Academic Information
Graduation Requirements
Students Transferring to Garces Memorial
A student who requests a transfer to Garces Memorial must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.00 or better, with NO grades of “F”, and will have made satisfactory progress in meeting the Garces Memorial graduation requirements. A student may be admitted due to special circumstances, in which case specific conditions will be stipulated. It is recommended that application for admission be made at the beginning of the academic year, and if this is not possible, at the beginning of the second semester.
Applications at other times during the academic year will be strongly discouraged.
Special consideration will be given to a student who attended Garces, transferred due to the family moving from the Bakersfield area, and wishes to re-apply due to the family returning to the Bakersfield area. When a student transfers to Garces Memorial from an accredited high school only semester grades and units will be posted on the Garces Memorial Transcript; and, the grades will not be used in computing the Garces Memorial Cumulative GPA or used in determining class rank.
When a student transfers to Garces Memorial during the academic year (other than at the beginning of the 2nd semester), the withdrawal grades and/or marking period (quarter) grades will not be posted on the Garces Memorial Transcript and these course grades will not be averaged with the comparable course grades earned at Garces Memorial. The semester grades assigned by Garces Memorial instructional staff will reflect the students’ academic performance (in that course) while in attendance only at Garces Memorial.
Athletic Information for Transfer Students
If a transfer student intends to participate on one of the school sponsored athletic teams, the student’s parent should immediately contact the Athletic Director after he/she has been officially accepted and enrolled. The student must secure a “C.I.F. Transfer Athletic Eligibility Application” form. This form should be obtained as soon as possible to facilitate an evaluation of the athlete’s eligibility. Once the form is completed and returned, the Athletic Director will submit the form to the C.I.F.
Report Cards
· Report cards are issued four times per semester.
o Progress Report Card #1 – Progress Report
o Progress Report Card #2 – Midterm Grade (End of marking period)
o Progress Report Card #3 – Progress Report
o Final Report Card – Semester Grade (End of marking period)
· Progress Report #2 and Semester Grades are used to determine extra curricular eligibility.
· Semester grades ONLY are posted on the student’s transcript.
· Midterm and semester grades may be recorded using “+” or “-” designations.
· Students not taking a scheduled semester exam will receive an “I” (Incomplete) for that course.
Academic Probation
The G.P.A. used in determining Academic Probation is computed by using the grades earned for the corresponding nine week marking period: 1st mid-term marking period, the 1st semester, the 2nd mid-term marking period and the 2nd semester.
A student who received a G.P.A. of 1.99 or lower for two consecutive marking periods is automatically placed on Academic Probation for the subsequent marking period (nine weeks) and will be immediately ineligible to participate in extra curricular activities or athletics. Once the G.P.A. for any subsequent marking period (as described above) is 2.00 or above, the student is removed from Academic Probation and is permitted to participate in extra curricular activities or athletics.
A student who is on Academic Probation at the end of the 2nd semester may enroll in prior approved summer school courses for the purpose of being removed from Academic Probation for the subsequent Fall term. Such summer school course work must have prior approval from the assigned counselor or Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs.
A student who is enrolled in seven (7) courses during the academic year must pass (“D-” or better) at least six (6) courses (or enrolled in eight (8) courses during the academic year must pass at least seven (7)) in order to remain eligible for activities and athletics. Should a student not pass six (6) courses as described above, the student is immediately ineligible for the subsequent nine week marking period.
promotion to the next Grade Level
Promotion to the sophomore, junior, and senior year at Garces Memorial is conditional and based upon both academic progress and student behavior. Any student who receives a G.P.A. of 1.99 or lower for two consecutive marking periods, does not make satisfactory progress toward receiving a diploma, has a poor attendance record and/or demonstrates inappropriate behavior will be asked to withdraw from Garces Memorial. Should the student not withdraw, the student will be subject to dismissal.
Students must remediate, in summer school, all grades of “F” earned in a current school year prior to the beginning of the following school year.
Summer School Course Work
CONDITIONS BY WHICH COURSE WORK TAKEN AT AN ACCREDITED SCHOOL (other than Garces Memorial) MAY BE APPROVED: a) The course requested is not offered at Garces Memorial; b) The course requested is being taken to fulfill a required course that was previously failed at Garces Memorial; c) The course requested cannot be taken at Garces Memorial because the student has an impacted schedule (student is requesting more courses than can actually be scheduled); and d) The student is taking the course work to improve the G.P.A. for determining eligibility.
