For a thorough overview of CRLS procedures, download the 2009-2010 CRLS Handbook.
Procedural information is presented below in two categories: ACADEMIC PROCEDURES and OTHER PROCEDURES.
Academic Procedures
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
• Obtain a minimum of 224 credits.
• English (40 credits)
• Science (30 credits)
• Math (30 credits)
• Social Studies (20 credits)
• U.S. History (10 credits)
• World Language (20 credits)
• Visual, Performing or Technical Arts (20 credits)
• Pass Health
• Physical Education must be taken once per year (15 credits)
• A swimming requirement must be fulfilled
• In addition to completing local graduation requirements, students must pass both the both English and Math portions of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) in order to graduate from CRLS and receive a CRLS diploma.
Seniors Not in Good Standing = Student is in jeopardy of graduating
A senior that is not in good standing is a senior that needs to pass all core academic courses* on their schedule and/ or needs 80 credits to graduate.
*Core Academic Courses = English, ESL, Math, History, Science, World Language
Students that have not passed both the English and Math MCAS will not receive a Cambridge Rindge and Latin diploma.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Seniors who have not fulfilled all graduation requirements or settled senior debts by the announced deadline will not be allowed to participate in graduation exercises.
SENIOR DEBT
All graduating seniors must return or pay for the replacement of all uniforms, equipment, textbooks, library books, fees, and money owed to clubs or senior activities in order to participate in graduation activities. Seniors will not be allowed to participate in graduation if they have not taken care of all their obligations.
SENIOR FEE
A graduation fee to cover cap and gown and the senior graduation portrait is required for graduating seniors.
EARLY GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The purpose of early graduation is to permit students who have fulfilled graduation requirements the opportunity to graduate early. The school does not encourage students to graduate early, but does provide a procedure for those with valid reasons. Early graduation can occur beginning second semester of Grade 11. Any student interested in early graduation should see their Guidance Counselor or Dean of Curriculum for further information.
CLASS VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN
The Valedictorian and Salutatorian are the two top-ranked students in the senior class. The selection of Valedictorian and Salutatorian is determined after the third marking period of the senior year when the allotted time for grade correction has expired (three weeks from the date report cards are issued.) Class rank is calculated by the cumulative grade point average achieved while attending CRLS.
To be considered for Class Valedictorian or Salutatorian, seniors must meet the following requirements.
• Be a full-time CRLS student
• Be in “good standing,” which means having completed 170 credits by the beginning of senior year, and
• Been enrolled at CRLS as a full-time student for the seven (7) marking periods (quarters) immediately preceding the calculation of the class rank to determine Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
Part-time students and students in ungraded classrooms are, by definition, ineligible for class rank.
SENIOR CONTINUATION
Seniors who have failed courses and are not graduating must repeat the year, with the permission of the principal, or attend summer school. They may not attend class after senior finals. A senior who is not graduating has the right to continue in class provided that:
• The student was enrolled in the class and the class is one that remains in session until the end of the school year;
• The Dean of Students, in consultation with the teacher, considers the arrangement feasible, and receives the approval of the principal.
PROMOTION / RETENTION PROCEDURE
Promotion to Grade 10
At the end of 9th grade students must have earned 60 credits and passed 3 of the 4 following core academic courses*: English or 2 semesters of ESL, History, Math, or Science to be promoted to the 10th grade. Students who have not met this requirement will remain in 9th grade.
Promotion to Grade 11
At the end of 10th grade students must have earned 120 credits, earned 70 out of 90 credits in the following core academic courses*: 20 credits in English or 4 semesters of ESL, 20 credits in History, 20 credits in Math, 20 credits in Science, 10 credits in World Language. Students who have not met this requirement will remain in 10th grade.
Promotion to Grade 12
At the end of 11th grade students must have earned 170 credits, earned 30 credits in English or 6 semesters of ESL, 10 credits in World Language and earned 80 out of 90 credits in the other core academic courses*. Students who have not met this requirement will remain in 11th grade.
