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RBHS Student Handbook » Academic Information

Academic Information

AUDIT
If a student fails the second semester of a math or foreign language course after passing the first semester, he/she is given the opportunity to audit the first semester the following year.  A student cannot earn graduation credit a second time, but could improve the first semester’s passing grade. Repeating a course in this manner is a privilege. If a student does not participate as though he/she was earning credit for the semester, he/she may be dropped from the audit program.
 
CHROMEBOOKS
Students are solely responsible for the Chromebooks issued to them and, in addition to complying with all other applicable District policies, including the AUTA, students must adhere to the following:

  • Students must bring their fully charged Chromebooks and a power charger to school every day.  Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.  (A fully charged Chromebook should last at least 8 hours.)

  • Students must treat their devices with care and never leave the Chromebooks unattended, even for a moment or in an unsecured location.  Expected care includes keeping the Chromebook away from food and drink, keeping the Chromebook in a temperature-controlled environment, and cleaning the screen only with approved materials (soft lint-free cloth with water or 50-50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water).

  • Except when in use, students should keep their devices in the supplied protective cases.

  • Students must promptly report any problems with their Chromebooks to the IT Department, Rm. 256.

  • Students may not remove or interfere with the Chromebook serial number and other identification tags.

  • Students may not attempt to remove or change the physical structure of the Chromebook, including the keys, screen cover, or plastic casing.

  • Students may not attempt to install or run any operating system on the Chromebook other than the ChromeOS operating system supported by the District.

If a student’s Chromebook is inoperable, he or she must report to the IT Department, Room 256, during periods 1-7. The school has a limited number of spare devices for use while the student’s Chromebook is repaired or replaced. A student may not opt to keep an inoperable or damaged Chromebook to avoid doing class work.  
CHROMEBOOK RENTAL
If a student has forgotten or lost his/her Chromebook, a limited number of Chromebooks will be available in the Business Office from 7:30-7:50 a.m. Student accounts will be charged $5 for each time a Chromebook is borrowed, and Chromebooks must be returned after school by 3:30 p.m. to the Business Office the same day to avoid a $10 daily late fee.
 
LATIN HONORS RECOGNITION
Final semester grades in all courses for which credit is given are used to determine Latin Honors.
Grade Numeric Value Honors (1.123 Multiplier) AP (.5 added to Honors)
A 4.0 4.500 5.000
A- 3.7 4.162 4.662
B+ 3.3 3.712 4.212
B 3.0 3.375 3.876
B- 2.7 3.037 3.538
C+ 2.3 2.587 3.088
C 2.0 2.250 2.750
C- 1.7 1.912 2.412
D+ 1.3 1.300 1.300
D 1.0 1.000 1.000
D- 0.7 0.700 0.700
F 0.0 0.000 0.000
 
COLLEGE INFORMATION
The Student Services Office uses the on-line software program Naviance to help students search for colleges, occupations, financial aid, and trade/technical information.  Students are encouraged to use this program and to consult with their counselor for additional information.

COURSE WITHDRAWAL
Withdrawing from a course will result in the student being placed in a study hall. New courses may be added through the 10th day of the semester only, if they meet one of the criteria listed in “Schedule Changes” in the Curriculum Guide and if there is space available in the new course. 
If a student drops a course any time through the 4th week of the semester, no notation will be made on the student’s permanent record, but a $25 processing fee will be charged. 
After the 4th week of the 1st semester of a year-long course or after the 4th week of either semester of a semester-long course, but before the end of the quarter, a grade of “WP” (withdrawn/pass) or “WF” (withdrawn/fail) will be recorded on the student’s transcript for informational purposes. Grades of a “WP” and “WF” are not included in the GPA (grade point average). 
Dropping a course after the 1st quarter or 3rd quarter of any semester-long course or after the 1st quarter or 10 days of the second semester of a year-long course will result in an “F” grade on the transcript.