Students will not be permitted to enroll at another high school in a Garces Memorial graduation required course and subsequently enroll in elective courses at Garces Memorial; and, the students will not be permitted to enroll in course work at another school for the purpose of “reducing or lightening” the academic year course load. Students may enroll at Bakersfield College or at the Garces Memorial Summer Session for the purpose of fulfilling graduation requirements. Students may remediate courses previously taken at Garces during the academic year at one of the following: Garces Memorial Summer Session, Bakersfield College, and the Kern High School District.
· Any summer school course work taken at an accredited school (other than Garces Memorial) MUST HAVE PRIOR APPROVAL from the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs or the Director of Counseling.
· Students who successfully complete prior approved course work during summer school must notify their assigned Counselor or the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs if the summer school course work will affect the schedule of classes for the subsequent Fall term.
· Grades/credits earned during the summer session for course work completed at Garces Memorial WILL BE POSTED ON THE GARCES MEMORIAL TRANSCRIPT BUT WILL NOT BE USED IN COMPUTING THE GARCES MEMORIAL CUMULATIVE G.P.A. OR USED IN DETERMINING CLASS RANK. However, such grades/credits COULD BE used to fulfill graduation requirements and COULD BE used in determining eligibility for extra curricular activities and athletics.
Grades/credit earned during the summer session for prior approved course work completed at a school OTHER THAN Garces Memorial WILL BE posted on the official transcript but WILL NOT BE used in computing the G.P.A. or for determining class rank. Such grades/credits (with prior administrative approval) COULD BE accepted to fulfill graduation requirements and COULD BE used in computing the G.P.A. for determining eligibility.
Making Up Missed School Work
When absent for three or more days, it is the responsibility of the student/parent to request make up work from the Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs to be completed at home. These assignments will be available in the Attendance Office at the close of school the day AFTER they are requested. (The Administration office closes at 4:00 p.m.)
When a student returns from an absence, he/she must contact each instructor to make up missing assignments, tests and quizzes. Students will be expected to follow the course expectations as outlined by each instructor at the beginning of the school year.
If it is determined that the absence will be for an extended period of time (four weeks or more), it is strongly recommended that the student withdraw from Garces Memorial and request home instruction from the public school in the student’s attendance area. It is also strongly recommended that the student remain enrolled in the public school until the end of the semester at which time semester grades can be obtained from the public school should the student wish to return to Garces Memorial.
Should the student/parent request a return to Garces Memorial at a time other than at the end of the semester (when semester grades are available), and should the request for return be accepted, the grades earned at the time of withdrawal from the public school will not be used in determining the Garces Memorial subsequent semester grades in completed like course work. The student will be responsible for taking the subsequent semester examinations in those courses in which the student is enrolled at Garces Memorial.
Conditions for Receiving Missed School Work because of Absences for Reasons other than Illness
It is strongly recommended that parents schedule vacations, family business, or any such event which requires the student to be absent from class, to coincide with the Garces Memorial vacation schedule as posted on the School Calendar. When students miss class, they lose the benefit of classroom explanations, clarification, questions and discussion. While students may be able to make up the assignments they missed, they will not be able to make up the classroom teaching and instruction that occurred during their absence. Thus, students who are absent from class may suffer serious disruption to their progress and success. The following conditions will apply to students who are absent for reasons other than illness or administrative leave:
· Parents must notify the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs of the impending absence.
· The student must contact each instructor BEFORE the absence to get all assignments and class work for the period of the absence.
· The student must complete all of the above assignments in each class and submit work to each instructor immediately upon returning to school or at a time designated by the instructor.
· All tests and quizzes missed because of an absence must be made up within ten (10) school days upon returning to school from the absence. If the work is not made up within the ten (10) day period, the student will receive a zero for the material unless prior arrangements for an extension of time have been cleared with the instructor.
The student must assume responsibility for learning all material missed in class, for obtaining all notes, new class work and assignments. It will not be the obligation of the instructor to assume responsibility for re-teaching lessons missed through absence.
Parents are advised to hire a tutor to teach new material if the absence is more than five (5) days.
Incomplete Grade
This policy is applicable in cases of prolonged absence (less than four weeks), due to illness or other extenuating circumstances whereby significant class work has been missed to warrant an incomplete grade (“I”) at the midterm or semester grading period.
· When the work has been completed to the satisfaction of the instructor, the instructor will assign a letter grade to remove the “Incomplete.” The grade will be based on the work completed prior to the absence AND the work submitted during the designated make-up period.
· Should a student receive an “Incomplete” at any grading period, the student will have ten (10) school days to remove the “I” grade, except in those circumstances stated above.
