The window for students to complete the online course registration for the 2020-21 school year opened on Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27. Counselors are available during Flex time for questions and concerns about registration. 

Students were scheduled to receive their credit check letters the week of Jan. 13 during their language arts class. In addition to the credit check letters, students will receive a recommendation form for their teachers to fill out. Students can access instructions on how to fill out the form here.

While filling out the registration form, students are required to fill out four additional courses as a fallback option if a class is too full or if there is a scheduling conflict. Administrators recommend that the four courses chosen are classes students would not mind taking or still need credit in. The chosen alternatives can only be a semester long.

Rising seniors have the opportunity to graduate early if all credits are fulfilled. If seniors decide to graduate early, they will still be able to walk across the stage with the rest of their class at the Graduation Ceremony in May.

“Any students interested in graduating early should discuss this with their counselor as the student will need to make sure they have their language arts classes doubled up in order to fulfill the graduation requirements,” James Waeckerle, school counselors, said. 

The upcoming senior class now has new options for fulfilling their English credit. In the past, Rockwood required seniors to take Senior Literature or Senior Composition if they were not enrolled in a full year approved language arts course.

“The new changes are giving more choice and freedom to seniors. They can take any course we offer in language arts to meet the fourth credit requirement. In fact, they can also take that course prior to their senior year,” Natalie Fallert, Literacy Coordinator, said.

According to Wackerle, seniors can now obtain their language arts credit with any of the following classes; Introduction to College Literature, Topics in College Literature, Advanced Placement English Language & Composition, Advanced Placement English Literature & Composition, Black Literature, Creative Writing, Sports Literature & Writing, Multicultural Literature, Science Fiction Literature, Public Speaking, Journalism Writing & Reporting or Language, Communication and Composition 2.

New additions to the course guide include Introduction to College Literature, which replaces what is currently British Literature and is available for college credit through the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Introduction to College Writing, formerly Senior Composition, is also available for college credit through UMSL. Topics in College Literature: Contemporary Novels studies novels from the 21st century and is available for college credit through UMSL. Black Literature is a new addition and studies literature of black writers throughout Africa, America and England from past to present alongside Popular Literature, formerly known as Senior Reader’s/Writer’s Workshop, which focuses on young adult literature.

Counselors encourage students who have any questions about registering for classes to visit them in Room 123.