Dear High School Parents, As you may know, the State Board of Education recently amended Chapter 4 regulations for academic standards and assessment. One of the most notable changes was the elimination of the graduation project requirement for the Class of 2017 and beyond. Another notable change was the expanded use of the Keystone Exams.
Due to these changes we have reviewed our current graduation project requirements for the classes of 2015 and 2016. We recognize that the presentation component of our current graduation project requirements is scheduled to occur during a time of increased testing and college and career preparation. In response, we are modifying our existing graduation requirements by eliminating the mandatory presentation requirement for the classes of 2015 and 2016. The graduation project requirements for current sophomores and juniors will be met through the successful completion of the Speech course and the four currently required reflection papers. Changes to our current graduation requirements will allow our students increased time to concentrate their efforts on preparing for the Keystone Exams, Advanced Placement Tests, and other college preparatory assessments such as the SAT and ACT.
We understand that some of our current 11th graders may have already begun or completed work on their presentations. In honor of this work, students may elect to present to a panel on the regularly scheduled graduation presentation day (April 17, 2014.) Information on signing up for these optional presentations will be available in the Counseling Office this spring.
April 17 will remain a non-student day. The day will remain an in-service day for faculty and staff. If you have any questions regarding these changes or your child’s graduation requirement status, please do not hesitate to contact his/her guidance counselor.
Thank you.