Student Scheduling

How We Build Student Schedules at Clayton Middle School

At Clayton Middle School, we approach student scheduling with a strong commitment to equity, balance, and student support. Our goal is to create schedules that reflect the needs of the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—while making the best use of our limited resources.

Here’s how the scheduling process works:

1. Team Placement:
   Every student is assigned to a grade-level team. We build these teams with equity in mind, ensuring each team is balanced and inclusive so that all students are supported and represented within our school community.

2. Core Classes First:
   We begin by placing students into their required core academic classes: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Advisory is also added to ensure every student has a consistent support structure built into their day.

3. Adding Electives or Interventions:
   Once core classes are in place, we input each student’s elective choices or intervention needs based on individual learning paths, preferences, and supports.

4. Enrichment or Extra Support:
   Based on individual students' iReady Diagnostic scores, they may qualify for an Enrichment class or be assigned an Extra Support class during our 7th period. Enrichment classes include options like: Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra, Intramurals and Community Art (this list is not inclusive of all offerings; subject to change each year). Extra Support classes are also during the 7th period in our schedule and provide students the opportunity to work through their learning path in iReady and fill gaps their understanding. Following the learning path has the largest impact on accelerating student learning levels. 

5. Running the Schedule:
   We use Wizard, the district’s scheduling software, to generate schedules. Wizard automatically places students into available classes, prioritizing balance and efficient class sizes. It attempts to honor elective preferences while filling each student’s schedule.

6. Final Review:
   After schedules are generated, our staff reviews each one to ensure completeness (we are doing this right now and filling gaps).

We work hard to build schedules that are inclusive and academically sound while honoring student preferences as much as possible. However, we understand there may be some disappointment if a preferred elective isn't available. Due to limited elective offerings and academic course placements, not every student receives their top-choice class. While we understand that some students may wish to make changes. We kindly ask for your understanding that student schedules have now been finalized and cannot be changed

That said, students will have the opportunity to explore multiple electives during their three years at Clayton. We encourage them to engage fully in each class they are assigned—every course offers something valuable, and we know students can gain new skills and discover new interests along the way.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting every student's success.

We are editing these forms for the coming school year. Check back soon.