Last year the Pawtucket School Department instituted a new grading policy according to trimesters. This meant that the marking periods were lengthened, and that students would receive three report cards instead of the four they had received in the past. What we noticed at Slater was that, despite our efforts to educate students regarding the new grading system, they were still unaware that they had only two "chances" to make up any failing grades in the first trimester.
Our goal is to have all students succeed. In order to help students achieve, we have instituted a new phase of our after-school Ramp Up program. It is called the STAR (Students and Teachers Achieving Results) Program. Teachers in social studies, math, science and English, as well as technology, will be available for one hour after school from Monday to Thursday until the end of the third trimester. We would like students to commit to at least one after-school session per week for each class the student failed. In other words, if a student failed three major subjects, he would stay after three days a week. In these classes, students would get individualized attention from teachers. They would also receive assistance with homework and projects and have access to computers.
The program will NOT work unless a student is serious about passing his classes. Therefore, the student and parent must sign a contract and agree to its terms. If a student attends at least 90% of the classes he or she is eligible to attend, then we will guarantee a passing grade in that course for the next trimester. Students must come to the sessions prepared to work, with assignments, pen or pencil, planner, textbook and notebook, in addition to completing all regular daily classwork. If the child has had a behavior during the day, he/she will report to detention and not be allowed to attend the STAR program.
Some students do indeed take longer to achieve standards. Some do need an extra push or some individual support. We are hoping that his program can address these needs.
Forms were mailed to parents of students who failed major subjects for the second trimester. Students who returned the signed contracts will report to Room 241 before reporting to their STAR class. Dismissal from this program each day will be at 3:30 p.m. If you have questions, call the school at 729-6480.