Academic Information
- Program Access
- Grading System
- Report Cards
- Grading Symbols
- Final Grade Computation
- Letter/Grade Equivalents
- Computation for Senior Exemption or Advanced Placement Exemption of Final Exams
- Grade Point Average and Decile Rank
- Honor Roll
- Advanced Placement Examination Fees
- Advanced Placement Examination Exemption
- Student Transcripts
- Student Schedules
- Student Records
- Student Transfer/Withdrawal Procedures
- Graduation Requirements
- Graduation Ceremonies
- Homework
- Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty
Program Access
Board of Education Policy - Equal Educational Opportunity #5750
The Board of Education (BOE) directs that all students enrolled in the schools of this district shall be afforded equal opportunities in strict accordance with law. No student shall be denied access to or benefit from any educational program or co-curricular or athletic activity on the basis of the student's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, sex, social or economic status, or disability. The BOE shall assure that all students are free from sexual and all types of harassment.
Grading System
Board of Education Policy - Grading System #2624
The following rules and regulations concerning the grading, examination, and related materials requirements, have been developed in accordance with district policy as established by the BOE.
Report Cards
Board of Education Policy - Reporting Student Progress #5420
The Board of Education directs a program of reporting student progress to parents or legal guardians by both written reports and by parent-teacher conferences. Report cards for each marking period are available on the “Parent Portal” of the district’s home page. If you do not have a username and password, please complete the “Parent Access Registration Form” available on the website.
Grading Symbols
The report card provides an indication to the student and/or parent/guardian of the student’s performance in each course. At least one (1) indicator of effort may accompany each grade reported. In addition to letter grades described on pages 18-22 the district uses the following symbol grades to assess student grade performance:
A. Grade of "S" (Satisfactory) and "U" (Unsatisfactory) can be used for cognitively impaired students who are classified by the child study team, for students participating in the Option II Physical Education program, most individualized pupil learning opportunities, and for other reasons as determined by the Superintendent.
B. Grade of "M" (Medical): If a student receives an "M" for more than one marking period, he/she shall receive an "M" for a final grade for the year. If a student received an "M" for one of the marking periods, his/her final grade shall be computed according to the procedures used in a semester course. Students with an "M" (Medical) excuse from physical education class are not eligible to participate in after-school sports activities. Students with an “M” (Medical) excuse from physical education class for one week or more are required to complete written assignments in order to earn course credit.
C. Grade of “W” (Withdrawal of Credit) will be an indication of the withdrawal of credit under specific circumstances.
1. WAT – withdrawal of credit due to attendance.
2. WP/WE – withdrawal of credit due to dropping a course after the add/drop period, as per student’s grade at the time of withdrawal.
D. Grade of “X” (Senior Exemption or Advanced Placement Course Exemption from Final Exam): If a student is exempt from the final exam, an “X” will appear in the final exam column.
Final Grade Computation
The district’s grading policy is used to compute final grades. Teachers devise a system for each marking period; i.e. value of quizzes, tests, homework, classroom participation, etc. Such grading systems should be known and approved by the department supervisor. Students should be informed of the teacher’s grading system at the beginning of the year. As a rule, teachers use nine to twenty measures of progress during the marking period to determine a student's grade for that marking period.
Letter/Grade Equivalents
Grade | Letter/Numerical System | Grade | Letter/Numerical System |
---|---|---|---|
A+ | 97-100 | B+ | 87-89 |
A | 94-96 | B | 84-86 |
A- | 90-93 | B- | 80-83 |
C+ | 77-79 | D+ | 67-69 |
C | 74-76 | D | 65-66 |
C- | 70-73 | E (failing) | 64-below |
To determine the final grade computation for a student who has obtained an “E” for any marking period or final exam, use the letter system not the numerical system.
For teachers who use a letter format to compute the student's grades throughout the year:
1. Convert the letter grade to its equivalent below:
A+ | = | 4.6 | C+ | = | 2.6 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
A | = | 4.3 | C | = | 2.3 |
A- | = | 4.0 | C- | = | 2.0 |
B+ | = | 3.6 | D+ | = | 1.6 |
B | = | 3.3 | D | = | 1.3 |
B- | = | 3.0 | E | = | 0 |
2. Use marking period equivalents as specific for the type of course listed under Final Grade Computation (see example on page 20).
