan for their future and make decisions about pathways of study they need for graduation, college entrance, and that fit their area of interest. High School is a time of trial and error in preparation for career and college. It is truly a unique opportunity for all students to prepare for the next step in their lives and test their skills in a variety of areas that will help them make decisions about their next course of study or trade.

The course registration process started in January with math, science, social studies and language arts teachers making recommendations and conferencing with their students about their course of study for the 2015-16 school year. During the week of Jan. 26-30, students were given the opportunity to learn about all elective course pathways at AHS. They received information from staff and also had opportunities to ask student representatives questions about specific elective courses.

During the two weeks of Feb. 2-13, students will finalize their course registration within their Connect classrooms. Students will receive information on the requirements for the next grade level and make their course selections accordingly. Connect teachers will be meeting with each of their students to support them through this process and to make sure the information is accurately entered into Infinite Campus. Parents/guardians and students will have access to the Infinite Campus Portal through Feb. 20 to make changes to elective courses, but must seek out a grade level counselor to make a change with a recommended course.

Finally, families will have an opportunity to review the courses their student has registered for at spring conferences on March 12, 2015, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Hastings Gym.

While we understand there are a lot of components to the course registration process, we are excited for students to take this next step in their preparation to be college and career ready. Please contact the AHS Counseling Office at 507-460-1812 with any questions.