· Should the missed course work not be completed and the “I” grade removed, the “I” grade will be recorded on the official transcript as an “F”.
Academic Honesty Policy
ALL INCIDENTS OF POTENTIAL VIOLATION OF THE ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY MUST BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.
Cheating: The use of any unauthorized means that results in an unethical and unearned elevation of academic scores, especially for tests, quizzes, homework and class projects.
Plagiarism: Representation of another person's words or ideas as one’s own and not properly giving credit to the author of those words or ideas.
While it is not feasible to provide a catalogue of every conceivable form of academic dishonesty, the following list is provided as a guide. All examples involve an attempt to deceive others in an effort to gain results from academic accomplishments without the application required to earn these results ethically.
Acts of Academic Dishonesty include but are not limited to:
Possession or Use of the Teacher Edition of any textbook or workbook.
Formal Writing
· Copying material from someone's work without footnoting it as a source.
· "Padding" a bibliography or work cited page with citations never read.
· Any falsification or invention of sources, citation or data in any academic exercise (including tests, homework and projects)
· Submitting a paper that was written all or in part by another person.
· Writing a paper or any portion of a paper for another student.
· Using the same paper to fulfill requirements in two different courses without the prior approval of the instructors involved.
Tests/Quizzes
· Giving answers, access to answers or unauthorized suggestions to another student(s) during an exam, test or quiz.
· Copying from a quiz, test or exam of another person with or without the person knowing it.
· Having an unauthorized reference/memory device in one's possession during test administration whether or not the instructor observes its use, including but not limited to “cheat sheets”, writing on hands/clothing/objects etc., cell phones, pagers and programmable calculators.
· Getting questions or receiving answers from someone who has already taken the same test.
· Changing or adjusting answers on a returned test and then claiming the instructor improperly graded the test.
· Talking during any testing time, including quizzes.
· Impersonating another student to assist the student academically or having another student impersonate the student for the same reason. (This is directed at computerized testing, but can be applied to any test circumstance.)
Projects
· Putting one's name on a group project in which the student did not participate in a meaningful way.
· Putting one's name on a group project that contains evidence of Academic Dishonesty, whether said dishonesty was known to the student or not.
· Giving an oral presentation or turning in a project that is the work of another individual.
Other Examples
· Intentionally interfering with the scholastic work of any student or instructor, such as damaging, stealing and/or corrupting computer files, lab experiments, homework assignments or library materials
· Any unauthorized signing of another person's name (such as that of a parent, fellow student, instructor or administrator) to any school-related documents.
· Any theft of instructional materials.
· Unauthorized use of instructor computer programs, files and grading applications whether on-site or via electronic transmission. (The penalty for the Third Offense automatically applies regardless of the number of previous offenses.)
· Not following additional guidelines for academic honesty as defined by any instructor or department.
· Students having personal knowledge of a violation of the Academic Honesty guidelines and not notifying an appropriate member of the Garces Memorial faculty, staff or administration.
Specific Guidelines about Plagiarism
A plagiarist is a student who leads the reader to believe that what is being read is the original work of the student, when this in fact is not true.
Examples of plagiarism include but are not limited to the following:
Word for word copying of another's writing, which can be interpreted in some cases as the copying of an individual word, without enclosing the copied passage in quotation marks and identifying the passage with a footnote/citation, both of which are necessary.
A “mosaic”, which is defined as a patchwork of readings and phrases woven into the paper resulting in a collage of other people's words and ideas, with the student's primary contribution being that of working the pieces together.
Paraphrasing, which is an abbreviated restatement of another person's analysis or conclusion, without credit being given to the person who prepared or created the original text.
If a student is found to be in violation of the Academic Honesty Policy:
First Offense ‑ The student will receive a grade of zero on the assignment/exam/project. The Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs will notify the parents of the incident by mail and a phone call and explain what future course of action the school will take should the student be found again in violation.
Second Offense ‑ The student will receive a grade of zero on the assignment/exam/project, will be suspended for two days and will be on Behavioral Probation for the remainder of the academic year. The Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs will notify the parents of the incident by mail and with a phone call and explain what future action the school will take should the student be found again in violation.
Third Offense ‑ The student will be called to a formal hearing of the Behavior Review Board for possible dismissal from Garces Memorial. The student will receive a grade of zero on the assignment/exam/project.
These procedures are cumulative throughout the student’s stay at Garces Memorial. Any offense and subsequent offense becomes part of the student's behavioral file for the entire term of his/her enrollment at Garces Memorial, irrespective of the time period between offenses. In each case the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs will notify the Dean of Students, counselor and course instructor of the incident and resolution. Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy do not become a part of the student's permanent transcript record.
