Class of 2029 - Incoming DGN 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 DGN 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 throughout the school year to gather information about your transition to high school.
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Calendar of activities for 8th grade students
- January 27, 2025 - Class of 2029 9th Grade - Future Trojan Night
- February 1, 2025 - Class of 2029 9th Grade Course Selection
- July 2025 - Enrollment
- August 12, 2025 - 9th Grade Student Orientation
- August 18, 2025 - First Day of School!
Important Links
- D99 - 2025-2026 Academic Planning Guide
- Letter to the Class of 2029 from the DGN Nurses Office
- DGN Student Activities
- DGN Athletics
- 9th Grade Student Requirements (Physical & Immunization)
- State of Illinois Physical Form
- Future Trojan Night Presentation Class of 2029 coming soon
Incoming Students (Class of 2029)
| Counselor Assignment | Dean/Social Worker Assignment | Psychologist Assignment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-CA Katelyn Pantke (795-8064) | A-G Tim Tilton/Brian Kittinger | A-LA Angela McAndrews | |
| CE-F Nicole Gibson (795-8472) | H-O Bryan Heap/Colleen McLean | LE-Z Terri Wilson | |
| G-H Mark Wasik (795-8474) | P-Z Rebecca Talavera/Alex Valdez | ||
| I-LA Greg Stolzer (795-8478) | |||
| LE-M Sherri DeVore-Benitez (795-8476) | |||
| N-Q Ashley Gerold (795-8473) | |||
| R-SI Cyndi Karmik (795-8475) | |||
| SK-WE Brett Littlehale (795-8471) | |||
| WH-Z Teri Manderino (795-8039) |
Frequently Asked Questions
It is essential to have students and a parent/guardian attend the scheduled course selection appointment on January 28th. 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 in schedule format will be available during the summer 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.