3. Divide the total by 5 for full year course or by 4 for a 3/4 year course.
4. Round off to 2 decimal places.
5. Convert to the appropriate letter grade.
4.45 and up | A+ |
---|---|
4.15 - 4.44 | A |
3.75 - 4.14 | A- |
3.45 –3.74 | B+ |
3.15 - 3.44 | B |
2.75 - 3.14 | B- |
2.45 - 2.74 | C+ |
2.15 – 2.44 | C |
1.75 - 2.14 | C- |
1.45 - 1.74 | D+ |
.72- 1.44 | D |
.71 and below | E |
Example - Full Year Course:Step I:
Marking Pd. & Average of Midterm & Final | Conversion to Letter Grade Earned | Numerical Value (from table) |
---|---|---|
1 | A- | 4.0 |
2 | B+ | 3.6 |
3 | C+ | 2.6 |
4 | B | 3.3 |
Examination(s) | C | 2.3 |
TOTAL = | 15.80 |
Divide by 5 = 3.16
Step III:Round off to 2 decimal places = 3.16
Step IV:Convert to letter grade using table = B
Example - Semester Course:Step I:
Marking Pd & Final Grade | Letter Grade Earned | Conversion to Numeral Value (from table) | Two Times Each Marking Period |
---|---|---|---|
1 | A- | 4.0 | 8.0 |
2 | E | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Final Examination | B | 3.3 | 3.3 |
TOTAL = | 11.3 |
Divide by 5 | = | 2.26 |
---|
Round off to 2 decimal places (if necessary) | = | 2.26 |
Convert to letter grade using table | = | C |
Computation for Senior Exemption or Advanced Placement Exemption of Final Exams
A grade code “X” is used to indicate that the student opted for the senior exemption or Advanced Placement exemption privilege. In the case of a semester course, the final average is determined by the first two marking periods, each counted twice and divided by four. In the case of a full year course, each marking period is added twice, the midterm once, and the sum is divided by nine.
- Full-year course Each marking period is equivalent to 1/5 and the exams together equal 1/5.
- Semester course Each marking period is equivalent to 2/5 and the final exam is equal to 1/5.
- Three-quarter course Each marking period is equivalent to 1/4 and the final exam is equal to 1/4.
- One-quarter course The marking period is equivalent to 4/5 and the final exam is equal to 1/5.
Example - Full Year Course:
Marking Period 1 | A | 4.3 x 2 | = | 8.6 |
Marking Period 2 | A- | 4.0 x 2 | = | 8.0 |
Midterm Exam | A- | 4.0 x 1 | = | 4.0 |
Marking Period 3 | A+ | 4.6 x 2 | = | 9.2 |
Marking Period 4 | A | 4.3 x 2 | = | 8.6 |
Final Exam | X | |||
Total | 38.4 ÷ 9 | = | 4.266 | |
Convert to letter grade, using table | = | A |
Example - Semester Course:
Marking Period 1 | A | 4.3 x 2 | = | 8.6 |
Marking Period 2 | A- | 4.0 x 2 | = | 8.0 |
Final Exam | X | |||
Total | 16.6 ÷ 4 | = | 4.150 | |
Convert to letter grade, using table | = | A |
Grade Point Average and Decile Rank
A. Computation of grade point average (GPA) will be reported on student transcripts. The numerical equivalent for each letter grade is given below. *Also, other courses as specified by the Superintendent of Schools (e.g., specific International Baccalaureate courses) shall be weighted above the regular course weighting as specified.
Grade | Regular | Honors and other specified courses* | Advanced Placement and other specified courses* |
A+ | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.1 |
A | 4.3 | 5.3 | 5.8 |
A- | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
B+ | 3.6 | 4.6 | 5.1 |
B | 3.3 | 4.3 | 4.8 |
B- | 3.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 |
C+ | 2.6 | 3.6 | 4.1 |
C | 2.3 | 3.3 | 3.8 |
C- | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.5 |
D+ | 1.6 | 2.6 | 3.1 |
D | 1.3 | 2.3 | 2.8 |
E | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
B. Quality points are computed by assigning a numerical value to each grade which is multiplied by the total number of credits assigned to a course.