Students who are uncomfortable with having the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs "judge" the accusation of Academic Dishonesty may choose one of the following: a) have the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs select a total of three instructors and /or staff to hear the accusation at which time the name of the student, the instructor or the course will not be made known to the "jury"; or b) the accused student may select a total of three instructors and/or staff and will present to the "jury" his/her rebuttal to the accusation of Academic Dishonesty. Irrespective of what option is selected by the student, the recommendation of the "jury" will stand.
Should the student, parent or instructor filing the accusation not accept the verdict, any appeal will be made to the Principal.
Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy with Lesser Penalty:
Test/Assignment Avoidance – a pattern of absences on test days and/or assignment due dates for the apparent advantage of higher academic performance on the makeup test.
Consequences:
1. Parents will be notified.
2. At instructor’s discretion, any further test day absence may result in forfeiture of the make‑up opportunity.
Pressure for Unsubstantiated Grade Change:
While Garces Memorial encourages open communication regarding grades between instructors, students, and parents, requests for a grade change lacking material substance or evidence will not be considered.
Grading
Valid grades that are printed on the grade report and transcript record and are used in computing the G.P.A. include: A, B, C, D (including a “+” and “-”), F and I (Incomplete grade is computed as an F).
Valid grades that are printed on the grade report and transcript record but are not used in computing the G.P.A. include: WP (Withdrew Passing), WF (Withdrew Failing), NG (No Grade) and P (Pass). All must be approved by the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs.
Note: Grades earned as an Instructional/Attendance Aid are not computed in determining the G.P.A.
The marks for courses other than Honors and AP are weighted as follows:
A+ 4.3 points C 2.0 points
A 4.0 points C- 1.7 points
A- 3.7 points D+ 1.3 points
B+ 3.3 points D 1.0 points
B 3.0 points D- 0.7 points
B- 2.7 points F 0.0 points
C+ 2.3 points
The marks for Honors (H) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are weighted as follows:
A+ 5.3 points C 3.0 points
A 5.0 points C- 1.7 points
A- 4.7 points D+ 1.3 points
B+ 4.3 points D 1.0 points
B 4.0 points D- 0.7 points
B- 3.7 points F 0.0 points
C+ 3.3 points
Grades for college prep, honors and advanced placement courses will be assigned according to the following percentages:
A+ 100-98 C 76-73
A 97-93 C- 72-70
A- 92-90 D+ 69-67
B+ 89-87 D 66-63
B 86-83 D- 62-60
B- 82-80 F below 60
C+ 79-77
“NG” (No Grade) Grading Option
The assigning of an “NG” as a course grade must be approved by the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs and is at the discretion of the instructor. While an instructor may require additional expectations, the minimum expectations for ANY “NG” grade option are as follows:
· The student will respond to all homework and course expectation to the best of his/her ability.
· The student will respond to all quizzes and examinations to the best of his/her ability.
· The student will respond to all behavior, tardy, and absence expectations and policies as established by the instructor and the school.
The instructor may exercise the option of changing the course to a graded experience should the student not respond to the above expectations. It is the responsibility of the instructor to inform the student of this change as soon as the decision is made.
A request to change a course from a graded experience to an “NG” WILL NOT be permitted after the third progress report (report Card #3) of each semester.
Grade Change Policy
Grade changes submitted to the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs after the Grade Reports are due from the instructional staff (for any marking period or semester grade) will be accepted only for reasons of clerical or computational error. Such grade changes will be documented and explained in conference with the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs. This grade change policy is not applicable in those cases in which the student missed the examination due to extenuating circumstances and needs to remove an Incomplete (“I”) grade.
According to school grading policy as printed in the Garces Memorial Parent Guide and Departmental Grading Policy it is mathematically impossible for a student to receive a marking period or semester grade that is higher than the grades posted for that particular grading period. Grade point values and departmental evaluation weightings will apply in computing marking period and semester grades.
College G.P.A.
A variety of methods are used to determine a college GPA. Generally, freshman and remedial classes are not included into this calculation. Some colleges may not assign additional grade points to Honors level and AP courses.
Course Schedule Change Policy
AP and Honors students are expected to adhere to the conditions of their contract. Schedule changes will be in accordance with contract limitations.
Students requesting course schedule changes must pick up the necessary form from the Counselors, read the instructions, complete the form in detail, and return to the Counselors. The student will not make the actual course change(s) until the new course schedule is picked-up the following day from the assigned Counselor.
