Class of 2025 - Incoming DGN Freshmen Class
Given the nature of the school right now and the restrictions placed upon schools with regards to large groups assembling, and uncertainty moving into the winter, the District 99 English Departments will not be offering/requiring the Honors English placement essay like in previous years. We will continue to rely upon any/all data we receive from the sender school as well as the teacher recommendation. We appreciate your understanding given the constraints placed upon us this year. If you/your student is interested in honors, they should be sure to communicate that with their current 8th-grade teacher.
Even though you are currently in 8th grade, starting to think about high school now will help in making the most out of your 8th grade school year. We look forward to welcoming you to DGN in the Fall of 2021! In order to ensure a successful transition, several activities will occur this year to help each student have as smooth of a transition to high school as possible. Keep visiting this site throughout the school year to gather information about your transition to high school.
Calendar of activities for 8th grade students
- 8th grade Honors English writing assessments - TBA
- January 25, 2021 - Class of 2025 Freshmen Orientation Night
- January 30, 2021 - Class of 2025 Freshmen Course Selection
Important Links
- Freshman Honors English Placement process Information - See Above
- D99 - 2021-2022 Academic Planning Guide
- DGN Student Activities
- DGN Athletics
- Letter to the Class of 2025 from the DGN Nurse's Office
- Freshmen Student Requirements (Physical & Immunization)
- State of Illinois Physical Form
- Open House Presentation Class of 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
It is essential to have students and a parent/guardian attend the scheduled course selection appointment ion February (2020 TBA) found in the registration packet. You will meet with a North High Counselor to go over recommendations made by 8th grade teachers, select electives and to briefly discuss any transition issues. The appointment with the counselor is only 7-8 minutes, but feel free to contact the counselor after registration to discuss issues further. Students will also take their ID picture and have a chance to purchase DGN spirit wear.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to have 750 8th graders shadow or visit classes at North High School. We do have an extensive transition program for incoming freshmen which begins with the Class of 2024 Orientation Night held on January 29, 2020, at North High School. Please contact your student’s North High Counselor to answer other questions.
There are 3 honors level courses available to freshmen including English I Honors, Biology 400 and either Math II Honors or Math III Honors depending on a student’s math level. Students having advanced ability in these subject areas will be recommended by 8th grade teachers. North High Department Chairs also review recommendations. Students being recommended for Honors courses need to seriously consider enrolling in these courses as they will match their academic ability. Students should expect increased homework in these classes. So, it is also important to take a look at all other activities a student may be involved in and out of high school day to make sure the correct amount of time is dedicated for the entire homework load.
About 50% of the freshmen class will take 6 courses both semesters. 25% will take an elective one semester and a study hall the other semester while the remaining 25% will take 7 classes for the whole school year. If a student has a full period study hall they will be able to access the library and academic resource centers to get assistance if needed. All students will need to dedicate time to homework outside of the school day. Those students taking 7 courses will need to be very organized outside of the school in order to meet homework expectations and balance the time needed for extra-curricular activities. Some students may be recommended to only take 6 classes for this reason.
Yes! Yes! Yes! We know that students who get involved in the life of North High School have more fun, do better in classes, meet more people, and develop as leaders. There are many different activities to be involved in at North and there is place for every student. Often times, new clubs emerge when students show interest.
We have found that the work habits a student has in 8th grade often are the same ones we see when students are freshmen. Take full advantage of the 8th grade experience. If you need to improve your grades, start making changes now. Create a homework schedule, talk to your teachers, and let someone know at your school if you are having a problem. All of these issues are sometimes bigger at high school so now is the time to make some changes if needed.
A list of courses will be mailed home in July with registration information. Final schedules will be released to students once fees have been accounted for, a completed physical and up-to-date- immunization record have been reviewed and approved by the Nurse's Office and any other concerns have been addressed. If you have any questions or concerns with the courses selected, please contact your school counselor as early as possible.