AP LIT with 4.0 GPA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Can Sherwood High School really failed a student who does very on test has over 4.0 GPA, but has 20 tardy to 1st period this semester? AP Lit student who like very senior goes to school late, but they want to fail her.. Want DR note for absences because they don't think she "sick."
"

You especially need to reconsider the importance of your child being present in English class as much as possible.

[Anonymous]

You know OP knows she's wrong, by looking at the extremely misleading title.

[Anonymous]

My (now college freshman) son with severe ADHD, autism and sleep apnea was always late for first period. Walter Johnson never said a word, perhaps because he had an IEP for the ADHD (coded as "other health impairment")? Then in 12th grade we requested he skip first period, because the sleep apnea got unmanageable (we didn't even need a doctor's note) and then he was always late to second period! But actually I believe they wouldn't have said a word even without those things...

It seems extremely unfair to fail an academically-sound student, just because she arrives late to class. After the first trimester, some seniors don't even show up!

I suggest you request an appointment with the Principal, go with your child, express regret, profess respect for the teacher, and have a medical explanation handy. Insist that such a good student should not be penalized vis-a-vis college applications in this way. A fail in the second semester will have to be explained to the college. And then do your utmost to get her to school on time. My son always missed his bus. I had to drive him.

Interestingly, now he lives on campus, he is never late to anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Can Sherwood High School really failed a student who does very on test has over 4.0 GPA, but has 20 tardy to 1st period this semester? AP Lit student who like very senior goes to school late, but they want to fail her.. Want DR note for absences because they don't think she "sick."
"

No. That was old regulation.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/ikara.pdf
The revised grading and reporting regulation removed all connection between attendance and grades. Students are allowed to make up missed work regardless of the reason for the absence.

That link doesn’t mention loss of credit for absences. I believe that policy hasn’t changed? After 3 absences you receive a letter and after 5 credit can be removed.

https://minio.mbhs.edu/strapi/MBHS_Attendance_Policy_cb9c411332.pdf

If this is out of date please share.

[Anonymous]

What is this school who wants to fail good students? In this current college admissions climate to boot? That's outrageous, when so many kids don't even show up to class.

I don't think that happens in many MCPS high schools. But play it diplomatically, OP. You need to get the administration on your side here.

[Anonymous]

When MCPS eliminated these policies during COVID, people complained about how slackers were passing without showing up. It was synonymous with the 50% rule. Now people are complaining it's too harsh. Seems like you can't please everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My (now college freshman) son with severe ADHD, autism and sleep apnea was always late for first period. Walter Johnson never said a word, perhaps because he had an IEP for the ADHD (coded as "other health impairment")? Then in 12th grade we requested he skip first period, because the sleep apnea got unmanageable (we didn't even need a doctor's note) and then he was always late to second period! But actually I believe they wouldn't have said a word even without those things...

It seems extremely unfair to fail an academically-sound student, just because she arrives late to class. After the first trimester, some seniors don't even show up!

I suggest you request an appointment with the Principal, go with your child, express regret, profess respect for the teacher, and have a medical explanation handy. Insist that such a good student should not be penalized vis-a-vis college applications in this way. A fail in the second semester will have to be explained to the college. And then do your utmost to get her to school on time. My son always missed his bus. I had to drive him.

Interestingly, now he lives on campus, he is never late to anything.

Then show up to school!! If the child has a medical condition, I’m sure it would already be documented by now if that was the real concern. What’s the point of having seniors registered for full year classes if they and their parents think they can stop showing up after second semester?? What makes your child so special that they just get to write off rules and responsibilities. If your kid is late to work everyday do you think they are going to remain employed?