LETTER GRADES
CRLS issues letter grades based on the following scale:
| A+ |
97-100 |
C- |
70-72 |
| A |
93-96 |
D+ |
67-69 |
| A- |
90-92 |
D |
63-66 |
| B+ |
87-89 |
D- |
60-62 |
| B |
83-86 |
F |
Failing |
| B- |
80-82 |
P |
Passing |
| C+ |
77-79 |
I |
Incomplete |
| C |
73-76 |
NM |
No Mark |
WEIGHTED GRADES
The CRLS weighted grade system is intended to encourage students to take Advanced Placement courses. Research on student achievement indicates that students who take and pass rigorous, college-level courses in high school are better prepared for rigorous academic work in college.
Each Advanced Placement (AP) course in this and future years will carry an add-on of .025 points applied directly to the student’s overall GPA (not to the course), provided that the student passes the course. Each time the student passes an AP course, the add on of .025 points would be applied directly to the overall GPA. For example: A student who passes one AP course will receive an automatic add-on of .025 to the overall GPA. A student who passes two AP courses would receive an add-on of .05 additional points applied to the overall GPA at the end of the marking period.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Grading:
- Teachers are expected to provide all their classes with an
explanation of their grading policy and their expectations
for students. Course contracts for each teacher are posted
on the CRLS web site.
- Explanations and expectations are given out in writing
during the first few weeks of each course. Students should
make sure that they obtain their copy and keep it in their
notebook. Students should also be sure they understand
what is expected of them in each of their classes.
- Parents will receive copies of class grading policies at the first Parent-Teacher Night.
Early Examinations: Students are discouraged from asking to take midterm and final exams early. All requests for such early testing
must be made to the Dean of Curriculum.
REPORT CARDS/INTERIM REPORTS
Report cards/Interim Reports are issued to students and parents four times each year.
• Report cards are usually distributed 10 days after the close of grades.
• Interim Reports are usually distributed midway through each term
• Report cards/Interim Reports are very important and should be reviewed carefully. Parents and students may schedule an appointment with any teacher to discuss class performance and progress.
• Report cards are used to determine athletic eligibility.
SCHOOL GRADING PROCEDURES
Grade Corrections: Once a teacher has issued a grade, it becomes an official part of the school record. If a teacher has made an error in calculating a grade (i.e. added wrong, forgot to include a project or grade, etc.) then the following procedure is to be followed:
1) The student or parent/guardian of said student must make all grade-correction requests to the teacher within three weeks from the date report cards are issued. Grade correction requests submitted after this date will be reviewed.
2) If the teacher determines that an error was made in calculating the grade, he/she will complete a CRLS Grade Correction form indicating the correction and reason(s) for the change. All Grade Correction forms must be submitted to his/her Dean of Curriculum for review and approval. Under no conditions can a teacher change a grade because the student made up work after the marking period closed.
Incomplete Grade: If a student has missed extensive work due to absenteeism resulting from a family emergency or prolonged illness, the teacher may allow the student to make up missed work and/or tests after the marking period has closed by giving the student an Incomplete (“I”) and by filling out an Incomplete Grade Contract form which is submitted with the teacher’s grade list to the Dean of Curriculum. A copy of the Incomplete Contract is to be given to the student by the teacher. All Incomplete Grades (“I”) must be changed to a grade the following marking period.
HONOR ROLL
• First Honors: A student may receive one mark below A-but not below B+. All other marks must be A- or above.
• Second Honors: A student may receive one mark below B but not below B-. All other marks must be B or above.
• Honors: A student must have an overall average of B- or better. No student may be on the Honor Roll if s/he fails a subject, or receives an NR or an Incomplete. All Incompletes must be converted to a final grade before a student is eligible for the Honor Roll
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
Juniors with a cumulative GPA of 87 or higher will automatically receive an application after the second marking period. All students who meet these requirements and are interested in applying for membership will have to:
A) Submit a competed NHS application;
B) Include supporting documentation; and
C) Fulfill 20 documented hours of community service prior to specified deadlines.
In addition to the academic requirements listed above, applicants will also have to meet requirements in the following areas:
1. Character: The applicant must ask an adult (other than a family member) who knows him/her well to submit a recommendation letter attesting to the applicant’s honesty and integrity.
