GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

All students must complete the following graduation requirements:

·        four semesters of English

·        four semesters of Social Studies

·        three semesters of Science

·        three semesters of Mathematics

·        two semesters of Physical Education/Health Education

In addition to local graduation requirements, students must score a minimum of 240 (proficient) on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Tests in English and Mathematics in order to earn a diploma from Taunton High School, or score at least a 220 (Needs Improvement) and complete an “Educational Proficiency Plan”.  In addition, the Class of 2010 will be required to pass an MCAS test in biology or chemistry depending on the science course in which the student is enrolled during his/her sophomore year.  The U.S. History MCAS exam will be given in the Spring of 2009 and all juniors will be required to take the exam.

Listed below are credit requirements necessary to remain in appropriate Year of Graduation (Y.O.G.).

Class of 2009  -   100 credits by end of junior year

Class of 2010  -     60 credits by end of sophomore year

Class of 2011  -     30 credits by end of freshman year

All students must accumulate 140 total credits to graduate.

REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards are mailed to all student homes within ten school days of the close of the term.  Progress reports are mailed to all student homes at the mid-point of each term.  Final examinations will be administered at the close of each semester. Report card grades are designated as follows:

                                    A+        =            95            -            100

                                    A          =            90            -             94

                                    B+        =            85            -             90

                                    B          =            80            -             84

                                    C+       =            75            -             79

                                    C          =            70            -             74

                                    D          =            60            -             69

                                    F           =            Below 60 Failure

                                    E           =            Audit Grade

                                    Inc.        =           Incomplete

SCHEDULE CHANGES

New course schedules are developed at the beginning of the second semester.  Counselors meet with students in large groups and also individually.  We expect family discussion will follow.  Elective choices and course levels should be seriously considered.  Course selection forms may be signed and returned by parents/guardians.  After the second week of each semester schedule adjustments should be complete. Requests after that time will be reviewed by the headmaster for final decision.

GUIDANCE SERVICES

Guidance counselors focus on academic planning for each student.  They also provide assistance with social/emotional issues and transitional planning for adult life.  Collaborative relationships with families and the community are vital in assisting students to realize their potential.  Counselors expect all students to actively plan on pursuing higher education.  Guidance shares resource information to enable each student to realize his/her dreams.  Students who are behind in academic credit towards graduation may opt for afternoon school, evening school (these courses for are offered throughout the school year) or summer school programs. See your guidance counselor for information. 

INCOMPLETE GRADES

Incomplete grades must be made up within two weeks of the end of a term.  Students are responsible to arrange meetings with teachers to finalize all required work.  Guidance counselors will be available for assistance throughout this process. 

CLASS STANDING BY QUALITY POINTS

The system consists of a two leveled rank point value.  Courses are classified as Level I or Level II. 

LEVEL I            Advanced Placement/Honors Courses     

5.5    5.0    4.5     4.0    3.5      3.0    2.5     2.0    1.5     1.0    0

 A+    A     B+      B       C+      C      D       F

LEVEL II          Academic/Applied Courses

5.5    5.0    4.5    4.0    3.5    3.0    2.5   2.0   1.5   1.0    0

A+     A     B+     B      C+     C      D     F

These quality points are granted for a course earning a minimum of five (5) credits. 

Beginning with the Class of 2011, the following quality point table will be utilized:

CLASS STANDING BY QUALITY POINTS

The system consists of a three leveled rank point value.  Courses are classified as Level I through Level III.

LEVEL I               Advanced Placement Courses

5.5    5.0    4.5         4.0      3.5      3.0    2.0      0

 A+    A      B+          B       C+       C       D       F

LEVEL II              Honors Courses

5.0    4.5    4.0      3.5    3.0    2.5   1.5    0

A+     A      B+      B      C+    C      D     F

LEVEL III            College Preparatory

4.5    4.0    3.5        3.0    2.5     2.0    1.0    0

A+    A      B+        B       C+      C      D     F

These quality points are granted for a course earning a minimum of five (5) credits.  A committee will be formed to recommend adjustments according to graduation honors, National Honor Society eligibility and honor roll status. 

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

The National Honor Society is a high school organization with chapters in six thousand schools throughout the nation.  Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may be eligible. In order to be accepted as a member, the student must:

·        maintain a cumulative average of 3.5.

·        maintain an exemplary record of conduct.

·        have no more than 10 days absent or 5 times tardy per year.

·        present documentation of community service and leadership roles within the school and community.

·        provide character letters and letters of recommendation.

Students must continue to meet these requirements in order to maintain their eligibility in the National Honor Society.

HONOR ROLL

·        Highest Honors - Students with fifteen credits of A

·        Honors - Students with  five credits of A and ten credits of B

·        Honorable Mention - Students with fifteen credits of B

A student must have no grade below B in a five credit course, no failing grade in any subject and no disciplinary action resulting in an out-of-school suspension to attain honor roll status.

GRADUATING HONORS

Summa Cum Laude  A four-year average of 4.7000 or above

Magna Cum Laude   A four-year average of 4.1000 or above

Cum Laude              A four-year average of 3.5000 or above

Honors are accumulative to the third term grades.

HOMEWORK

Homework is defined as tasks assigned to students that are to be completed during non-instructional and/or non-school hours.

Because education is a lifelong process that extends beyond the school, it is important that students recognize that learning occurs in the home and community.  Homework is one means of teaching the necessary skills of independent study and learning outside the school. 

The Taunton Public School System's definition of homework is very broad to include not only written work, but also related activities such as review of class notes, textbook readings, long term assignment(s), news reporting, recreational reading, and other activities that are related to classroom work.

Reasons for Homework:

Homework is defined as tasks assigned to students that are to be completed during non-instructional and/or non-school hours.

·        Expanding  and/or enriching regular class work.

·        Encouraging parents' awareness of student learning and involvement in their child's education.

·        Providing opportunities to pursue special interest or ability.

·        Increasing learning time and building self-discipline.

·        Reinforcing and reviewing skills and activities presented in the classroom.

·        Developing and fostering study habits and patterns.

·        Promoting independent reading and study skills.

Guidelines for Parents:

Parents can support a child’s interest in lifelong learning by encouraging good study habits and providing a learning environment in the home.

Suggestions for Students:

It is important to develop good study habits at school and home.