CRHS Counselor
Newsletter-Spring 2024 COURSE SELECTION EDITION
It’s course selection season! It’s a busy and exciting time, as we help students plan for next school year. All students have received a course selection sheet and step-by-step instructions. (NOTE: All of the below links are also available on the CRHS website/counselor page/course selection page, or Dual Credit page. Here’s a breakdown:
Course Selection Video
The Course Selection Video was shown initially on January 31st in period 3.5. If students were absent or attend MCTC in the mornings and missed it, it is posted on our CRHS website / counselor page / course selection page. Feel free to watch it with your student or just for your information. Students are welcome to come by either counseling office to pick up step-by-step instructions and course selection sheet.
Instruction Guide
The SchooLinks Instruction Guide is a video for students who are unfamiliar with SchooLinks or want a refresher. It explains how to input courses into SchooLinks.
Course Selection Sheet
The 9th-11th grade course selection sheet is a list of courses to choose from for next year. Students can keep this and use it for reference when they are choosing courses.
Course Catalog
The KISD Course Catalog is helpful if you need more information about a particular course, or would like more information about graduation requirements.
Miller Career & Technology Center
If your student is signing up for a Miller Career & Technology Center course, here is a link to their course request, which is the application for a Miller program. This link will be open until midnight on Friday, March 1st.
Dual Credit
If your student is wanting to take a dual credit course next year, (11th & 12th grades only) additional steps are needed. If the student has never taken a dual credit course before, they need to complete the ApplyTexas application to attend HCC. This step is due by March 8th. If the student is currently in a dual credit course or has taken one before, they ONLY need to complete STEP 4 in the Dual Credit Registration page. For more information, including a list of dual credit courses offered next year at CRHS, visit the Dual Credit Information page.
PLEASE NOTE: If your student is wanting to take a dual credit course in the summer of 2024, the deadline is much sooner. Visit the same Dual Credit Info page for more information on courses offered this summer.
Time Line
Timeline for Course Selection-2024-25
February 5 SchooLinks opens for students to input selections for next year.
February 19 SchooLinks / course planner closes for students; viewable only.
February 8 through March 8 Counselors meet with each 9th, 10th, 11th grade student to review and finalize courses for next year.
March 1@11:59pm Miller Career & Technology Center application/course request deadline
March 8 Deadline for NEW dual credit students to complete Apply Texas application.
March 22 Deadline for ALL dual credit paperwork to be uploaded.
March 18 through March 26 Course Verification – opportunity to make final changes to courses for next year (through counselor request/QR)
After March 26 Course changes will only be allowed in the following cases:
1. Error in scheduling by the school (data entry error)
2. Student has not met course prerequisites.
3. Student has already earned credit for the course.
4. Change in program (athletics, fine arts, etc.)
5. Level changes as recommended by the teacher and counselor, with parent and principal approval.
6. Student did not meet standard on STAAR/EOC exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Course Selection
Q: Can I meet with my counselor now to talk about what I should choose?
A: Individual meetings are already planned with students. Students should select what they would like to take as best they can, based on what is already in their plan, and what they are taking this year. If they choose an incorrect course, or put in too many courses, the counselor will correct this during the individual meeting with each student in February and March.
Q: When will I meet with my counselor?
A: We start with Junior meetings on Thursday, February 8th through Thursday, February 15th; Sophomore meetings will be Friday, February 16th through Tuesday, February 27th, and Freshmen will be Wednesday, February 28th through Friday, March 8th. Our goal is to have met with each student by spring break; however, if students were absent on their designated day, counselors will call them in to meet, and this could occur right after spring break if we are unable to meet with them before.
Q: Where do I apply to Miller Career & Technology Center?
A: Here is the link to apply - the deadline to apply is March 1st.
Q: If I applied to Miller, would I put those courses in SchooLinks?
A: Yes, if you applied to Miller, make sure you choose your Miller program in SchooLinks. You will let your counselor know what courses to use as alternates in case you don’t get into Miller.
Q: What is the difference between AP courses and Dual Credit courses?
A: When you take a dual credit course, you begin building your college transcript through Houston Community College. MOST in-state public universities accept dual credit courses, but out-of-state schools might not accept them. The GPA points for dual credit is 4.5 for “A” vs. 4 points in an academic course, and 5 points in an AP course. AP courses are more rigorous, contain more “higher level thinking” test questions, and whether you get college credit or not totally depends on what score you make on the AP exam, given in May of each school year. Most colleges throughout the United States will count AP scores towards college credit, depending on the students’ major and the university.
Q: How do I take a class in the summer?
A: Summer courses are offered through Katy Virtual School. If you apply to take a course in the summer, please be patient as you wait for approval, as we have so many to approve. The first summer session starts on May 27th so there is plenty of time for processing.
Q: Do I put my summer KVS courses into SchooLinks?
A: No but make sure you remind your counselor at your individual meeting that you are taking a course in the summer through KVS.
Q: How many classes can I take through KVS in the summer?
A: According to district policy, a student may take up to 2 courses per semester, regardless of the level (KAP/AP or academic)
Q: Should I fill in courses for future years?
A: You certainly can fill in future courses you are interested in taking but understand that we are most concerned with next year’s courses; future years are a plan/draft at this point.