MR. HUNT AGAINST RETAKES

There are a number of l reasons that I do not have a policy of allowing students to retake tests when they have not done well. I do understand that in an area of study in which essential skills are imparted, it might be difficult or impossible to move on to a higher level if one has not first mastered the skills at a lower level. However, history is primarily a content-based area of studyconveying an understanding of the significance of the Social Security Act, for instance, is not dependent upon having first mastered the significance of the Battle of Saratoga. The way that I set up my classes is another reason that I do not have a retest policy. All of the tests that I give

May TerM CONTINUED

are “open notebook,” so if there is a set of skills that is called upon, it is organizational skills. There is no reason that a student cannot organize themself for the first (and only) administration of the test. In the non-Honors classes, the material that comprises 70% of the tests is given out in advance, so there seems to be no reason that a student cannot be prepared for the test, unless there is a lack of motivation, which, I believe, will not be addressed by the opportunity to take the test a second time. Indeed, a retest policy might be a reason to not prepare for the original test. In a content-based area of study, the question would arise about what, specifically, the retest would look like. If a student knew that the retest would be exactly the same test as the original test, then the preparation could consist of simply writing review sheets for those questions that the student already knows will be on the retest. How will that reflect mastery of the content that was not on the original test? A completely

During May Term, Upper School students will experience eight days of in-depth, hands-on learning from May 30th through June 8th. May Term covers a range of topics and allows students to work in mixed-age groups on projects that impact the larger community, creating an enriching experience that delves deeply beyond the traditional curriculum and routine. Students will be placed in one to two teacher-led sessions and a variety of student-led workshops based on the areas of interest indicated on their registration while keeping their developmental needs in mind. For these eight days, school hours and expectations remain the same (8:10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m) with lunch served for those students on campus. In other sessions, students may be asked to bring a bag lunch. If a student has over 2 unexcused absences in the eight day period they will be asked to make up their absences over the summer. If you would like more information about May Term please reach out to Dr. Luce

Middle and Upper School Spring Concert

WEDNESDAY, May 31st, 7:00 p.m.

HAC Senior and Junior Prom

Saturday, June 3rd from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Students in 11th and 12th grade from AC and Harley, as well as their guests, are invited to prom at the Penfield Country Club on June 3rd. Tickets will be $50 and available now.

different test, in addition to requiring teacher time to create, would not measure the mastery of the material that was on the original test. If a student is concerned about a low grade, there are ways in my classes to earn extra points, most notably- in the non-Honors classes- of extra blog posts that ask them to react to the material in the text.

My classes do have opportunities for students to revisit and modify their work, namely my policy of allowing rewrites of any and all essays. For me, the development of sound writing skills is of far greater importance than the mastery of any specific body of historical material. I am committed to examining and responding to all student papers, regardless of how many times they wish to submit a piece of work. With there being only so many hours in a day, I think that my time as a teacher is far better spent helping a student with their writing than repeatedly creating and evaluating tests.

Senior Luncheon

Friday, June 9th, 11:30 a.m.

Seniors and their parents/guardians and immediate family are invited to join us for a senior class luncheon at AC on Friday, June 9th at 11:30 a.m. Additional information will be shared closer to the event.

Upper School Convocation

Friday, June 9th, 1:30 p.m.

The Upper School Awards ceremony will be held on campus in the CPC on June 9th. This is a required event for all students. The event will also be live streamed via Zoom.

Commencement for the Class of 2023

Sunday, June 11th, 1:00 p.m.

Allendale Columbia’s graduation ceremony will be held on the grounds of AC on Sunday, June 11th. The ceremony will take place on the AC campus under a formal event tent behind the arts center. More details will be shared with families in the coming weeks. Separate communications will be sent to Seniors about end of year events celebrating their final weeks at AC.