CREDIT/NO CREDIT GRADING OPTION
To encourage students to take a broader range of curricular offerings, as well as a greater number of classes, a limited number of courses can be taken for credit but without a specific grade assignment.  This option is limited to students in grades 10 – 12. Courses taken for “credit/no credit” will be counted toward graduation credit but will not be included in the grade point average.  Students may choose to take one course per semester on a “credit/no credit” basis.  A student may take 6 semesters of course work using this option.  The option may not be carried into another year if not used.  Prerequisites must be completed before the student’s schedule may include a course with the “credit/no credit” arrangement.  Students should check with their counselor regarding credit/no credit options.
EXEMPTION FROM P.E.
Allows a student in an ongoing interscholastic athletic program to apply for a PE waiver.  Students need to  meet with their counselor in order to request this exemption.  Forms are to be filled out and signed by the students’ teacher, instructional coach, counselor and principal.  Waiver forms are available in the Athletics Department Office or Student Services. 
**Amended August, 2013, in compliance with the General Assembly and the ISBE:
FINAL EXAM POLICY
Electronic devices, hats, hoods, coats, bags, smart watches, and phones are not permitted on any student’s person, unless prior permission has been given by a staff member, in any testing environment, even if in the off position and out of sight, during final exams and during any day there is an exam. Any student found to violate this policy will receive a zero on their exam. 
Final exams/summative assessments are an integral part of the learning process. The following parameters govern final examinations/summative assessments:

  1. There will be a summative assessment of content and skills in all courses, including Physical Education courses. These assessments may include, but are not limited to, essay tests, objective tests, portfolios, skill tests, and exhibitions;

  2. All final exams/summative assessments are subject to approval by the Division Head for each subject area.

  3. Final exams/summative assessments will comprise 20% of the semester grade;

  4. Except where noted in Section 6 of this policy, all students should take final exams or summative assessments during scheduled final examination periods. Final examinations or final summative assessments may be administered before regularly scheduled exams.

  5. Overall assessment should reflect a balance among the testing strategies available. For example, over the course of a term a variety of assessment techniques should be used. Final exams reflect effective testing practices.

  6. Final Exam Exemptions – SENIORS ONLY

    Exam exemptions are a privilege awarded to senior students. Exemptions are not a right that is guaranteed to all seniors.  Senior students can be awarded the privilege of earning exam exemptions if they meet the following criteria:   

    1. A student has no more than 15 tardies, total, for the semester.

    2. A student has no unverified absences, or cuts, in any class.

      1. One cut in one class makes a student ineligible for ALL exam exemptions.

    3. A student has not been suspended (in-school or out of school) at any point during the semester. 

If a senior student qualifies for exam exemptions by meeting all of the criteria above, they may earn course-specific exam exemptions in the following ways:

  1. A student earns a semester average of an “A” in a single-semester, non-AP class in the first or second semester.

  2. A student earns a semester average of a “B” in the second semester of a year-long AP course AND takes the National Advanced Placement Examination.  

    1. This exemption applies to second semester exams only.  

  3. A student earns an average of an “A” in the second semester of a year-long, non-AP course.

A student meets or exceeds SAT section-score benchmarks or growth targets as outlined in the chart below:
 

To earn an exemption in the subject listed, students must meet at least one of the requirements listed under that subject.
 English 
(1 course, both semesters)		 Math 
(1 course, both semesters)
480 or higher on the ERW section of the SAT 530 or higher on the Math section of the SAT
100 points of growth from the ERW section of the PSAT 8* to the ERW section of the SAT 100 points of growth from the Math section of the PSAT 8* to the Math section of the SAT
*Students can look up their PSAT 8 scores in Skyward.  

Important Supplements to the Exemption Policy:
In the case of a performance-based class, the teacher, with the approval of the Instructional Coach, has the option to require a senior to take a final exam or summative assessment no matter the student’s grade.  Teachers have the obligation to inform seniors no later than the end of the first or third quarter if their performance-based class requires a final.       

If a student misses a semester exam for any reason, the exam score will be recorded as a 0. If the absence is verified by a parent/guardian, the student will be required to make up the exam through one of the three options below:

  • During the exam make-up periods built into the school days of exam weeks in December and May.

  • During designated make-up dates after school, the first week back from Winter Break in January.

  • By appointment, through the Office of Curriculum and Instruction during the first, full week of summer vacation.

The 0 issued at the time of the missed exam will stand, as a placeholder, until the student makes up the missed exam(s). If a student fails to make up his/her missed exam(s) during one of the designated make-up dates/times, the 0 issued for the missed exam will stand and semester grades will be finalized with a 0 as the exam score. 


Note: Exam scores make up 20% of a student’s final, semester grade in a course.
 
GRADING – INCOMPLETES
Incomplete grades (with some exceptions made by the Principal) will be converted to a grade of “F” if the required work is not completed within the approved timeline determined in partnership between the teacher, counselor (and any related-service providers), and the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction. 

