The school has recently adopted a new nine week grading system to replace the previous six week system. Teachers and students are buzzing with either excitement or confusion regarding the new change. The system has been used by other schools in local districts such as the McKinney Independent School District for many years.

This system is providing a new sense of hope for both students and teachers, giving them more time to complete, grade and make up assignments.

“I think the best part of the nine week grading system is that students have a lot more time to improve their grade,” teacher Olivia Tanksley said. “It’s less stressful for teachers and students in the long run because there’s so much more time.”

The system also aims to benefit students who have obligations outside of school, such as jobs or extracurricular activities.

“It gives everyone more time to get their grade up which is great,” senior Brianna Aragon said. “Some people are in athletics so if they’re having a rough start it gives them extra time to bring their grade up so they can participate in their sport or whatever activity they’re in. I think it was a great move.”

The system was planned to be equally beneficial for Advanced Placement, Honors and on-level students. All three  levels will get the chance to receive more grades that will later on help boost their end of the year average.

“I believe both my AP and honor students will make the same use of the benefits,” Tanksley said. “I really don’t see any cons in the decision to switch to the new grading method.”

All levels will also receive the benefit of both winter and spring finals only counting for 20 percent of a student’s final grade.

“I don’t think one test should have such a big impact on your final grade,” senior Shayan Nassiri said. “I think it’s great, because if you do bad on one test you’re going to have more grades to help balance that out.”

A lot of students have been excited about the idea of being able to devote more time to trying to have impressive grades during the short fall semester, just as they do during the spring. Seniors are especially excited about the chance to have more grades during the fall semester considering their final transcript will be sent to colleges at the end of year.

“I think it’s going to help make our grades look way better,” Nassiri said. “I wish they would’ve started this freshmen year.”