Academic Honors
The top academic students in each graduating class will be determined by the final cumulative grade point averages and will be honored at the Senior Recognition Night and at commencement. The following awards will be recognized:
- 1st Honor (Valedictorian) – Highest cumulative average among academic students.
- 2nd Honor (Salutatorian) – Second highest cumulative average among academic students.
INDEPENDENT STUDY / STUDY ABROAD Independent Study
- All courses offered via RHS faculty members as independent study and/or courses being taught by RHS faculty members via distance learning or through advanced technology is voluntary on the part of the faculty instructor and must be pre-approved by the administration.
- Students enrolled at RHS are required to take courses offered as part of the School Board approved District curriculum.
- In the event that a significant and irresolvable schedule conflict occurs between a senior being unable to take the required courses necessary for graduation (not elective courses); in consultation with superintendent, the building principal may approve the student taking a course outside of the School Board approved District Curriculum. This is handled on a case-by-case basis. Note: the significant and irresolvable schedule conflict cannot be the result of academic failure.
- Students are permitted to take courses from post- secondary institutions for the purpose of personal growth and enrichment and/or for the purpose of earning college credits. However, these courses will not be counted toward RHS graduation requirements, will not count in the weighting process and will not appear on the student’s high school transcript.
Scheduling Requirements for Study Abroad Programs
(In addition to the above-specified requirements):
Students who study abroad may take courses required for graduation from RHS via distance learning/advanced technology.
- The RHS faculty must voluntarily agree to the requirements and the arrangement must be pre-approved by the building principal.
- Students studying abroad are required to meet with the principal and guidance counselor no later than the last day of school prior to the school year the student will be studying abroad. During this meeting, the student will develop a schedule of courses that they would have taken had the student not been studying abroad. This schedule will be compared to the courses being offered/available. The student will be notified both verbally and in writing regarding the course schedule.
- Students studying abroad may take no more than nine courses during a school year. (e.g., if a student is taking five courses at a high school placement abroad, then he or she would be eligible to take four courses from his/her home school; given that those courses are offered via distance learning/advanced technology).
- Courses taken abroad cannot duplicate a course that the student has already taken and earned credit for in his or her course of study.
- Using an official transcript from the placement abroad, a committee will determine the weight of the courses taken abroad. This determination shall be made based upon a comparison of detailed course description/syllabus/course requirements with the district’s course description / syllabus / course requirement.
Note: Students who choose to study abroad are considered in the class ranking process. Students who study abroad are not guaranteed to maintain their class rank.
Access To Grades
Parents of kindergarten and newly enrolled RASD students will be provided directions to secure online access in Schoology to their child’s grades at the beginning of each school year. Parents of currently enrolled students can request this information as needed.
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program created by the College Board which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. Colleges and universities may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations. Any student who participates in an AP class MUST take the AP exam.
Course Changes / Add-Drop Window
Course selection should be a firm decision which is thoughtfully made by students after careful consultation with parents, teachers, and counselors. Prior successes, failures, special individual interests, aptitudes, and future college and career plans should be taken into consideration when a student plans a course pattern.
Final schedules will be released during the summer months. Requests for schedule changes will be granted only under certain circumstances and prior to the start of the school year. The add/drop window will close one week after the beginning of the semester.
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment is a program where a student takes a course that awards both high school and college credit. Tuition will be assessed and must be paid to the college prior to commencing the college portion of the class. Dual enrollment courses offered through the University of Pittsburgh are open to students in grades 11 and 12 as per the requirements of the post-secondary institution.
English Language Learners (ELL)
The Ridgway Area School District offers an ESL program to any student with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Educating these students is the responsibility of the Ridgway Area School District. The program is designed to teach social and academic language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) to our ESL population. It is also designed to meet the cultural aspects necessary to succeed and participate in meaningful educational programs. The ESL program is mandated by the federal and state governments for full implementation by the 2004-2005 school year. For additional information please contact the Office of the Superintendent at 814-773-3146.
Report Cards (FSG)
Report cards are used to report a child’s progress to his parents/guardians. Report cards are issued at the end of each nine weeks.
Grading System (MS/HS)
REPORT CARDS
- Report cards are issued at the end of each nine-weeks. At the end of the school year, all books must be returned and any other unfinished school business must be taken care of in a proper manner before the final report card will be released. CUMULATIVE AVERAGE
- The cumulative average is a procedure for calculating a student’s scholastic average on a scale of 0 to 100. It represents an average for the final grades earned where credit is given for subjects taken. The cumulative average begins with courses taken in the ninth grade. Students who transfer in from other schools will bring with them their current school average.
- Each course is assigned a value, called credit. Credits are based on the number of meeting times per week and the length of the course.
The student with the highest cumulative grade point average is ranked number one. If two students have the same cumulative average, they will be assigned the same rank while the following number will be left unassigned.
- HIGH HONOR/HONOR ROLL
- High Honor Roll – A student who has all A’s for the marking period will be considered to be on the high honor roll.
- Honor Roll – A student who has all A’s and B’s for the marking period will be considered to be on the honor roll.