GRADING PLAN – SCHOOL-WIDE

  1. Quarter grades will be worth 40% of semester grade.  Final exam will be worth 20%.

  2. All teachers will use percentages to determine quarter and semester grades.

  3. A minimum F will be used (50%) for students who receive a grade lower than 50% during the first and third quarters. If a student receives a higher F grade than 50%, the higher percentage will be used.

  4. Grading scale will be as follows:

100-93 A
92-90 A-
89-87 B+
86-83 B
82-80 B-
79-77 C+
76-73 C
72-70 C-
69-67 D+
66-63 D
62-60 D-
59-0 F
 
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
English
English 9 [1 unit], English 10 [1 unit], English 11 [1
unit], English 12 option [1 unit]:
AP Literature, Honors World Literature, Contemporary Literature		 4 units
Mathematics 3 units
Science 3 units
Social Science
World History (gr. 9) or AP Euro History (gr. 10) [1 unit]
U.S. History (gr. 11) [1 unit]
U.S. Gov. (gr.12) [1/2 unit] OR AP Gov, (gr.12) [1/2 unit] Social Science Elective [1/2 unit]		 3 units
Consumer Economics [1/2 unit], Economics [1/2 unit]
OR AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics [1 unit]		 .5 unit
Health Education .5 unit
Cultural & Applied Studies
Applied Arts, Fine Arts, World Language (any combination)		 2.5 units
Physical Education (special exemptions may apply) 3.5 units
Additional Electives (any content area) 2 units
Total Credits Required 22 units
 
Units of credit are generally reflective of the time spent in class. One-half of credit is extended for a semester class, one unit of credit for a year-long class, and two units of credit for a double period year-long class. The only exception to this is driver education, which does not earn credit.
 
Generally, students should expect to have at least 6 credits at the end of the freshman year, 12 credits at the end of sophomore year, and18 credits at the end of junior year. If a student has earned fewer than 11.5 credits after their 5th semester, the student will be reclassified as a sophomore. A reclassified student will have the opportunity to recover credits during Academic Support by using a program called APEX. Additional course fees may apply.
 
Board of Education Policy 6:310 (High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Credit Recovery; Course Substitutions) provides flexibility for up to 2 units of alternative credit in place of RBHS graduation requirements beyond the state-required courses. This number can be increased with the approval of the Superintendent.
ACADEMIC GRIEVANCES - STUDENT
Generally, a conflict is best resolved by the parties directly involved. In academic situations the student should begin discussing a problem with the teacher.  Appeals should go to the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction. If the situation needs further consideration, appeals can be directed to the Principal. The Board of Education’s Uniform Grievance Policy, 2:260 can be found on the RBHS website. 

ANNUAL GRADUATION CLASSES
The school calendar shall provide for one graduating class and one public commencement ceremony annually, at the close of the school year.  If a student qualifies for graduation at mid-school year, he or she may, with administrative approval, return to participate in the public commencement ceremony. This event is by invitation only; it is not a student’s right to participate. Students may be denied this privilege if their overall performance or behavior is deemed unacceptable. If a denial is being considered, parents will be notified in one of the following ways: in writing, by phone, or a meeting will be held prior to the ceremony.

EARLY GRADUATION
A student may elect to discontinue school early and still be eligible to receive a diploma if:

  1. he/she has otherwise fulfilled all graduation requirements; AND

  2. the final semester of course work has been completed in attendance at District 208.

An appropriate application must be made through Student Services prior to the respective term.

GRADUATION CEREMONY
Graduation is officially scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024.  You may contact the Assistant Principal of Student Affairs for more information. Participation in the ceremony is a privilege that students earn. The Administration reserves the right to bar a student from participation.

HOME BOUND INSTRUCTION
When regularly enrolled students of the high school district are disabled so as to prevent attendance at school for an anticipated period to exceed ten days, as certified by a qualified medical doctor, the school district may provide a home teacher for periods not to exceed five hours a week. Contact your student’s counselor for additional information.

HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework, an integral part of the learning process, is an extension of classroom work.  Homework extends available learning time, encourages students to work independently, and gives parents an insight into the school’s curriculum.  Also, research shows that homework improves students’ achievement.  Because of the results of the research and the quality of courses our students take, they should do approximately two profitable hours of homework per evening.
As educational partners, parents should encourage regular and punctual attendance and call the school each day a student will be absent.  Parents should question their children about their classes on a daily basis.  Parents should reinforce the need to comply with school expectations and abide by stated rules.
 