2. Community Service: The applicant is required to have performed at least 20 hours of community service (for example: volunteer activities in youth centers, homeless shelters or tutoring) prior to applying for membership. Once inducted, the student will have to perform 40 documented hours of service per year in order to maintain membership (verified twice a year). In addition, student must attend regularly scheduled meetings and participate in designated NHS activities.
3. Leadership: The applicant will have to submit references documenting his/her leadership accomplishments in school or community related activities (for example: student government responsibilities, initiating a student club or organizing cultural events).
All applications and supporting documentation will be carefully reviewed and acted upon by the NHS Faculty Council. Applicants who meet the above criteria will be selected and notified accordingly.
COURSE CHANGE PROCEDURE
Course change requests will be granted ONLY when the student’s program is deemed to be educationally inappropriate. No schedule change will be made unless a very serious problem exists. Counselors will be available for schedule changes by appointment only during the drop/add period.
Only those requests for course changes that satisfy the guidelines listed below will be approved:
• To correct an error;
• To drop or add a course as a result of summer school;
• To add a course in a scheduling gap;
• To add a required course;
• To change to a more appropriate level in a course in which you are already enrolled; or
• As a result of a Special Education Team decision.
No course changes will be made during the last two weeks of a quarter. In order to make a program change a student must meet with their Guidance Counselor.
COURSE WITHDRAWALS
• Students who withdraw from a class within two weeks prior to the close of grades will receive a grade for that course.
• Students who withdraw prior to the two weeks of closing of grades will receive WP or WF as a grade for that marking period.
NOTICE REGARDING STUDENTS WHO LEAVE SCHOOL
The Cambridge Public Schools is committed to having students complete their elementary and secondary education. In the event that a student who is sixteen years of age or older seeks to leave school without a high school diploma, certificate of attainment or certificate of completion, the Cambridge Public Schools adheres to the requirements of M.G.L.c. 76, §18 and follows the procedures set forth below:
1. The principal or designee issues a letter to the parent/guardian of the student notifying the parent/guardian that the student either (a) has expressed an intention of withdrawing from school without an intention of returning, or (b) has had fifteen (15) consecutive absences from school and indicating the student’s last date of attendance at school.
In order for the school to determine whether the student is withdrawing from school without intending to return, the school schedules a meeting with the student and his/her parent/guardian for the purpose of discussing the reasons why the student wants to leave school and to explore alternative educational and other placements for the student prior to him/her formally withdrawing from school. The parent/guardian may request that the date and time of this meeting be changed provided that the extension of time shall be no longer than fourteen (14) days from the date of issuance of the letter by the principal or designee.
2. After the meeting has been held with the parent/guardian and the student, the principal or designee issues a letter to the parent/guardian of the student summarizing what was discussed and any decision that was reached at the meeting, including but not limited to, whether the student is returning to school, pursuing an alternative educational placement, pursuing other support services or permanently leaving school.
3. In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L.c. 76, §18, any determination that that a student would be permanently leaving school shall not be construed as a permanent exclusion of the student if he/she wishes to resume his/her education.
Other Procedures
CHARLIE CARD / PASS
Student Monthly “T” passes will be offered this year at the same price as last year ($20.) The “T” has implemented several changes. In the past students who purchased a monthly pass would receive a “NEW” paper pass each month. For the 2009-10 school year, once a student has purchased a monthly pass, a plastic, numbered CharlieCard will be issued to that student, and will be used for the entire school year. Once payment is received by the school, the CharlieCard will be activated. The card will remain active as long as payment is made each month. Payments can be made on a monthly basis, several months in advance, or for the entire school year. If a monthly payment is not made, the school will notify the “T”, and the CharlieCard will be deactivated for that month. However, STUDENTS SHOULD NOT DISPOSE OF THEIR CHARLIECARD. Upon payment, a student’s CharlieCard can be reactivated. If a student no longer wishes to participate in the program, they should return their card to the Dean of Students office, and the numbered CharlieCard will be reassigned to another student or returned to the “T”.
Students are also offered a Student Charlie Card that is free, and the student has to go to a “T” station and put money on it and when they use it they will be charged a reduced student fare.
For more Information students should contact their Dean of Students.
