Academics

The purpose of our ‘System of Assessment and Reporting’ (SOAR) is to provide an ongoing dialogue between teachers, students and parents about individual learning and growth. Our reporting system consists of multiple resources for parents, teachers and students to use and access. These tools are designed and implemented so that continuous feedback is provided for teachers, parents and students. It is imperative that a learning system provides every student opportunities to demonstrate and celebrate his or her learning and receive feedback on his or her learning progress. In addition, the system fosters an environment so that parents know specific learning progress for their children.

• Frequently Asked Questions about SOAR
• Kindergarten SOAR
• First Grade SOAR
• Second Grade SOAR
• Third Grade SOAR
• Fourth Grade SOAR
• Fifth Grade SOAR

COURSE PLACEMENT PROCESS

Our placement process includes collaboration with the student's teachers, local assessments and previous standardized test performance. It is important to note that our curriculum is not designed to prepare students to "get into" advanced coursework. If it becomes clear that a student meets the criteria for courses outside of the general education content areas, he or she will be scheduled accordingly.

What can you do? Take a look at the SMS Curriculum Guide and begin a conversation with your student about his or her academic strengths, challenges, and the electives he or she would like to take advantage of in Middle School. Our curriculum is designed for exploration!

Course selection at SMS takes place in April, beginning with a visit to campus for all incoming sixth graders from across the district. New students to the district can arrange a tour by calling our Main Office at (248) 623-4200.

The Counseling Department at Sashabaw Middle School is devoted to providing a comprehensive program designed to cultivate thinkers, learners, and positive contributors to a global society. We strive to supports developmentally appropriate student achievement both academically, and socially.

SMS school counselors provide Individual Student Planning services to help students find "Right Fit" courses, including:

• Coordinating ongoing systemic activities designed to assist students in establishing personal goals and developing future plans.
• Consultation and collaboration with parents, educators (district-wide), and community organizations.
• Facilitating special events, like Parent Night, where students and parents can learn more about the academic and extracurricular opportunities at Sashabaw Middle School.

Nowhere will you find a better opportunity to "try it all," than in the middle school years at SMS.

SMS Curriculum Guide

Required Classes in 6th Grade

• Language Arts (4 Quarters) Math (4 Quarters) Science (4 Quarters) Social Studies (4 Quarters)
• Physical Education/Fitness/Health (2 Quarters) Art 6 (1 Quarter)

Sixth Grade Course Catalog

Required Classes in 7th Grade

• Language Arts (4 Quarters) Math (4 Quarters) Science (4 Quarters)
• Social Studies (4 Quarters)
• Lifetime Sports & Fitness or Competitive Sports & Fitness (1 Quarter)
• Health (1 Quarter)

Seventh Grade Course Catalog

Did you know now is the time to start thinking about a plan to develop interests and strengths into an academic focus, and ultimately, a career? We know this looks different for everyone (especially in middle school), so use these course recommendations as a very loose framework for some possibilities to explore in the coming years.

• If you're thinking about band or orchestra, it is strongly recommended that you begin in sixth grade, as there are no beginner band/orchestra classes after the sixth grade year.
• If you want to join the Clarkston Construction Tech program in 8th grade, try our STEAM electives.
• If you want to take Math 8 + Algebra, or other advanced math classes, enroll in the SMS summer math camp and sharpen your skills. In order to be considered for Math 8 + Algebra, you must carry a 98% average in 7th grade math each quarter.
• If you want to take Advanced Studies, AP, dual-enrollment or early college courses, or work toward an International Baccalaureate® (IB) degree, please check the Clarkston Junior HIgh School Curriculum Guide for a list of prerequisites.
• If you want to join CSMTech, you must first pass 8th grade Algebra and have had a conceptual physics experience prior to applying. Read more about CSMTech.

REQUESTS FOR SCHEDULE CHANGES

The course selection process needs to be taken seriously. All decisions regarding class choices should be carefully thought through as changes are not permitted except for extenuating circumstances.

If a student believes that a scheduling change is necessary due to unusual circumstances, a written request may be turned into the counseling office. The letter must be signed by the student as well as a parent.

All schedule change requests must be made by the fifth school day of each quarter.

The Michigan Merit Curriculum outlines the required 22 credits for graduation. Read more at Michigan Merit High School Graduation Requirements Frequently Asked Questions. Credit can be obtained in multiple ways using CTE Credit Exchange and Personal Curriculums. Please see your counselor for more information.

Graduation Credit Requirements

Did you know now is the time to start thinking about a plan to develop interests and strengths into an academic focus, and ultimately, a career? We know this looks different for everyone, so use these course recommendations as a very loose framework for some possibilities to explore in the coming years.