Responsibilities – Students
Each student has the responsibility of completing the homework assignments. Written assignments, reading assignments, and reviewing class materials are all forms of homework.
Students should recognize that the time and effort spent completing homework is an essential part of the learning process.
Every student must understand the consequences for turning in assignments late and for missed assignments.

Responsibilities - Parents
Parents should provide a consistent place and time for their child (children) to do their homework.  The study area should be kept free from noise and distractions.
Parents should encourage their children to accept homework assignments as an important part of the school program.
Parents should discuss with their child (children) the homework assignments on a regular basis.
Parents should feel free to call a teacher if there is any question about homework.

HONOR ROLL
Each term an honor roll is published in the local newspaper.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Board Policy 6.260: Persons with suggestions or complaints about curriculum, instructional materials, and programs should submit their objection in writing. A parent/guardian may request that his/her child be exempt from using a particular instructional material or program by completing a curriculum objection form.

STUDENT / PARENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Riverside Brookfield High School Board Policy Manual contains all information regarding student and parent rights and responsibilities. The Policy Manual is available on the school website or you may view the document in the District Office.

UNIFORM GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
A student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member should notify any District Complaint Manager (Assistant Principal of Student Affairs or Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction) if he or she believes his or her rights guaranteed by the State or Federal Constitution, State or Federal statute, or Board policy, have been violated. For more information, refer to Board Policy 2:260.

TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS
Riverside Brookfield High School annually receives federal Title 1 funds. In accordance with requirements, parents and guardians have a right to request teacher qualifications from the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction. Qualifications can also be viewed on the Illinois State Board of Education’s website (www.isbe.net) under the system quick links tab.
TESTING DATES
 
Major testing dates are as follows. Many of these exams require pre-registration.
Date Grade Level Assessment
August  (wk of 8/22/23)
October (wk of 10/23/23)
January (wk of 1/22/24) 
April (wk of 4/22/24)		 Freshmen and Sophomores, and Juniors STAR Testing 
(English & Math classes)
September 2023 Juniors Practice SAT*
October 2023 Juniors (optional) PSAT/NMSQT 
February 2024 Juniors Practice SAT*
February 2024 Various ACCESS Testing (EL)
March 2024 Juniors Illinois Science Assessment
Digital Testing Window
March 18 - April 26
(State Testing)		 Freshmen PSAT 9
Sophomores PSAT 10
Juniors SAT with Essay
May 6-17, 2024 Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors AP
May 20-24, 2024 Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors AP (Late-Testing)
*Administration of practice SAT tests for Juniors will be dependent upon access to the new digital SAT format. 
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
 
Exam Day 1 (December 19, 2023 and May 20, 2024)
Period 1   8:00 - 8:25
Period 2   8:30 - 8:55
Period 3   9:00 - 9:25
Period 6   9:30 - 9:55
Period 4A / 4B Lunch 4 10:00 - 10:25
Period 4B / 4C Lunch 4D 10:30 - 10:55
Period 4A / 4C / 5A / 5C Lunch 5 11:00 - 11:25
Period 5B / 5C Lunch 5D 11:30 - 11:55
Period 5A / 5C Lunch 5E9 12:00 - 12:25
Period 7 EXAM   12:30 - 2:00
 
Exam Day 2 (December 20, 2023 and May 21, 2024)
Period 1 Exam 8:00 - 9:30
Conference & Study 9:30 - 9:45
Period 2 Exam 9:45 - 11:15
Conference & Study 11:15 - 11:30
Make-up Exam 11:30 - 1:00
 
Exam Day 3 (December 21, 2023 and May 22, 2024)
Period 3 Exam 8:00 - 9:30
Conference & Study 9:30 - 9:45
Period 4 Exam 9:45 - 11:15
Conference & Study 11:15 - 11:30
Make-up Exam 11:30 - 1:00
 
Exam Day 4 (December 22, 2023 and May 23, 2024)
Period 5 Exam 8:00 - 9:30
Conference & Study 9:30 - 9:45
Period 6 Exam 9:45 - 11:15
Conference & Study 11:15 - 11:30
Make-up Exam 11:30 - 1:00