Academic Regulations 2011-2012
Table of Contents
I. ASSESSMENT .........................................................................................................................................2
A. Eligibility .............................................................................................................................................2
B. Exams – Midyear and Final .................................................................................................................2
C. Homework............................................................................................................................................2
D. Honors ..................................................................................................................................................2
E. Progress Reports .................................................................................................................................3
F. Report Cards .......................................................................................................................................3
G. Test Schedule .......................................................................................................................................3
II. ATTENDANCE .......................................................................................................................................4
A. Student Absence...................................................................................................................................4
B. Faculty Absence ...................................................................................................................................5
III. BOOKS ..................................................................................................................................................5
IV. COMMUNICATION .............................................................................................................................5
V. COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES .........................................................................5
VI. CONSULTATION DAYS .....................................................................................................................6
VII. COURSEWORK ...................................................................................................................................6
A. Advanced Placement Courses ..............................................................................................................6
B. Course Changes ...................................................................................................................................6
VIII. FIELD TRIPS........................................................................................................................................7
IX. GRADUATION ....................................................................................................................................7
A. Graduation with Honors .......................................................................................................................7
X. INTEGRITY ...........................................................................................................................................7
A. Cheating ..............................................................................................................................................8
B. Plagiarism ...........................................................................................................................................8
C. Consequences ......................................................................................................................................8
XI. PROMOTION .........................................................................................................................................8
A. Academic Requirements ......................................................................................................................8
i.
Sophomore Five-Paragraph Essay ..........................................................................................9
ii.
Junior Term Paper ...................................................................................................................9
iii.
Senior Writing Project ............................................................................................................9
iv.
Community Action..................................................................................................................9
XII. THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY ..............................................................................................10
XIII. TRANSCRIPTS .................................................................................................................................11
XIV. TRANSFER REQUESTS ...................................................................................................................11
XV. UNSCHEDULED TIME ....................................................................................................................11
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Boston College High School
Academic Regulations 2011-2012
Boston College High School's academically distinguished program of study challenges and motivates students to
achieve their fullest potential. An experienced faculty with superb academic credentials presents a dynamic blend of
required and elective courses. They devote themselves to forging graduates who will be leaders in the communities
in which they live, work, and play. Students at Boston College High School come to appreciate the need for
intellectual integrity and self-motivation in their quest for justice and truth. Equally as important, BC High students
learn from each other. They live and experience deep cultural, social, economic, physical, and intellectual diversity
on a daily basis through a spirit of community unlike any other.
The following regulations are to ensure the highest quality of academics, creating an environment in which all of our
students can achieve to high standards.
I. ASSESSMENT
A. Eligibility
A student will be ineligible to participate in any co-curricular activity if he has failed two or more subjects or
received a GPA of less than 1.5 during the previous quarter.
Freshmen and sophomores who are ineligible will be placed on Academic Probation. A meeting may be
scheduled with the guidance counselor, Academic Vice Principal (AVP), the student, and parents to devise a
plan for remediation. He may be required to attend tutorial sessions during his unscheduled time and being
assigned to the Homework Room after school might be deemed necessary. Two additional progress reports will
be posted online during the course of the following marking period.
B. Exams – Midyear and Final
Students will take cumulative exams at the end of each semester for all full year courses. If a student misses an
exam because of an excused absence, the student will be allowed to take the scheduled make-up exam. In all
other cases, failure to take an exam will result in a grade of zero (E) for each exam not taken. This grade will be
factored into the semester average.
C. Homework
Students are expected to be fully prepared for their classes each day. This will require considerable study at
home as well as proper use of unscheduled time during the school day. The successful student will spend
approximately three hours each day studying or completing assignments.
D. Honors
For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, High Honors are awarded to those students who have achieved a grade
point average of at least 3.8 with all grades “C+” or higher and Honors are awarded to those students who have
achieved a grade point average from 3.2 to 3.799 with all grades “C-” or higher. For freshmen, High Honors are
awarded to those students who have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.6 with all grades “C+” or higher
and Honors are awarded to those students who have achieved a grade point average from 3.165 to 3.599 with all
grades “C-” or higher. Honor Cards are distributed each quarter to qualifying students.
