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Academic Policies
Class Transfers
Students are scheduled for courses and programs in the spring of each year for the following year. The placement in these courses is based upon teacher recommendations, student goals, academic achievement and standardized test results. After the student selects courses for the following year, the parents/guardians approve the selection. These courses then appear on the student’s schedule the following September. Changes to a student’s program are generally not necessary after the start of the school year. In very few cases, changes in course level may be made during the first semester after close scrutiny of the student’s academic performance and consultation with, when appropriate, the parents/guardian, teacher(s), department chairperson and counselor. These changes are usually minimal. Some students may opt to drop a course with their parent/guardian’s permission. Class transfers may affect a student’s grade. Students are strongly urged to read the section entitled Grading Procedures for a full understanding of the impact on class grades due to a course change or transfer.
Students may also be transferred from one teacher to another, in the same track, for the following reasons:
1. Student previously failed the course with the presently assigned teacher.
2. Another family member had a major problem with the presently assigned teacher.
3. Need to balance class size or teacher load after the year begins.
4. Student’s schedule does not include courses required for graduation.
5. Principal’s discretion. In all cases, principals, counselors and department chair people will discuss and review the request before a change is approved. The teachers involved will be consulted in a timely manner to contribute to the final decision.
A parent may appeal a transfer decision to the principal.
Course Drops, Adds and Transfers
Registration for elective courses will generally be closed after the first five days of school. All requests to drop or add a course must be officially approved in order for it to become active. See your guidance counselor for all schedule changes.
Grading
The following grades will be used to indicate student academic performance on all report cards:
A-, A, A+ = Outstanding EP = Passing with Effort
B-, B, B+ = Above Average DP = Dropped Passing
C-, C, C+ = Average DF = Dropped Failing
D = Passing PH = Passing with Honor
F = Failing
In addition to academic grades, students may receive comments by teachers regarding progress, motivation, work ethic and citizenship.
Grading Procedures
A. In addition to our alpha grades, DP (drop pass), DF (drop fail), EP (passing with effort), INC. (incomplete), P (pass), F (fail), PH (passing with honor) designations may also be used.
B. The following grades will be assigned to those students who leave a class:
Full-Year Course
Beginning of the course until two weeks after the 2nd Quarter ends, no grade will be recorded on the student’s transcript. After this period of time, a DP or DF will be recorded on the student’s transcript.
Half Year Course
Beginning of the course until two weeks after the 1st Quarter of the course ends, no grade will be recorded on the student’s transcript. After this period of time, a DP or DF will be recorded on the student’s transcript.
DP – Dropped passing. DP appears as final grade but is not included in GPA determination.
DF – Dropped failing. DF appears as final grade but is not included in GPA determination.
EP – Passing with effort (EP) appears as a final grade but is not included in GPA. Students who receive an EP as a final grade in an elective course will generally not be permitted to continue in a related sequential area of study.
PH – Passing with honor. PH appears as final grade but is not included in the GPA determination.
P&F – Students may elect to be graded on a pass/fail basis in certain elective courses, as indicated in our school’s policy available in the main or guidance office. The P&F designations are used for grades but are not included in GPA determination.
INC– The student has failed to complete certain requirements in a subject during a given time period. To rectify an incomplete grade, a teacher will usually provide a student two weeks time after the marking period ends to make up the work. After this two-week period, the teacher will make an appropriate grade change.
Whenever a student transfers from one teacher to another, the previous report card grade and current quarter averages will be used by the final class teacher in determining the student’s final course grade. All final course grades will be recorded on student permanent record cards.
Pass/Fail Option
Students may choose to be graded on a pass/fail basis in certain elective courses rather than receive a specific grade. Permission for this grading option must be obtained within 10 days after the course begins. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with the guidance counselor and teacher to discuss the pass/fail option. Forms are available in the guidance and subject area offices.
Failures
Course Repeats
1. In order to remain with their graduating class and peers, students who fail a course are strongly encouraged to consider repeating the course in summer school. Failed courses not repeated in summer school, and required for graduation, will be scheduled for the next semester/school year. Courses failed must be repeated for the entire year or in summer school.
2. Students repeating a course to raise a grade must remain in the course for the full duration of the course. The two final grades are averaged in determining the student’s GPA. Students may also attend summer school if the course is offered.
3. Students who attend summer school to raise a passing grade must enroll and remain in a course of study commensurate with the course taken at Suffern High School. In all cases, the high school principal must approve the student’s summer school program.
