The high school principals in Vancouver Public Schools have worked together to compile information that may help with your questions about senior students and graduation. It is vitally important that you review this information with your 12th grader.
We are so sorry that some of the typical excitement and joy of having a graduating senior has been overshadowed by the statewide emergency school closure and the uncertainty of future social distancing and stay at home guidelines. We are developing plans for alternate ways to celebrate our seniors and their graduation. We are open to your ideas and suggestions.
Please be safe and healthy, and let us know how we can support you and your high school senior.
Will my remote learning assignments be graded?
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced new rules on April 22 that Washington state teachers must follow when determining grades for high school course credit. Students should contact their counselor if they have questions.
- March 17 is the starting point for the grading system changes.
- A student’s baseline letter grade is the letter grade earned by March 17.
- All students will have the opportunity to improve their baseline letter grade. The final letter grade will not be lower than the baseline letter grade.
- Teachers will assign A, B, C, or D letter grades or assign an “incomplete”.
- Students assigned an “incomplete” for a course will be given opportunities to re-engage and meet the learning standards.
- An “F” will not be given as a letter grade. If a student’s baseline letter grade was an “F” and has not been improved through remote learning, the student may receive a “D” or an “incomplete”.
- No student will receive a “pass,” “fail,” or “no credit” grade for any course.
- Teachers will assign grades or assign an “incomplete” for students that cannot engage in an equitable way.
- Every class taken during the closure period will be given a statewide designator on the high school transcript to denote the unique environment in which the course was taken.
- Students assigned an “incomplete” for a course will be given opportunities to reengage in the learning standards based on local school district decisions in consultation with the student/parents/guardians, including but not limited to:
- Summer school
- Courses in the following term or year
- Independent study
- Competency-based courses
- Online courses
- Backfilling the incomplete grade with the letter grade obtained in the next course taken in that subject area.
- All students will be given an opportunity to engage in continuous learning to maintain or improve their mastery of essential standards.
What if I wasn’t on track to graduate?
High school support will be customized to the individual needs of each senior. Seniors may have the opportunity to recoup or make up progress in meeting standards during the remote learning period. High school counselors will contact each VPS senior about a plan for success.
Do I still have to complete a High School and Beyond Plan?
Yes. If you submitted your High School and Beyond Plan before the school closure, you have met the requirement. If you have not completed your High School and Beyond Plan, a career specialist will contact you to offer support in meeting this requirement.
What is the attendance requirement for remote learning?
Students should participate in remote learning to the best of their ability. Each high school has identified staff members to connect with students and ensure they are receiving the support they need to complete their school work.
When is my last day of remote learning?
Seniors’ last day for remote learning is June 5. Seniors who have an incomplete after June 5 should work with their teachers and counselor. Teachers must submit final grades by June 19. Diplomas can be picked up after June 19 when all fines/fees have been cleared. To pay fines/fees, go to the fines and fees website.
When can I turn in my Chromebook?
Seniors can begin turning in their Chromebooks on June 8. Your school principal will provide details in the coming weeks.
Can I still take Advanced Placement tests?
Yes. AP exams will be held online this year. For more information, visit AP coronavirus updates or contact Meredith Wilson (meredith.wilson@vansd.org).
Will International Baccalaureate exams still be held?
The May 2020 examinations were scheduled for Columbia River High School students between April 30 and May 22 for diploma programme and course candidates. The International Baccalaureate Association determined that these external exams will not be held due to the statewide closure in 2020.
Depending on their registration status, students will be awarded a diploma or a course certificate that reflects their standard of work. This is based on each student’s coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the programmes. High school counselors will contact each IB senior to review his/her status.
Can I take my SAT and/or ACT tests?
SAT: A makeup exam scheduled for March 28 and an exam scheduled for May 2 have been canceled. Registered students will receive a refund. Students can go to the College Board website for updated information.
ACT: The April 4 national test date has been rescheduled for June 13 across the U.S. Students can go to the ACT website for more information.
How are Running Start students affected?
Clark College’s spring term begins April 20. Most classes will be offered remotely or online. Current or new Running Start students should contact Clark College for more information.
Will my school have a senior prom?
VPS remains committed to honoring the Class of 2020 in accordance with social distancing and safety protocol established by the Washington state governor’s office. More information about proms and other senior year traditions will be shared with families as it becomes available.
Will graduation ceremonies happen? If so, how and when?
Options for conducting graduation ceremonies are being evaluated now and ultimately may be determined by social distancing regulations in the coming weeks and months. Options include virtual graduation ceremonies or possibly postponing ceremonies until late summer.
Will we have a yearbook?
Yes. Each high school plans to complete and publish a yearbook. Your school’s principal will provide more information soon.
Where can I look for more information about the state’s plan for graduating seniors?
Please visit the State Board of Education webpage for the class of 2020.
Last updated April 23.