Home » Do It Now Freshman Connection - FAQ
Is Freshman Connection mandatory?
- No. Participation in Freshman Connection is not a mandatory. It is highly recommended that students participate, but students will not be penalized for not participating.
Is Freshman Connection summer school?
- No, it is a transitional summer program to help students prepare for high school and to help students succeed in high school and beyond.
Where will Freshman Connection be held?
- Freshman Connection will take place at high schools throughout the district. Students will attend Freshman Connection at the high school they are attached to for the fall.
Do students have to attend Freshman Connection at the high school they will attend in the fall?
- In most cases, yes. The exception to this is if the high school the student is attending in the fall is not participating. The student may participate in Freshman connection at their neighborhood school.
How many days a week is this program?
- Freshman Connection takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and afternoon sessions will occur two times during the week from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The afternoon session’s dates will vary by school.
How can I get more Freshman Connection applications?
Are students receiving credit for participating in Freshman Connection?
- Students may receive a quarter credit (.250) for the math and readingEnglish portion of the morning session as long as they earn at least a “C” and do not miss more than two days of Freshman Connection.
My family has a vacation planned for a week during the time that Freshman Connection is happening. Can my child still attend?
- Yes, but if a student missed more than two days, they cannot receive credit. However, we still encourage students to participate in Freshman Connection even if they will miss days for family vacation.
How are students getting to their high school for Freshman Connection?
- Students that need help getting to and from their high school will be given CTA transit cards.
My student has a learning disability. Can my student still participate in Freshman Connection?
- Yes. Students with IEPs, or 504s can participate in Freshman Connection. Elementary counselors must simply note that information on the Freshman Connection application.
Will my student be in class with other students from their elementary school?
- It depends on the high school that the student will be attending. For instance, if a student is attending a neighborhood high school, they may be in a class with some other students from their elementary school and some students from the surrounding area. However, if a student is attending a selective enrollment or charter high school, they may be in a class and know no one. That is one of the reasons to participate, to make new friends.
How do students register?
- To register, parents should fill out the application (see above) and turn it into their child’s elementary school counselor.
What is the student to teacher ratio?
- The student to teacher ratio is 32:1 or 32 students to each teacher and 100 students to each counselor.
Is there an attendance policy?
- Students must not miss more than two days if they wish to receive credit. Otherwise students will not be penalized for missing days due to family activities, obligations and vacations.
Will lunch be served each day of the program?
- Lunch will be served on days when the PM portion takes place.
