ACADEMIC POLICIES

Schedule Changes

To drop a class, or add a class, students must submit a form, signed by the instructor, parent and academic counselor. These forms are available in the Counseling Center.

• Without penalty: Students are allowed to drop a class without penalty through the end of the first week of classes.

• Drop with possible Penalty: Students making changes after the first week of the semester may incur a grade of “F” or “NP”. This decision is at the discretion of the instructor.

Credit and Non-Credit

Early Completion of Graduation Requirements
Most students remain in school through 4 years to complete graduation requirements. Some students are able to complete the minimum of credit and subject requirements for a high school diploma in less than 4 years. Before making a decision to complete these requirements leading to early graduation, parents and students should consider these questions:

• Will the student have developed necessary career skills and academic achievements?
• Will the student have the maturity to move into post-high-school experiences?
• Will an early graduation be in the best interest of the student?

If it has been determined that an early graduation will be in the best interest of the student, a request will be made to the counselor by the student at least one semester before the student plans to complete all requirements for graduation. The student and the counselor may then prepare a planned educational program. The early graduation plan is subject to approval of the parent and the high school Principal.

Grade Point Average

In computing student grade point averages, the following point system is utilized:

A = 4 points
B = 3 points
C = 2 points
D = 1 point
F = 0 points

The “P” grade is not included in computing the grade point average, but is included in compiling term hours towards graduation. The “I” grade is also not included in figuring the student's grade point average. An “N” does not give credit, nor is it included in figuring grade point average. Pluses and minuses are not included in computing the grade point average.

Grading Policy

During the first week of a course, each Churchill teacher will distribute a written course description explaining in detail the grading policies and practices for that class. It is the responsibility of each student to know these policies and discuss them with their parent(s) or guardians. This written statement actually amounts to a contract between the teacher and the student for the entire length of the course. Any questions about the policies of grading, or the options available, should be discussed with the teacher immediately.

Homework

Homework is intended to enrich the school experience of the student by fostering incentive and ability to work independently. Further, it reinforces classroom instruction by providing additional practice and application. Students and parents should expect homework from most Churchill High School classes. Questions regarding the quantity and quality of homework should be directed to the student’s teacher. The most efficient way to contact individual teachers is via email. A list of all teachers' email addresses is available in the main office.

Incompletes

• The “I” grade is issued when part of the requirement for the course has not been completed and, in the teacher’s judgement, the work could be completed in a meaningful manner.
• The student is responsible for contacting the teacher to complete make-up work satisfactorily before a grade and credit will be issued. The student has a maximum of eighteen weeks from the end of the grading period in which the “I” was assigned to complete the make-up work.
• The student is responsible for contracting with the teacher whatever make-up work is necessary. The contract shall be signed by both the student and teacher and should be filed with student records immediately after the grading period in which the “I” was given. Copies of the contract will be given to the student, parent and teacher.
• Teachers will file a grade correction as soon as the work has been completed. This normally is accomplished by the end of the following semester.

Report Cards

1st Progress Report--Mailed home after 4th week of semester
Mid-Term Grades--Mailed home after 9th week of semester
2nd Progress Report--Mailed home after 12th week of semester
Final Grade Report--Mailed home after 18th week (end of semester)

Student Grading Option

• Students may choose a Pass/No Pass option in any class, but the option is limited to 30 credits in addition to courses specifically designated as Pass/No Pass.

• A student in a Pass/No Pass class may petition to the teacher for a letter grade. These requests may only be made during the first three weeks of the grading period.

The Pass/No Pass is not included in the calculation of grade point averages. (The “F” grade is figured in the GPA on the Pass/F grade.)

Transcripts

For each student, transcripts are furnished for scheduling purposes. When seniors apply for college scholarships and admissions, there is a $2.00 transcript fee. Students can request transcripts in the front office.

Variable Credit

• Variable credit is credit that varies according to the quality or amount of work done. There is not an exact correlation between time and the amount of credit given.
• To qualify, a student enrolling in a course must contract with the teacher to be responsible for more or less credit than is usually given. Credit for the course will commensurate with the amount of responsibility agreed upon in the contract.
• Variable credit is intended as a prearranged program, but is an acceptable method of covering incomplete work in a situation in which a student is physically unable to complete all of the requirements for a course due to illness, injury, disability, or a situation the teacher judges appropriate for exception. Credit may be prorated according to the portion of the course completed in 9 week (.25) increments.
• Variable credit is also used for students who transfer to another school during the course of a term and will be issued in connection with the attendance program for students with excessive absenteeism.