Academic Guidance

The counselors have many resources in place to help students reach their academic potential. These resources include academic counseling groups and individual academic progress monitoring. We recognize the importance of communication with parents to ensure academic success. In addition to the 6 week progress report / report cards, the counselors provide parent guidance with the incentive charts and the grade portal on the computer. We encourage parents to contact the counselors for conferences regarding student progress and developing a plan for success.

Promotion Requirements 

Jane Addams Middle School and the Lawndale Elementary School Board believes that a diploma from Jane Addams indicates 3 years of successful progress indicated by the completion of 6th, 7th and 8th grade requirements.

Promotion Requirements include:

• Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 or higher
• An 8th grade student must accumulate no more than 5 U's in Citizenship for all three trimester report cards
• Last trimester, a student must earn no more than 2 U's in Citizenship
• Suspension close to an event may result in exclusion of an activity
• Multiple disciplinary infractions may result in an administrative decision to deny an activity

What is G.P.A.?

GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is the number that shows your average grades over time. In middle school, your GPA is calculated from all of your grades in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.

Why is GPA important?
You need a GPA of 2.0 or higher to graduate from middle school.

How GPA is calculated:

1. Each letter grade has a number value:

   • A = 4 points
   • B = 3 points
   • C = 2 points
   • D = 1 point
   • F = 0 points

2. Add up the points for all your classes.

3. Divide the total points by the number of classes.

Report card example:

Class	Grade	Points
Language	B	3
Math	C	2
Science	B	3
History	A	4
PE	D	1
Elective	F	0

Total Points: 13
Number of Classes: 6
GPA Calculation: 13 ÷ 6 = 2.1  (Good — above 2.0!)

Tip: The higher your grades, the higher your GPA. Even small improvements in one class can raise your GPA.

Honor Roll

A student at Jane Addams Middle School will receive an invitation to the Honor Roll Ceremony if they acquire a 3.5 or higher G.P.A and does not receive any N's or U's in their Citizenship grade that trimester. These ceremonies take place at the end of Trimester One and Two.