ACADEMIC POLICY

Homework
Homework is considered an important part of Pinecrest’s academic curriculum and grade evaluation and its completion is expected as an extension of classroom instruction.  Regular homework assignments are given to all students, beginning in Kindergarten.  The length of time necessary to complete the assignments will vary with the individual student, and increases with grade level.  The following guidelines will usually apply:

Kindergarten: 10 - 15 minutes (Mon - Thurs)
1st Grade: 10 - 20 minutes (Mon - Thurs)
2nd Grade: 20 - 30 minutes (Mon - Thurs)
3rd/4th Grade: 30 - 45 minutes (Mon - Thurs)
5th Grade: 45 - 60 minutes (Mon - Thurs)
Middle School: 1-2 Hours (Mon - Thurs)

PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS
Detailed Report Cards indicating scholastic progress are issued four times a year in approximately 10-week intervals.  Each quarter is graded separately.  Interim progress reports are sent home at least five weeks prior to the end of each quarter, and at other times as necessary, so that there is opportunity for improvement before final grades are recorded.  Parent conferences with teachers are scheduled as needed or requested by the parent or teacher.  Parents are advised of incomplete class and homework assignments or unsatisfactory conduct.  Tests and quizzes with grades lower than “C” will also be sent home for parent signature.  Effort and Citizenship grades only (E, G, S, N) are given in Art, Music, Computers and Spanish. 

SAT/OLSAT Testing
Stanford Achievement Tests 10 also known as “SATs” are administered to all students in May and the results are included with the student’s final report in June.  Otis-Lennon School Ability Test also know as “OLSAT” are administered to Grades 1, 3, 5, and 7 in February. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Every student is expected to participate in physical education class each day.  Grades are given based on participation, effort and attitude.  To be excused from participation in P.E. activities for one to three days requires a written note signed and dated by a parent.  After three days, a doctor’s note is required.  All P.E. excuses should be delivered to the P.E. teacher on the first excused day.  If a permanent excuse from P.E. activities is given, or if more than 50% of P.E. days are missed, no P.E. grade will appear on the report card.  A team sport or physical activity outside of Pinecrest may be substituted for P.E. credit a maximum of two days per week with verification from an accredited school, program or instructor.

4th – 8th Graders need green Pinecrest shorts, gray Pinecrest shirt, white socks and athletic shoes. 

HONOR ROLL
Grade-point averages “GPAs” are used for grades 2nd - 8th.  The following scale is used when computing a student’s GPA:

Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, without a “D”, “F”, “N”, “U” or “I” on their report card, earn “Honor Roll” status.

ACADEMIC PROBATION
If a student falls below a C (2.0) GPA, he/she will be placed on Academic Probation for a period of five weeks.  Students on probation are ineligible for athletics and/or extra curricular activities.  Students who do not raise their GPA to at least a 2.0 at the end of five weeks will remain on Academic Probation.  Any student on Academic Probation for two consecutive quarters may be subject to dismissal from school.  Students who do not maintain a 2.0 Cumulative GPA will not be permitted to participate in Graduation/Promotion Ceremonies.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
At any time during the school year, a parent or teacher may request a conference.  To arrange a conference, please contact the classroom teacher or the main office.

ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS
It is the policy of Pinecrest Schools to provide custodial parents, non-custodial parents, and step-parents equal access to all the official records and reports regarding their children, as well as school announcements and related information.  Each is also provided equal access to the children, the teachers and administrators, without notification of other parties, UNLESS such access is limited by a court of law.

STUDY HALL
Morning Study Hall is offered for grades K - 8th daily from 8:00 – 8:30 AM in the Library.  After-School Study Hall will be held in Rooms 4 & 5 from 3:30 – 4:00 PM.

Students in grades 1st - 5th have 30 minutes of in-class study time from 3:00 - 3:30 PM each day in their respective classrooms (2:30 – 3:00 PM for Kindergarten).

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES
Hardcover textbooks and some reference materials are supplied for the students to use during the school year.  Students are required to return them in good condition at the end of the term.  A charge will be made for lost or damaged books.  Textbooks must be covered at all times and covers should be replaced when they become worn.  Students may make their own covers from sturdy paper or may purchase book covers.  CONTACT OR OTHER STICKY PAPER MAY NOT BE USED TO COVER BOOKS. 

Pinecrest students are supplied with consumable workbooks and activity books, teacher-prepared lessons and arts and crafts supplies.  You will receive a letter from your child’s teacher, indicating supplies that should be brought from home.

Tutoring
Tutoring is available before and after school in half hour or hour sessions at the rate of $40 per hour.  Scheduling is arranged with the teacher providing the tutoring.  Payment is due at, or before the time of service and is made payable directly to the teacher.  You can call the Principal for further assistance or to check on teacher availability.