Academic Policies of WVHS

All missed work, whether due to an EXCUSED absence or to an UNEXCUSED absence, may be made up without academic penalty. This does not negate disciplinary measures that will be taken due to violations of school policy (i.e. truancy, fighting, suspensions, etc.). Discipline, however, shall not include academic repercussions.

While unexcused absences should incur consequences, the school’s primary focus shall remain the student’s mastery of the material. The ultimate goal is to facilitate make-up work regardless of the nature of the absence so that any gap in a student’s learning will be minimized. Therefore, the following principles and regulations will apply:

• Every intervention shall be undertaken to promote a student’s academic success.
• All missed work (assignments, homework, tests, projects, etc.) due to an absence, whether excused or unexcused, may be made up.
• At the secondary level (grades 6-12), it is the student’s responsibility in conjunction with the teacher to determine what assignments and tests have been missed and to make arrangements for making up such coursework and assessments
• The student will have two days beyond the number of days absent to make up the work without penalty.
• If the time period expires and the work has not been turned in, the teacher will accept the work and may utilize an 8% reduction per day, applied after the work has been graded. While academic punishment will not be employed in response to truancy/excessive absenteeism, Bradley County Schools will take other strict measures to address unwarranted absences. Therefore, a student who has been absent must, upon his or her return to school, provide a written explanation/excuse signed by his or her parent or guardian. The principal or his or her designee may require a statement from a physician before an absence is excused.
• Additional makeup work policies are determined at the discretion of academic departments, with approval from school administration.

Grading Scale for Walker Valley High School

90-100 A 4.0 GPA

80-89   B 3.0 GPA

70-79   C 2.0 GPA

60-69   D 1.0 GPA

59-0   F

Advanced Placement course are available in the following Subjects

• AP Art

• AP Biology
• AP Calculus
• AP Chemistry
• AP Human Geography
• AP Language and Composition
• AP Literature and Composition
• AP Pre-Cal
• AP Psychology
• AP Statistics
• AP US Government
• AP US History
• AP World History

Each student working towards an AP credit will complete college level work and complete the requirements expected for that class.  If any of these requirements are not met, the student will not receive an AP credit for that class.

• Students will only be allowed to take two AP classes in one semester.
• All students taking an AP course are required to take the AP exam associated with that course. 
• AP exams cost $90, but students are only required to pay $40 for their portion of the fee.
• Students’ final grades will include 5 additional points for successfully completing an AP course AND taking the AP exam in May.
• AP exam dates are set in July of each year for the following school year.  College Board sets those dates, and the schools have no input on when they occur.
• Late testing for AP exams will only be allowed for College Board-approved reasons:
  • Two AP exams scheduled for the same time
  • State or National school events (championships, etc.)
  • Serious illness or injury (doctor’s note required)
  • Emergencies (natural disasters, serious injury or death of immediate family member)
  • Religious observations on date of scheduled exam
  • Unforeseen issues with testing accommodations for student disabilities
  • Some administrative issues

Students must take a minimum of three AP classes as well as score 3 or better on the AP exam to qualify as an AP Scholar.  Students who take their 3rd AP course during their senior year may graduate as an AP Scholar candidate.

Dual Enrollment-Criteria for Participation 

Dual Enrollment - Grading Policy Details

The following charts will be used in calculating the point equivalency for the letter grades issued by the university/college:

Statement of Purpose

Bradley County Schools has been and continues to be committed to the recognition of academic achievement. While acknowledgement of exceptional academics has traditionally taken form in awards, certificates, and public recognition, students have not adequately been rewarded for taking courses of greater academic rigor. The intent of this policy is to rectify this deficiency. Continuing this school year Advanced Placement courses, Dual Enrollment courses, Honor courses, and Career and Technology courses that require National Industry Certification shall be “weighted.”

Weighted Grades

Bradley County Schools will allow the addition of “internal” percentage points according to the following delineation:

• 3 points Honor Courses
• 4 points CIC Courses
• 4 points Dual Credit Courses
• 5 points AP Courses
• 5 points Cambridge Courses
• 5 points Dual Enrollment Courses

These points will be added to the student’s numerical average in a qualifying course.

Clarifications 

For the purpose of the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, each school district in Tennessee is required to submit its GPA ranking on a 4.0 scale only.