I’m never not amazed at the logic of some folks. As though the school system is supposed to change it rules and processes just for them. You are free to become a homeschool family at any point. Then you can accommodate you kids whims about what time and days work for education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My (now college freshman) son with severe ADHD, autism and sleep apnea was always late for first period. Walter Johnson never said a word, perhaps because he had an IEP for the ADHD (coded as "other health impairment")? Then in 12th grade we requested he skip first period, because the sleep apnea got unmanageable (we didn't even need a doctor's note) and then he was always late to second period! But actually I believe they wouldn't have said a word even without those things...

It seems extremely unfair to fail an academically-sound student, just because she arrives late to class. After the first trimester, some seniors don't even show up!

I suggest you request an appointment with the Principal, go with your child, express regret, profess respect for the teacher, and have a medical explanation handy. Insist that such a good student should not be penalized vis-a-vis college applications in this way. A fail in the second semester will have to be explained to the college. And then do your utmost to get her to school on time. My son always missed his bus. I had to drive him.

Interestingly, now he lives on campus, he is never late to anything.

Then show up to school!! If the child has a medical condition, I’m sure it would already be documented by now if that was the real concern. What’s the point of having seniors registered for full year classes if they and their parents think they can stop showing up after second semester?? What makes your child so special that they just get to write off rules and responsibilities. If your kid is late to work everyday do you think they are going to remain employed?

I’m never not amazed at the logic of some folks. As though the school system is supposed to change it rules and processes just for them. You are free to become a homeschool family at any point. Then you can accommodate you kids whims about what time and days work for education.

PP, you have pretty poor reading comprehension; Tardy Kid's mom said he already had an IEP for ADHD & sleep apnea - thus the school had already determined him to be a disabled student, and it is obvious that being tardy is related to ADHD and sleep apnea, so the school could not penalize him for a violation related to his disability. Especially such a small one like being 5 mins late - that would have been unreasonable and since WJ has an affirmative Child Find obligation under the law and an obligation to provide a Free and Appropriate Public School Education to disabled students, taking away credit would have been a form of disability discrimination.

Technically, it would have been better for the school to formalize permitted tardiness as an accommodation but who wants to do more paperwork and meetings, especially for a kid who is getting good grades and about to graduate.

I have a DC who had a form of illness that made it very hard for her to attend first period on time or even at all some days. I was just cleaning out some papers and counted up that she came late or left early for medical appointments 80 times in one year. And yet, she still graduated with straight As. At first the school was super bent out of shape about it, but I forced them to give her a 504 plan and after that, once they realized she could keep up anyway, they finally shut up.

TBH, for many kids, school is very easy and they don't need to be there all the time - we learned that during the pandemic. DC was able to learn just as well in half the time. Not all kids are like that, but more than you think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Can Sherwood High School really failed a student who does very on test has over 4.0 GPA, but has 20 tardy to 1st period this semester? AP Lit student who like very senior goes to school late, but they want to fail her.. Want DR note for absences because they don't think she "sick."
"

No. That was old regulation.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/ikara.pdf
The revised grading and reporting regulation removed all connection between attendance and grades. Students are allowed to make up missed work regardless of the reason for the absence.

That link doesn’t mention loss of credit for absences. I believe that policy hasn’t changed? After 3 absences you receive a letter and after 5 credit can be removed.

https://minio.mbhs.edu/strapi/MBHS_Attendance_Policy_cb9c411332.pdf

If this is out of date please share.

Exactly. This is the MCPS policy that had loss of credit due to tardiness or absences in it. It was revised in fall 2023 to remove that consequence. Grades will not be linked to attendance anymore. Schools were supposed to roll out training to their staff on this in January in preparation for the spring semester. The Blair school policy is out of date.

So, back to OP. No, your kid can’t be failed due to tardiness or unexcused absences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Can Sherwood High School really failed a student who does very on test has over 4.0 GPA, but has 20 tardy to 1st period this semester? AP Lit student who like very senior goes to school late, but they want to fail her.. Want DR note for absences because they don't think she "sick."
"

No. That was old regulation.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/ikara.pdf
The revised grading and reporting regulation removed all connection between attendance and grades. Students are allowed to make up missed work regardless of the reason for the absence.

