When faced with the task of choosing  next year’s classes, sophomore Mike Donneley said he tried to find a balance between preparing for his future and taking care of his mental health.

“I had a mix between preparing for college and my sanity,” Donneley said. “I didn’t take some certain classes, because I wanted a lighter workload.”

Counselor Barb Nelson said she believes students need to register for classes that don’t overwhelm them, rather than follow the path their classmates are taking.

“I think the biggest thing for kids is looking at the level of course  that they can handle. A lot of times I think kids get so wrapped up in ‘what are my friends doing?’” Nelson said. “They really need to look inward.”

Although students are required to do all honors or none in ninth grade, students are able to transfer into honors for the rest of high school, according to Nelson.

“We hope that families, kids, parents make the right decision about placement just looking at the big picture, but that is always a stumbling block,” Nelson said. “But then in 10th, 11th and 12th it’s more independent where they can pick and choose courses where their strengths are and where they want to do well.”

Students can still succeed in honors if they chose not to do the block during their freshman year, according to Nelson.

“There are ninth graders who were in no honors and they take the full load in 10th grade and then all the way through high school,” Nelson said. “Kids are certainly still prepared, but that’s also part of that balance, knowing if they should take one or two or more than that.”

This year, the counselors did presentations in classrooms and computer labs to help students register. This helps avoid last year’s confusion of registering at home, according to Nelson.

Donneley said he thinks last year’s registration process was too rushed and is glad they are doing it in school this year.

“Last year all the teachers came to my class and talked to the whole class about it,” Donneley said. “I didn’t feel like I had enough time.”

According to Nelson, registration should be wrapped up soon so administration can look closer at numbers to see what classes may or may not be offered. Once those classes are chosen, students affected will be notified and can change their schedule.

Any additional questions can be answered in the counseling office, according to Nelson.