HOUGHTON — Houghton-Portage Township Schools Middle School Principal, Julie Filpus, said that the district spent the past two weeks of April creating a Continuity of Learning (COL) Plan for the school district.

In an April 15 email to school district parents, Filpus said the school has been working with the Michigan criteria, the release of which has provided the ability for district planners to develop a better vision moving forward.

The plan, which received was approved by the Copper Country Intermediate School District, was implemented on Monday, April 20, and is available on the district’s website.

Filpus included some key points of interest for grades 6-11, and stated that seniors will receive a separate email specific to their situation. The points listed are:

Grading/Credit:

• For the weeks of April 6-9 and April 14-17, work posted by teachers was recommended for students.This two week period helped staff and students familiarize themselves with this new routine which will, for the most part, serve as a window for what your child(ren) can expect in the weeks to come.

• Beginning Monday, April 20, students in grades 6-8 will be assessed using satisfactory/ unsatisfactory and students in grades 9-11 will be assessed using pass/incomplete. Teachers will determine grades based on student engagement and the effort made to complete activities.

High School Classes – Grading/Credit

• Q4 Grades will be based on “pass or incomplete”

• Students engaged and making an effort will receive a “pass.”

• Students who are disengaged, and do not respond to continued efforts to engage, will receive an “incomplete.” An “incomplete” does not affect a student’s overall GPA.

Semester 2 Grades will be based on “pass or incomplete”

• Q3 (60%+) + Q4 Pass = Semester Pass w/ Credit

• Q3 Fail + Q4 Pass + Q3 Redemption = Semester Pass w/Credit

• Students who failed Q3 will be given extended opportunities to earn a passing grade for Q3.

• Q3 (60%+) + Q4 Incomplete = Semester Incomplete/No Credit

•Students who receive an Incomplete for Q4 and Semester 2 will be given an opportunity to complete learning and earn credit for the Semester 2 at a later time.

• Q3 Fail + Q4 Incomplete = Semester Fail/ No Credit

Middle School Classes – Grading

• Q4 Grades will be based on “Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory”

Students engaged and making an effort will receive a “Satisfactory” grade.

Students who are disengaged, and do not respond to continued efforts to engage, will receive an “Unsatisfactory”.

Semester 2 Grades will be based on “Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory”

• Q3 (60%+) + Q4 Satisfactory = Semester Satisfactory

• Q3 Fail + Q4 Satisfactory + Q3 Redemption = Semester Satisfactory

• Students who failed Q3 will be given extended opportunities to earn a passing grade for Q3.

• Q3 (60%+) + Q4 Unsatisfactory= Semester Unsatisfactory

• Q3 Fail + Q4 Unsatisfactory = Semester Unsatisfactory

Expectations at Home:

The HMS/HHS staff recognizes the many barriers we are currently facing: staying healthy, maintaining a positive outlook, teaching and learning remotely, parents having to work from home and social distancing to name a few. We truly appreciate your efforts to support your children’s continued academic growth. We are confident that our staff and students will continue to adjust, adapt and improve the teaching and learning process. As parents, we ask that you continue to support our efforts, and communicate challenges. Encourage your children to simply do their best, but know when to tell them to take a break or reach out to a teacher for assistance. Finally, our target for students is to devote no more than 20-30 minutes daily for each class.

Students Requiring Packets:

We have a list of students who do not have access to technology. A comparable paper/textbook version of each lesson will be gathered and available for curb-side pick up to those students/families beginning on Monday, April 20, and continuing for each Monday moving forward. Students and parents can pick-up materials from the Middle School entrance (Door No. 9) between the hours of 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Completed assignments/materials can be dropped off each Monday when new material is distributed. Accommodations for families unable to make the weekly pick-up/drop-off will be made upon request.

Streamlining Access:

The Google Folders will remain the main resource for all students K-12 to access specific information regarding teachers lesson plans and contact information. Many teachers direct students to their email where they will find access to their google classroom. Teachers will re-invite students who may not have joined two weeks ago.

Support for Learning:

By Monday, April 20, teachers will post, in the google folder accessible on the website, a Remote Learning Syllabus for your reference. Here you will find information regarding the following topics: office hours, student outreach, grading/feedback and definitions of pass/incomplete and satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

MS/HS Counselors:

Remember that our counselors are still available to meet with students and parents to offer academic and emotional support.

Access to the Building:

Students and parents are not permitted to enter the building. Please contact the middle or high school office if you are missing necessary materials, and arrangements will be made for a pick up.

“Our goal is to create a way for students to make progress. This will clearly not be at the pace your child would experience in the classroom,” Filpus wrote. “We are aware and learn more each day of the challenges, stress and restrictions that COVID-19 has placed on everyone. As we move forward, we appreciate your patience and support. Please know that we are here to help your child continue experiencing academic success.”