That link doesn’t mention loss of credit for absences. I believe that policy hasn’t changed? After 3 absences you receive a letter and after 5 credit can be removed.

https://minio.mbhs.edu/strapi/MBHS_Attendance_Policy_cb9c411332.pdf

If this is out of date please share.

Exactly. This is the MCPS policy that had loss of credit due to tardiness or absences in it. It was revised in fall 2023 to remove that consequence. Grades will not be linked to attendance anymore. Schools were supposed to roll out training to their staff on this in January in preparation for the spring semester. The Blair school policy is out of date.

So, back to OP. No, your kid can’t be failed due to tardiness or unexcused absences.

And this is why teachers and administrators are leaving the profession. Why should they have to show up on time and put in time and energy when students can roll in whenever they choose. And because Test are weighted so much against everything else, essentially get high grades while not participating or contributing to the class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My (now college freshman) son with severe ADHD, autism and sleep apnea was always late for first period. Walter Johnson never said a word, perhaps because he had an IEP for the ADHD (coded as "other health impairment")? Then in 12th grade we requested he skip first period, because the sleep apnea got unmanageable (we didn't even need a doctor's note) and then he was always late to second period! But actually I believe they wouldn't have said a word even without those things...

It seems extremely unfair to fail an academically-sound student, just because she arrives late to class. After the first trimester, some seniors don't even show up!

I suggest you request an appointment with the Principal, go with your child, express regret, profess respect for the teacher, and have a medical explanation handy. Insist that such a good student should not be penalized vis-a-vis college applications in this way. A fail in the second semester will have to be explained to the college. And then do your utmost to get her to school on time. My son always missed his bus. I had to drive him.

Interestingly, now he lives on campus, he is never late to anything.

Then show up to school!! If the child has a medical condition, I’m sure it would already be documented by now if that was the real concern. What’s the point of having seniors registered for full year classes if they and their parents think they can stop showing up after second semester?? What makes your child so special that they just get to write off rules and responsibilities. If your kid is late to work everyday do you think they are going to remain employed?

I’m never not amazed at the logic of some folks. As though the school system is supposed to change it rules and processes just for them. You are free to become a homeschool family at any point. Then you can accommodate you kids whims about what time and days work for education.

PP, you have pretty poor reading comprehension; Tardy Kid's mom said he already had an IEP for ADHD & sleep apnea - thus the school had already determined him to be a disabled student, and it is obvious that being tardy is related to ADHD and sleep apnea, so the school could not penalize him for a violation related to his disability. Especially such a small one like being 5 mins late - that would have been unreasonable and since WJ has an affirmative Child Find obligation under the law and an obligation to provide a Free and Appropriate Public School Education to disabled students, taking away credit would have been a form of disability discrimination.

Technically, it would have been better for the school to formalize permitted tardiness as an accommodation but who wants to do more paperwork and meetings, especially for a kid who is getting good grades and about to graduate.

I have a DC who had a form of illness that made it very hard for her to attend first period on time or even at all some days. I was just cleaning out some papers and counted up that she came late or left early for medical appointments 80 times in one year. And yet, she still graduated with straight As. At first the school was super bent out of shape about it, but I forced them to give her a 504 plan and after that, once they realized she could keep up anyway, they finally shut up.

TBH, for many kids, school is very easy and they don't need to be there all the time - we learned that during the pandemic. DC was able to learn just as well in half the time. Not all kids are like that, but more than you think.

Actually the OP didn’t say anything about an IEP that was another poster. And even if the kid had an IEP/Medical Condition the allowable accommodations and supports would be detailed. Obviously continued tardiness was not one of those or else the OP would not have had to bring this up.

[Anonymous]

I am so over the focus on school attendance. Many kids can pass the work presented in class without much effort and in less time. Let them. If a kid is rolling in late to class and doesn't participate in discussion and still is able to pull As on tests - they are demonstrating that they know the material, which is the goal of class.

