Academic Policies

Academic Expectations

Immaculate Conception School expects students to perform to the best of their ability. Teachers are expected to evaluate student progress on a regular basis. Students will be given quizzes or tests regularly. After the test is graded, it will be sent home for the Parent/Guardian to review and sign. Parent/Guardian signature indicates that the Parent/Guardian is aware of the student’s progress. If a Parent/Guardian does not receive quizzes or tests to sign, the Parent/Guardian should contact the teacher. Parents/Guardians are expected to review their child’s performance on the Student Information System (SIS) that has been established by ADNY and is utilized by Immaculate Conception School. Passwords have been established for each parent/guardian. The system remains available to families who remain current with tuition and fees obligations.

Homework

Homework is an essential part of the instructional program and reinforces learning. It serves as a means for clarifying and reviewing material learned in class, for providing motivation and opportunity for individual growth, and for creating experiences of indepth study and supplementary reading. Homework accounts for 15% the report card grade.

The time allotments for homework (written and study) are as follows:

• Grades PreK & K approximately 15 minutes
• Grades 1 & 2 approximately 30 minutes
• Grades 3 & 4 approximately 45 minutes
• Grades 5 & 6 approximately 90 minutes
• Grades 7 & 8 approximately 120 minutes

Students are required to record homework/assignments in the student planner and complete all homework/assignments. Depending on grade level, Parents/Guardians may be expected to sign the completed homework. Parents/Guardians are expected to check SIS for confirmation/clarification and due dates for all assignments.

Grades and Grading

Report cards are distributed four times a year for Grades 1 to 8. Pre-K and Kindergarten report cards are distributed two times a year. The report card is a link between the school and the home. The Student Information System will serve to keep families informed between report cards.

As required by the Archdiocese of New York each school must adopt a formal grading policy. The policy at Immaculate Conception school follows:

• 50% Tests and Quizzes
• 20% Classwork and Participation
• 15% Projects
• 15% Homework

Academic Achievement

The first part of the Archdiocesan Report Card is used to mark the student’s achievement in academic subjects.

• The achievement mark is based upon the demonstration of mastery of material covered in class such as:

1. class work /participation
2. homework
3. daily quizzes
4. unit tests
5. comprehensive examinations and
6. special projects.

The June grade on the report card is comprised of 20% for each marking period and 10% for each mid-term and final exam. This grade will be recorded on the student’s permanent record card.

• Numerical marks are recorded on report cards for Grades 1 - 8;
• Passing is any mark 70% or above or any mark of D or higher.

Character Development

The conduct/effort mark is placed under Character Development as a “Conduct Grade”. This mark indicates that the student:

1. follows class and school rules,
2. shows care in the use of personal property
3. treats teachers with respect
4. treats other students with respect
5. exercises self-control
6. listens attentively
7. uses technology appropriately.

Honor Roll

The criteria for inclusion in the Honor Roll are peculiar for each school. As an acknowledgment of achievement in academics, at Immaculate Conception School is:

Grades Pre-K -5th	No honors are awarded
Grades 6-8	Principal's List	95% average; no mark less than B in non academic areas; no character development, conduct or effort mark less than A
Grades 6-8	First Honors	90% average; no mark less than B in non academic areas; no character development, conduct or effort mark less than B
Grades 6-8	Second Honors	85% average; no mark less than B in non academic areas; no character development, conduct or effort mark less than B

Good conduct is a requirement to receive First or Second Honors. Therefore, a student must receive an A (excellent) or B (good) in conduct to be eligible for honors. A student who does not receive an A or B in Conduct, will not receive Principal’s List, First or Second Honors even though marks might warrant it.

Report Card Distribution

Report cards are distributed in November, January, April, and June. Report cards will be withheld and access to SIS will be denied if financial obligations have not been met and fees are outstanding. Report cards may not be given before the assigned date. In the event that a student will leave school prior to the last day in June and all financial obligations have been met, the student may give the teacher a self-addressed stamped envelope and the report card can be mailed the last day of school.

Assessments

In addition to class and school exams your child will also take part in the Archdiocesan testing program which includes the Archdiocesan religion test, annual standardized tests, and New York State Education Department assessments. These tests measure academic growth over a period of time.

Standardized Tests

ITBS	Grades 1 to 8	March
CogAt	GRades 2, 4, 5 and 7	March

Archdiocesan Tests

Religion Test

Grade 3 to 8

June

NY State Tests

English / Language Arts	Grade 4 and 8	January
Math	Grades 4 and 8	March
Science	Grade 4 Grade 8	May May
Social Studies	Grade 5 Grade 8	November June

The faculty of Immaculate Conception School reviews these test results regularly for the purpose of promotion or retention in conjunction with classroom performance and grouping for reading and math.