First grading period ending soon
Semester nears halfway mark
Before the grading period ends, seniors Alysha Hokanson, Samantha Bancroft and Annabelle Sanchez gets work done for their third period food science class. The class was doing a storybook project and counted as a major grade. “It was stressful at some moments.” Annabelle Sanchez said. “But we worked diligently on it so we ended up turning it in on time.”
October 15, 2018
As the month of October begins, students are scrambling to get their grades in the right place before the end of the six week grading period.
The end of a grading period is crucial, especially for those in an extracurricular activity. Half of a student’s semester grade is determined at this point. Students must pass all their classes in order to remain eligible for their activities.
“From the group’s perspective, it is important for students to maintain their eligibility so that we do not have to replace anyone in the (band’s) show,” band director Matt Boening said. “First and foremost, students need to have academic success in order to receive the most from their education here at SVHS, not to mention receiving credit for the classes they need for graduation. Second, students who are not passing their classes for the six week grade check will essentially forfeit over 200 rehearsal hours to date this year just as those hours are set to ‘Pay off’.'”
During this season, the band participates in several UIL marching competitions. Any student failing one or more classes at any UIL grade check loses their academic eligibility.
“In marching band, this means that they may no longer participate in public performance such as football games, and marching contests,” Boening said. “They must still attend all rehearsals for the group in order to continue earning their grade for band.”
Students who didn’t pass all their classes and meet the requirements before the end of the grading period are in luck. As long as a student is passing all their classes by the next grade check, they will be able to participate in their extracurricular again.
The grade check is also pivotal to sports.
“Grades are the single most driving force behind the success of any extracurricular program, not just swimming and diving,” swim coach Kari Osborne said. “They are considered student athletes, meaning if you aren’t taking care of grades in the classroom then you won’t be participating with your team. This can greatly effect what you are capable of accomplishing as a team.”
Like band, students in swim and other sports can not participate in meets and competitions unless they are passing at the grade check.
The six week grading period ended last Friday and the 9 week grading period ends Oct. 19.