• Eligibility for the HOPE scholarship requires a grade point average of at least 3.0.
• While the State does NOT allow the assignment of additional quality points for “advanced” courses at this time, “interval” percentage points are allowed. In other words, additional points may be added to a student’s semester average in an Honors course, Dual Enrollment course, or a National Industry Certification course.

A student in an Advanced Placement course, International Baccalaureate course or Cambridge International course may have an additional five (5) points added to his/her average.

The Walker Valley “Circle of Champions” is an academic recognition.  Students wishing to be considered for this honor must have the required GPA, number of honors classes, service hours, and submit the application by the designated deadline.  The application for this distinction is available at the end of February and runs for two weeks into March.  The application will be posted on the school website and must be submitted by the deadline for committee review. 

• Senior Class (Class of 2026)

• A meal will be provided to recognize graduating Circle of Champions members.
• All Circle of Champions will wear a medallion for graduation (color based on level).
• Four-year Circle of Champions will be eligible for a scholarship drawing.
• In lieu of t-shirts, all senior Circle of Champions will be eligible for a second scholarship drawing.

• Junior Class: (Class of 2027)

• Sophomore Class:  (Class of 2028)
   

• Freshman Class:  (Class of 2029)

*All 9-11 grade Circle of Champions will receive a t-shirt

• Students who score at or above all of the subject area college readiness benchmarks on the ACT or equivalent score on the SAT will graduate with Tennessee Honors.
• Students graduating with a 3.0 GPA will graduate with a Walker Valley Honors Diploma.

Tennessee graduates who maintain a B average (3.0 GPA or higher) and complete an additional approved credential will graduate with distinction. Approved credentials include:

• Nationally recognized industry certification
• Tennessee Governor's School
• All State musical organization
• National Merit finalist or semifinalist
• A composite score of 31 or higher on the ACT                           
• A core of 3 or higher on two AP exams
• 12 or more hours of transcripted post-secondary credit

Program

• Symbols by name in program
  • State Honors: met all college readiness benchmarks on the ACT (English: 18, Math: 22, Reading: 22, Science: 23)
  • 4.0 GPA: based on 7 semester GPA* 
  • Circle of Champions all 4 years
  • Graduate of Distinction: 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher based on 7 semester GPA* and have completed one of the following approved credentials:
    • Nationally recognized industry certification
    • Tennessee Governor’s School
    • All State musical organization
    • National Merit finalist or semifinalist
    • ACT composite score of 31 or higher
    • Score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP exams
    • 12 or more completed hours of dual enrollment/postsecondary credit
  • AP Scholars: received a score of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams (must already be complete before senior year)
  • Tri-Star Scholars: Composite ACT score of nineteen (19) or higher (or an equivalent score on the SAT), and earns a capstone industry certification.

Diploma

• Types of diploma
  • Honors Diploma: 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA based on 7 semester GPA*
  • Regular Diploma: 2.99 or lower cumulative GPA based on 7 semester GPA*
  • Occupational Diploma: only applicable for students who have IEP’s that specifically state they are to receive this type of diploma
• Stickers/seals added to diploma for the following recognitions:
  • Beta Club: must be a current eligible member
  • National Honor Society: must be a current eligible member
  • State Honors: met all college readiness benchmarks on the ACT (English: 18, Math: 22, Reading: 22, Science: 23)
  • Graduate of Distinction: criteria listed above
  • Seal of Biliteracy: met all criteria 

Regalia (items for students to wear at graduation and recognized at Regalia Ceremony)

Certain pieces of regalia must be returned after the graduation ceremony before you can get your diploma. Items that must be returned include (but are not limited to): Gold and white GPA cords, Gold Collar for State Honors, AP Stole, AP Candidate cord, Educators Rising cord, National Technical Honor Society cord, Speech and Debate cord. Check with club sponsors if you have questions about returning regalia.
*7 semester GPA is your cumulative GPA after first semester of senior year

• There is a school fee of $30.00 per person, which is used for the following:

• Safety IDs and lanyards
• Student recognition items
• Office supplies
• Graduation production and livestream
• Locks for lockers
• Upgrading of technology 
• Maintenance of various systems around the campus

• Additional fees may be required for some classes (i.e. lab courses, etc). This cost will be identified by teachers in classes that are affected.