At DRMS, we believe that grades should accurately reflect a student’s knowledge of the Standard Course of Study and are the primary way for us to communicate that to students and parents.  As such, we use the grading policy outlined below as a way to ensure that every student has a chance to be successful.

• We follow a 10-point grade scale. Consult this message from WCPSS for further information.
• Grades shall be either major assessments weighted at 65% or minor assessments weighted at 35%.
• Assessments provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate mastery on the standards and may come in a variety of forms, including (but not limited to) tests, quizzes, essays, performance tasks, projects, etc.
• Teachers will provide ample opportunities for each student to reach mastery of the content standards. While other opportunities may be provided to ensure mastery, extra credit will not be given.
• Teachers will allow students to make test corrections in order to demonstrate mastery. Students can receive ½ credit point value back for corrected test items. Students may be provided with other opportunities (such as retakes or alternative assignments) in order to demonstrate mastery.
• Homework may be used for reflection or practice. When assigned, it will be checked and students will be provided feedback so that they can attain mastery on their assessments.
• Behavior and work habits will not be factored into academic grades. Progress in this area will be communicated to students and families in other ways.
• Student grades will not be negatively impacted for non-academic or non-curricular variables, such as no name on the paper, wrong size paper, messiness, lack of parent signature etc.
• When students are absent for 1-3 days, they will be given 1 school day for each school day they were absent to make up their work with no penalty. When students are absent for more than 3 school days, they shall be given 2 school days for each day they were absent to make up their work with no penalty.
• For work given during the first half of the quarter, students may turn in any assignments late until the interim with no penalty. After the interim, the work will no longer be accepted for credit. For work given during the second half of the quarter, students may turn in any assignment late with no penalty until the end of the quarter. After the end of the quarter, the work will no longer be accepted for credit.
• Interims will be distributed at the midpoint of each grading period for any student who has below a 70/C in a course, or whose course grade has dropped by a letter grade or more from the previous quarter.
• PowerSchool will be updated at a minimum of once per week. Please contact the school if you or your student are having difficulty accessing PowerSchool.