FIELD TRIPS
• Permission to participate on a field trip may be denied for legitimate reasons, including failure to return a signed permission form from parent(s)/guardian(s).
• Students are expected to make up all class work missed because of field trips. All CRLS rules governing behavior apply to students on field trips and all violations are subject to school discipline.
FOOD SERVICES
The Food Services Department serves breakfast and lunch in the Main Cafeteria each school day. We have worked very hard over the past few years to improve the taste and nutritional value of our food, and we hope to encourage students to eat healthfully now and in the years to come.
| Current Meal Prices |
| |
Standard |
Reduced |
| Breakfast |
$1.50 |
$ .30 |
| Lunch |
$2.75 |
$ .40 |
| Milk |
$ .50 |
$ .30 |
HALL PASSES
• During class time, any student outside of a classroom must have a valid pass from a school official.
• In an effort to ensure that students have every opportunity for achievement, it is important that passes be distributed only in emergency situations.
• No passes should be distributed during homeroom and the first and last 10 minutes of the class period.
• All passes must be visible when carried.
LOCKERS
Lockers will be provided by Deans of Students and are available for each student at a cost of $5.00. Lockers will only be issued when all required student forms have been received for the current academic year.
• Only School Department issued locks are to be used. All other locks will be removed at the student’s expense.
• Students may not share lockers with other students. Students may not write or put stickers on their lockers and must keep their lockers neat and clean.
• Students should take everything they need from their lockers at the end of the day. Students must not be in the building unsupervised.
• Lockers must only be used for storing coats/jackets and instructional materials (i.e., books, notes, pencils, etc.) needed for course work. Students are warned not to keep anything of great value in their lockers. The Cambridge Public School District is not responsible for any items stolen from lockers.
• At the end of the school year, students are to remove belongings from their lockers. Locks must be returned to Dean of Students. Failure to do so will result in the removal and disposal of all contents of the locker. A $2.00 lock removal fee will be charged before another locker is issued.
• The Cambridge Public School District is not responsible for the loss of property left in the locker after the last day of school.
• The replacement cost for a lock is $5.00.
• Since lockers are the property of the Cambridge Public School District, the school maintains the right to search lockers if there is reason to believe the locker contains contraband, weapons, or evidence that will link the locker to trafficking in contraband, or if there is a clear and present danger of immediate physical threat to the school and/or students. The school will conduct announced and unannounced locker inspections to ensure compliance. See the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
LOCKER TIME
It is essential that students be on time for classes. Therefore, students must use their lockers ONLY before school, before lunch and after school. Exceptions to this rule will only apply if student has a valid pass from a school official.
LOST BOOK PROCEDURE
If a student loses a book or instructional materials, a penalty not related to the instructional program, such as prohibiting the student from attending certain activities, may be improsed until the department is reimbursed for the replacement value of the book(s) or instructional materials.
• Students are financially responsible for all library materials signed out to them. The library follows the same procedure as that set for textbooks. Library users with overdue books are sent a letter which states that there is a charge of $15.00 for a hard cover book which will be assessed if the book is not returned immediately. After two months, a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian asking for payment for the book or materials. This procedure covers all catalogued materials, with a minimum charge of $5.00. However, the library charges $3.00 as a flat rate for any uncataloged item.
• Students who do not return their book or complete a lost/non-returned book form may have a penalty imposed, such as being prohibited from attending certain activities not related to the instructional program. Checks should be made out payable to CRLS/(department name).
POSTERS
Students, club advisors, teachers and all individuals and organizations who wish to display posters advertising any activity must receive a stamp of approval from the Main Office for each poster.
• Posters should be hung on bulletin boards only.
• Posters must be removed by the sponsoring organization after the event is over.
RECYCLING
All students and staff are encouraged to recycle all paper products including newspaper, white, colored and computer paper and Styrofoam products in the cafeteria.
CRLS classrooms have blue recycle baskets and bins. Each Learning Community has large blue recycling containers for collection of the classroom baskets/bins. There are also recycle baskets in the cafeterias.
WORKING PAPERS
Working papers are required for students aged 14-16 years. Working papers are available through the RSTA Office (R123) from 1 to 4PM.
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