This academic update follows a lengthy webinar by the NC Department of Public Education (DPI) on Friday and Special Called Electronic Meetings with principals.  High school principals met this morning.  Elementary and middle school principals met this afternoon.  Here are takeaways from the recent State Board of Education Meeting and DPI webinar:

  • Learning across the world has been significantly impacted by COVID-19.  Now more than ever, learning and what we do with what we have learned, is more important than grades.  In the future, the military, employers, and higher education will automatically understand transcripts from 2019-20 were significantly impacted by COVID-19.
  • Student grades as of March 13, 2020 will NOT be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  If grades may be improved, that guidance may come at a later time.
  • No state guidance has been provided beyond Friday, May 15, 2020.  If students return to school campuses after May 15, the state will provide additional guidance.
  • Elementary schools (K-5) are directed to “focus on supporting student progress and communicating feedback to students and their families rather than assigning grades.”
  • For students in grades 6 through 11, schools may only assign grades for the purpose of evaluating student progress.  These grades may NOT negatively impact grades established as of March 13, 2020.
  • High School Students in spring semester Career and College Promise (CCP) college courses should finish the courses remotely if possible.
    • Non-seniors will receive a final grade for the completed course or will be assigned an incomplete (due to COVID-19).  Incompletes may be made up at a later date.
    • Seniors may complete the course.  Seniors who do not complete the course, based upon progress through March 13, will receive a “Pass” (PC19) or a “Withdrawal” (WC19).  DPI will provide additional guidance for PowerSchool entry.
  • All high school students in 2019-20 will receive the grades already established for fall 2019.  Fall grades will be included in the grade-point-average (GPA).
  • Seniors in 2019-20, are required to meet minimum state requirements of 22 credits for graduation.  This includes 16 core credits and 6 state required electives.  Local electives are not required for 2019-20 graduates.  Haywood County Schools already use this standard for students at Central Haywood High School and the Haywood County Learning Center.
  • Seniors in 2019-20 will receive a grade of “Pass” or “Pass Withdraw” based on second semester learning as of March 13 in spring courses.
  • If seniors had an “F” grade in a second semester course as of March 13, 2020, high schools will provide remote learning opportunities for students to improve to a passing grade.  These opportunities will vary based upon the type of course.  Schools will share specific information for seniors at each school.
  • Occupational Course of Study (OCS) seniors are only required to acquire obtain 157 of the 225 work hours to meet graduation requirements.

All students are encouraged to learn as much as possible during the remainder of 2019-20.  We should make every reasonable effort to help students progress as much as possible.  When we come out of this crisis situation, what you have learned will be more beneficial than grades on your transcript.  I recently heard someone say, “You can get a lot done in a storm.”  This COVID-19 storm is an opportunity for our students to learn more than other students across the state and nation.  Together, let’s make every reasonable effort to stay engaged in learning.

Please be patient as we receive, process, and share new information from the state.  This is an evolving situation.  In the meantime, be calm, kind, smart, and safe.

Contact:  Dr. Bill Nolte, Superintendent