A failing grade could still mean students can participate in
after school activities after the school board removed the
”
No F
”
policy Tuesday night.
A failing grade could still mean students can participate in after school activities after the school board removed the “No F” policy Tuesday night.
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.
About 10 high school students were sitting in on the meeting 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.
After all board members had a chance to speak, 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 on 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.
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 saying a poll would not be realistic, and the role of the board is meant to represent those in the district.
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. “Its 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 reveled 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.”