- MARKING SYSTEM
Students will receive a numerical grade for each course at the end of every quarter. The quarter, semester, and year-end grades will all be numerical grade point averages. Work which is incomplete at the end of the fourth quarter will be given a “zero” for the incomplete assignments and averaged with other grades given during that quarter.
The following grading scale/ system of marking applies:
| Grade | Percentage | GPA |
| A | 95-100 | 4.0 |
| A- | 93-94 | 3.67 |
| B+ | 90-92 | 3.33 |
| B | 87-89 | 3.00 |
| B- | 85-86 | 2.67 |
| C+ | 82-84 | 2.33 |
| C | 78-81 | 2.00 |
| C- | 75-77 | 1.67 |
| D+ | 73-74 | 1.33 |
| D | 71-72 | 1.00 |
| D- | 70 | 0.67 |
| F | 69 or below | 0.00 |
TESTING
- Teachers shall administer tests in their classes during each 9-week marking period during the school year. Those tests should be progressive and comprehensive in nature by including information learned in previous course work. The tests shall be appropriate to the student’s age and ability and consistent with the academic standards established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Teachers shall use multiple assessment techniques to evaluate the student’s progress including, but not limited to, reports, individual or group projects, discussions, homework and teacher observation.
- Students shall receive a grade at the end of each 9- week marking period. The final grade is the average for the four marking periods (20% each quarter) and the final exam grade (20%). FINAL EXAMS are given at the end of the school term/course. Students will not be excused for family educational trips during FINAL EXAMS. The FINAL EXAM accounts for 20% of the final grade in a course.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from Ridgway Area High School, a student must successfully complete the requirements of their individualized educational program and/or the following:
- CULMINATING PROJECT
Each student will complete a culminating project. Each student must successfully complete a written paper and an oral/visual presentation of his/her culminating project according to the following description:
- This project will require the student to utilize skills he/she obtained through the regular curriculum in order to encourage the following:
(a.) Higher order thinking skills
(b.) Problem-solving
(c.) Analysis
(d.) Logical sequencing
- The student will be required to demonstrate the knowledge gained by this project at the Senior Project Open House held in the spring.
- The student will be required to use individual skills based on his/her interests in life.
- This project will require the student to become more competitive, career-oriented, and marketable in the working world.
- CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
-
- A high school diploma will be presented to students meeting the following (Minimum) course credit requirements:
English (4 credits)
Social Studies (3 credits)
Math (4 credits)
Science (3 credits)
Health (1 credit)
Phys. Ed (2 credits)
Arts/Humanities… (2 credits)
Personal Finance (0.5 credit)
Electives (Equivalent to meet total 24 credits)
Total Equal or exceed 24 Credits
NOTE: Students must take at least one credit each school year in English.
- COMMUNITY SERVICE- JOB SHADOWING
Students must complete approved community service and job shadowing experiences as outlined below in order to meet graduation requirements.
Community Service Hours – Students must complete a total of 50 hours of community service. Freshmen must complete 5 hours, while Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors must complete 15 hours each year. Students not meeting the annual community service hour requirements are assigned an additional 5 hours for each year in which the requirement has not been met.
Job Shadowing – Two job shadow experiences must be completed by the end of the junior year. Students who have not met the deadline for job shadow experiences receive an additional 5 hours of community service assigned to be completed in addition to the two job shadow experiences.
- GRADUATION CEREMONY
The graduation ceremony is a monumental occasion. In order to ensure that it is a memorable event for parents and students, there are specific expectations that students are required to follow. Students who do not meet the graduation requirements are not permitted to participate in the ceremony. Often, a specific teacher, staff member or school employee has had a significant impact on a student’s education and life. Students may select a maximum of two current or retired employees (teacher, custodian, aide, coach, guidance counselor, administrator, maintenance worker, board member, etc.) of the school district to present them with their diploma during the graduation ceremony. Employees who have resigned or are otherwise no longer employed by the district are not eligible for this honor.
- GRADUATION PATHWAY – all students must meet one of the PA Dept. of Education designated graduation pathways to graduate.
Graduation Pathway
To graduate from high school, students in Pennsylvania must satisfy local academic credit requirements and demonstrate college and career readiness through one of the statewide graduation pathways outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Click here for the pathways available to students.
Homebound Instruction
Physicians occasionally submit a written request for a student to be placed on homebound instruction for medical reasons. The request must give the specific reason(s) for the homebound instruction and the expected duration of the instruction.
Homework
- Homework assignments should complement the school instruction. The assignments should develop student responsibility, good study habits, and organizational skills. Homework assignments should provide practice and reinforcement of skills already presented by the teacher, broaden areas of interest through enrichment, and provide an opportunity for parents to know their child is studying.
- Homework should not significantly consume a student’s time beyond the regular school day. The teachers recognize that students have commitments that continue to develop their social, emotional, physical, and family relationships. The weight of homework is specified in each teacher’s syllabi which is presented to students at the beginning of the school year/semester.
- Assignments will be reviewed and returned within a reasonable amount of time, depending on each type of assignment.
