Clark Middle School recently held an informational meeting for families of current 7th-grade students.
Principal Tricia Hall, Dean Shelby McCormick, and School Counselor Jennifer Vickers led the discussion, providing an overview of course options and high school credit opportunities available at CMS.
Mrs. Vickers discussed the course request process, explaining that students will complete their course selection forms after Spring Break.
Vickers and McCormick also shared details on high school credit opportunities at CMS, including why all 8th-grade students will be enrolled in two high school–level courses—Computer Science and Preparing for College and Careers (Prep CC).
“CMS has been offering both Prep CC and Computer Science, which are now graduation requirements for the new Indiana diploma,” said Principal Tricia Hall. “CMS is also adding several optional electives that will help students earn required credits toward graduation.”
View Thursday's Presentation to Parents here.
Families also received an update on the new Indiana diploma requirements.
The discussion included key differences between the current Core 40 diploma and the new diploma that will take effect with the Class of 2029.
One key change is that students are now required to earn a credit in Prep CC and Computer Science.
Another difference is that the PE requirement has been reduced from two credits to one.
A common question from families was how students qualify for high school credit courses at CMS.
Factors that help determine eligibility include student course requests, teacher recommendations, test scores such as ILEARN, ILEARN Checkpoints, and CogAT, GPA and course grades, overall academic performance, and previous coursework.
Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Vickers reassured families that while these courses provide an early opportunity to earn high school credits, students are not required to take them at CMS to stay on track for graduation.
Due to scheduling constraints, not all 8th-grade students can enroll in every available high school credit course.
For more information about course selections for next year’s 8th-grade students, families are encouraged to contact Clark Middle School at 812-882-5172.