• High School Transition Frequently Asked Questions


    Q: When will students receive information about high school?
    A: In late January, counselors from Wheaton Warrenville South High School visit 8th grade classes at Edison and share some important information about high school courses, credits, activities and sports. They visited Edison on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Linked here is the presentation from that visit: Freshmen Orientation 2026.

    Q: When is the Incoming Freshman Parent Orientation for Wheaton Warrenville South High School?
    A: Wheaton Warrenville South’s Incoming Freshman Parent Orientation typically takes place at Wheaton Warrenville South in early February. The date and time of the 2022 VIRTUAL Incoming Freshman Parent Orientation is Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 6:30 PM. 


    Q: When do students pick their courses for freshman year?  

    A: At the end of January, 8th grade students will receive a course selection worksheet as well as a link to the high school catalog. Students and parents are encouraged to review these prior to the Incoming Freshman Parent Orientation. Immediately following the parent orientation, online registration will be available via StudentVue. Students' course recommendations for English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education will be pre-filled, but students will be able to select electives and other courses to complete their schedule. Students are asked to complete this registration process in StudentVue by Sunday, February 13, 2022.


    Q: Where can I get a copy of the Course Catalog?

    A: The District 200 High School Course Catalog is updated each year and made available online at the end of January. To access the course catalog, visit the Parent/Student Resources page of the Wheaton Warrenville South website or click here


    Q: What data is considered during the high school placement process?

    A. The data reviewed in the high school placement process varies by subject area but includes the following:
    • 8th grade quarter 1 & 2 grades
    • 8th grade semester 1 exams, if applicable
    • 8th grade PSAT scores 
    • 8th grade Math course
    • 8th grade fall and winter local assessment scores
    • 8th grade teacher recommendations

    Q: When do 8th graders take the PSAT test? 
    A: The PSAT test is typically administered to all District 200 8th graders in late September or early October. For the 2019-20 school year, it was administered on Friday, October 22, 2021. Results typically arrive to the school after winter break and are sent home in mid-January. 


    Q: What are the expectations of the A-level courses versus I-level?

    A: All students, regardless of level, are expected to work hard, show initiative, participate in class, contribute positively to a collaborative group, demonstrate independence, and be self-motivated. In addition, A-level students are typically independent learners who have scores in the upper quartile, are strong readers and writers, are able to work with peers to think critically and analyze data, and demonstrate original and creative thinking in class discussions and assignments. Please note: Students who wish to take A-Level Chemistry in 9th grade must have successfully completed Fast-Paced Biology and Fast-Paced Geometry at the 8th grade level.


    Q: What do I do if I have questions about my child’s placement?

    A: 8th grade teachers make placement recommendations based on the data listed above. These recommendations are based on years of student achievement data and are designed to place students in the courses where they will be appropriately challenged and successful. If you have questions regarding your child’s placement in a particular subject area, contact the high school department chair for that subject area BY FEBRUARY 9, 2022

    Department

    Chair

    Email

    Phone

    English

    Dr. Craig Lawrence

    craig.lawrence@cusd200.org

    784-7200 ext 8687

    Math

    Cindy Budzikowski

    cynthia.budzikowski@cusd200.org

    784-7200 ext 8619

    Science

    Phil Culcasi

    philip.culcasi@cusd200.org

    784-7200 ext 8632

    Social Studies

    Mr. Steve Linhardt

    steven.linhardt@cusd200.org

    784-7200 ext 8689

    World Languages  

    Amee Noethe        amee.noethe@cusd200.org 784-7200 ext 8709
     
    Q: What should I consider when reviewing my child’s placement?
    A: It is important to consider the expectations placed on your child from all arenas. For example, if a child is recommended for all A-level courses, you may feel that four A-level courses is too much if your child is also engaged in other activities that require a significant amount of time and energy. However, please know that it is important that your child is placed in courses that challenge your child and align with his/her ability levels.

    Q: Who do I contact if I would like to discuss my child’s 9th grade schedule in general?

    A: If you have questions about your child’s 9th grade schedule as a whole, please contact the Wheaton Warrenville South High School counseling office at 630-784-7200. 


    Q: Are there any special events for students at the end of their 8th grade year? A: Yes!

    • Moving On Ceremony - District 200 middle schools do not hold graduation ceremonies, but Edison does celebrate with a Moving On ceremony. The ceremony is typically scheduled on the last FULL DAY of school at 10 AM, which is expected to be June 2, 2022. If held indoors, due to space constraints, each student typically receives two tickets for parents/guardians to attend. 
    • 8th Grade Dance - In May, 8th graders typically have a dance to celebrate the end of their middle school years. Due to COVID, the date of the dance is TBD. 

    Additional details about all 8th grade events will be communicated later in the spring.  

Last Modified on January 21, 2022