CLASS OF 2018

PARENT NIGHT
THE NUTS & BOLTS OF GPA, FINAL
EXAMS AND ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

A presentation by the
WVHS Guidance Department
September 30, 2014

WELCOME
PARENTS OF THE CLASS OF

2018!

Tonights presentation will cover the

following areas:

Grades

Final Exams

Weighted vs. Unweighted

Grading Scales
How to read a student transcript
How to calculate a Grade Point Average (GPA)
How to handle testing and stress
The testing schedule (a sample)

Academic Expectations

Resources at school
Parental involvement

GRADES & THE GRADING SCALE

Grades are the letter equivalent to a point value given
for an assignment, project, or assessment.
Points Grade

100 90
89 80
79 70
69 60
59 0

=A
=B
=C
=D
=F

Demonstrates

Grade Points

Outstanding Progress
Above Average Progress
Average Progress
Minimum Acceptable Progress
Unacceptable Progress

4
3
2
1
0

WEIGHTED VS. UNWEIGHTED GRADES

Grades earned in an Honors class or an Advanced Placement (AP)

class are weighted.

These classes are more difficult, so the grades that are earned are
given a higher point value:

While a + is not worth more than a - it will be noted on the

transcript and colleges do look at that.

Unweighted

Points

Grade

Weighted Grade Points

4
3
2
1
0

100 90
89 80
79 70
69 60
59 0

A
B
C
D
F

5
4
3
2
0

A SAMPLE TRANSCRIPT
Waubonsie Valley High School 1011/S1
Doe, John ID# 1234567
School Year and Semester
Drawing 1
English 1
Concert Strings
Geometry Honors
Biology
World Geography
PE

A
B
A
A
C
A
B

.50 09
.50 09
.50 09
.50 09
.50 09
.50 09
.50 09

Credit earned
for the semester
Grade earned in class

Grade level of
the student
when the class
was taken

HOW TO CALCULATE A
GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
Waubonsie Valley High School 1011/S1
Doe, John
ID# 1234567
To Calculate a
Drawing 1
A .50 09 (4)
GPA:
English 1
B .50 09 (3)
1. Give point value to
Concert Strings
A .50 09 (4)
each letter grade
Geometry Honors A .50 09 (5)
2. Add up all the
Biology
C .50 09 (2)
points
World Geography
A .50 09 (4)
PE
B .50 09 (3)
3. Divide the total
point value by
the number of
classes taken

Total Points = 25 / 7 classes = weighted 3.57 GPA

24 / 7 classes = unweighted 3.42 GPA

NOTES ABOUT GRADES & RANK

Class rank is gone. Students are now on the Latin

System used by colleges:
Summa Cum Laude = GPA of 4.5 and above
Magna Cum Laude = GPA of 4.2-4.49
Cum Laude = GPA of 4.0-4.19

Colleges are most concerned with students taking the

most rigorous courses that they can still be successful
at completing

FINAL EXAMS

Final Exams are the culmination of a semesters worth

of work. These assessments are MANDATORY.
Assessment of a students knowledge can take the form
of a test, an essay or a project and could be worth up to
20% of a students grade.

Assessments should be taken at the scheduled time.

Per the Student Handbook, Absences during final
exam periods are to be avoided at all costs. Absences
during final exams may result in an incomplete grade.
If unusual circumstances necessitate absence from
school..a planned absence form is required.

TESTS AND STRESS

Final exam testing All testing really! can be stressful for

students.
Help your student combat test stress by urging them to
follow these simple steps:

Study effectively throughout the semester

Ask questions in class as they arise
Join a study group
Dont CRAM! This never works. Neither does cheating.
Get a good nights sleep before the test
Eat a good breakfast and limit caffeine (it can make you jittery)
PARENTS: Reiterate to your child that you only expect their
best effort no one is perfect.

ACADEMIC RESOURCES AT WVHS

Academic Resource Center (ARC)

Catch Up Keep Up Club

English, Math, Science & Social Studies teachers

available to assist students with re-teaching,
homework, make up tests/quizzes, and general
questions. Open during all lunch periods.

Thursdays 2:30-4:30pm. Club for students who

want/need assistance with homework. Access to
school resources and teachers.

Teacher Appointments

Teachers are available before/after school for one on

one sessions with students. Your teacher should be
the first line of support for academics

GENERAL TIPS FOR FRESHMEN

Check grade book frequently to monitor your
students progress
Set aside a structured study time each day in a
distraction free environment
Contact teachers as concerns arise, encourage
your student to seek out help and ask questions
in class
Ask your student about their classes, and
encourage them to attend ARC
Contact your counselor with any concerns or if
you notice changes in your students behavior

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

November 4th, 6th, 10th - Parent Teacher

Conferences
October 23rd - Post Secondary Guidance Night

Questions???