Page 29 - PSHS Handbook 2021-2022

cards, and other materials occurs in late February. It is important that the order is processed within the designated date as extra announcement cards are not stocked by the school. Graduates receiving special recognition at commencement are those who have maintained a quality point average (QPA) of 3.25 or higher for grades nine, ten, eleven, and twelve.
Four levels of academic achievement are recognized:
Achievement
4.00 and above QPA
3.25-3.74 QPA
Recognition
Listed in program as having achieved academic excellence and lead the roll call procession. Receives medallion and high honor cord.
3.75 and above QPA Designated as High Honors and receives a high honor cord.
Designated as Honors and receives an honor cord.
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Seniors are not required to participate in the graduation ceremony. Students who do participate in the commencement program are obligated to take part in the practices for the event, and to accept the rules of conduct and dress that is appropriate for the ceremony.
*Commencement speakers will be the Outstanding Male and Female Seniors selected according to the Outstanding Senior Award process detailed on page 44.
Computing the Final Grade
I. Year Course - The final course grade is recorded as a letter grade by the following weights:
➢ Each of four nine-week reporting periods = 20% (80% total)
➢ Mid Term Examinations = 10%
➢ Final Examinations = 10%
This average is then converted into its letter grade equivalent.
II. Semester Course - The same procedure as with a full year course with the exception that the total weight of the two reporting periods and the semester exam are doubled.
Early College Admission
Students may attend approved colleges on a full-time basis in lieu of their senior year based upon the following:
I. The student is accepted to an accredited college or university.
II. The student is enrolled in a planned course of study that will lead to an associate or Bachelor’s degree; and
III. Completion of the first year’s course satisfies the district’s graduation requirements.
*STUDENTS WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN FINAL CLASS RANKING OR BE RECOGNIZED FOR ACADEMIC HONORS.
Failed Courses
Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to recover credit for courses in which they did not earn a passing grade during the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Credit recovery courses will take place through the Edgenuity Courseware program, and will be monitored by a Plum Borough School District teacher or a PA certified teacher. Students will work in an asynchronous environment to complete their coursework for these online classes. To learn about asynchronous learning, click here.
Students must earn a passing grade in the credit recovery course to earn credit, and the new grade will replace the student’s original grade in the course for the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year due to the pandemic. The credit recovery grade will replace the original failing grade on the student’s transcript, and will count towards the overall QPA.
Exceptionally Prepared for Success 28