Academic Programs and Expectations
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Measuring Success
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Grade Reporting
Report cards are issued every nine weeks. Grades are reported numerically. The following number grade ranges are listed with their letter grade equivalent.
More important measurements and activities
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End of marking period quarterlies
End of Marking Period Quarterlies will serve as another way for students to demonstrate proficiency in content areas beyond other classroom-based assessments. The exams will require more time, involve more thinking, and challenge the student to demonstrate mastery in an authentic assessment. EMP Quarterlies are counted within the student’s marking period grade.
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Failure for the year
Students may fail a full year or semester course, if:
- the student has ten or more unexcused absences; or
- the student receives an overall grade of 59% or below in the course.
Students may not receive a failing grade lower than 49% (F) for the first, second, and third marking periods. The student’s actual average, if lower than 49%, will be reported for the fourth marking period and as their final course grade. This is done to allow students to recover reasonably from a very poor performance by earning passing grades which could amount to 60% or more for the year when averaged with the 49%.
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Final Grade Calculation
- Final grades are calculated as an average of all four marking period grades and the final examination for regular education courses (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies and Spanish 1).
- MP1 (25%) MP2 (25%) MP3 (25%) MP4 (25%)
- The grades for the one marking period of related arts (Tech, Computer Tech, Art, General Music, and Financial Literacy) count for the final grade.
- Reading and Math Workshop, Band, Chorus and Gifted Ed courses do not have a final examination. The final grade is an average of the four marking periods (25% each).
- Phys Ed final grade is an average of both marking periods (50% each).
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Homework
Homework serves as an important extension of classroom work. Homework is included as part of a student’s total grade. Students are responsible for bringing home necessary texts and appropriate materials. Every student has an assignment book where homework, projects, etc. should be written down every day. Homework assignments are to be completed neatly and on time in order for credit to be given. Please visit teacher Schoology pages on the district website for homework information. Please note that access is limited after 3:30 p.m. to Northley hallways and lockers.
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Honor Roll Information
Two Honor Roll designations are achievable at Northley Middle School.
- Distinguished Honor Roll
The student earns between 90% and 100% on all courses. - Honor Roll
The student earns between 80% and 100% on all courses.
- Distinguished Honor Roll
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Honor Society
National Junior Honor Society is an organization that recognizes student achievement in the areas of academics, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. Requirements for membership are determined by the National Council. Membership is for 7th and 8th grade students only and students are selected on the basis of their excellence in the above mentioned areas.
7th graders are invited to apply to the NJHS if they earned honor roll distinction for two consecutive marking periods of the current school year. Any 8th grader not already in the NJHS will be invited to apply if they earned honor roll distinction for two consecutive marking periods in 8th grade. NJHS is not open to 6th grade.
The honor roll requirement does not guarantee admission. It is only the first step. Next, the student will be invited to an informational meeting where they will be given an application. Their submitted application must include a written essay, a community service proposal, and information about their background, activities, sports and interests. In addition, a student is required to have completed a minimum of 10 hours of community service to be included in their application. Along with their application, a teacher recommendation form (completed by a current teacher) is also required. Each component of the application is given a score. Students whose application meet the required overall score are selected.
Final selection of candidates is determined through meeting the minimal requirements in all areas and faculty approval. An induction ceremony is held in the Spring. Such factors as attitude and discipline may affect membership potential. Students who are recommended for membership are not automatically selected.
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Reading Counts
Reading Counts is a reading program that is designed to help children become stronger, independent readers. Students read books from the Reading Counts Program, which can be obtained in the library, and take computerized quizzes. This provides the student with instant feedback on their comprehension level. The computerized program will give the students three attempts to pass a quiz on their book of choice. Reading Counts may be part of a grade in their Reading or English classes. The student’s word count will vary depending on their grade and their level.
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Summer School
Students who fail any core subject (Math, Science, Social Studies or English Language Arts) for the year are required to attend summer school. Parents have the option to choose or seek private tutoring or remediation. All tutors must be approved by the building Principal or designee. The tutors must have their Pennsylvania certification on file with the central administration office.
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Withdrawing from school
A student who expects to withdraw or transfer from Northley Middle School should notify the school office of their intention several days before withdrawal. It is necessary for a parent/guardian of the student to come to the school office and sign a “permission to withdrawal form.” Students are required to return the Chromebook and charger when they withdraw. School records will NOT be released without a signed form and the return of all school property and payment of fines, if applicable.
