Soon you will have the opportunity to explore the parent portal on PowerSchool.  The portal can provide valuable information on your child’s performance here at school.  If questions about a specific grade arise as you are viewing the parent portal, please take the following measures:

 1. Have a conversation with your child about the assignment in order to uncover details that will aid in your understanding of the grade.

 2. Check to see if there is a comment associated with the grade or assignment.  If there is a comment, the grade or assignment itself will be hyperlinked in blue.

 3. Check for icons (late, missing, etc.) – key located at bottom of screen.

 4. Compare your student’s graded assignment with the assignment directions or rubric (if applicable).

 5. Check the teacher’s website, which reviews grading expectations for the individual class.

 6. Ask your child to come and speak with the teacher to discuss the assignment.  *Since we work on teaching self-advocacy on the part of the student, this step is highly encouraged!

If none of these steps help you to understand the grade, then feel free to contact the teacher.  Also, please remember to keep the big picture in mind.  It is easy to get caught up in one assignment, without realizing the weight of the assignment, or looking at how it impacts the overall quarter grade.

Students will also have access to PowerSchool and will be given their own passwords.  Students are encouraged to check PowerSchool often, and will be given instructions on how to do so at school.  Many of the tips shared above are helpful for students as well!