The scheduling window for the 2021-2022 school year is now open.
During homeroom on December 21, 2020, each student watched a video on the scheduling process and received materials to guide them through the course selection and registration process. The following is a link to the video and resources provided to your student today, which will support you and your student in completing the course registration process this year:
Google Slides Presentation with Resource Links
Access and input course selections: As of today, you and your student will be able to access their course recommendations. Once you and your student have made course selections, your student should access Synergy to input those selections. Students must have a total 7 preferred courses as well as 4 alternate courses. All course requests must be entered by January 15, 2021.
Please note the importance of the 4 alternate courses. We are planning on returning to the 7-period school day (4th period A/B) next year. In the event that we have to return to the 4x4 period block schedule, we will be taking the 1st alternate as the 8th preferred class. Please list your 4 alternates in priority order and do not duplicate any of your requests.
Online course catalog: While completing the course registration process, please refer to the course catalog online at: https://www.hcpss.org/f/academics/hs-catalog-2021-22.pdf. Students should refer to page 2 of the course catalog (Graduation Requirements), and page iii (Four Year High School Plan) near the back of the course catalog to help determine courses for next year. Course descriptions are listed alphabetically by subject area in the course catalog. Refer to page 14 (General Information) of the course catalog for course level information.
Honors, GT, and AP courses: We always encourage students to challenge themselves with Honors, GT and AP courses where appropriate. However, students should be aware that any AP level class is a college level course, and is very rigorous. Students need to make deliberate decisions about how many GT/AP classes to take each year, as well as how much work they can handle. Students should strive to create balance in their life in order to reduce stress, while still choosing an academically rigorous schedule.
HCPSS & HCC: In partnership with Howard Community College (HCC) offers the JumpStart program to high school students, where students can earn college credit, gain instruction for career possibilities, or earn an associate’s degree. If your student is interested in taking a JumpStart course, please see the JumpStart program page for more information and follow these instructions to complete the necessary enrollment documentation through your HCPSS Connect account: JumpStart Guides.
Concerns: If you have concerns or disagree with any of the course recommendations, please contact your child’s teacher or counselor. If you are still not satisfied with the recommendation, parents/guardians may complete the Course Placement Review Form online through their HCPSS Connect account. Instructions on how to complete the Course Placement Review form through your HCPSS Connect parent account can be found here: Course Placement Review Form Entry Guide.
GHS Counselors: Please see the counselors' Scheduling Appointment Calendars to locate the pre-scheduled meeting time for your student. The calendars specify the date and time counselors plan to meet virtually with every individual student to discuss their selections for the 2021-2022 school year. These meetings will take place between January 6th and February 17th. Please encourage your student to work in advance with teachers, employers, or any other potential conflicts to be sure they are available to attend their scheduled advising appointment. Two attempts will be made to meet with your student before their courses are selected for them. Counselors' Scheduling Appointment Calendars are also published on the GHS website and Canvas.
Please contact your counselor should you have additional questions about course selection.
A – Ej Ms. Kelli Brandt, Kelli_Brandt@hcpss.org
Ek – Lar Ms. Mindy Hirsch, Mindy_Hirsch@hcpss.org
Las – Ri Ms. Carolyn Devlin, Carolyn_Devlin@hcpss.org
Rj - Z Dr. Steven Burnett, Steven_Burnett@hcpss.org