- Teachers should discuss with the students the value and meaning of homework in each course at the beginning of the school year.
- No one subject should comprise too great a majority of homework assignments.
- Homework will not be assigned as busy work or as a form of punishment in any of the grade levels.
- Homework Support: RHS Campus Center/ RMS Homework Club is a free service available to all students. Campus Center operates Mondays through Thursdays from 2:30- 4PM. Homework Club operates Tuesday through Thursday from 2:30-4 PM. A certified professional teacher is available to supervise and assist students. Attendance at Campus Center is mandatory for ineligible students participating in extra-curricular activities.
In addition, all RMS and RHS students are able to access teachers for additional support during “Common” remediation time each school day. Student planners are also available in the main office. The first copy is free. Replacement fee is $5.
Office Of Student Services
The Office of Student Services (OSS) services students in grades K through the age of 22 who are referred for and/or found eligible for school-aged student services. These services would include the following:
- School-Age Special Education services (PA Code Chapter 14)
- 504 Service Agreements (PA Code Chapter 15)
- School-Age Gifted Support Services (PA Code Chapter 16)
- Homelessness
- Foster Care
- Incarcerated Youth
- Mental and Behavioral Health Services
- Related Services Including:
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Vision Support
- Hearing Support
The Office of Student Services is not only responsible for handling referrals for students suspected of being eligible for school-age services, but also manages the screening and Child Find process within the Ridgway Area School District. In 3rd grade, gifted screenings are conducted on all students not previously evaluated. These screenings provide the school with information which can guide potential referrals for more comprehensive assessments and referrals.
In addition to the services described above, the Office of Student Services also collaborates with mental and behavioral health providers within the school district and the community as a whole. The coordination of these services for eligible students helps to ensure consistent communication, progress updates, and delivery of care.
Further detailed information about special education services is available in our Annual Public Notice (APN). Our APN is available on RASD website and is also provided annually to each family.
If a parent/guardian, staff, or service provider has questions or concerns about a student, or wishes to inquire about the referral process for an evaluation for student services, please contact the Office of Student Services at (814) 776-4255.
Rockets Academy
Ridgway Area School District is pleased to offer a cyber school option called Rockets Academy for students seeking an online learning experience rather than the traditional school experience. Enrollment information is available by contacting the building administration. Rockets Academy students must meet Ridgway Area School District expectations in regards to grades, behavior, and attendance. Enrollment requires a parent meeting with the school administration.
School-To-Work Program
Junior and senior students in good academic standing are eligible to participate in a certified Cooperative Education program for credit. This program offers the opportunity for full time students to work during the school day and earn school credits. Please contact the high school guidance department for specific guidelines
To participate in this opportunity, students and parents/guardians should meet with the administration and school counselor to discuss scheduling options and to fill out the appropriate paperwork.
School-to-Work Eligibility: Students that participate in the school-to-work program are subject to weekly eligibility requirements as outlined in the enrollment meeting. Students are not allowed to have failing grades in more than one class at any time. Weekly eligibility is completed on Friday mornings after 8 AM. Eligibility repercussions are as follows:
-
- The first offense will result in a warning.
- The second offense will result in not being allowed to leave for work until the necessary grades are at a 70%.
- The third and each successive offense will result in missing a minimum of one week of work and maintain grades at a 70%.
Screening and Assessments
The Ridgway Area School District has developed the following schedule for screening/assessing/testing our students.
| Grade Level | Assessments |
| Kindergarten | STAR,CBM, CDT’s |
| 1st | STAR,CBM, CDT’s |
| 2nd | STAR,CBM, CDT’s |
| 3rd | STAR,CBM, CDT’s
FireFly and PSSA PASA (as determined by IEP team) |
| 4th | STAR,CBM, CDT’s
FireFly and PSSA PASA (as determined by IEP team) |
| 5th | STAR,CBM, CDT’s
FireFly and PSSA PASA (as determined by IEP team) |
| 6th | Study Island
PSSA PASA (as determined by IEP team) |
| 7th | Study Island
PSSA PASA (as determined by IEP team) |
| 8th | Study Island
Fire Fly PSSA PASA (as determined by IEP team) |
| 9-12 | Keystone (course dependent)
CDT Fire Fly AP (course dependent) |
| 11th | SAT
ASVAB PASA (as determined by IEP team) |
Summer School
- Students who fail required courses may be allowed to attend summer school or participate in a correspondence course program in order to acquire the credit. To qualify for summer school, the final course average may not be below a 65%. A maximum of two courses (HS) and one course (MS) may be completed during summer school.
- Allowing summer school or correspondence course work to make-up for failed courses is at the discretion of the administration. The student is responsible for all costs, fees and transportation related to summer school programs.
- Students who successfully complete summer school or correspondence school requirements will receive a grade of 70% and course credit for the course.
PROMOTION – RETENTION
Middle School students who fail two or more major academic courses during a school year shall be retained in the same grade level for the next school year. Students who experience two grade level retentions will be referred to the Office of Student Services for an evaluation to determine if the student has a disability and needs specially designed instruction.