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The yearly term of 180 required school days is divided into four 45-day units
for grading purposes. Each 45-day unit constitutes a 9-week marking period. The
first and second 9-week marking periods comprise the first semester of the
school year; the third and fourth marking periods comprise the second semester
of the school year.
Four report cards will be issued during the school year, one after the end of
each of the four 9-week marking periods.
The percentage grade for each course for a 9-week marking period is indicated
on the report card, which is distributed to students to take home to parents
after the conclusion of each of the first three marking periods. The fourth and
final report card for the school year is mailed home after the end of the fourth
marking period.
The following is a chart reflecting the new percentage grading scale:
| PERCENTAGE GRADE |
DESCRIPTION |
LETTER GRADE
EQUIVALENT |
93-100
85-92
77-84
68-76
Below 68
|
Excellent
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Failure
|
A
B
C
D
E |
Multipliers will be used for all AP and
Honors courses taken. In considering the workloads required in these courses and
how colleges and universities evaluate them, the weighting used will be to
multiply the percentage grades by 1.04 for AP courses and by 1.02 for Honors
courses.
FINAL / NO FINAL EXAMINATIONS FOR YEAR-LONG COURSES – High
School students are required to take final examinations for all academic
courses in Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. The final exam will focus
on knowledge, skills, concepts, and principles learned during the entire course.
Students taking year-long courses will receive five report card percentage
grades and a final-average percentage grade for a course in which a final exam
is given. There are four 9-week marking period percentage grades and one final
exam percentage grade. Each 9-week marking period grade counts as one-fifth
(1/5) of the final-average grade. The final exam grade also counts as one-fifth
of the final-average grade, the same weight as any of the marking period grades.
Students taking year-long courses that do not require a final exam will
receive four report card percentage grades and a final-average percentage grade.
Each 9-week marking period grade counts as one-fourth (1/4) of the final-average
grade.
FINAL / NO FINAL EXAMINATIONS FOR SEMESTER COURSES
– Students taking courses that last for only
one semester which require a final exam will
receive two report card percentage grades, a
final exam percentage grade, and a
final-average percentage grade.
Students taking courses that last for only
one semester which do not require a final
exam will receive two report card percentage
grades and a final-average percentage grade.
FINAL-AVERAGE GRADE CALCULATION – Final-average grades in year-long
courses are determined by adding the five percentage grades for year-long
courses requiring a final exam and dividing their sum by 5, or by adding the
four percentage grades for year-long courses not requiring a final exam and
dividing their sum by 4. Final-average grades for semester-long courses that
require final exams are determined by doubling each marking period percentage
grade, adding the final exam percentage grade and dividing their sum by 5, or by
adding the two marking period percentage grades for semester courses not
requiring a final exam and dividing their sum by 2. These, then become the
student’s final-average grades in each course for the school year.
CUMULATIVE FINAL PERCENTAGE GRADE AVERAGES – Beginning in ninth grade,
cumulative final percentage grade averages are calculated by adding all of the
final-average percentage grades in each course and dividing their sum by the
total number of credits the student has scheduled for that year (no credits are
given for study halls or failed courses). These yearly final-percentage grade
averages are cumulatively calculated, so that at the end of any given year a
student’s cumulative percentage grade average represents all courses taken and
the final grades/corresponding credits accumulated in that year, and in all of
the previous years in high school combined. Each student’s cumulative percent
grade average is carefully maintained so it will accurately reflect the
student’s academic achievement and his/her relative standing with other
students. A student’s high school grade point average is the single most
important criterion used in the selection/admission process by colleges and
universities.
Specifically designed honors courses of
study for science, mathematics, and English
have been approved by the Board of School
Directors for implementation into the School
District Curriculum. These weighted courses
shall be distinguished from other courses by
their emphasis on quality and rigorous
academic objectives and expectations.
Weighted courses will be uniform in all
senior high schools in the 10th, 11th, and
12th grades.