Example:Quality Course | Grade | Equiv. | X | Credit | Points |
English I | A+ | 4.6 | X | 5 | 23.00 |
World Studies | B+ | 3.6 | X | 5 | 18.00 |
Algebra I Honors | B | 4.3 | X | 5 | 21.50 |
Spanish I | A | 4.3 | X | 5 | 21.50 |
Physical Education | C | 2.3 | X | 3.75 | 8.63 |
Health | D+ | 1.6 | X | 1.25 | 2.00 |
Physical Science | C+ | 2.6 | X | 5 | 13.00 |
Applied Art I | B+ | 3.6 | X | 2.5 | 9.00 |
Total Quality Points...............................116.63
Total Number of Credits...........................32.5
Total Quality Points | ÷ | Total Credits Attempted | = | Grade Point Average |
116.63 | ÷ | 32.5 | = | 3.59 |
C. Decile rank is determined by the Grade Point Average [G.P.A.] for students who have attended FRHSD schools for at least three years. The G.P.A. for individual students is based upon a set mathematical formula. Decile rank is calculated and made available to students after four semesters, and again, after six semesters. The final decile rank is calculated after all final grades have been submitted and entered.
Class rank will be reported as a decile on the student transcript if requested by the student. A chronological rank will continue to be calculated; however, it will be used only for scholarship applications and other applications when required.
Honor Roll
High Honor Roll (Principal’s Honor Roll) and Honor Roll are generated for each marking period. Students on the High Honor Roll are those students who have attained all “As” for the marking period. Students on the Honor Roll are those students who have attained all “As” and “Bs” for the marking period.
Advanced Placement Examination Fees
Advanced Placement Examination Exemption
Student Transcripts
The Board of Education supports a letter-numerical equivalent system of grading as explained in this handbook under the heading of “Academic Information.” The student transcript reflects a “key” indicating the numerical equivalence of the letter grade. The grade reported represents the academic achievement of the student in that program and/or level of course. Computation of Grade Point Average (GPA) is also reported on student transcripts.
Student Schedules
Student schedules are developed in the following two-step process:
A. Students are given advice from their current teachers regarding recommended course selections from their subject areas.
B. Students meet with their school counselors to discuss course selections and career goals.
The master schedule and staffing needs are determined in part, by student requests, and in order to ensure stability to our student body and staff, it is vital to limit course changes. The district has developed the following guidelines and criteria for dropping a course after the above selection procedures have been completed:
A. A course may not be dropped or added without the administration’s prior approval.
B. Students may drop a full year course only until September 13, 2024 without penalty. If a student drops a course after September 13, 2024, the student will receive a grade of “WE” or “WP”, this will be determined by the status of the student’s grade at the time of the withdrawal. The designation of “WE” or “WP” will be calculated the same as an “E” in the student’s cumulative Grade Point Average. The policy applies to quarterly or semester courses with the previously mentioned time limits adjusted proportionately.
C. In the event of a course change or transfer to another course, assignment and/or marking period grades will be transferred to the new course of enrollment. Final grade weighting will be determined by the final course of enrollment and is also the course designated on the student transcript.
D. A course may not be dropped if it means that the student will be taking fewer than 30 credits.
E. Acceptable reasons for changing a course after submitting final course selections include:
1. Data processing errors, i.e. a required course is not on the student schedule or the requested level is not indicated.
2. Successful credit recovery program or credit advancement which allows progress to the next sequential course.
3. Seniors who need a course to fulfill a graduation requirement.
4. A documented history of student/teacher/family conflict. Requests for schedule changes based on teacher preference will not be honored.
These guidelines and procedures for schedule changes will be followed at all times.
Student Records
Board of Education Policy - Student Records #8330
Upon graduation or permanent departure of a student from the district, a copy of the entire student record will be provided upon request to the parent/guardian or adult student.
Student Transfer/Withdrawal Procedures
Graduation Requirements
Board of Education Policy - High School Graduation #5460
The Board of Education recognizes that the attainment of proficiency in academic skills is an integral part of its duty to provide a thorough and efficient education to New Jersey students. The goal of the district’s educational program is to produce citizens ready to meet the challenges of postsecondary education and the workforce. It is crucial to the attainment of this goal that students share in the responsibility of their own education. The Board of Education fulfills this statutory obligation by presenting in writing a graduation requirement policy. The Board of Education will recognize the successful completion of the secondary school instructional program by the award of a State-endorsed diploma certifying the student has met all State and local requirements for high school graduation.
