As the second semester rolls around for the remainder of this school year, Jennings County High School students and staff are busy working on the schedules for the upcoming fall semester.
Each spring, guidance counselors meet with each student for a one-on-one conversation about finding the best schedule and classes for their future.
When it comes down to high school scheduling, how do you figure out the best route for not only college, but your future?
“The scheduling process has many different layers to it. We start by presenting general information about diploma tracks and graduation requirements,” said Ed Ertel, JCHS director of guidance.
“Before finalizing the schedule requests for the next year, we meet individually with each student to discuss their course selections and to make sure they have chosen courses for what lies beyond high school.”
Focusing on connecting what you study in high school to what you want to pursue afterward is very important. There are many different opportunities at JCHS to prepare for future careers and education, including things like the Southeastern Career Center, advanced placement and dual-credit courses, and Career/Technical Education Pathways.
How should you decide on taking advanced placement courses rather than regular high school classes?
“A student’s future plans are what drives these types of decisions,” Ertel said. “For example, if attending a four-year college or university is a part of the plan, then taking some advanced courses or AP/dual credit courses may be recommended. We always encourage students to seek the input of their parents or guardians when making those decisions, as well as speaking to their current teacher in that subject area for advice.”
In advanced placement classes, you are allowed to enroll and take college-level courses to potentially earn college credit in high school. Dual-credit opportunities allow students to earn both high school and college credits for a class within the same time. Honors classes are a step above regular classes. More than likely, you will be learning the same things, but at a faster pace.
In April, we will be bringing eighth-graders to tour JCHS to try and acclimate them. Four months after that, they will be joining the high school after the class of 2022 departs.
The top recommendations to all new students from the guidance counselors at JCHS are, “To get off to a strong start in your classes, making grades a priority early on is very important. Good attendance is vital. And lastly, being involved in extracurricular activities including a club, community service, or sport right away is a good way to transition into high school and meet new people.”
