Four Block Schedule Basics
by Brian Church
December 13, 2006
Frequently Asked Questions About the 4X4 Block Schedule
1. How many classes will my student take in the
block?
Students take four classes at a time in the block schedule. Classes
that are one term (9 weeks) are worth ½ credit. Classes that are
two terms (18 weeks) are worth 1 credit. Freshmen will register for
8 credits.
2. How do we ensure that my student will meet graduation
requirements, college entrance requirements, or receive career
training while in high school?
During the freshmen year, students will meet with his/her guidance
counselor and develop a four-year plan of study. This plan is part
of the Individual Career Plan and aligns the student’s ambitions
with their post-secondary goals.
3. Which math class does my child register to take?
Students coming to high school recently took the Orleans-Hanna
Algebra Prognosis Test at their home school. These tests results
are one indicator used to determine the appropriate freshmen level
math class. The 8th grade math teacher recommendation, Stanford
Achievement Test results, previous grades in math, and student
motivation are also important considerations in determining the
entry level math course.
4. When do I find out about the lunch schedule? Is campus
closed for freshmen during lunch?
There are 3 lunch periods. Students eat their lunch during Block 3.
Students will find out when their lunch is at Freshmen
Orientation/Registration in August. The campus is closed for
freshmen, sophomores, and juniors during lunch. Seniors may earn
the privilege of off campus lunch by meeting the Off Campus Lunch
criteria listed in the Student Agenda Book.
5. Can a freshman register for more than one English, math or
science class in one school year?
Students should not register for more than one English or science
class in one school year. If a freshman has a desire to complete a
total of 5 credits of math, he/she may take two math courses in a
school year.
6. Can I take driver education as a freshman?
Yes, if she/he turns 15 by September 1st. Students do not earn any
credit in driver education.
7. Should I take a foreign language during the freshmen
year?
College bound students are strongly encouraged to complete at least
2 years of the same
foreign language. The foreign language department(s) recommend
students take the first
two years of the language in the same school year.
8. If I change my mind about the classes I signed up for at
the registration conference, what do I do?
Students can make changes until April 6, 2007. Students can also
make one schedule change for academic reasons during the first
three days of a new term. To make a change in registration, contact
your guidance counselor at 875-3308.
9. How are music (performance-based) classes scheduled in the
block?
Band and Concert Choir are scheduled during Block 3. Students will
alternate with music and physical education for the entire school
year. (4 terms) Students earn one credit in music and one credit on
P.E. Chamber Choir is taught as a two-term class and is scheduled
during Block 1, 2 or 4. Chamber Choir students take P.E. I as a
two-term class during Block 1, 2 or 4.
10. Who will be my guidance counselor while I am in high
school?
Mr. Church (ext. 231) – Last names beginning with A-L
Mrs. Dullard (ext. 227) – Last names beginning with M-Z
Block Basics
All classes are 84 minutes long.
There are four “blocks” or four classes in a school day.(Block 1,
Block 2, Block 3, and Block 4)
There are 10 minutes between classes.
One-term classes last 9 weeks.
Two-term classes last 18 weeks.
There are (4) nine-week terms in the school year. (Term 1, Term
2, Term 3, and Term 4)
All courses are worth ½ credit.
Students will register for a total of (8) credits. This number
includes P. E. I, Band, and Choir.
