Although the 2012-2013 school year does not begin until August, preparations for next year have already begun. As part of the early planning, counselors are using weeks in February to allow students to sign up for their classes next year.

“It’s a process that takes about 6 weeks; 4 weeks to talk to the students, then a week for the students to come and actually put their information in the computer lab,” counselor Stacey Ruff said. Finally, the counselors take about a week and a half to call in all the kids that were absent, and by that point you’re right before spring break.”

From there, the process goes to central administration.

“The school district then decides which classes to keep, and then they can start hiring based on that information,” Ruff said. “You want to get the best teachers early.”

Although it may seem early to be thinking about next year, it’s fairly common.

“Anywhere I’ve been in my career registration starts at this time of year,” Ruff said.

While the timing of registration is the same, a couple of changes have been made to the process.

“Last year the counselors sat down with all the juniors individually to talk about schedules,” Ruff said. “This year we’ve decided to sit down with all the ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders individually, so that’s added some time to the process.”

Additionally, there are a number of new classes added to the program.

“There are new internship classes for the seniors, and a humanities class will be taught this year by Ms. Moore,” Ruff said. “There’s also virtual business, fashion marketing, animation, oral interpretation, and mobile apps development. Not all the classes will make it, however, it depends on how many kids sign up. I think the average is 15 kids for a class.”

The benefits of early registration are numerous.

“It’s mainly for the school, because they can hire teachers early, and we have the best teachers come in, which helps everybody from the administration to the students,” Ruff said.

Students also like the changes.

“I think it’s good to think about classes early, rather than have it all at the end of the year,” junior Laura Pitkin said.

Junior Emilie Lyne agrees.

“I like having class registration early because it gives you time to think about your choices, or to know what you’re doing ahead,” Lyne said. “The counselors start early so we’re prepared in advance.”

Online registration for juniors, sophomores, and freshmen will take place throughout the month of February. Additionally, changes can be made to schedules after counselors send out a verification slip in May.