Hello Warrior Families!

Monday, April 6th the Board voted to move forward with Voluntary Educational Enrichment Opportunities.  While not required, our teachers will begin sending out learning that is highly recommended for all students.  We also know that every family is not in the same situation, and that is why these opportunities are voluntary and not required.  

For secondary students, especially those in high school, grades are an important part of the learning process and have an impact on each student’s future.  This communication will explain each part of the continuous learning plan that the Board approved:

  • Course grades for 6th – 12th grade students will be determined based on work assigned by teachers prior to March 12, 2020
  • Students may reassess for learning and improve grades for coursework covered prior to March 12, 2020
  • Students interested in improving their grades should contact their teachers
  • A pass/fail grade option will be given to students taking high school courses

Course grades for 6th – 12th grade students will be determined on work assigned by teachers prior to March 12, 2020.

Part of the direction the Iowa Department of Education has given us for Voluntary Educational Enrichment Opportunities is that we cannot require any new work to be completed.  However, as stated above, grades are important at the secondary level. They are required for the awarding of course credits that meet graduation requirements and they calculate a GPA that is looked at by colleges for entrance and scholarships.  We felt that the best way to award a grade to students would be to take the most recent grade on the work that they have completed so far this semester.

Students may reassess for learning and improve grades for coursework covered prior to March 12, 2020.

We know that students did not leave for spring break understanding that they would not have further opportunities to hand in missing work or reassess to show a better understanding of course content.  Therefore, students will have an opportunity to turn in any work that is currently missing in the gradebook. Grades will be updated with the most recent information by Wednesday, April 15. Each teacher will also allow students the opportunity to reassess or provide additional evidence that would improve their grade under a standard.

Students interested in improving their grades should contact their teachers.

Teachers will utilize Google Classroom as the primary means of communicating with students during this time of continuous learning.  If a student has missing work or would like to improve their scores under a standard, the student should contact his or her teacher to submit missing work or to plan for reassessment.

A pass/fail grade option will be given to students taking high school courses.

While high grades and GPAs are important, we also recognize the impact and limitations COVID-19 can have on a student’s opportunities to raise their grade.  Therefore, we will offer any student who wishes the ability to choose a Pass/Fail option in any course, which would not impact GPA. While this may be a good option for some, we want to encourage any student who may wish to play college sports at the college level NOT to take a Pass/Fail grade, as this could have a negative impact on their future eligibility to participate in college athletics.  While we hope colleges will understand and loosen their rules for this semester; so far they have only stated that they will continue to monitor the situation for future college athletes. However, for those who do not wish to pursue athletics, the Pass/Fail option may be a benefit to GPA calculations for college and university entrance and scholarships.

We would like to remind students that, in accordance with the student handbook, a passing grade is a 70% or above.  You can find the Pass/Fail section of the handbook at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VbcQWMoVg6YOtNeEwLaaj3tbIZKbqmiwEti3CWd3iao/edit#heading=h.5ogsydhq8gdi

To elect to receive a Pass/Fail rather than a letter grade, students should complete a form that will be sent out through Infinite Campus at a time closer to the end of the semester.

The timeline for a student to choose the Pass/Fail option is as follows:

  • Teachers of seniors/early grads will POST Grades on May 15th.  The FORM will be sent out to students and parents/guardians on May 16th for Pass/Fail and must be submitted by May 22, 2020. 

 

  • For all other students in high school classes (including 8th graders taking a high school course) teachers will POST Grades on May 26th. The FORM will be sent out to students and parents/guardians on May 27th for Pass/Fail and must be submitted by June 1st, 2020. 

Students should not choose to take pass/fail now, but should wait until final grades have been posted.  We will send out a reminder at that time with a link to the form.

Failure to submit a form will result in the grade being posted on a student’s transcript as submitted.

A new form must be completed for each individual class a student wishes to receive a Pass/Fail for.

Portfolio

Portfolio grades will be ended at this point and all students will receive a pass for the year. We encourage 9 – 11 grade students to work on any incomplete portfolio items from 1st semester. Also, if you are doing any volunteer work at this time make sure you keep a journal to use at a later date. At this time anyone who had planned on a spring or summer sport for the distinguished diploma will be considered in good faith. If the sport starts up then you will need to be part of the sport or activity.

Again, we understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on everyone’s lives.  We hope our solution to end of semester grades gives all students and parents ease of mind.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Yours in Education,

Chris Basinger – Norwalk High School Principal

Dr. Jody Ratigan – Eastview 8-9 Principal

Beth Ward – Norwalk Middle School Principal