Regular attendance is required for the successful completion of a course of study and graduation. Students are expected to be present in every scheduled class, except if their attendance is excused in accordance with Board of Education Policy - Attendance #5200.
For each year enrolled, a student shall carry a minimum of 30 credits unless excused under specific guidelines promulgated by the superintendent. Sophomores must have successfully completed 30 credits; juniors must have successfully completed 60 credits; and seniors must have successfully completed 85 credits to be a senior of good standing. Each student must earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate.
A. High School Graduation Requirements
A graduating student must have earned a minimum of one hundred twenty credits in courses designed to meet all of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) including, but not limited to, the following credits:
1. Twenty credits in English language arts aligned to grade nine through twelve standards;
2. Fifteen credits in mathematics, including Algebra I or the content equivalent; geometry or the content equivalent; and a third year of mathematics that builds on the concepts and skills of algebra and geometry and that prepares students for college and 21st century careers;
3. Fifteen credits in social studies, including satisfaction of N.J.S.A. 18A:35-1 and 18A:35-2; five credits in world history; and the integration of civics, economics, geography, and global content in all course offerings;
4. Fifteen credits in science, including at least five credits in laboratory biology/life science or the content equivalent; one additional laboratory/inquiry-based science course, and one additional laboratory/inquiry-based science course;
5. Three and three-quarters credits in health, safety, and physical education during each year of enrollment, distributed as one hundred fifty minutes per week, as required by N.J.S.A. 18A:35-5, 7 and 8;
6. Five credits in visual and performing arts;
7. Five credits in world languages or student demonstration of proficiency as set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a)2ii(2);
8. Two and one-half credits in financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy;
9. Five credits in 21st century life and careers, or career-technical education. Technological literacy, consistant with the NJSLS, integrated throughout the curriculum;
10. Electives as determined by the high school program sufficient to total a minimum of one hundred twenty credits.
The high school graduation credit requirement may be met in whole or in part through program completion of a range of experiences that enable students to pursue a variety of personalized learning opportunities, as follows:
1. The district shall establish a process to approve individualized student learning opportunities that meet or exceed the NJSLS.
a. Individualized student learning opportunities in all NJSLS areas include, but are not limited, to the following:
(1) Independent study;
(2) Online learning;
(3) Study abroad programs;
(4) Student exchange programs; and
(5) Structured learning experiences, including, but not limited to, work-based programs, internships, apprenticeships, and service learning experiences.
b. Individualized student learning opportunities based upon specific instructional objectives aimed at meeting or exceeding the NJSLS shall:
(1) Be based on student interest and career goals as reflected in the Personalized Student Learning Plans;
(2) Include demonstration of student competency;
(3) Be certified for completion based on the district process adopted according to 2. below; and
(4) Be on file in the school district and subject to review by the Commissioner or designee.
c. Group programs based upon specific instructional objectives aimed at meeting or exceeding the NJSLS shall be permitted and shall be approved in the same manner as other approved courses.
B. Additional Graduation Requirements
1. Attendance requirements as indicated in Policy and Regulation 5200;
2. Any statutorily mandated requirements for earning a high school diploma; and
3. Any Statewide assessment graduation requirements as determined by the New Jersey Department of Education.
C. Students with Disabilities
1. Through the IEP process and pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.11 - Graduation, the district may specify alternate requirements for a State-endorsed diploma for individual students with disabilities as defined in N.J.A.C. 6A:14-1.3.
a. The district shall specifically address any alternate requirements for graduation in a student’s IEP, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.11.
b. The district shall develop and implement procedures for assessing whether a student with a disability has met any alternate requirements for graduation individually determined in an IEP
D. High School Diploma
1. The Board of Education shall award a State-endorsed high school diploma to prospective graduates who have met all of the requirements adopted in accordance with State and local Board of Education requirements.
2. The Commissioner of Education shall award a State-issued high school diploma in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.2(c) and (d).
3. The Board of Education shall award a State-endorsed high school diploma to any currently enrolled student formally requesting an early award of the diploma in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.2(e) and Board Policy 5465.
Graduation Ceremonies
Students who do not meet the graduation requirements on or before the day of the graduation ceremony shall not march in the processional, nor participate in graduation exercises. Attendance at the graduation ceremonies, held traditionally on the evening of the last day of school is not mandatory for graduating seniors. Any senior not wishing to attend the ceremony should notify the principal's secretary by June 1 of the graduating year.
PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT. Students demonstrating willful disobedience and/or with severe disciplinary infractions may be denied the privilege of participating in graduation.
Students who are enrolled in the RAISE Academy, other out-of-district schools, or on Home Instruction who wish to participate in graduation ceremonies must obtain the permission of the building principal.
Seniors who do not attend graduation rehearsal may not participate in the graduation ceremonies unless approved by the building principal. Seniors who do not participate in the graduation ceremony may pick up their diploma on the day after the graduation ceremony.
Early in the school year, seniors who plan to attend the graduation ceremonies will be required to order a cap and gown. Students or parents who have questions about the ordering of caps and gowns should contact the class advisor or designated school administrator.
The graduation ceremony is normally held outdoors on the athletic field. Inclement weather may cause the activities to be moved indoors where limited seating exists. Additional information on the number of tickets available for guests will be given to seniors during the school year. In keeping with the spirit of graduation exercises, students are required to dress appropriately. The wearing of jeans, sneakers, work boots, cutoffs, or shorts is not allowed.
The graduation ceremonies are conducted in a dignified and reserved manner. While graduation is a joyous and happy time for all, it is expected that the conduct, behavior, and actions of graduating seniors be appropriate to the ceremonies. Any senior who in the judgment of the administration, disrupts the ceremony in any way, brings unnecessary attention to themselves, or detracts from the exercises shall be immediately dismissed from the exercises. In addition, the diploma will not be awarded until a parent conference is held with the principal.
Seniors with outstanding fines will also have their diploma withheld until the debt is cleared. However, every attempt will be made to rectify these issues prior to the actual commencement ceremonies.
Homework
Board of Education Policy - Homework #2330
The Freehold Regional High School District has established that all high schools develop homework policies for each individual department. Students will receive from each teacher the rules/regulations governing homework procedures for that specific course. Homework procedures will cover important areas such as amount of homework, weight of homework towards grade, late assignments, and make-up work.
Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty
Board of Education Policy - Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty #5701
A. Students are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. This means that they will not engage in any of the following acts:
1. Cheating on examinations, including but not limited to, the non-authorized use of books or notes, the use of crib sheets, copying from other students' papers, exchanging information with other students orally, in writing, or by signals, obtaining copies of the examination illegally and other similar activities.
2. Plagiarism is not permitted in term papers, essays, reports, images, take-home examinations, and other academic work. Plagiarism is defined as stealing or using without acknowledgment the ideas, words, formulas, textual materials, on line services, computer programs, etc. of another person, or in any way presenting the work of another person as one's own.
3. Falsifications, including forging signatures, altering answers after they have been graded, the insertion of answers after the fact, the erasure of grader's markings, and other acts that allow for falsely taking credit.
4. Sharing, receiving, and assisting in utilizing stolen assessments or the unethical use of technology.
5. Using any artificial intelligence tool/software/app/etc. to create ideas, writings, answers, etc. that are not the ideas, writings, answers, etc. of the student. (e.g. ChatGPT)
B. A teacher or school official who believes that a student has been academically dishonest in his/her class or school related activity should address the matter in the following manner:
1. Inform the student orally and/or in writing. The teacher is also authorized to withhold credit in the work tainted by the academic dishonesty. Teachers are to submit a written report of all incidents involving academic dishonesty/plagiarism to the Principal or designee as soon as possible. Such reports will include the identity of the student(s) involved in the incident, why plagiarism/academic dishonesty is suspected, and examples of the student(s) work.
2. The Principal or designee will determine the discipline of the student if appropriate.
3. A student found guilty of academic dishonesty may be subjected to a full range of penalties including, but not limited to, reprimand, loss of credit for all of the work that is plagiarized, and possible loss of eligibility for academic honors, including but not limited to, valedictorian, salutatorian, class officer, or National Honor Society membership. All violations are cumulative over four years and are kept in the student’s discipline record. In addition, as noted in the District’s Annual FERPA Notification of Rights, the District will disclose, among other student records, disciplinary records related to academic dishonesty where the integrity of the District or school is compromised and/or results in a significant change to a candidate’s academic status or qualifications -- to officials of another school, school system and/or post-secondary education institution or agency where a student seeks or intends to enroll for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer.