Franklin High School has almost finished its first nine weeks of classes for the 2020-21 school year, but there are concerns that grades aren’t where they need to be.
A text sent by Macon County Schools to Franklin High School families on Oct. 8 suggested that “many” students have failing grades.
Given that many Franklin High School students are in the process of applying for college admissions and scholarships, major slips in grades across the board could be a problem for the Class of 2021.
The message urged parents to closely monitor their children’s grades through available online resources to make sure that they weren’t falling behind. It specifically encouraged further use of PowerSchool, an independent service many schools have used for years to digitally catalog assignment histories, grades, educational resources and more.
“Please understand that we are just over one week from the end of the first grading period,” the text reads. “Grades will be recorded based on work completed and the quality of work. Grades will be recorded on transcripts and they will contribute to the GPA calculation. Many students have failing grades. … The time left to improve grades is short. This grading period will represent 40 percent of the semester grade.”
FHS principal Barry Woody confirmed that an above average number of students are facing failing grades right now. He said this semester has been unusually challenging for many students, mostly because of complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Franklin High students were only going to school in person one day per week when the semester began, although they have since been able to get up to two days per week.
Even with more face-to-face time, Woody worries that the mental toll caused by COVID is having an adverse impact on students’ performance and motivation.
“This semester has had its challenges for students, teachers and parents,” Woody said. “Being able to reach two days of face-to-face instruction in our blended schedule has definitely had a positive impact. Teachers have become very creative in their use of technology to try to maintain student engagement, but internet connectivity remains a struggle for some. Difficulties also include a mental health component, as students feel more isolated. Students experiencing increased anxiety and depression tend to find it more difficult to focus on academics.”
Superintendent Chris Baldwin said most students are handling the new semester “as well as can be expected,” but a lack of in-person instruction has resulted in larger than usual rates of incomplete assignments. He said that teachers and administrators are already taking all possible steps to keep up communication with families to tackle these problems as they arise, but their work can only go so far. He encouraged further use of PowerSchool and direct contact with teachers to make sure each student is working at their highest potential.
“Teachers and administrators are reaching out to students and parents, even making home visits in order to maintain an open line of communication during this difficult time,” Baldwin said. “Student work must be submitted in order for those grades to be assigned. Parents should contact their child’s teacher and utilize the parent portal of PowerSchool in order to determine the academic progress of their child.”
The parent portal for PowerSchool can be accessed online at powerschool.com/sign-in.