New start times, new grading scale, new schedule for new school year

With the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, parents and students are reminded of the changes the new school year will bring.

Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, the school day for students will be extended by 20 minutes. Students’ day will begin five minutes earlier and end 15 minutes later. Students’ school schedules will be as follows:

Elementary Schools:

Begin at 7:50 a.m.
End at 2:20 p.m.

Middle and High schools:

Begin at 8:20 a.m.
End at 3:25 p.m.

Note: These times may be adjusted slightly on an individual school basis.

Also beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, the Roanoke County School Board voted to adopt a 10-point grading scale, replacing the former six-point grading scale.

                  Under the 10-point scale, grades will be given as follows:
                  A: 90-100
                  B: 80-89
                  C: 70-79
                  D: 60-69
                  F: 59 and below

One of the most significant changes to the 2011-2012 school year will be the transition to block scheduling in all secondary schools. Middle schools will move to a modified 4x4 block schedule and high schools will move to a traditional eight A/B block schedule. With block scheduling, a portion of the daily schedule is divided into larger blocks of time which allows flexibility for more hands-on instructional activities.

(Last updated 8/11/11)