Believe it or not, it is already time to start looking toward next school year! We are excited to partner with you as your student prepares for their next year of middle school.
This week, our academic counselor, Sara Stringer, met with all current 6th and 7th graders during their Social Studies classes to walk them through the course registration process. Students should be coming home with a paper-based worksheet where they’ve marked their initial interests. Think of this as the planning tool to help you sit down and discuss their goals for next year before things become official.
The paper-based worksheet should be signed by a parent and returned to your student's social studies teacher once the official online form in Skyward has been completed.
🕒 Big Changes for Next Year
Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all middle schools in Mesquite ISD (including Vanston) will transition to a 7-period day (down from our current 8). Additionally, English will no longer be double-blocked. Based on these changes, we have outlined below what 7th and 8th grade schedules will include next year.
7th-grade
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- One PE choice
- One CTE (Career & Technology Education) choice
- One Elective choice
8th-grade
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- One CTE (Career & Technology Education) choice
- Two Elective choices
💻 How to Register
All official course selections must be submitted online through Skyward.
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Window Opens: February 13, 2026
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Deadline: February 25, 2026, at 8:00 AM
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Action Item: Please review the attached registration presentation that applies to your student's grade level to ensure you understand all the available options.
IMPORTANT!
Please choose carefully! These selections are final because they form the foundation of our master schedule and staffing. If a form is not submitted by the deadline, courses will be selected for the student based on availability.
💻 Getting Started in Skyward
To hit the ground running, please help your student log into Skyward via their portal this week to ensure their access is active.
The provided presentations include step-by-step screenshots to guide you through the digital registration process. These are visuals are intended to make the process as smooth as possible!
It is crucial that the student clicks "Submit" on step #2 or the course selections will NOT be submitted.
If you have any questions, there is information posted in the social studies google classrooms or you can contact Sara Stringer at sstringer@mesquiteisd.org
We look forward to a fantastic year of growth and learning together. Thank you for being such an active part of your student's success. We look forward to a fantastic year with your and your student!