• If you want to take Advanced Studies, AP, dual-enrollment or early college courses, or work toward an International Baccalaureate® (IB) degree, please check the Clarkston Junior High School Curriculum Guide for a list of prerequisites.
• If you want to join CSMTech, you must first pass 8th grade Algebra and have had a conceptual physics experience prior to applying. Read more about CSMTech.
• If you want to pursue Band, Orchestra, Choir, Theatre Arts, or Visual Arts, you may wish to consider testing out of a course or taking a zero-hour health course to make room in your schedule for these electives. Talk to your counselor now about your options.

The focus of the Counseling Department at Clarkston Junior High School is to provide students and their families with comforting support and assistance in the development of their academic, career and personal/social skills.

CJHS Counseling Website

Clarkston Junior High students, with the guidance of the counseling department, may prepare to "test out" of a class. Students may use this option to customize their junior high school education or recover lost credit.

• "Request to Test Out of a Course" forms are available in the junior high counseling office. Testing will take place two (2) times per school year. (August and January)
• Length of test period to be determined based on subject area, course, and test items needed to indicate mastery.
• All 8‐9 students are eligible to participate in the "testing out" program.
• Successful testing out of a class will give credit toward graduation. When a successful level (C+/78% or higher) is accomplished, students will be allowed to advance in course sequence. Courses will appear on the transcript as tested out.
• CJHS will enforce all other rules as they pertain to P .A. 335 of 1993 – see section 1279b (MCL).
• The assessment for testing out must be used for the testing proficiency in the course. The assessment may include one or more of the following examples: written test, oral test, portfolio, project, etc.
• In order to test out, students must have knowledge of the subject matter. Requests for textbooks and/or study materials will be made by the student to the test out coordinator (if available).
• Honors and “IB” courses may not be tested out of. These classes are taught with the ideals and philosophies of the International Baccalaureate Programme, which may not be reflected on the test-out itself.

Read more

CJHS students may enroll in a summer school program with written approval from their counselor and/or administrator. Courses that are required for graduation must first be attempted at CJHS before being taken during summer or night school. Students need to enroll prior to the end of the school year so they are able to get counselor approval for the courses needed.

Counselors are not in their offices after the end of the school year. The counselors will have summer school materials after the first of May pertaining to calendar, actual meeting dates, course offerings, registration information, and fees. All courses must be approved by a counselor or administrator.

The school profile is a recommended component of college applications.

CHS counselors have uploaded the school profile to the Common App,  but you can also upload this document yourself to your college application, if necessary.

The Michigan Merit Curriculum outlines the required 22 credits for graduation. Read more at Michigan Merit High School Graduation Requirements Frequently Asked Questions. Credit can be obtained in multiple ways using CTE Credit Exchange and Personal Curriculums. Please see your counselor for more information.

Graduation Credit Requirements

The focus of the Counseling Department at Clarkston High School is to provide students and their families with comforting support and assistance in the development of their academic, career and personal/social skills.

The school counseling program mission aligns with the mission of Clarkston Community Schools. It is our purpose that over a lifetime, students will "learn to learn, learn to work, and learn to live now and in the future."

The Counseling Department of Clarkston High School is devoted to providing a comprehensive program designed to support students in developing and using lifelong learning and coping skills. In addition to serving the immediate needs of our school community we strive to implement a developmental program that supports student achievement in the academic, career, and personal/social domains.

School counselors are assigned by student's last name and students remain assigned to the same counselor through graduation. Counselors are always on hand to assist students in developing college plans, investigating career choices, and addressing personal/social problems.

Additional assistance is available to students through the services of several support personnel. The School Social Workers, Jeremy McCall and Carolyn Clarke, School Psychologist, Jacob Schmitt, and Special Education Department Chair Tamera Conwell help in concerns regarding special education services.

The Counseling Department also maintains extensive files of college and career information made available in the Career Resource Center. College representatives and military recruiters visit our campus throughout the year. Representative visits are posted and shared under the "College Information" links on the left hand side of this page.

Students are encouraged to become acquainted with their counselors as soon as possible. Appointments can be made by contacting one of the Counseling Secretaries.

CHS Counseling Website

You'll find everything you need for the day-to-day CHS senior year student experience in the CHS Student Life section of the website. Don't forget to also check out our Student Portal at the top of this page!

Renaissance High School is for students in grades 9 - 12 who need an alternative to the traditional high school setting in order to be successful. Renaissance students must meet Clarkston High School graduation requirements and receive a Clarkston High School diploma. Renaissance students are encouraged to participate in athletics, clubs and extracurricular activities offered at Clarkston High School. Renaissance students can also take courses at the Oakland Technical Campus. The smaller student-teacher ratio at Renaissance gives students the opportunity to receive individualized attention and support. Renaissance is housed at the newly renovated Community Education center building on Waldon Road.

To set up an interview appointment with Mrs. Christa Fons, Director, call 248.623.8060