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E. Progress Reports
For freshmen, progress reports are posted online and sent home midway through each quarter to inform parents
of their son’s achievement. For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, reports are mandated for students in danger of
failing. Some teachers of sophomores, juniors, and seniors issue progress reports for all of their students
regardless of their academic status. If the report indicates that a student is encountering academic difficulty,
parents should contact the teacher and their son’s guidance counselor to assess the situation and seek advice.
F. Report Cards
Report Cards are issued four times each year. They are posted online and mailed home.
Grades are recorded with a letter system that has grade points associated with each. The letter grades, their grade
point equivalents, and their numerical equivalents follow:
Letter
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
Points
4
3.667
3.333
3
2.667
2.333
Numerical
Range
95-100
90-94
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
Letter
Grade
C
CD+
D
E
Points
2
1.667
1.333
1
0
Numerical
Range
73-76
70-72
65-69
60 - 64
Below 60
For averaging purposes, grades in Honors courses have an added grade point premium of 0.5, while Advanced
Placement courses have an added grade point premium of 1.0. No premium is added to a grade of “E” in such
courses. The premium increases the average for each quarter, exam, and the cumulative average but does not
change the letter grade for the year in the Honors or AP course. The grade point average for the quarter is the
average for all full credit courses taken during that quarter. The final grade point average for the year also takes
into consideration the number of credits given for each course and courses that are not full-credit courses. Yearto-date grade point averages are published on the second and fourth quarter report cards. In addition to a grade
for academic work, students also receive marks for effort and citizenship. Students are graded as follows:
Effort: (preparedness)
1) Student is well prepared for class and completes assignments with great care.
2) Most of the time the student is prepared for class and completes assignments with care.
3) Student is often not prepared for class and/or does not complete assignments regularly.
4) Student does not prepare for class and/or does not complete assignments regularly.
Citizenship: (behavior)
1) Student contributes positively to the learning environment.
2) Student maintains good behavior in class.
3) Student behavior is occasionally disruptive to the learning environment.
4) Student behavior is detrimental to the learning environment.
Any errors on report cards or progress reports should be reported first to the student’s teacher who will forward
any correction to the Academic Dean.
G. Test Schedule
The test schedule for the last cycle of each marking period is as follows for academic year 2011-2012:
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Quarter 1
10/20/2011
10/24/2011
10/25/2011
10/26/2011
10/27/2011
10/28/2011
10/31/2011
Quarter 2
1/19/2012
1/20/2012
1/10/2012
1/11/2012
1/12/2012
1/17/2012
1/18/2012
Quarter 3
3/20/2012
3/21/2012
3/22/2012
3/26/2012
3/15/2012
3/16/2012
3/19/2012
Quarter 4
5/21/2012
5/22/2012
5/23/2012
5/24/2012
5/25/2012
5/29/2012
5/18/2012
Departments
Science, Fine Arts
Math, English
Social Studies, Religion
Science, Language
English, Fine Arts
Math, Religion
Social Studies, Language
If a class drops on the assigned test day, a test can be scheduled for the following day. If a class drops on the last
day of the cycle, a test can be scheduled for the previous day.
During the rest of the school year, students should communicate to teachers if they discover that more than two
tests have been scheduled for the same day.
Students who miss a test are expected to make up the examination on the teacher’s next consultation day or at a
mutually agreed upon time. Ordinarily, a test is made up within the next cycle. Failure to make-up a test may
result in the score of “0.”
II. ATTENDANCE
A. Student Absence (also see section in Community Norms, Practices, and
Expectations)
Our most successful students are rarely absent from school. Studies have shown that there is a correlation
between school attendance and student achievement. Most of our students are rarely absent from school. There
are, however, some students who are absent from school too frequently, thus, handicapping the learning process.
When a student is absent from school, a parent/guardian must notify the school and send a note in to school with
the student on the day he returns. Upon return to school it is the student’s responsibility to contact each of his
teachers to arrange make-up work. It is assumed that the student, upon his return, will be ready for any tests or
quizzes scheduled for that day. Should this not be the case, it is the student’s obligation to consult with the
teacher prior to the scheduled class time.
