Class of 2028 - Incoming DGS 9th Grade Class
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 DGS in the Fall of 2024! 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 througout the school year to gather information about your transition to high school.
Email (via ParentSquare) is the primary way we communicate with families. Create an account to set your message preferences--including your preferred language. Learn more here.
Calendar of activities for 8th grade students:
Class of 2028:
Monday, January 22nd, 2024: Future Mustang Night at DGS. Click here to view the agenda.
Click here to view the counseling presentation Google Slides
Saturday, January 27th, 2024: Incoming 9th Grade Course Selection.
August 10, 2024: Mustang Mad Dash 9th grade orientation event. 2024 agenda will be provided as we move closer towards the event.
Important Links
- DGS Postsecondary and Career Expectations
- D99 2024- 2025 Academic Planning Guide
- DGS Student Activities
- Class of 2028 Counselor Assignments. Will post a link as we move closer to course selection appointments in Feb. 2024.
- DGS Athletics
- Letter to the Class of 2028 from the DGS Nurse's Office.
- 9th Grade Student Requirements (Physical & Immunization)
- State of Illinois Physical Form
Frequently Asked Questions
You will recieve a list of 9th grade course recommendations during the 3rd week of January via email. When you attend the incoming 9th grade Future Mustang Night at Downers Grove South during the third week in January, you will hear more about the services and courses available. The following Saturday you will be required to meet with your DGS school counselor in-person at Downers Grove South High School (you will recieve additional information about this in early January via email as well). These counselor appointments will be 10 minute sessions; you can also contact your counselor after meeting with them to discuss your questions further.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to have 750 8th graders shadow or visit classes at South High School. We do have an extensive transition program for incoming 9th graders which begins with the Future Mustang Orientation Night held the third Monday in January at South High School and culminates with the Mad Dash event which is typically held the last Saturday before the first day of school in August. A South High School student leader will contact your incoming 9th grader in the summer to answer any questions they may have. Please contact your student’s South High Counselor to answer other questions.
There are 5 honors level courses available to 9th graders. These include English I Honors, Biology Honors, Earth and Space Science Honors, and either Math II Honors or Math III Honors depending on math ability and previous coursework. Students with advanced ability in these subject areas will be placed and/or recommended by 8th grade teachers. South High Department Chairs also review recommendations. Students being recommended for Honors courses should enroll in these courses, as long as they have a strong interest in the subject area, and understand the demands of an increased work load and faster pace. It is important to take a look at all other activities a student may be involved in both inside and outside out of the school day to help balance their school experience.
About 50% of the 9th grade students typically take 6 courses both semesters. In the past, 25% would take an elective one semester and a study hall the other semester while the remaining 25% would take 7 classes for the whole school year. Many times, if a student had a full period study hall, they would be able to access the library and academic resource centers to get assistance if needed. However, it has been reported that, with the new blended schedule, many students are finding time to do their work with 7 classes because they have more time during lunch or during their designated resource time. That being said, 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 day 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 South High School have more fun, do better in classes and develop as leaders. There are many different activities to be involved in at South 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 in 9th grade. 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.
Final schedules will be released to students once the summer registration process is completed and 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. You will be able to view the courses you have chosen by logging onto Home Access Center after the last week in January.
11 important ideas for incoming 9th graders and parents/guardians
Make sure that your student is challenged and taking courses now that will help meet future goals.
Research says that students who are involved in an activity, club, sport, music, etc...are much more likely to have a positive high school experience and get better grades than students who are not involved.
Research says that when a teenager is faced with a critical decision, the influence of peers (positive and negative) and parent/families make the difference.
Having a Home Access Center (HAC) account enables you to track your student’s attendance and grades right from your computer. HAC will also allow you to track your student’s assignment, projects, and tests. Always be sure to have a current e-mail address on file at Downers Grove South HS.
Starting off in the right direction is essential in getting to where you want to go!
Mad Dash will be the Saturday before the first day of school at Downers Grove South HS. Almost every 9th grade student attends this awesome event. About 200 high school student leaders run this event to help freshman feel comfortable starting high school.
Usually held during the first few weeks of school.
Research says that when a student makes positive connections with adults (teachers, school counselors, coaches, etc.), students experience higher levels of resiliency and inclusion.
This supervision includes online supervision and supervision of technology. Remember, good kids make mistakes too. Your child should always know that you love him/her, but make sure he/she know your expectations. Know where your child is and who they are with all the time.
Stay in positive contact with the teachers and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember that e-mail is a great tool for quick information, but it’s not such a great tool for dealing with more-difficult issues. Don’t fight the small battles for your child… keep things in perspective.
The most successful students I have seen tend to be the ones whose parents are at the school, attend functions, join the Parents Advisory Council or athletic boosters, or serve on the advisory council or some other group. In a sense, these parents are the ones who are in the know, and they use this information to support their children and the school.