Academics

Old Trail uses the following code to give grades each trimester to students, based on accompanying percentage average:

Letter Grade from Percentage Grade:

Academic Honor Roll

A student who receives a grade average of 90% or above is recognized at the completion of each trimester, by being listed on the Honor Roll. Averages are computed by: 1) doubling and sub-totaling the five core subjects (History, English, Mathematics, Science, World Language); adding to that subtotal the sum of all other graded coursework (Art, Music/Performing Arts, and electives (for 7th and 8th graders), and finally, 3) taking the average of the grand total. If a subject is assessed with a skills rubric, a student's assessed performance will not be factored into the Honor Roll Computation.

Academic Probation

Students having two core subjects of "D" (66%) or below, any three subjects of "D" or below, or two or more "2" effort ratings at any marking period, will be placed on Academic Probation. The first time a child is placed on academic probation, the advisor, Division Director and School Psychologist will initiate a meeting with the student's parents to develop a plan of action to support the student's learning. This set of actions might include additional study halls, supervised study halls, additional learning support, behavioral modifications, as well as suggestions for home partnership.

Effort Grade

To further inform parents and students about a teacher's evaluation of a student's progress and motivation, an effort grade is given every trimester in all subjects. A teacher's evaluation of effort is distilled to one of five grades:

4 implies a student invariably...

3 implies a student ordinarily...

2 implies a student occasionally...

1 implies a student rarely...

... comes to class prepared with neat and organized homework and materials.

... follows directions.

... effectively and actively participates in large and small groups.

... respects self, others and school.

... is motivated and self-directed.

This effort evaluation attempts to comment on a broad range of student response, including preparation, participation, behavior and attitude. Because of this and the subjective nature of trying to evaluate what makes a student do, or not do something, parents are encouraged to look at trends in a student's effort grade, rather than focusing on one grade, in one subject, at a time.

Effort Honor Roll

To earn a place on the Effort Honor Roll, the following standards apply:

A student cannot earn a place on the Roll with any effort grade of 1 or 2. Effort grades of 4 or 3 points will be compiled for an Effort Roll average in the following manner:

All subjects (Art, History, English, Mathematics, Performing Arts/Music, Physical Education, Science, World Language and any elective [7th and 8th graders]) will be weighed equally, in compiling an average. A minimum average of 3.4 must be attained to include a student on the Effort Honor Roll.

Promotion

A student, failing two or more subjects for the school year, will be required to make-up those courses in an approved program, over the summer, or withdraw from school. Any eighth grader who earns two or more failing grades for the year will not receive an Old Trail Diploma, but may participate at Graduation.

Graduation

All graduating eighth graders are honored with a graduation ceremony. This ceremony includes a faculty speaker and student speaker, chosen by the graduates. A student's family is requested to attend the ceremony and the reception following.