A student will receive a grade of “E” for every course in which he has missed more than five classes during the
quarter. Appeals for exceptions to this rule will be heard within ten days of the next quarter. Such appeals will be
considered if the student or his parent has submitted appropriate medical documentation to the AVP attesting to
the student’s inability to attend school. Other than certified medical absences, the only possible exceptions to
this rule are authorized dismissals for such reasons as attending a funeral, or participating in a school-sponsored
activity (retreat, field trip, or athletic contest). Examples of absences that would not be considered exceptions
are: uncertified illness, vacations or tardiness.
BC High respects the right of the parent in extraordinary circumstances to keep a student out of school, but at the
same time parents should recognize that time taken from school is academically harmful to the student and is to
be avoided whenever possible. Absences with parental permission will not result in disciplinary action, however,
teachers are under no obligation to give make-up tests or quizzes, or provide extra instructional time. In such
cases, students are responsible for making arrangements with individual teachers for work they may have
missed. A teacher may choose to fail a student who has cut one or more classes in a given semester. The AVP
may deny credit for any course in which a student has cut one or more classes in a semester. In cases of
excessive absenteeism, a judgment may be made to deny promotion at the end of the school year.
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B. Faculty Absence
If a teacher has not arrived for the beginning of class, students are to wait. After waiting ten (10) minutes, one
student should consult the Office of the Academic Vice Principal for instructions. If a teacher is absent, a
substitute teacher will cover the class.
III. BOOKS
Each student must own a complete set of books on the first day of class. The student’s name, homeroom and year of
graduation should be written in ink in a prominent place in each book. A complete book list is published online. New
and used books can be purchased from Student Direct.com (www.k12studentdirect.com). Students are advised to
check ISBN numbers to ensure purchasing of the correct books and editions. If a student wants to use electronic
copies of books, he must have the explicit permission of his teacher for that course. If a student shows himself
unable to utilize the electronic book without causing distraction or being distracted by the technology ,then his right
to use the device may be revoked.
IV. COMMUNICATION
Parents should feel free to contact their son's teachers, guidance counselor, or the administration regarding his
academic program or progress. Parents should first seek to contact the classroom teacher when attempting to address
academic concerns or questions. Faculty e-mail and voicemail directories are available on the school website. In the
event that the teacher and parent are not able to resolve questions or concerns, the parent should then contact the
student’s guidance counselor who will work with the parents to address remaining concerns.
Should a student have a conflict with a teacher, he is advised to try to resolve the conflict directly with the teacher.
Guidance counselors are available to advise students or parents. If, after working with the teacher, the student or
parent does not feel that the conflict has been resolved, they should contact the Academic Vice Principal.
V.
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
The Cadigan Computer Center in the Corcoran Library houses the computer facilities and online resources available
to students. Access to the campus-wide network and research resources are provided through password protected
login. Assistance is provided by the Information Technology Department which can be contacted through email or
the library help desk. Faculty and staff are in the computer rooms and available for additional help. Students are
expected to treat the hardware and software with proper regard for their fragility and sophistication. Further,
students are not to engage in programs that do not respect the values of this community.
Acceptable Use of Technology
Every student must understand that, for the purpose of pursuing his education, he is provided with access to
computers, computer networks, data and other technological and informational resources. The school expects these
resources to be used in an ethical manner, and that each student will adhere to high moral and ethical standards.
1. Students will not attempt to access password protected systems or servers for which they do not have an
assigned password.
2. Students will not attempt to access personal or confidential information unless authorized to do so. The
rights of others must be respected: no confidential information should ever be disclosed.
3. Students will not impersonate other individuals or misrepresent themselves in any way when using the
school’s technology resources.
4. Students will not use computers, computer networks, data or other technology resources to harass, stalk,
threaten, defame or otherwise cause harm or damage to another person, institution, or company, within or
outside the BC High community.
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5. Students must comply with copyright laws and the provisions for license agreements that apply to software,
printed and electronic materials, graphics, multimedia, and all other technology resources licensed to and
purchased by Boston College High School or accessible over network resources provided by the school.
