8th Grade to HS Information

 

DEADLINE: School Choice Requests due TODAY!

Any High School Choice requests must be completed in the Focus portal by Friday, January 30th.

Additional information is available on the Manatee County website. 

 

Also, please see the attached flyer from SEHS!

 

Important Information about 9th Grade Course Selection/ and Registration for RMA on Feb 27, 2026, at RMA

 

Dear Parents/Guardians of 8th Grade Students,

We are beginning preparations for 9th-grade course selection for the 2026-2027 school year. While the high schools have not yet finalized their updated Curriculum guides, I have made copies of last year’s Curriculum Guides. Please take time to review these materials with your student. Last year's Curriculum Guides provide detailed descriptions of courses and outline the high school requirements for each class.

In addition, I am including last year's Course Selection Forms. Here, you and your students will practice selecting classes for the next school year. This is NOT the form that will carry over to the HS. I just want the student to be familiar with the forms and the guide, come up with questions, and prepare for the real Registration forms on February 27, 2026.

 

(These forms are not current, but they are very similar to the current forms that the HS School Counselors and/or HS representatives will be bringing to the school on the day of HS registration.)

The course selection process will proceed as follows:

1. High School Visits
   By the end of February, the school board should be done with the school choice process. I am coordinating for the high schools to visit our campus. Each high school will be assigned a classroom, and students will go to the classroom associated with the high school they are slated to attend based on the information in FOCUS. By this time, you should have received notification if your student has been accepted through School Choice or into specialized programs such as AICE or IB. If not, I HAVE to send your student to the HS that he/she is assigned in FOCUS. If you have applied to your choice school, please let me know in advance and provide me with the acceptance letter to your chosen school.  (wyarj@rowlettmiddleacademy.org) I will not be able to just go on the word of the students, as many students/parents apply for choice, and not all get approved. Please contact me (Mrs Wyar) if you have questions about what school your student is assigned to. If you have questions about Choice, or whether or not your student was accepted or not, you will need to contact the Office of Student Assignment with the Manatee School Board.

2. Elective Course Selection
   On the day of the visit, high school counselors will assist students with selecting elective courses and addressing any questions they may have about classes or the school. In preparation for this, I am sharing the course selection forms now so you and your student can review elective options in advance.
   Please note:

• You need not worry about core class placement at this time. Your student’s current core teachers will recommend the appropriate level of high school courses based on their academic progress,  High School course requirements stated in the curriculum guide, and the spring FAST/EOC scores that students will be taking in May. (We will not have this by Feb., so I will use last year's PM3 scores. Once the scores come in, the HS will take over in July and make any changes based on the updated scores if needed.

• Students will complete the elective selection process with the high school counselors during their visit.

3. Form Submission and Follow-Up
   After students complete the course selection forms, I will collect them for review. The forms will not be returned to students on this day. Once teacher recommendations are finalized, I will sign off on the core classes for each student and retain a copy of the completed registration forms for our records.
   You will receive the original form to review and sign. Please ensure your student returns the signed form to me promptly. I recommend taking a picture of the signed form for your records. Once your student turns in the form by March 6, 2026, I will send it to their high school. 

NOTE: Right after 9th grade course selections, we have to do 5th, 6th, and 7th grade course selection and FAST and EOC testing. If your student does not turn in the form by the designated deadline, March 6, 2026, you will be responsible for getting it to the High School.

 

If you disagree with any recommendation, please feel free to contact me directly, or send a note with your student, and I will review the matter and get right back to you

 

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. I can be reached at extension 1119 or via email at [email protected].

 

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition to high school for your student.

Sincerely,

Joanne Wyar

Below are the links for LAST YEAR'S course selection form and LAST YEAR'S curriculum guides:

 

 

Southeast High School Choice Night – Dec. 10 at 5:30 PM

 

Dear Families,
Southeast High School invites you to attend their School Choice Information Night on Wednesday, December 10th at 5:30 PM in their auditorium to discover more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program and how your child can get 100% of their college tuition paid for. If your child thrives on academic challenges and is eager to develop as a well-rounded, globally minded thinker, this program is a perfect fit!
At the event you will explore how the IB Program fosters global-mindedness, academic excellence, and a supportive learning environment, while also discovering the unique benefits IB Diploma graduates enjoy. You will also hear directly from students and parents about their experiences. Prospective IB students will participate in engaging sessions designed to inspire creativity and problem-solving through activities in engineering, STEM, and TV production. Additionally, you and your child will learn about the wide range of enrichment and extracurricular opportunities that Southeast High School has to offer, including athletics, band, and clubs.  
This event is a great opportunity for our 8th rising grade students to explore their options and discover the high school programs that best match their goals and interests. All families are welcome.
You can apply online for the IB Program through the link below.  
Application for Admission 2026-2027 School Year Pre-IB Program Southeast High School   – Fill out form
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Meghan Bishop, IB Coordinator at Southeast High School, at [email protected].
Thank you!