By Kelly Heilman
Staff Writer The way grade point average is calculated may be changing. The newly formed assessment committee is now discussing ways that the school can take another look at the fairness and validity of the grading system. “Right now, we are in the fact finding stage,” said guidance counselor Mrs. Pam Scott, who is a member of the assessment committee. The assessment committee is made up of teachers, administrators and students who showed interest in improving the way our grading is done. Students were able to apply for a position on the committee in the beginning of the year. As of now we use the letter grade system for our final grades. This meaning, A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s and E’s. Some schools use percentage grades for final grades. “There is a big difference between a 91 and a 98 percent,” Mrs. Scott said. Another topic the committee is addressing is how grade point average is determined. “We are thinking about what works and what does not work,” Mrs. Scott said. There is now an online survey for students in which the committee can receive feedback from the student body about what we wish to see changed in the way we grade and calculate grade point average.
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By Phoenix Ashman
Staff Writer The Red Lion Area High School brings a new schedule to the 2013-2014 school year. However, not all students think changing the schedule again is a good idea. Senior Lindzy Bixler said, “I think that we should just keep it how it was our freshman and sophomore year because everything worked fine. Why change it? If I need help with a class or make up a test, I can only do it during a study hall which, in most of the times, [the teachers] have a class anyways so I can’t really get help like I need.” This year’s schedule has no morning homeroom. Instead of reporting to homeroom every morning, it is straight to first period for morning announcements and attendance. There may not be homeroom in the morning, but the assigned homeroom is where students are to report to when the schedule calls for an activity period. Activity periods will be designated for PRIDE days and club days. The new schedule also brings a flex period. At the end of every week, fourth period teachers have gotten about five hours to teach, while other classes don’t have nearly as much time. Flex periods are extra periods for the other classes to get more learning in. The bell schedule names have been changed to Flex 1, Flex 2, Flex 3, Flex 5, Flex 6, and Flex 7. Each bell schedule number corresponds with the period that will receive extra class time. “The schedule was changed for two reasons. One reason is because of the difference in time for the class periods,” assisstant principal Grant Gouker said. “While fourth period had lots of time for class, other periods were suffering. The second reason for the schedule change is that the time we implemented for lit block to increase test scores wasn’t helping with the time.” When asked what he thought of the new schedule, sophomore Tyler Dettinger said, “It’s stupid and it takes too long.” Dettinger prefers last year’s schedule saying, “It’s easier to follow.” Some students, like Tyler Dettinger, do not care for the new schedule. But not all students share his opinion. Junior Misty Montgomery said, “I think it’s hard to adjust to but it’s probably best for us. It’ll probably help with grades.” When asked about last year’s schedule, Montgomery said, “This year is better. Last year was confusing. Once I get the hang of this year’s it’ll be better.”
Principal Brian Raab “Any current junior who scores basic or below basic on any portion of the tests and is put into a remedial course will not qualify.” Raab continued. This new change is going to hopefully force some juniors who want to be able to qualify for the program to take the tests more seriously. For those who do qualify, it can be very beneficial. “By leaving early, I’ll be able to get a job so I can be financially secure.” junior Chassidy Burke said. “It’s better than sitting in a study hall all day. More productivity, I guess,” senior Dylan Shearer said on why he is a part of the program. One should keep in mind the possible consequences of not trying their absolute best in preparing for the Keystones, for not only will a student be placed in a remedial course but they will also miss out on the opportunity to make the most out of their senior year. Early Release/Late Arrival gives students a way to get ahead in life, so taking advantage of it will benefit a student in the long run. By Sarah Harrington
Staff Writer December was a trying month for the students of Red Lion Area Senior High. Heartbreak was shared by everyone when the news was broken to students that Holly day would not be happening this year. But don’t fret! Something even better is coming along. The Best Day Ever! The day starts with shortened classes, afterwards the festivities begin. The Best Day Ever was centered around being able to enjoy the refreshing May weather while Holly Day was during the winter when conditions are not suitable enough to be outdoors. Contrary to common belief, Principal Mark Shue proposed the idea to the student council for just that reason. Student council is doing all of the planning. The date of the event is yet TBA. Sixty-four percent and under takes a toll with bad grades. Photo by Claire Krackow New program raises standards and awareness of student progress in the classroom. By Claire Krackow Staff Writer The Red Lion Area Senior High School has a new program called “Academic At Risk.” The purpose of this program is to make students more aware of where they stand academically, and to motivate them to improve their grades. It is one of the programs put in place this year to reinforce the “failure is not an option” theme. If a student has a 64% or lower in a class, that student must have a conference with his or her teacher to help improve their grade. Not only that, but the teacher will make a call home and discuss their grade with the parent. Assistant Principal Brian Raab explained, “We start to target the students during a 15 day, or three week time period. The first cycle ended on February 15.” “I think it’s a good idea, it’s good to know where the students stand academically and if you’re failing you may be discouraged and not know what to do, so it could actually help to invest on some extra help. It is definitely do-able, and it’s good to have more structure in place. If the student keeps failing, the teacher will call home every three weeks.” Raab said. Raab continued to explain, “Other teachers that the student have can also see if they’re failing another one of their classes, so it would also be good to speak with other teachers about why they’re doing well, and to use those skills for that class they’re failing in.” The program is designed to help students become more successful in their academics, and strive to become a better student. Learn more about the Academic at Risk system by clicking here. |
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