Academic Grading Policies

The student’s transcript records all courses a student was enrolled in. Transfer students’ courses and grades from their previous school are not listed on the Newton North transcript. The previous school(s) transcript(s) are attached to the Newton North transcript. 

Newton North recognizes academic excellence through its honor roll each marking period. Students who achieve all “A’s” and “B’s” in a marking period are considered Honor Roll Students.

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a number that represents the average value of a student’s final grades earned in their leveled courses completed in grades 9–12. Courses with failing grades and courses with no credit earned due to attendance, do factor into the GPA calculation as a zero. A student’s cumulative GPA is calculated and reported, beginning in January of 11th grade. GPAs are then updated at the end of 11th grade, in January of 12th grade, and at the end of 12th grade. GPA calculation includes all leveled courses earning a letter grade. Unleveled courses, courses taken outside Newton Public Schools and/or during the summer are not included in the GPA calculation.

Students wishing to participate in extracurricular activities (defined as those activities that meet at least once a week and have elected officers and/or faculty advisors) must be passing 48 credits of classes on their most recent report cards and shall not participate during suspensions.

Statement of Purpose: We believe that some sort of end of year assessment is important in full year courses. We also believe that courses have different needs based on the content and skill development for students. As a result, these are the guidelines for End of Year Assessments in all full year courses.

Parameters for Final Assessments:

• The structure, format, and weight of the final assessment should be consistent per leveled course e.g. 9th grade ACP English gives a project. 
• Teachers may wish to provide choice of assessment for students. In these circumstances, choice should be consistent per leveled course. 
• Final Assessments can be weighted 5-15% of the Final Grade.
• Final Assessments will appear on the report card as a separate grade.

The “M”

Students who miss class for the majority of a quarter as a result of significant medical or emotional circumstances may receive a grade of “M” for the quarter. The request for a grade of “M” should be initiated by the counselor or special education liaison via the class dean. The grade and credits will be determined through consultation with the teacher, department head, and dean. The dean ultimately will determine whether or not an “M” is appropriate and in which classes. An “M” may not be awarded as a final grade.

The “P” (Pass/Fail grading)

The decision to grade a student “pass/fail” in a course that normally awards letter grades is a collaborative decision involving the dean and the department head. Ultimately the teacher, in consultation with the department head, will determine whether or not the student earns a “P” or an “F.” A student can be graded “pass/fail” for a quarter or longer depending on the individual circumstances. 

The “I”

A quarter grade of “I” (Incomplete) must be made up by the end of the next quarter. Special circumstances should be addressed to the department head. An incomplete not made up by the end of the next quarter will be changed into an F. 

When a grade of incomplete is appropriate:

• Known medical reasons have prevented student from completing all work.
• Known emotional reasons have prevented student from completing all work.
• If a team convenes at some point during the quarter and makes a plan for the student to complete work over an elongated period of time.
• If the student is absent excused for several days at the very end of a quarter and, therefore, is unable to complete a final paper, project, lab or test.
• Other reasons in consultation with the department head.

Communications and grade change: 

• Teachers communicate with parents when assigning a grade of “I.”
• The teacher and student create a plan for the student work to be completed. The plan must include a specific time frame (generally less than four weeks in length). This information is shared with parents, department head, and, when appropriate, the case manager, counselor, and/or dean.
• When a student receives more than one “I” on their report card, the dean and counselor will take note when reviewing report cards. When appropriate/necessary, the counselor will check in with the student regarding progress on making up the incomplete work.
• Upon completion of work, teachers will change the quarter grade. Teachers must do so before the end of the next quarter or the grade is changed to an “F.” 
• At mid quarter the registrar will run a list of remaining incompletes from the previous quarter. Department heads will check in with teachers regarding the incompletes. 
• Department heads will request information from teachers about remaining incompletes (including 4th quarter and final grades) during check out. 

The “AU” – AUDITING COURSES

Newton North allows students to audit courses only under exceptional circumstances. Audits must be approved by the principal or their designee and the relevant department head, and will be approved only on a space-available basis and with a student contract specifying obligations of the auditor and the teacher involved. School rules on class attendance always apply to auditors.