- When pupils are absent from school, they are not exempted from academic obligations
in the classroom. Upon returning to school after any absence, it is the pupil's
responsibility to contact teachers for makeup work. A general rule is that pupils have
one day for each day of absence to fulfill their makeup work obligations. If the back
work is not completed within the allowed time, and no other arrangements for an
exception have been made with the teacher, the pupil will receive failing grades for the
makeup work not turned in to the teacher.
- Incomplete grades at the end of a marking period should rarely be given because they are
for pupils who, because of illness or injury, cannot fulfill their academic obligations.
Incomplete grades are not to be given to pupils who had sufficient time (one day for each
day of absence) to do makeup work. For pupils qualifying to receive an incomplete
grade at the end of a grading period, or end of the year, there is a grace period of ten
(10) school days to complete the missed work after the grading period is over. If the
makeup work is not completed in the grace period, and special arrangements for an
exception were not made with the principal, then the incomplete reverts to a failing
grade.
- All senior high school pupils are required to take final examinations in the courses where
required and put forth their best effort. Pupils who miss a final examination due to
illness are expected to make up the test within the allotted time or the grade becomes
recorded as a failure.
- Any pupil receiving an incomplete in any course for the fourth grading period will fail the
course for the year, if the incomplete is not removed within the permitted time.
- Incomplete grades are rarities, and it is the responsibility of the pupil to contact his/her
teachers immediately upon returning to school for makeup work, assignments and tests
given while the pupil was absent. Failure to abide by the time limits set forth for
satisfying incomplete work after an absence will constitute a forfeiture of the right to
make up the work at a later time.
- When a pupil is absent for more than a couple of days, assignments may be obtained by
telephoning your school guidance counselor. Arrangements may be made for someone
to obtain assignments for you during your period of absence.
It is important for pupils to understand how many credits are required to have the standing
of a tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade student. It is important because certain classes have
activities in which only bonafide members of the class may participate.
To be a full-fledged member of the TENTH GRADE CLASS, a pupil must have earned a
minimum of 4.5 credits prior to the start of the 10th grade school year; to be a member of the
ELEVENTH GRADE CLASS, at least 10.0 credits must have been earned before the beginning
of the 11th grade school year; and to be classified as a TWELFTH GRADE student, a pupil must
have obtained a minimum of 16.0 credits prior to the start of the 12th grade school year.
Credits earned, not chronological age of the pupil or number of years in school, are the
determinant of class membership. Credits earned in summer school or through tutoring approved
by the principal count toward credit standing.
Class activities which are open to specific members may not be attended by pupils who do not
possess the proper number of credits at the beginning of the regular school year.
It is the pupil's responsibility to know his/her credit standing. Pupils are encouraged to visit
the guidance counselor if there are questions about credits.
Students must satisfy the following areas to earn a diploma
from the Mifflin County School District.
-
A student must accumulate a total of at least 23
credits to meet graduation requirements.
-
A student must successfully complete the following
required
courses to meet graduation requirements:
|
1. |
English |
Four Years |
4.0 Credits |
|
*2. |
Social Studies |
Four Years |
3.0 Credits |
|
3. |
Science |
Two Years |
2.0 Credits |
|
4. |
Biology |
One Year |
1.0 Credit |
|
*5. |
Mathematics |
Four Years |
4.0 Credits |
|
**6. |
Computer |
One Year |
0.5 Credit |
|
7. |
Health |
Two Years |
|
|
|
Health |
One Year |
0.5 Credit |
|
8. |
Fitness |
Four Years |
2.0 Credits |
|
|
|
|
17.0 Credits |
|
9. |
Electives |
|
6.0 Credits |
|
|
TOTAL |
|
23.0 Credits |
|
* If a student successfully completes course work
at Career and Technology Center in 10th, 11th and 12th grades, he/she will be exempt from
taking the senior year social studies and senior year math courses. |
-
A student must successfully complete a
GRADUATION PROJECT to meet graduation
requirements. This project, consisting of
both oral and written components, will be
graded according to the approved rubric.
The purpose of the culminating project
is to assure that students are able to
apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate
information and communicate significant
knowledge and understanding.
