Several changes have been made in the Hattiesburg Public School District’s policies for instruction, promotion, retention, and graduation because of the extended school closures during the coronavirus pandemic.
Superintendent Dr. Robert Williams told parents and guardians Friday that questions about a child's progress can be asked by emailing the teacher, counselor or principal.
“Our students are always our No. 1 priority,” he said. “We believe these policy changes demonstrate our commitment to serving students and families during these challenging times.”
The following policies were put into effect:
● During the school closure, teachers are working to contact each student. The district is providing paper packets at each school site, which are posted on the district website.
● Any student who was assigned remediation work for the third term before spring break will be given the opportunity to complete the work and grades will be updated. All remediation work for any term before the fourth term is due by May 15.
● Students will receive the average of Terms 1, 2, & 3 as their Term 4 grade (excludes HHS ½ credit fourth term/Quarter courses); all year courses (Term 1 + Term 2 + Term 3)/3 = Term 4; semester courses Term 3 = Term 4; students may receive up to 10 points added to their fourth term grade for the completion of academic packets and/or online instruction.
For high school graduation, commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, May 22.
“As you know, we are not able to utilize Reed Green Coliseum,” Williams said. “We are tentatively planning to move the graduation to an outdoor site and Livestream the event. If it is deemed unsafe for a community gathering, we will explore the option of hosting commencement exercises virtually.”
Promotion and retention grading guidance depends on the individual schools. For Grace Christian, Hawkins, Rowan, Thames, and Woodley (Grades K-5): Promotion decisions will be made on the basis of passing (average of 65 or higher) reading/language arts and mathematics only; before any student is retained, a conference discussing retention recommendations will be conducted among the parent, teacher and school administration.
For Burney Sixth Grade Academy: Promotion decisions will be made on the basis of passing both reading/language arts and mathematics with an average of 60 or higher in both courses.
For N.R. Burger Middle School (Grades 7-8): Promotion decisions will be made on the basis of passing of six credits which shall include English and mathematics with an average of 60 or higher; the student must pass both English and reading if they are taught as separate subjects.