My DD sat in an IB History class and read on her iphone all class. She got an A in the class and a 7 on the IB test. She couldn't be bothered to participate in class discussion because, from her perspective, it was very low level and kids said things that were wildly factual incorrect.

The teacher was very angry in the beginning and kept hassling her even though she was quiet and never disrupted class, and, frankly, was reading stuff on her phone that was far more edifying.

Again a kid who is getting all As on tests should basically not be hassled about anything unless they are disrupting class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so over the focus on school attendance. Many kids can pass the work presented in class without much effort and in less time. Let them. If a kid is rolling in late to class and doesn't participate in discussion and still is able to pull As on tests - they are demonstrating that they know the material, which is the goal of class.

My DD sat in an IB History class and read on her iphone all class. She got an A in the class and a 7 on the IB test. She couldn't be bothered to participate in class discussion because, from her perspective, it was very low level and kids said things that were wildly factual incorrect.

The teacher was very angry in the beginning and kept hassling her even though she was quiet and never disrupted class, and, frankly, was reading stuff on her phone that was far more edifying.

Again a kid who is getting all As on tests should basically not be hassled about anything unless they are disrupting class.

Interacting in discussions and with co-workers is part of your daughter's future. She needs to learn to do it. If she can't function in a group, maybe you should re-consider public school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am so over the focus on school attendance. Many kids can pass the work presented in class without much effort and in less time. Let them. If a kid is rolling in late to class and doesn't participate in discussion and still is able to pull As on tests - they are demonstrating that they know the material, which is the goal of class.

My DD sat in an IB History class and read on her iphone all class. She got an A in the class and a 7 on the IB test. She couldn't be bothered to participate in class discussion because, from her perspective, it was very low level and kids said things that were wildly factual incorrect.

The teacher was very angry in the beginning and kept hassling her even though she was quiet and never disrupted class, and, frankly, was reading stuff on her phone that was far more edifying.

Again a kid who is getting all As on tests should basically not be hassled about anything unless they are disrupting class.

Interacting in discussions and with co-workers is part of your daughter's future. She needs to learn to do it. If she can't function in a group, maybe you should re-consider public school.

The assumption that kids aren't attending or participating because there is something wrong with them (they're incapable or delinquent) is exactly the kind of unfounded assumption I am calling out.

She was perfectly capable of functioning in a group and participated in many leadership roles in HS. No HS teacher thought she was incapable of group participation. The issue, frankly, was - if she was getting an A, why should she spend her time in unproductive ways?

She went on to graduate with multiple Ivy undergrad and grad degrees and has had great work opportunities and a terrific network of friends and colleagues.

Hassling kids and being overly punitive about minor things like tardy violations is not going to improve student success. It is the school system's way of blame casting onto students rather than taking a hard look at themselves and how they are educating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so over the focus on school attendance. Many kids can pass the work presented in class without much effort and in less time. Let them. If a kid is rolling in late to class and doesn't participate in discussion and still is able to pull As on tests - they are demonstrating that they know the material, which is the goal of class.

My DD sat in an IB History class and read on her iphone all class. She got an A in the class and a 7 on the IB test. She couldn't be bothered to participate in class discussion because, from her perspective, it was very low level and kids said things that were wildly factual incorrect.

The teacher was very angry in the beginning and kept hassling her even though she was quiet and never disrupted class, and, frankly, was reading stuff on her phone that was far more edifying.

Again a kid who is getting all As on tests should basically not be hassled about anything unless they are disrupting class.

Uhmm... the pont of educating young people is not just to test well. School is more than test taking and getting A's. Part of growing up is to be patient. Just because a kid did not disrupt the class, does not mean that their whipping out a phone to read something more "edifying" is not an example of failing to exercise delayed gratification. This lack of self control is becoming a societal problem.