April 27 OHS Community Update: Academic News and Notes

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.

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.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at CurtisJ@oasd.org.  

Thanks!
Jason