Salamanca High School

We believe homework is important because it is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their experience in school. We give homework because it reinforces what has been taught in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, and helps students develop self-discipline, responsibility and organizational skills. Homework may be assigned daily. Most homework assignments will involve reading, answering study questions, completing related work sheets, and practicing exercises that are class related.

Tests will be given periodically with attention given to spacing various subject tests on alternate days, whenever possible. Adequate notice will be given for all tests. We expect students to follow these guidelines when completing homework assignments:

1. All assignments will be completed according to teacher instructions.

2. Students are responsible for making up homework missed due to absences from class.

3. Homework will be turned in on time.

4. Students will turn in work that is neatly done.

5. If students choose not to do their homework, there shall be appropriate consequences.

We feel that parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their children. Therefore, we ask that they make homework a top priority. This includes providing necessary supplies and a quiet homework environment, as well as providing praise and support.

In grade 8 students receiving a failing final mark in English, Social Studies, Science, or Mathematics should expect to attend summer school when offered.

In years when we do not have a summer school due to financial restraints, students failing 2, 3 or 4 of these content areas risk being retained in the same grade level.Promotion shall be determined, in each instance, by the principal with the advice of the guidance counselor.

Class Rank

Class rank is computed on the basis of an Index System. The philosophy behind the Index System is to give the student an incentive and reward for taking challenging subjects during his high school career. We identify our Valedictorian and Salutatorian and establish rank in class where advanced courses are scheduled with this Index System. Approximate rank in class is available in September of the Senior year. Ranking for Valedictorian, Salutatorian and top ten of the Senior Class will be determined at the end of the 3rd marking period. Index for each subject is calculated by multiplying the final grade received in a particular subject by the weighted index assigned to that subject.

A student’s marking period grade will be computed on the basis of academic work 80% tests, quizzes, projects and participation (20% attendance and classroom effort).

Interim assessments are given in all areas 8-12 to examine the academic progress of students. We believe that students and parents should use these interim assessments along with marking period course grades to evaluate how well students are doing.

Final exams will be given near the end of the 4th quarter. Students failing to report to final exams within one (1) hour of the designated start time will be denied admission.

Should a student earn a class average of less than a 50% during the 1st, 2nd or 3rd marking period, they will be given one (and only one per academic year per class) opportunity to raise their grade through a teacher devised remedial plan.

A student’s marking period grade will be reported as “U” until a remedial plan to earn a minimum average of 50% is completed. They must complete their remedial plan by the mid point of the following marking period. Failure to satisfy their remedial plan within the time allowed will result in their actual grade being posted. In other instances where a teacher has given a student an incomplete “I” grade in anticipation of making up back work, the “I” grade must be replaced by a numeric grade within the 5 weeks of the start of the following marking period.

No incomplete “I” grades or “U” grades will be given during the 4th marking period. An “I” (incomplete) shall be marked if the course requirements have not been completed during a particular marking period. The “incomplete” must be removed prior to the next mid-quarter performance report period. Any exceptions to this must be approved by the principal. Teachers issuing incompletes must make suitable comments or check appropriate area(s) from teacher comment sheets. In no case will a final mark be an incomplete. A final grade of at least 65% and the attendance requirement are required to obtain credit for the course.