CLASS OF 2017 PARENT NIGHT THE NUTS & BOLTS OF GPA, FINAL EXAMS AND ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS A presentation by the WVHS Guidance Department October 8, 2013
WELCOME PARENTS OF THE CLASS OF 2017! Tonight s presentation will cover the following areas: Grades Weighted vs. Unweighted Grading Scales How to read a student transcript How to calculate a Grade Point Average (GPA) Final Exams How to handle testing and stress The testing schedule (a sample) Academic Expectations Resources at school Parental involvement
GRADES & THE GRADING SCALE Grades are the letter equivalent to a point value given for an assignment, project, or assessment. Points Grade Demonstrates Grade Points 100 91 = A Outstanding Progress 4 90 81 = B Above Average Progress 3 80 71 = C Average Progress 2 70 65 = D Minimum Acceptable Progress 1 64 0 = F Unacceptable Progress 0
WEIGHTED VS. UNWEIGHTED GRADES Grades earned in an Honors class or an Advanced Placement (AP) class are weighted. These classes are more difficult, so the grades that are earned are given a higher point value: While a + is not worth more than a - it will be noted on the transcript and colleges do look at that. Unweighted Points Grade Weighted Grade Points 4 100 91 A 5 3 90 81 B 4 2 80 71 C 3 1 70 65 D 2 0 64 0 F 0
A SAMPLE TRANSCRIPT Waubonsie Valley High School 1011/S1 Doe, John ID# 1234567 School Year and Semester Drawing 1 A.50 09 English 1 B.50 09 Concert Strings A.50 09 Geometry Honors A.50 09 Biology C.50 09 World Geography A.50 09 PE B.50 09 Credit earned for the semester Grade earned in class Grade level of the student when the class was taken
HOW TO CALCULATE A GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) Waubonsie Valley High School 1011/S1 Doe, John ID# 1234567 Drawing 1 A.50 09 (4) English 1 B.50 09 (3) Concert Strings A.50 09 (4) Geometry Honors A.50 09 (5) Biology C.50 09 (2) World Geography A.50 09 (4) PE B.50 09 (3) To Calculate a GPA: 1. Give point value to each letter grade 2. Add up all the points 3. Divide the total point value by the number of classes taken Total Points = 25 / 7 classes = weighted 3.57 GPA 24 / 7 classes = unweighted 3.42 GPA
NOTES ABOUT GRADES & RANK Class rank is gone. Students are now on the Latin System used by colleges: Summa Cum Laude = GPA of 4.5 and above Magna Cum Laude = GPA of 4.2-4.49 Cum Laude = GPA of 4.0-4.19 Colleges are most concerned with students taking the most rigorous courses that they can still be successful at completing
FINAL EXAMS Final Exams are the culmination of a semester s worth of work. These assessments are MANDATORY. Assessment of a student s knowledge can take the form of a test, an essay or a project and could be worth up to 20% of a student s grade. Assessments should be taken at the scheduled time. Per the Student Handbook, Absences during final exam periods are to be avoided at all costs. Absences during final exams may result in an incomplete grade. If unusual circumstances necessitate absence from school..a planned absence form is required.
SAMPLE FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE Day 1 7 th Period Review 7:25 8:10 7 th Period Exam 8:20 9:50 8 th Period Review 10:00 10:45 8 th Period Exam 10:55 12:25 Day 2 1 st Period Review 7:25 8:10 1 st Period Exam 8:20 9:50 6 th Period Review 10:00 10:45 6 th Period Exam 10:55 12:25
TESTS AND STRESS Final exam testing All testing really! can be stressful for students. Help your student combat test stress by urging them to follow these simple steps: Study effectively throughout the semester Ask questions in class as they arise Join a study group Don t CRAM! This never works. Neither does cheating. Get a good night s sleep before the test Eat a good breakfast and limit caffeine (it can make you jittery) PARENTS: Reiterate to your child that you only expect their best effort no one is perfect.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES AT WVHS Academic Resource Center (ARC) English, Math, Science & Social Studies teachers available to assist students with re-teaching, homework, make up tests/quizzes, and general questions. Open during all lunch periods. Catch Up Keep Up Club Thursdays 2:30-4:30pm. Club for students who want/need assistance with homework. Access to school resources and teachers. Teacher Appointments Teachers are available before/after school for one on one sessions with students. Your teacher should be the first line of support for academics
GENERAL TIPS FOR FRESHMEN Check grade book frequently to monitor your student s progress Set aside a structured study time each day in a distraction free environment Contact teachers as concerns arise, encourage your student to seek out help and ask questions in class Ask your student about their classes, and encourage them to attend ARC Contact your counselor with any concerns or if you notice changes in your student s behavior
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES October 16 th - shortened day; freshmen begin four year plans and career exploration November 7 th, 8 th, & 13 th - Parent Teacher Conferences November 25 th - Post Secondary Guidance Night NCAA, Naviance Encore, Standardized Testing, Public vs. Private School, Financial Aid
Questions???