Wamego’s USD 320 Board of Education reviewed the High School’s proposed grading policy. At Monday’s meeting, Principal Tim Winter went over a revised grading policy, after the current policy raised some public concerns.
According to Winter, the Honor Roll standards have been amended because currently about 90 percent of the student body is listed on the Honor Roll. The regular Honor Roll will require a 3 point 7 (3.7) to 3 point 99 (3.99) GPA. The High Honor Roll will require a 4 point 0 (4.0) or higher GPA, because of the weighted grading of the Advanced Placement (AP) classes. He said these new standards will recognize 50 percent of the classmates rather than 90 percent.
Other changes include, the “F” is back. Winter said “No Credit” was confusing. Regarding student grades, the score a student earns on an assessment will be entered ” as it is” when the assessment is returned. Winter said there’s been some inconsistency in this area.
There were some Board and Teacher questions and answers exchanged regarding the number of assessment do-over’s. Board Member Mark Bettencourt suggested only one re-take should be allowed, but was told only one-percent of students take multiple re-takes, and the teacher should be allowed to use discretion on a case-by-case basis. The proposal was left as it was presented.
The board recognized students for both academics and sports. At Monday s meeting, Assistant High School Principal Mark Stephen introduced Coach Jim Page and the Wamego High School Girls Basketball team for being undefeated during the regular season and placing 2nd in the State Tournament. Coach Page said true of these girls and all other sports, they don’t back down from anything , because the team had some tough competition at the State Tournament, and he congratulated the team for a very successful season.
Junior wrestler Dalton Carley placed 3rd in State in the 126 lb. weight class. He placed 4th in the Midwest Classic Nationals Wrestling Tournament in Kearney, Nebraska, and is now a High School Wrestling All American. Coach Jeremy Gilkerson recognized Sophmore Dylan Bloom, who lost 2 and won 1 match in the 106 lb. class at the State Wrestling Tournament.
8th Grade teacher Adam Topliff introduced student Alex Vontz for qualifying for the State Geography Bee. Vontz had to take a 100-question test to qualify and was tied for 1st place.
Wamego High School Junior, Tristan Walsh was the 1st place winner in Division 1 Engineering at the State Science and Engineering Fair. Tristan s entry was a rebuilt vintage 1937 Maytag Small Engine which he converted into a generator.
St. George Elementary’s, Aiden Bradley was the winner of the Autism Awareness Design for his t-shirt art work. Bradley presented each of the board members one of his shirts.