FAQs – Class of 2011
1. What classes should I take to be successful?
AMHS guarantees all students will be scheduled for all the classes necessary to be accepted to a four-year university.
2. When should I take my second required Art and Physical Development classes?
Members of the class of 2011 are placed in 6 classes for the 2008 2009 year. A Visual Art, Performing Art or Physical Development elective would increase the student class load to 7 classes for at least one semester. Placement preference in Visual and Performing Art 2 classes is given to seniors, then juniors and then sophomores. Sophomores may choose to continue in Vocal and Instrumental Music electives. Physical Development classes follow the same preference method.
3. If I am interested, how may Honors and/or Advanced Placement classes should I take? I don’t want to be too stressed.
Honors and Advanced Placement classes qualify the individual for acceptance to more selective universities, e.g. UCLA. If you are interested in a more selective university, you should take the advanced classes you qualify for in each academic department. Advanced classes should not take so much time and energy from a student that they impair the student’s health, sleep, normal social time, and involvement in other activities such as sports, theater, or other campus activities. If you are experiencing difficulty with an advanced class or your course load, you should quickly make any appointment with your counselor.
4. Is it possible to be moved out of a scheduled Honors or Advanced Placement class if my grades are not as strong at the end of this semester?
Yes. Placement requires a qualifying grade for both semesters.
5. Can I change my schedule after I receive it over the summer? How do I do that?
It is possible, but options are limited. Email Mrs. Waterbury in the Registrar’s Office to make your request. Please note that the Registrar’s Office is closed in July and the Add/Drop period begins in August.
6. If I earn a “D” in a first semester class, how do I make- up this grade so I qualify a college’s admission requirements?
Colleges only recognize classes as completed if a grade is “C” or better is earned. Therefore, it is extremely important that you retake the semester of the class in which you received the “D” or “F”. This must be accomplished the summer before the next school year. Summer schools at AMHS, other local high schools, or at Community Colleges are available to fulfill this requirement. Consult the letter mailed to your parents from the Associate Principal regarding the specific course to take.
7. How do my parents approve of the schedule I’ve chosen?
Your parents will be able to view your list of classes in May. If they have concerns about course placement, they may contact the department chair who made the placement. The email addresses will be available with your course list. Student requests for Add/Drops as preferences are handled during the Add/Drop period at the beginning of August.
8. Can I discuss my proposed schedule with anyone to make sure it is the best for me given my future college goals and personal interests?
Freshmen are invited to meetings with counselors on Wednesday, March 12th, after school in Room 401 or Thursday, March 13th, during the lunch period in the Monarch Room.
