From the Desk of Mrs. Debra Cunico
It’s hard to believe that the first quarter has already come and gone! Our students (and teachers) have settled into their schedule of classes and there is a consistent “hummmmm” as I walk down the hall. That hum, of course, is the sound of the students actively learning! In addition, many of our fall sports are completed (quite successfully, I might add), our winter sports are ramping up, and all of our clubs, organizations, and fall play are all running strong!
Ok, I am the Curriculum Director, so let’s get back to student learning! I want to tell you how proud I am that our students really do care about their education! I know this because when they don’t understand something, they seek clarity. When they earn a good grade on an assessment, they revel in their success. So many students are asking questions about their future…
“If I don’t understand this now, how will this affect my class choices for next year?”
“How will this topic/class help me in my future career?”
There is no doubt in my mind that our students are invested in their education here at Marian Central Catholic. Our entire faculty are focused on student learning and growth. Departments are participating in data analysis to determine if there are any gaps in teaching that need to be addressed. Teachers are also implementing a variety of new strategies to increase student engagement in their classes because, as we all know,
~ Tell me and I will forget; show me and I might remember; but involve me and I will understand.
Now that we are settling into the second quarter, it is important to understand how grading works, because being informed will help students better plan for their success. The only grades that appear on a student’s transcripts are semester grades. A semester grade is made up of three weighted parts. Each of the two quarters are worth 40% and the semester exam is worth 20%. These calculated together make up the final semester grade. Knowing this will help the student better monitor and plan for how they want to approach this second quarter… what they need to earn to get the grade they desire. Simply put, the student is setting goals.
Research shows that when students make a habit of progress-monitoring (checking their own grades and determining where they need additional assistance) they begin to set these personal academic goals and planning out steps to achieving those goals. Parents can model that behavior and build this skill with their own student through the use of the grade portal. It not only gives you the current grade your student had earned at any given point, but it also provides information on whether there is any missing work, which assignments they may be struggling on, and whether they have taken advantage of remediation, extra credit, or taken care of make-up work. Through this reflective practice, students will start to self-regulate and take even greater responsibility for their own learning.
Please know that our faculty is always willing to help any student who may be struggling, needs to make up work, or just needs an extra nudge. We always encourage our students to be the first to reach out to the teachers for help, which many of them do, but we also understand that some students need additional guidance. In that case, any teacher can be contacted via email or phone call at your convenience and will respond within 2 business days. They are more than willing to meet one-on-one before or after school with any student who needs additional help. We also have NHS tutors available to peer tutor and an Academic Resource program for those who need additional accommodations.
I am really pleased with the forward momentum that is occurring in all the classes this year. The variety of learning experiences and unique projects our students have been engaged in is phenomenal! Thanks to all the teachers for their tireless work, and thanks to all of the families that support not only their own students, but Marian Central Catholic High School.
Mrs. Cunico
