Adjustments to previously outlined grading and promotion policies have been made due to the current school closures. Families with questions about their child’s options should email their teacher. Teacher email addresses can be found on each school website. School websites are linked at jpschools.org/schools.

Will my PK-8 student be promoted to the next grade next year?

If a student was on track to move onto the next grade before these closures, there is no reason why that shouldn’t still be the case now. We’ve encouraged our educators to contact every family to inform them about their child’s status and options moving forward. If you have questions about your child, please reach out to your child’s teacher. 

Are the 4th quarter at-home learning assignments mandatory?

While these assignments are not mandatory nor required, we encourage families to participate in every learning opportunity available.  The more our students engage academically this spring, the more ready they will be for their next grade level. 

As of Monday, April 27, students will have the opportunity to complete at-home learning assignments for a grade. These additional assignments can only improve final grades and benefit students. Students are being given the opportunity to improve their final grades with the at-home activities.  

What if my student doesn’t complete any 4th quarter at-home learning assignments?

If students do not complete 4th quarter at-home learning assignments, their final grades will be averaged from the first three quarters.  Students will NOT be penalized if they don’t complete at-home learning assignments.  

How does my student complete at-home learning assignments?

If students have online access, teachers will assign and grade at least three online assignments to determine the 4th quarter grade. Students should complete the three 4th quarter on-grade level online assignments by May 15 to receive a 4th quarter grade.

If students don’t have online access, they should complete a third round at-home learning packet by May 15 to receive a 4th quarter grade. Packets will be available April 28th and 30th at all Grab and Go sites. They are also available for at-home printing at jpschools.org/LearnAtHome. 

Can my student do both online learning AND the packet?

Yes. Students can complete both online assignments and the third round learning packet for a 4th quarter grade.

How do I turn in my student’s third round at-home learning packet?

Drop off the completed, labeled packet at your home school on May 15. Only the third round at-home learning packet will be eligible for a grade. The first and second round of packets will not be graded.

What if my student is failing? 

Schools will convene virtual meetings to examine student performance on classroom assignments, course grades, and district benchmark assessments for those students who were in danger of failing. Students will only be retained if a preponderance of evidence during the first three quarters indicate the student should be retained. Students in middle school should not be automatically retained due to an F in the 3rd nine weeks. Schools will adhere to promotion and retention guidelines and timelines outlined in the JP Pupil Progression Plan.

What if my 8th grade student is enrolled in a Carnegie Course?

A student enrolled in a Carnegie course must pass the course in order to receive Carnegie credit. If a student enrolled in a Carnegie course is failing (a combined average below a 1.0 from quarters 1,2, and 3), the student must complete and pass the online learning activities via PLATO or Google Classroom (minimum of 3 lessons/activities) to allow the student the opportunity to improve their grade.

How does the waiver of attendance requirements impact students?

Instructional minutes and compulsory attendance requirements have been waived for the year.

Awarding Carnegie Credit and Graduation Guidance for Families

Regulatory course adjustments have been granted due to the current school closures. These adjustments will enable students to complete the school year and graduate without penalty. 

ALL HIGH SCHOOL GRADES:

How will students meet credit requirements?

The final grade for the semester will average the 3rd quarter grade with the 4th quarter online learning activities. The online learning activities shall not negatively impact the final grade. The completion of online learning activities will only serve to improve a grade, not lower a grade. 

Are the 4th quarter at-home learning assignments mandatory?

These assignments are encouraged but are not mandatory nor required. Students are being given the opportunity to improve their final grades with the at-home activities.  However, students that were failing a course or enrolled in a ½ credit course will need to complete and pass online activities to earn Carnegie credits.

If a student does not complete 4th quarter at-home learning assignments, his/her final grades will be averages of the previous quarter(s). 

What if a student is currently failing a course?

Students that have not met proficiency (have an F average) must complete the course in Edmentum (PLATO). For information about joining PLATO, families/students should contact their teacher.

How does the waiver of attendance requirements impact students?

Instructional minute and compulsory attendance requirements have been waived for the year.

What if a student is enrolled in a dual enrollment course with a college or university?

The following three options have been approved for Dual Enrollment students: 

• Continue the course via distance learning options through the higher education institution and earn credit when the course ends; 
• Opt for an “In Progress” designation and have until August 31, 2020, to complete the course and earn credit; or 
• Opt for an “Administrative Withdrawal” and exit the course with no credit and nothing posted to the official college transcript.  

Can students still take the Advanced Placement tests?

Yes.  A new (at home) online test is available to allow students the opportunity to earn college credit and placement. Contact your school counselor for more information or visit the AP website for testing information. 

What if a student is enrolled in a ½ credit course?

Students enrolled in a ½ credit course for the 4th quarter must complete the course assignments in Edmentum (PLATO) or Google Classroom to be awarded credit.

What if a student completed an at-home learning packet?

The at-home learning packets distributed at our 13 Grab and Go sites will not be graded nor counted towards a 4th quarter grade. These packets are for academic enrichment purposes only.

SENIORS ONLY:

Will seniors receive a letter grade or can they choose a Pass/Fail option?

• Families may elect either a course letter grade or a course pass/fail grade for high school credits.
• Pass/Fail options are not calculated into the Grade Point Average (i.e., for the purpose of Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), college athletic eligibility and/or academic admissions/scholarships). 
• If the Pass/Fail option is chosen, all spring semester courses will be awarded the grade of Pass/Fail. A Pass/Fail acknowledgment form must be requested from the high school.
• If families want to elect the Pass/Fail option, please reach out to your school counselor by completing this short Google Form. 

Do seniors still need to complete the financial aid requirement?

No. The financial aid planning graduation requirement has been waived for graduating seniors.  Despite this requirement being waived, families are encouraged to apply online by visiting the FAFSA website.  

In addition to state financial aid programs (e.g. TOPS and LA Go Grant), there are Federal Student Aid programs that require FAFSA completion, including:

• Pell Grant
• Supplemental Education Opportunity Program/SEOG
• Federal Work Study
• Federal Direct Loans

What if a senior needs a LEAP 2025 high school assessment score to be eligible to graduate?

The spring LEAP 2025 assessment window has been cancelled, and the requirement has been waived for currently enrolled graduating seniors. The senior waivers apply to:

• Any current student, enrolled as of February 1, that would be classified as a senior at any time during the current school year with the necessary credits to graduate
• Graduating seniors eligible under ACT 833

What if a TOPS Tech Diploma senior needs an IBC credential to be eligible to graduate?

The IBC terminal graduation requirement has been waived for graduating seniors. Graduating seniors will be eligible to graduate with a TOPS Tech Diploma without earning the IBC credential. 

Is there an exception for the TOPS Core GPA due to school closures?

No. TOPS requires a minimum TOPS Core GPA of 2.50.  This requirement still applies even if a student chooses to receive Pass/Fail grades from the high school.  Parents should take this into account and make careful consideration before selecting this option.

If seniors have not had the opportunity to take the ACT, will this be waived so these students can graduate?

Yes. Seniors are not required to test as a condition of graduation. However, ACT exam options are available in June 2020 if students want to take the exam to qualify for TOPS eligibility.  

What if a senior cannot meet the 25-hour requirement to earn a Community Service Seal due to school closures?

The 25-hour requirement has been waived for 2019-2020 seniors.  If students have met the requirements for their freshmen sophomore, and junior years, they may be awarded the diploma seal.