Academic Office Procedures

Grades

We believe that students should learn to work for the love of knowledge, the excitement of discovery, and the joy of using their minds effectively. Therefore, teachers do not show grades to parents or students. Students are evaluated through regular discussions between themselves and teachers, through written comments on assignments, and all students and their parents receive a full set of detailed written reports four times a year. If a student is on academic warning or academic probation at the end of our "interim" marking periods (twice a year), he will receive a full set of academic reports or, if a student is receiving a grade of C- or below in a course, she will receive a report from that specific class.

At the same time, we do record grades six times a year at each marking period. These grades are noncumulative and reflect work done in that marking period. At the end of each semester,the student receives a grade for the last marking period and a cumulative grade for the semester or year. This allows us to provide colleges with a record of academic achievement.

The college office shows the transcript including grades to second semester juniors at the beginning of the college process. At that point,seniors and second semester juniors will have an option to view their grades. Likewise, the academic dean may decide to discuss grades with parents or students if that is necessary to help a particular student understand his or her academic standing at the school. Written evaluations are specific and intended to indicate to the student his or her level of achievement.

To receive credit for an academic class a student must attend a mini­mum of 80% of the scheduled class meetings. Exceptions may be made by the deans for students who have been ill or have other excused absences. All unexcused absences in a class will affect a student's academic standing.

Effort Marks

In addition to letter grades, students receive effort marks for their work during each marking period. Effort marks range from 1 = excellent to 4 = unacceptable. Effort marks are important in determining the Senior Independent List (see the Student and Parent Handbook) and in identifying students about whom a teacher has some concern. Students in good standing are expected to maintain a total of 12 or fewer for effort marks in all marking periods.

Transcripts

The Putney transcript records course grades for both semesters as well as the final grade for each year for each student. The student’s record of participation in the non-academic programs of the school are also recorded. Withdrawal or dismissal dates are noted on the transcript, if a student does not graduate from Putney, as are major suspensions lasting more than a week.

Second-semester juniors receive an unofficial copy of their transcript as part of the college planning course. An unofficial copy of the final junior transcript is sent to both the junior and the parent in the summer between junior and senior year. In the fall or early winter of the senior year, an official copy of the transcript (generally with first semester marking period or fall semester grades) is sent to colleges to which students have applied. Then, after graduation, a final transcript is sent to the college the student will be attending.

If a parent or student wants a transcript to be sent, other than what is listed above, a request in writing to the Registrar is necessary. E-mail to lmatteau@putneyschool.org, fax to 802-387­2305, or mail to Registrar,The Putney School, Elm Lea Farm, 418 Houghton Brook Rd., Putney,VT 05346-8675. If all tuition payments are current, an official transcript may be sent directly to an institution of learning or employment. An unpaid tuition balance will result in the school’s withholding a student’s transcript until satisfactory arrangements are made with the Business Office.

Leaves of Absence for Educational Purposes

Students who qualify by virtue of good citizenship and good academic standing may apply for an educational leave of absence in a semester of the junior year, to participate in exchange programs approved by the Educational Program Committee. Normally, only two students will be permitted this leave. Interested students should see the Academic Dean for a copy of the guidelines for applying. Parents or guardians are advised to con­tact the business office to discuss financial implications of terms away from Putney. The application deadline is Tuesday, January 20, 2009.