Essential Tasks

Every class that Draper students are enrolled in has identified a list of Essential Tasks. These are the tasks that MUST be completed satisfactorily in order to receive credit for the course. It’s as simple as that. Each Essential Task MUST be completed. It will not go away. If each Essential Task is completed in a given marking period, the student will pass that marking period. The grade the student earns above passing will depend directly on the timeliness and quality of the work. If any Essential Task is not completed, the student will receive a grade of INCOMPLETE for the marking period until that task is completed. The bottom line is this –– each ESSENTIAL TASK must be completed.

 

Access Essential Tasks

Frequently Asked Questions

How will parents know what the Essential Tasks are?

We have a Web page, which is accessible from the Draper home page. Every Essential Task for a course is posted as the task is presented to the students. On that Web page, we make every attempt to include all of the materials and directions necessary for the student to complete that task.

Can the Essential Task be a test or quiz?

Yes. Many times, the Essential Task will be a test or quiz.

If the student does not pass that test or quiz, there will be complete instructions on how the student can satisfactorily complete the test or quiz on the Essential Tasks Web page. We cannot allow the student to simply fail the test and move past it. They must work to demonstrate at least a basic understanding of the material presented in this part of the course.

What if a student receives an INCOMPLETE on his or her report card?

If a student receives an incomplete on his or her report card, the student will be placed on Academic Probation until the incomplete Essential Task is completed satisfactorily. While on Academic Probation, the student must stay for a two-hour detention every Thursday. While on Academic Probation, the student may not attend Teen Town, intramurals, field trips, or extracurricular activities. While on Academic Probation, the student may try out for modified sports, but not participate in scheduled games. While on Academic Probation, the student’s entire effort must be put toward completing the Essential Tasks.

When the Essential Tasks have been completed, the grade will be changed to a passing grade for that marking period.

How Does a student get off Academic Probation?

When a student completes the Essential Tasks for all of the courses for which he or she received INCOMPLETES, the teacher submits a form to the guidance office. The student’s counselor will notify the student when he/she is off Academic Probation. Then the student will receive a sticker for his ID card stating he/she is in good academic standing.

What if a student still has INCOMPLETE Essential Tasks at the end of the school year?

If a student still has incomplete Essential Tasks when the school year ends, he or she will be required to attend summer school to complete all of the outstanding Tasks. For example, if a student does not turn in an Essential Task (such as a formal essay) in October, they will receive an INCOMPLETE for the class at the end of the First Quarter. They will be placed on Academic Probation until the essay is complete. If they have not completed the essay by the end of the school year, the same required essay will be waiting for them in Summer School. Students will not be promoted to the next grade until they have completed all of the required Essential Tasks.

What if the Essential Tasks are too hard for the student?

All of the Essential Tasks are designed to prepare students to meet the 6th-8th grade standards set forth by New York State. We are mandated by New York State to assist every student to meet these standards. If the Essential Tasks are too hard, we provide assistance in the form of:

• After-school Help/weekly A.P. detentions

• Academic Intervention Services (AIS)

• Remedial Classes

• Special Education Services (if qualified)

• Alternative Middle School Program

• Peer Tutoring

If a student can turn in work at any time, what is the incentive for other students to get their work in on time?

Although it is true that all work will ultimately be accepted, in fact required, at any time, the grade for late work will be a minimal passing grade. If the same work were handed in on time, it would probably have earned the student a much higher grade. It is always beneficial to complete work in a timely fashion.

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