Monday, April 27, 2020
Hey Raccoons!
I hope everyone is doing well! I wanted to take a minute to provide everyone with some important academic-focused updates. As we continue to do our best to adapt to online learning, we understand that many families and students need an extra degree of flexibility during this unpredictable time. Please see the information below regarding grades, the upcoming AP exams that begin on May 11, and information on our term 4 Family/Teacher Conferences.
I hope everyone is doing well! I wanted to take a minute to provide everyone with some important academic-focused updates. As we continue to do our best to adapt to online learning, we understand that many families and students need an extra degree of flexibility during this unpredictable time. Please see the information below regarding grades, the upcoming AP exams that begin on May 11, and information on our term 4 Family/Teacher Conferences.
Grading Scale Flexibility for Families
Our staff and students have done a fantastic job adjusting quickly
to an online learning environment. While we are trying to provide the best
academic experience possible, we are fully aware of the limitations and
challenges with virtual learning. In addition, we know many students and
families are facing personal hardships at this time, and school cannot always
be a priority in your days. As a school community and a district, we recognize
these challenges.
Last week, the School Board approved a modification to our grading
policy that gives families flexibility in regards to how grades are reported
for the term 4 report card. Specifically, to respect the individual needs of
each family, we are offering families the option to select a Pass/Fail grading
scale for the term 4 block or semester 2 skinny classes that they are currently
enrolled in. Below are the details regarding this policy change that was
approved by the School Board on Tuesday evening.
Guiding Principles:
- The
current state of education will cause some uncertainty regarding how
current term 4 grades for students (transcripts) are viewed in higher
education institutions. Allowing students/families the choice to maintain
letter grades affords some certainty for those comfortable having their
grade reflect their achievement toward course outcomes.
- We
have the obligation to provide flexibility and support to our students and
families during this unprecedented time.
- We
cannot control the variables associated with learning environments that
students are working in right now.
- While
some kids are thriving, others are struggling. None of them chose this
learning structure.
Policy and/or Handbook Modifications
Teachers will be responsible for continuing grading practices, as
stated in current policy and handbook language through the final day of the
term or semester.
Once final grades are posted, families (parents/guardians) can
select students to receive a P instead of a letter grade for the last .5 credit
(semester 2 skinny or term 4 class, or semester 2 A/B alternating block for freshmen Lit and Comp/Algebra.)
A P will be issued if the student receives a D- or higher. A
different process and criteria may be used for students with IEPs per the IEP
team.
A P will not be applied to the student’s GPA. An F will be
applied to the student’s GPA.
For term 4 courses (2019-2020 only,) students who elect
into a P will have the ability to retake the specific course for an improved
grade. This temporarily replaces current handbook language that states only
grades below a C will be allowed for retake. This modification is reflective of
our guiding principles. Credit is not awarded twice for the same course.
Families will be asked to request optional grading on a
class-by-class basis. They will be asked to select one of the following
challenges to the virtual learning environment:
- Access: Family had
inconsistent access to internet/devices
- Environment: Students
struggled with a virtual learning environment
- Personal: Supported
family as a caretaker of siblings, employment, and other family supports
- Illness: Student had
an illness that required extensive absences
- Other,
as agreed upon by the family and site administration
Process
- OHS
teachers enter final grades in Skyward by the final student day of the
2019-2020 school year
- Families
can request P/F option for a period of five days following grades being
posted to Skyward
- Upon
approval from the OHS Administrative Office, the student’s grade is
modified
- Report
cards/transcripts Issued
More details on how to make this request will be shared in June.
AP Exams Begin May 11
Students enrolled in AP Exams will be participating in the online
exams from their home beginning May 11, 2020. Your teachers have been in touch
regarding the exact
dates and times of your exam. Make sure to test your technology
and see if your family can help out and reduce internet usage during your
45-minute exam. You should receive an email from AP with a link for your exam
on testing day. You also should have started receiving emails from AP about
your testing dates, and you should be receiving more messages in the near
future about how to practice with the new online format prior to testing
day.
Make sure to check your junk mail or spam if you do not see any
informational emails coming from AP in your inbox sometime soon, and allow
emails from collegeboard@e.collegeboard.org.
Please note that you need to change your email in AP Classroom if
you prefer to have your link sent to a different account. You can click here to review a video that outlines the
testing requirements and several resources that will support our Raccoons. A full
update can be found here.
While the College Board has provided flexibility regarding the
cancellation of exams, please know that we will only provide reimbursements for
exams for unique personal circumstances. Reimbursement guidelines are available
by clicking
here.
Family/Teacher Conferences
Our Family/Teacher Conferences scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 are
cancelled. That being said, you can always reach out to our teachers to have a
conference via Google or over the phone to discuss progress and plans to
support the transition to next year.
Thanks!
Jason