To ensure that all schedule changes are handled fairly, efficiently, and with the best interests of students in mind, Faribault Middle School has developed the following process for handling schedule change requests.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Request
Schedule changes will be approved for the following reasons:
- Inappropriate Placement
- Class Imbalance
- Conflicts in Schedule
- Schedule Error
- FMS Staff Request: Initiated by a teacher when they believe a change would benefit the student academically or behaviorally. Students would remain with the same teacher on most occasions, only period changes would be approved.
Schedule changes will not be approved for the following reasons:
- Friend Grouping
- Switch Lunch Period
- Class Period Preference
Special Circumstances:
- Parent/Guardian or Student Request: Schedule changes should only be requested in rare circumstances where new medical or legal challenges may occur. All requests must be discussed with a school counselor first, and administrative approval is required. Please contact your counselor for further guidance.
Step 2: Submission of Request
All schedule change requests must be submitted through the proper channels to ensure they are documented and reviewed.
- FMS Staff Requests: Submit a detailed written request to the counselor, outlining the reasons for the change and how it benefits the student. Look to different hours, not a different teacher.
- Parent/Guardian or Student Request: Submit the request via email, phone call, or written note to the student's assigned academic counselor. Meet with the counselor to discuss the reasons for the request. All requests must be discussed with a school counselor first, and administrative approval is required.
Step 3: Initial Review
The counselor will review the request to determine feasibility based on the following:
- Class availability and size limitations.
- Student academic, social, and behavioral needs.
- Teacher recommendations.
- Compliance with school policies and graduation or promotion requirements.
Step 4: Stakeholder Consultation
- Teacher Input: Counselors will consult with the student’s current and potential teachers to assess the impact of the change.
- Parent Communication: Parents/guardians will be informed of the request and provided with an opportunity to share input before any changes are made.
Step 5: Administrative Approval
The counselor will present the proposed change to the administration (assistant principal or principal) for final approval.
Step 6: Communication of Decision
- Approved Changes: The student, parent/guardian, and all impacted teachers will receive notification of the approved change and the new schedule.
- Denied Changes: The student and parent/guardian will be informed of the denial and the reasoning behind the decision. Counselors may work with the family to identify alternative solutions if applicable.
Step 7: Implementation
Once approved, the schedule change will be processed in Infinite Campus, and the student will begin their new schedule at the agreed-upon time (typically at the start of a new quarter, semester, or Monday if immediate).
Additional Notes
- Timing: Schedule changes are typically only allowed during the first two weeks of a quarter/semester, except in extraordinary circumstances.
- Grade Impact: Students are responsible for completing missed work in the new class if applicable.
- Conflict Resolution: If disagreements arise regarding a schedule change, the principal will meditate and make the final decision.
By following this process, we aim to ensure transparency, consistency, and fairness in meeting the academic and personal needs of our students.
Math
