A failing grade could still mean students can participate in
after school activities after the school board removed the
”
No F
”
policy. In discussion that lasted 45 minutes, the Morgan Hill
Unified School District Board of Trustees had plenty to say about
Board Policy 6145 that specifies eligibility requirements for both
middle school and high school students’ participation in extra- and
co-curricular activities. Board Policy 6145 currently states that
students grades 7 through 12 must maintain a 2.0 grade point
average and receive no failing grade.
A failing grade could still mean students can participate in after school activities after the school board removed the “No F” policy.
In discussion that lasted 45 minutes, the Morgan Hill Unified School District Board of Trustees had plenty to say about Board Policy 6145 that specifies eligibility requirements for both middle school and high school students’ participation in extra- and co-curricular activities. Board Policy 6145 currently states that students grades 7 through 12 must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and receive no failing grade.
But that is soon to change.
After all board members had a chance to speak, Morgan Hill Unified School District President Peter Mandel announced the consensus of the board after discussion: maintain consistency between middle school and high school, and remove the “No F” policy for grades 7 through 12. The policy change will go before the board Sept. 13 for a final vote.
Middle schools currently do follow the No F policy: if a student fails, they are not allowed to participate in activities that include sports, clubs, or dances.
About 10 high school students watched as the board discussed the possibility of removing “No F” from BP 6145, which is in conflict with Board Policy 5121. BP 5121 is currently printed in the Rights and Responsibility Handbook for the 2011-2012 school year, which does not specify the “No F” policy.
And, students themselves disagreed.
Allison Bettencourt, a senior at Sobrato High School who is ASB president, on the tennis team and participates in mock trials weighed in on the board’s consensus.
“I personally think that the ‘No F’ policy should not be removed. Extracurricular activities are just that: extra,” she said. “If students cannot bother themselves enough with school to at least pass a class, why should the school spend their time trying to accommodate them?”
Sobrato High School senior Nemerta Cherra thinks differently.
“I’m glad that they dropped the “No F” policy, it was too harsh,” said Cherra. “School isn’t just about academics, it’s also about finding out who you are and what your interests are. You can’t do this if you can’t be involved in school activities.”
Board member Bob Benevento suggested that a poll be taken of school administration, coaches and students.
“Let’s practice a little democracy here. Poll the kids, teachers,” he said. “It’s not going to change anything this year and we aren’t making any changes tonight. Let’s see what they think.”
Benevento also said the board should look at other alternative methods regarding policy such as a probation period for students.
“We have not enforced any policy in the past and haven’t seen anything improve,” he said. “We may need to say something like, ‘If you don’t step up, you don’t get to play.’ But what do we get for it? Playing sports or a life long education?”
Mandel later said a poll would not be realistic, and the role of the board is meant to represent those in the district.
According to MHUSD staff reports in Tuesday’s agenda, Gilroy Unified does not include a “No F” policy. Milpitas Unified requires that students who have failed more than four semester courses in high school are not eligible to graduate, while San Jose Unified says students must pass four classes during previous and current grading periods.
Trustee Shelly Thomas reminded the board that the activities in question are not only sports.
“I think we have to have high expectations for all of our students,” she said. “It’s not just sports, it’s ‘Can I go to the junior dance?’ It’s so much more about socialization.”
During discussion, three board members revealed that they too struggled in school and received failing grades. Claudia Rossi, who said she failed Algebra in high school and had to attend summer school, suggested tongue in check they only allow top students to participate.
“There are plenty of students that for whatever reason, fail a class. It’s distressing when I hear adults say that students are willfully neglecting their studies,” Rossi said. “If we think we should punish students, then let’s only allow students with A’s and B’s to participate.”
Trustee Kathy Sullivan, who also revealed she received a failing grade in high school chemistry and had to take summer school, said the goal is not to punish students.
“I don’t condone an F as satisfactory. We still have the requirement that there has to be a 2.0 minimum,” she said. “I don’t feel like we should punish them. Sometimes, it’s a wake-up call.”
