Harmony High will implement a quarterly grading period system (transitioning from a six-week grading period system) effective at the start of the 2020-2021 school year. As with any transition, we anticipate a "learning period" during which parents and students will have questions. We have compiled the most frequently asked questions (and their answers) below.

How is a quarterly grading period system different?

The grading periods are longer. There are generally 8-9 weeks per grading period. There are 2 grading periods per semester and 4 total grading periods throughout the year.

Why a quarterly grading period system?

A quarterly grading period system allows teachers more time to assess a student’s grasp of concepts, giving them time to reteach concepts and/or reassess if necessary. A nine-week grading period also more evenly distributes days of instruction in each semester.

How will this affect my child’s UIL eligibility?

Changing to a quarterly grading period will have no impact on the criteria used by UIL for eligibility purposes. “A student who receives, at the end of any grading period (after the first six weeks of the school year), a grade below 70 in any class (other than an identified class eligible for exemption) or a student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) may not participate in extracurricular activities for three school weeks.”

Important Note

Schools using a nine-week grading period system must check grades at the end of the first six weeks of the school year and students can lose or regain eligibility. The next grade check for a quarterly grading period will occur at the end of the grading period (even if it is more or less than three weeks). Each subsequent grade check will occur every nine weeks until the end of the year.

Will I still receive a progress report every three weeks?

Yes. Parents will still receive a progress report every three weeks. As always, parents are also able to view their child’s up-to-date grades online at any time via Parent Portal

How will this impact the district calendar?

The implementation of a nine-week grading period system will have no impact on the district calendar. All holidays, breaks, etc. remain the same.

How will this impact hours in the school day?

The implementation of a nine-week grading period system will have no impact on hours in the school day or class period times.

When will this change go into effect?

The quarterly grading period system will go into effect at the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

How will this impact state-mandated curriculum?

All required Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) will be covered in a nine-week grading period system just as they have been in a six-week grading period system. Teacher lesson plans may be adjusted in coordination with the new nine-week grading period system, but the concepts taught and the amount of material covered will not change.

How will this affect STAAR/EOC testing?

The implementation of a nine-week grading period system will have no effect on the dates of STAAR or EOC testing, which are pre-determined by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Are other school districts utilizing a quarterly grading period system?

Several Texas schools have transitioned to a quarterly (nine-week) grading system.

Will this affect my child’s credits/graduation requirements?

No. The implementation of a nine-week grading period system will not affect a student’s credits or graduation requirements. A student’s transcript will reflect the same number of credits regardless of the amount of weeks per grading period.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions about the quarterly grading period system?

Please contact your child's campus principal if you have additional questions about the quarterly grading period system.