6. Students will not create, install or disseminate software (e.g. viruses, unlicensed programs, trojan horses) or
communications (e.g. chain letters) that may disrupt technology and informational resources.
Failure to comply with these standards may result in loss of technology privileges and other disciplinary sanctions.
VI.
CONSULTATION DAYS
Faculty members have a desire to be of assistance to students and readily make themselves available for help as
needed. Each teacher is available after school at least until 3:10 p.m. to provide extra help for students. Students are
encouraged to make use of this consultation time. A teacher may require a student’s presence for consultation. The
consultation takes priority over all other in- or out-of school activities.
VII. COURSEWORK
Course offerings are listed and described in the Course Catalog. The process for selection of courses begins at the
end of January. Students are advised to meet with their guidance counselors to choose courses that are best suited
for them.
Each year, all students must take at least the equivalent of six full-year courses. Exceptions to this requirement will
be made by the AVP after consultation with the guidance counselor and the Academic Dean. Exceptions will be
granted only for serious and compelling reasons. In a given year, students are not allowed to take more than the
equivalent two full-year courses in the same department without explicit prior authorization by the AVP.
A. Advanced Placement Courses
Boston College High School offers twenty-three Advanced Placement (AP) courses and two college level
courses. Normally, an AP course is taken by a junior or senior who is seeking college credit for the course.
Credit may be given by colleges and universities based on the student’s performance on a national exam
administered in May. Each academic department posts requirements for admission to AP courses.
The student taking the AP course is required to take the AP exam in May. The AP exam serves as the final exam
grade for the course. Failure to take the exam means that the student will receive a grade of “E” for the exam on
his report card. The score on the exam will be converted into a grade according to the following scale:
5=A
4 = A3=B
2=C
1=D
The fee to take the AP exam is included in the student’s bill. Fee reductions are available for the AP exam
according to the College Board’s guidelines and waivers are available in the Guidance Department.
B. Course Changes
Requests for a course change must be presented to the student’s guidance counselor. (Please note that such
changes are infrequent and must be for reasons related to the student’s ability to be successful in the class.) The
teacher, department chairperson and Academic Dean will consult to determine if this is the correct course of
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action or if the change is possible. Should the request be approved, a course change approval form will be sent
home for parental signature. Ordinarily no course changes will be made after the initial two weeks of the
semester. The final decision on any course change request will be made by the AVP.
VIII. FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are offered for educational purposes. These trips are privileges offered to students; students can be denied
participation if they fail to meet academic, attendance, or discipline requirements. Students must submit the school’s
permission slip with parental signature to participate in a field trip. Telephone calls, e-mails, or faxes will not be
accepted in lieu of the proper school form with parental signature. The dress code is in effect for field trips unless
otherwise specified on the permission slip.
IX. GRADUATION
A total of 24.75 academic credits are normally required for graduation. Students must acquire credits in the
following academic disciplines:
English
Religion
Mathematics
Social Studies
Language
Science
Fine Arts
Electives
4
4
3
3
3 (same language in grades 9 – 12 at BC High)
2
0.75
5
In addition to academic credits, all students are required to successfully complete the Community Service Program
and the Senior English Project, which is due at the end of the third quarter of the senior year. Students who do not
fulfill the above requirements will not receive a diploma until such time as these requirements are met.
Seniors who are in danger of failing a course for the year will be warned at the end of the second quarter. Seniors
who have a failing average in a course at the end of the third quarter may take a cumulative examination to raise his
grade to a passing level if it is mathematically possible for him to pass the course for the year.
Seniors who fail one or two courses for the year may take approved courses at an outside institution after graduation
to make up needed credit in order to receive a diploma at a later date. Students who fail more than two courses will
not receive a diploma.
A. Graduation with Honors
In order to graduate with honors, a student must have a total of no fewer than 24.75 credits over the course of the
four years and attain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2.
X. INTEGRITY
We expect honesty in all our endeavors. This basic trust is essential in the task of schooling and all academic work.
Homework, tests, quizzes, reports, projects, and examinations must reflect the honest achievement of students.
Misrepresentation of academic achievement in any form will be considered a significant violation of our
community’s standards.