To meet graduation requirements, the
following classes must participate in an
extra-curricular activity, complete the
activity, and have the advisor sign off.
| Classes |
Activity |
Years to Complete |
| Class of 2009 and Beyond |
- Four - |
At Least one each year | At least one each year
Students not achieving 23 credits, including the required courses, and who do not complete
a graduation project will not be certified for graduation, nor will they participate in any
Baccalaureate or Commencement practices or ceremonies.
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Each marking
period, the Honor Roll recognizes students
for an all courses percentage-grade-average
of 85 – 92%, and The Distinguished Honor Roll
recognizes student for an all courses
percentage-grade-average of 93 – 100%.
Percentages will not be rounded up,
e.g. an average of 84.5 will not be on the
Honor Roll. If a student has an average of
67% or lower for any course for the marking
period or has an incomplete in any course,
the student is not eligible to be on the
honor roll for that marking period.
Students in grades
10-12 who maintain a percentage
average of 93% and higher are
eligible to join the school’s chapter
of the National Honor Society.
Membership is based on scholarship,
service, leadership and character.
Initiation ceremonies, open to the
public, are held in April.
The
Mifflin-Juniata Career & Technology Center,
in partnership with parents and the
community, will provide the opportunity and
the challenge for all students to acquire the
knowledge, skills, and adaptability to
succeed in productive careers and to
contribute as ethical, responsible citizens
in a rapidly changing global society.
The goal of
the educational program at the
Mifflin-Juniata Career & Technology Center is
to prepare students with the necessary skills
to enter the work force. Through the delivery
of quality programs, students may move
directly into the job market or pursue
further education. Students entering the
Mifflin-Juniata Career & Technology Center
will follow a Career Pathway in: Tech Prep
Advanced Skills Preparation or Vocational
Skills Preparation. Students should consult
their guidance counselor to gain assistance
in selecting the proper courses for the
program of study they choose.
There are
course offerings in the fields of:
Agriculture Technology, Automotive Collision
Repair, Automotive Mechanics, Child Care,
Computer Aided Drafting and Design,
Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts,
Electrical Installation, Electronics
Technology, Health Professions, Metalworking
Technology, Residential Construction.
School
counselors can provide information about how
and when to apply for admission to the Career
and Technology School.
Guidance counselors play an important role in the education process. They work with
students in groups as well as individually to help each student gain a better understanding of their
abilities and interests for planning their education program and career.
Your guidance counselor is trained to assist you with academic and personal
questions and problems which may arise during your school career. Sessions with
your guidance counselor are confidential and your records are protected from
access by unauthorized persons. Guidance counselors are your best resource for
career information and general information about the courses, subjects and
activities available at your school. They work very closely with teachers,
parents and principals. You are encouraged to see your guidance counselor for
basic information about curriculum and careers in addition to assistance with
other problems.
Guidance counselor services are available to every pupil in the school system, not just for
those who are planning to attend college or some other form of post-secondary education.
At the
middle school level, pupils may be assisted with exploratory information on careers and future
jobs, what types of courses and curriculum are available at the high school and
career and technical
school, study skills, making new friends, activity participation, coping with many different subjects
and teachers, and personal and family problems. Your guidance counselor will be meeting with
your class early in the school term to inform you about services and how you make appointments
to talk with him.
In the high schools, guidance counselor services are similar to those provided to middle
school pupils but there is more emphasis on individual counseling as most pupils are thinking more
seriously about jobs, careers and additional education as well as academic and personal problems.
There are group guidance services as well as individual sessions for pupils. A computerized
career-job program is available to all pupils to use which enables the pupil to secure information
of interest and without assistance. Credits earned by satisfactorily completing required and
elective courses beginning in ninth grade are maintained and updated annually as part of the pupil's
academic record.
Parents of middle and high school pupils are encouraged to contact your child's guidance
counselor about any school or personal problem, or for information about curriculum, courses,
grades, job and career information, post-secondary education and training, vocational-technical
school, testing, credit standing and summer school.
It is important that all parents and pupils understand the many services
provided by the guidance counseling department of the school and that these services are utilized as needed.
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