Why do high schools – specifically Ida B. Wells – use a quarter system?
For students, the only grade that appears on the transcript is the semester grade. Quarter grades don’t usually matter, especially during the first and third quarter considering after those progress reports come out, there’s still another quarter before the grade is final.
The quarter progress reports serve more as a self check-in system. They’re there to let you know how you’re doing halfway through that semester. They let you self-evaluate and figure out a plan to keep on track.
The first quarter can be both the easiest and hardest part of the school year.
While not true for everyone, starting a new school year can be challenging or overwhelming. You’re given an entire new class schedule filled with new teachers and peers.
However, many teachers combat this stress by starting out the year easy and simple. This is often seen with the multitude of icebreaker activities and art projects. Often you’ll find yourself talking more about yourself than any topic related to the class.
Nonetheless, students are seemingly doing fine as the first quarter has nearly passed by. Some are even making improvements compared to previous years at IBW.
Students seem more comfortable adjusting back to the regular school schedule and new classes they’ve been given compared to previous years.
Teachers are seeing less phone usage and more engagement in their classes as opposed to last year. Even in the hallways, there are less students skipping and less phones outside of the classroom.
Despite feeling short, this quarter was filled with a few events for students.
One of these events was the club fair which took place Sept. 12. A short but crowded and enjoyable event where school clubs gathered in one area and were able to showcase themselves to anyone who came across their posters. Many clubs were able to advertise themselves to hundreds of students that walked through the cafeteria and the math hallway. Some clubs had prepared presentations, videos and demonstrations relating to their topic of choice.
The first progress report of the year for students came out Sept. 26. Overall students seem to be in a multitude of places academically. However, students seem to be more driven to do well as opposed to last year. The change in phone usage is an example of this. “We did 16 ninth grade English class presentations, all 5 counselors, and nobody had a phone out the whole time,” says IBW student counselor, Danny Bradach.
On top of the events that have already passed, there are still a few coming up (and currently occurring) such as homecoming spirit week and homecoming.
Homecoming spirit week will be taking place Oct. 14-18. Each day throughout the week will have a theme for students to dress according to. Monday will be denim, Tuesday will be country versus country club, Wednesday will be pajamas, Thursday will be camo, and Friday will be Guardian-wear.
The homecoming dance will be taking place on Oct. 18, after the football game that will be taking place that same day.
With the first quarter leaving on Oct. 31, the second quarter will be following.
The second quarter will greatly differ from the first. Final exams will be in session in the last week of the quarter, while semester grades will be finalized and put on transcripts.
Remember not to stress too much. While it is a very important time, there are other important things such as getting enough sleep and not drowning in textbooks and notes.
Goodbye, quarter one.