4. Credits earned from other approved summer schools will be accepted.
Course Doubling
Although not encouraged, Suffern High School recognizes that some students, under certain circumstances, may benefit by the opportunity to double (i.e., take two courses at the same time) in a department. Prior to asking to “double” in a course, students are expected to seriously consider taking advantage of our district provided summer school. If summer school attendance cannot be accomplished, a written letter of explanation, signed by student and parent, will be required as part of the student’s request for consideration to double in a department. Approval to double will be determined by review with the student’s guidance counselor and the appropriate department chair. If not approved, the student may appeal the decision to the principal.
If approved, the student’s progress will be monitored in both courses. A failing quarter grade in either of the courses will place the student on academic probation. Any subsequent failing quarter grade will cause the student to be removed from the course with the grade of “Dropped”.
Regents Exams, Final Exams & Final Projects
1. Final exams are only partial measurements of achievement. A student does not automatically earn credit for a course by passing the Regents exam.
2. A student may earn school credit even if he/she fails the Regents exam.
3. Students granted the privilege of auditing a course to raise a Regents grade will be dropped if they fail to meet all course requirements.
4. Final exams, Regents exams, and final projects are course requirements. Students who refuse to meet these requirements will fail the course.
Community Service
Suffern High School recognizes and values the many community service contributions of our students. Students involved in approved community service activities may earn a maximum of two high school credits (not to be used to meet graduation requirements, nor used in GPA determination). Information regarding this initiative including possible community service sites and how to secure approval for community service may be obtained in the guidance and main offices.
Homework
Homework provides students with excellent opportunities for developing good study habits, reinforcing class learning experiences, providing for individual differences and abilities, and encouraging self-initiative on the part of the student. Parents and the school share in the responsibility for student learning. Parents can assist their children with homework by: providing a study area from distractions, asking questions about the assignment, giving requested assistance – but letting the student do his/her own work, avoiding undue pressure and encouraging that homework be done at the same time each day. Depending upon the level of complexity of the course, students can expect a minimum of thirty minutes of homework from each class.
Independent Study
Independent study of subjects not offered by the high school, or available to the student, is desirable and presents students with unique opportunities for flexibility in our curriculum for meeting their individual needs and interests. Students interested in pursuing an independent study should see their guidance counselor. Advanced Placement/Cambridge Pre-U and College credit bearing courses may not be taken as independent study.
Accelerated Graduation Request
The advisability of an accelerated graduation is best determined by consultations among the student, parents and guidance counselor. Meeting the graduation requirements in three years is academically demanding and is possible only if the student is conscientious, has good study habits, maintains a good attendance record and has been a resident of the district for the past two years. Acceleration for students may be approved within the following guidelines:
1. To initiate a program of accelerated graduation, a student must first consult with his/her guidance counselor and be in good academic standing.
2. The parents, student, and guidance counselor will meet to discuss the ramifications of acceleration.
3. Acceleration programs should be submitted to a building principal no later than May 1 of the student’s sophomore year. The student will be notified of the designated principal’s decision within three weeks of the submission date.
4. Accelerated students may take English 101 and 102 at R.C.C. or enriched English 12 at an approved summer school in lieu of English 12 only if enriched English 12 is not available in our own summer school program. Accelerated students may take Participation in Government and Economics in summer school or in a college program. All courses taken outside of Suffern High School must have the prior approval of the Suffern High School principal.
5. The Request for Accelerated Graduation form must be completed along with two teacher recommendations. If it is assessed that a joint conference of the two teachers would be worthwhile in reaching a final decision, the designated principal would call such a meeting. All forms may be secured in the guidance office.
Full-Time R.C.C. Students
It is possible to enter some colleges including R.C.C. after only three years of high school without meeting the graduation requirements. After successfully completing one year of college, the principal may award the high school diploma.
1. A student carrying 12 semester hours or more will be considered to be a full-time college student.
2. A student should apply by May 1 of his/her junior year.
3. Applications may be secured in the guidance office.
4. A principal’s approval is mandatory.
5. A student who elects to become a full-time college student will not be permitted to engage in high school activities except commencement. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for commencement with his/her guidance counselor prior to the beginning of the second semester.
6. The student’s college grades will not count in his/her GPA.
Part-Time College Students
1. A high school student who is a part-time college student may not earn high school credit for any course taken at the college, which is offered at Suffern High School.
