1. High School 101 Promotion and Retention Policy, GPA, and Diploma of Distinction Monday, August 18 th, 4 th period

2. Promotion and Retention There is a Promotion and Retention Policy in place for Dorchester District Two. Promotion means to be promoted to the next grade level o Example: Go from 9 th grade to 10 th grade Retention means to be held back a grade level o Example: 2 consecutive years in the 9 th grade

3. The policy: o To go from 9 th to 10 th grade requires 6 credits which must include but are not limited to: o English1 credit o Math1 credit o Science1 credit o To go from 10 th to 11 th grade requires 12 credits which must include but are not limited to: o English2 credits o Math2 credits o Science2 credits o Social Studies1 credit Promotion and Retention

4. The policy: o To go from 11 th to 12 th grade requires at least 17 credits which must include but are not limited to: o English3 credits o Math3 credits o Science3 credits o Social Studies2 credits The new Promotion and Retention Policy goes into effect for all current 9 th graders. Promotion and Retention

5. Grade Point Average The Grade Point Average or GPA is a weighted number that is given to each student based on grades made in each class and the type of class the student is enrolled in. o For example, an Honors course will have a greater weighting than a CP course. Also, an AP class will have a greater weighting that an Honors course. o The GPA conversions can be found on page 37 of your Student Agenda book

6. Grade Point Average Why is GPA important? o Sports Eligibility : For NCAA Division 1 sports, students must maintain a 2.3 GPA. o Scholarship Eligibility : Many scholarships, including the Life Scholarship ($5,000 per year) require a 3.0 GPA. o Class Rank : Class rank oftentimes factors into scholarship eligibility as well. o Getting a job : Depending on the line of work you want to do, many employers look at the GPA to determine what type of work ethic you have.

7. Grade Point Average It is important for students to understand that GPA begins their 9 th grade year of high school. Also, any transfer high school credits from middle schools will also affect GPA. It is also important for students to understand that oftentimes when you apply for college, you don’t have your senior grades finalized so colleges can only go on what you made your 9 th through 11 th grade years.

8. Dorchester School District 2 is now offering a Diploma of Distinction. Students must meet all of the following criteria: o Earn at least 28 credits by the end of the 8 th semester of high school to earn high school diploma o Earn an overall 4.000 GPA or higher o Earn a composite SAT score of 1600 OR ACT of 24 or higher o Earn 4 or more units of math, science, English, and social studies Diploma of Distinction

9. Students must meet all of the following criteria: (continued) o Earn 3 or more units of AP, or Dual Credit level. 2 of the 3 must be earned at the AP level in 3 of the core subjects (English, math, science, and social studies) o Earn at least 3 units in the same foreign language o Show written verification of participation in at least one school sponsored organization during grades 10-12, OR complete 50 hours of approved community service during high school Diploma of Distinction