Course Schedule Changes may be requested as soon as possible after the beginning of the first semester. Course Schedule Change requests will be processed in the following order: a) a student has been incorrectly scheduled in a course; b) a student who needs to repeat a required course; and c) a requested change that does not meet the above two conditions.
A Course Schedule Change requesting a particular instructor will not be processed until the above students are accommodated and only after all instructors involved in the requested change have agreed by signature.
Course Schedule Changes are to be requested as soon as possible after the beginning of the first semester and no later than the Add/Drop date for the semester. Should a Course Schedule Change be requested after the week following the Add/Drop date, the course(s) that was “dropped” will appear on the grade report and the Garces Memorial transcript record and a grade of “WP” (withdrew passing) or “WF” (withdrew failing) will be posted on the permanent transcript record.
Should the student “drop/add” from a course to another same course, the grade from the “dropped” course will follow to the “added” course.
Honor Roll
· All honors are based on the student’s grade point average (G.P.A.) as determined by academic year semester grades.
· A weighted G.P.A. is used to determine the Honor Roll. Students achieving a weighted G.P.A. of 3.50 and above will be recognized.
· A “D” or “F” in any subject disqualifies a student from the Honor Roll.
· Instructor/Attendance Office Aides and NG grades are not computed in the G.P.A.
The Honor Roll is posted two times a year based on first semester and second semester grades.
Academic Awards and Honors
· The Valedictorian will be that senior who has attained the highest grade point average (computed to three decimal points) based on seven semesters of course work completed at Garces Memorial High School, during the regular academic year. Course work taken during summer school and at another institution will not be computed in determining the student’s grade point average, although said course work may be considered for fulfillment of Garces’ graduation requirements. The student will address commencement guests on behalf of the senior class. Prior to addressing the graduating class at commencement, the commencement address must be approved by the Garces Memorial administration.
· If ties exist relative to the grade point average, each student will be recognized at graduation as Valedictorian. However, only one student will address commencement guests. To select this speaker each valedictorian will present an outline of the proposed speech to the Awards Committee Chairperson by March 31. The Awards Committee will review the outlines submitted. The Awards Committee may make a selection or it may have each Valedictorian prepare and present the entire speech before the Awards Committee no later than April 30. The Awards Committee will make a final selection following this presentation.
· The Salutatorian will be that senior who has attained the second highest grade point average (computed to three decimal points) based on seven semesters of course work completed at Garces Memorial High School during the regular academic year. Course work taken during summer school and at another institution will not be computed in determining the student’s grade point average, although said course work may be considered for fulfillment of Garces’ graduation requirements. This student will open the commencement exercises with an invocation for classmates, parents and friends. The invocation will be approved by the Garces Memorial administration.
· If ties exist relative to the grade point average, each student will be recognized at graduation as Salutatorian; however, only one student will present an invocation at the commencement exercises. To select the speaker, each candidate will present a draft of the presentation to the Awards Committee Chairperson by April 30. The Awards Committee will review each draft and make its selection.
· The other three major awards presented at graduation are The Bishop’s Awards (one for a male and one for a female), Jim Burke Leadership Award and the Garces Award. These awards are selected by the Awards Committee based on recommendations from the senior class, faculty and administration.
· The Master/Mistress of Ceremonies (emcee) of the Senior Awards Assembly will oversee and direct this event. The student will be responsible for organizing the evening, with input from the Chairperson of the Awards Committee. Selection of this senior will be according to the following procedure:
o Any senior may apply for this opportunity.
o Candidates who want to be considered must indicate their intentions in writing to the Awards Committee Chairperson by Friday of the week prior to the ASB elections in April.
o All students whose names are submitted will appear on a list to be voted on by the seniors at the senior meeting the day of the ASB elections.
o All seniors will be asked to vote for their top three choices.
o The Awards Committee will receive and tabulate the results.
o The top five candidates will appear before the Award Committee at a time to be decided, to present the highlights of their speech and their plan for the evening.
o The Awards Committee will make its selection as soon as possible after the candidates have presented their plan.
o The student selected will meet with the Awards Committee Chairperson to coordinate a plan for the evening.
Academic Excellence Awards By Grade Level
The top student (and all ties) in each of the other three grade levels is determined by computing to three (3) decimal places, the cumulative G.P.A. for courses completed only at Garces Memorial, and only during the regular academic year. All Honors and Advanced Placement courses are computed using the weighted grading system described earlier.
CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIP FEDERATION (CSF)