THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 31, 1994 TAG: 9408300147
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Back to School '94
SOURCE: BY LINDA McNATT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
When students return to county school Thursday, a new attendance policy will be in effect. The changes are designed to increase attendance and to encourage high school students to report to classes on time.
The new policy will affect elementary, middle and high school students. Elementary and middle school students who have 15 unexcused absences will not be promoted. High school students who have eight unexcused absences will not receive credit for a class.
In addition, high school students will be charged one absence for every three tardies to class.
Parents may appeal the provisions of the new attendance policy. Appeals will be heard by a school committee consisting of the principal, teachers, and the president of the student council.
Isle of Wight public schools also will increase graduation requirements this year. Seniors will need a minimum of 21 units to graduate.
Middle and high school students will be on a nine-week report card schedule. Elementary students will receive report cards every six weeks. Also this year, honors classes will receive weighted grades and high schools will be on a four-block instructional schedule.
A key instructional change will also take place this year. Overaged students and those who are two or more years behind their graduating class will be in an alternative education setting rather than in the regular high school program.
The county schools will also operate an extended day program for students suspended or expelled from school. The program will operate at Smithfield High School after the regular school day.
KEYWORDS: ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SCHOOLS
by CNB