2. Applications should be made by May 1 of his/her junior year.
3. Applications may be secured in the guidance office.
4. A principal’s approval is mandatory.
5. The student may engage in any or all high school activities.
6. The student’s college grades will not count in his/her GPA.
Probationary Students
Included in this group are students who were recommended for a particular level and choose to move to a higher level. A letter indicating parental approval is on file in the guidance office for all students who requested a level change. The letter clearly indicates that the parent signing the form assumes all responsibility for the planned move. It further indicates that it may not be possible to change levels at a later date due to high class enrollments. A list of probationary students will be given to each department chairperson in September.
Rank in Class
Rank in class is reported by decile on the school profile. Deciles are not listed on high school transcripts.
Rank is determined by the weighted grade point average (G.P.A.). The purposes of weighted grades are:
*To establish a more equitable method of ranking based upon student performance.
*To establish a method of grading which will serve as an incentive for a student to undertake as demanding an academic program as he/she has the ability to handle, while not being penalized for expending such efforts.
*Weighted grades are used only for the purpose of determining class rank and teachers will continue to assign grades consistent with the performance of students in their classes, regardless of the level of difficulty of a given course.
The guidance department will carefully note the system of weighted grades and the determination of class rank in documents related to college admission applications.
Promotion
Students will be assigned grade level according to the following number of earned credits:
9th: 0 to 5
10th: 5.5 to 10.5
11th: 11 to 16
12th: 16.5 or eligible for graduation
Advanced Placement Courses
Suffern High School offers advanced placement courses in several disciplines: English, social studies, math, science, foreign language and art. These courses are offered to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students. These courses are enriched upper level courses which are evaluated in accordance with established grading policies. Each student is expected to take a school designed final exam to obtain a final grade and credit for the course. Those students who enroll in the course in order to obtain advanced placement in their selected disciplines must also take the advanced placement exam published by the Educational Testing Services of the College Board. Students are required to pay the fee established by the testing service for the advanced placement exam. Students who earn a good performance grade on the advanced placement exam may thereby earn advanced placement at a designated college. In order to earn credit for an advanced placement course each student is required to take the school-designed final exam.
Honor Roll and High Honor Roll
To qualify for Honor Roll for a given marking period, a student must have no letter grade lower than a B-. To qualify for High Honor Roll during a given marking period, a student must have no letter grade lower than an A-.
Marking Periods
Grades are issued quarterly. Reports on a student’s progress are sent home and posted on the parent portal at the mid-point (five weeks) of each ten-week marking period.
Student Speakers at Graduation
Speaking at graduation is considered an academic honor. Therefore, the top 10% of students will be eligible to submit a speech for consideration. A Graduation Speech Committee will choose at least one speaker and no more than four. Students who wish to speak may be required to deliver their speech to the committee before a final determination is made.
Guidelines for Participation in Commencement Exercises
In order to participate in the commencement exercises conducted by Suffern High School, a student must have completed all of the requirements for a high school diploma as per the Minimum Requirements for Schools in New York State and as provided by local school policy.
Exceptions to the above rule may be granted by the Principal under the following conditions:
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Any student whose application for an accelerated program has been approved by the high school administration and will complete all graduation requirements that summer by taking a maximum of 1.5 credits may go through graduation ceremonies with the permission of the principal.
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The student has a minimum of 19 credits and is seeking course recovery to gain the minimum number of credits required by NYS for a high school diploma, and has a good attendance and discipline record. (see attendance policy)
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The student has presented to his/her counselor an approved summer school program that will allow him/her to meet all credits and requirements by the end of August. Student/parent must also provide evidence of registration.
If a student meets these conditions, the counselor will present the student’s request to participate in the Graduation exercises the high school principal for final approval.
Summer School
Suffern High School is part of the regional consortium of schools that provide summer school through Rockland BOCES. There is no summer school held on Suffern High School’s campus.
A student with 31 or more unexcused absences in a full year course or 16 or more absences in a semester course may not take that course in Summer School.
All students must register for the regional summer school through their Guidance Counselor by July 2nd. Updated information regarding cost will be posted by June on the HS web site. The district does not provide transportation for students taking summer school classes.
Students who fail a course must take the Summer School course at the regional summer school if the course is offered.
A student who passed the course and passed the Regents exam may retake the Regents exam in August without attending Summer School. The higher Regents exam grade will appear on the transcript but the final average grade will not be changed.
A student who passed the course and failed the Regents exam may retake the Regents exam in August without attending Summer School. The higher Regents exam grade will appear on the transcript but the final average grade will not be changed. It is highly recommended that all students attend Summer School or participate in the BOCES review session before retaking the Regents exam.
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