Stoughton High School is set to adjust its grading policy and introduce new structural changes in the upcoming 2025-26 school year.
Ms. Jemilo is the principal of Stoughton High School and explained that the decision to modify the grading scale stemmed from the comparison of grading systems across Dane County and the Badger Conference.
“Our grading scale was unique in the area and more similar to an elementary or middle school system,” she stated.
Unlike neighboring high schools, Stoughton High School does not currently include plus or minus variations in grades or designations such as AB. Instead, the school employs a broad grading range, with an A spanning from 90 to 100, leading to an unusually high number of students achieving a 4.0 GPA, making it difficult to distinguish between top-performing students.
Talking about student opinions, Ava Recupero, a student at Stoughton High School, shared mixed feelings about the adjustments to the grading policy. “I’m interested to see how much they impact people’s GPA’s and if that changes anyone’s work ethic in regard to getting good or better grades. I think that this could be seen as good and bad, but I also wonder what the main points and reasons are for this new grading system.”
Regarding the difficulty of maintaining grades, Ava stated, “I don’t think that the changes in the grading system will necessarily make it harder for me to succeed in my classes, but it will push me to do better to keep up with my grades and the GPA I have built for myself.”
Concerns about college applications also arose. “Yes and no. So far, for my two years of high school, I have had a 4.0, and I’m curious as to how the new grading systems will work and change that number. I am no expert when it comes to college applications, so I don’t really know how largely it would impact that, but I do know that college applications, from my understanding, also take into account other factors besides just GPA.”
When asked about changes that could make the system fairer, Ava commented, “For me, nothing. I’m just curious as to what the ranges will end up being for +’s vs. -‘s. I’m wondering if you were to be at a 93.50%, would that get rounded up to an A+ or stay as an A-type situation.”
On the broader impact of the grading changes, Ava observed, “I think it will make students who want +’s work harder, but I think overall it won’t impact student life that much. It will just change GPA’s for everyone.”
The High School will also be implementing a new advisory program and introducing a daily flex period in the new school year. Advisory sessions are set to occur every Monday, with students assigned a teacher or staff member who will remain with them for all four years.
“This will help students build a strong connection with a consistent mentor throughout their high school journey,” Ms. Jemilo explained.
From Tuesday through Friday, students will have a minimum 30-minute flex period. This time will be allotted as a study hall, for project collaboration, or for meeting with teachers for extra support.
“If a student struggles with a physics concept or needs help with an English paper, they can schedule time with their teacher during this period,” Ms. Jemilo elaborated.
The flex period will replace the current 2+ period set at 20 minutes. Elements of academic and career planning, along with character development, will be incorporated into Monday advisory sessions.
While no major changes will be made to disciplinary policies, the school is reinforcing consequences for vaping as well.
“Students caught vaping face strict consequences, including a costly ticket from the Stoughton Police Department, suspension, and mandatory educational courses for both students and families,” Ms. Jemilo stated.
With these changes, Stoughton High School aims to create a more equitable and competitive academic environment while fostering student support and success.