Academic dishonesty takes many forms.
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A. Cheating
Examples of cheating include but are not limited to:
1. Copying or allowing someone to copy material during the administration of a quiz, test or exam.
2. Copying or allowing someone to copy homework without teacher authorization.
3. Utilizing unauthorized materials, written text, or electronic equipment during a quiz, test or exam.
4. Unauthorized speaking during a quiz, test or exam.
5. Possession of an electronic device during a test or exam.
B. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the copying of information or ideas from another source without giving proper credit. Plagiarism is
considered an act of cheating. Forms of plagiarism include copying directly or paraphrasing material from
written and electronic sources found on the World Wide Web or other sources. Students must take care when
transferring research into papers or projects. When in doubt, it is best to check with the subject teacher.
C. Consequences
Teachers report violations to the Academic Vice Principal, parents/guardians, and the guidance counselor. The
student is required to meet with the guidance counselor and the Academic Vice Principal. The assignment, test,
or quiz in question will be graded as “0” credit. In addition, there will be a deduction for the conduct grade on
the quarterly report card. For a second offense, parents/guardians are required to meet with the Academic Vice
Principal. At the discretion of the AVP, the student may be assigned a failing grade for the academic quarter
and/or be placed on academic probation. The AVP may also recommend disciplinary sanctions including
expulsion. For a third offense, an accountability board will be held to determine the student’s future as a Boston
College High School student. Cheating during a midyear or final exam will seriously impact a student’s average
and additional sanctions may be applied.
XI. PROMOTION
A. Academic Requirements
In order to continue at BC High, a student must maintain a yearly grade point average of at least 1.33. In the
case of a freshman or sophomore, he must also attain a grade of at least a “D” in each course for the second
semester, as well as for the final grade. If a student fails to achieve an average of at least “D” for a course and, in
the case of a freshman or sophomore, for the second semester of a full-year course, he must remedy the
deficiency by attending summer school at BC High. The passing grade in summer school is 70%. If the
deficiency is in a subject that is not being offered at the BC High summer school, the student is to consult with
the AVP about other arrangements to rectify the deficiency. A passing grade will be posted on the student’s
transcript when he successfully passes a summer school course. This passing grade will be either a D or a D+
depending upon the student’s summer school performance.
BC High may require a student to withdraw from school due to poor academic performance or behavioral
deficiencies.
In addition to the successful completion of coursework, BC High recognizes that in order for students to be well
prepared for the rigors of college they must be able to demonstrate an ability in writing. To this end, BC High
requires students to develop this proficiency during the sophomore, junior and senior years. Failure to reach
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proficiency will result in remediation before matriculating to the next level. The following requirements are in
place:
i.
Sophomore Five-Paragraph Essay
The sophomore five-paragraph essay is a foundational writing requirement that is assessed as the
English midyear examination. By scoring 77%, the student demonstrates that he has met the
requirement to ensure writing success. A student will be given two opportunities to re-take the
examination in order to meet the standard. After that, the student must attend a two-week
intercession immediately following the school year in order to remediate his writing deficiency.
ii.
Junior Term Paper
The junior term paper further builds each student’s essential writing skills by developing his critical
reading, analysis, organization, synthesis, style as a writer. By scoring a minimum of 72% on this
project assigned in the second semester, the student demonstrates that he has prepared himself
adequately for the particular demands of college writing. This paper must be completed to standard
by the end of the fourth quarter. Failure to do so will require the student to attend a two-week
intercession. Students must achieve the score minimum on the term paper in order to matriculate to
senior year.
iii.
Senior Writing Project
For the senior writing project, the student synthesizes his reflections on literature, the Graduate at
Graduation document and his own life experiences in order to highlight his growth and
development towards being a “Man for Others.” This project gives the student an opportunity to
experiment with more creative, expressive writing and encompasses collaboration with his teacher
through the process.
iv.
Community Action
BC High believes that community service is an important component in the formation of the student.
Completion of the community service program is a requirement for graduation. The following
stipulations apply to the community service requirements:

Juniors having completed their junior academic year with a Failure or Incomplete in Junior
Community Action will have to complete the entire service program during the summer prior to
senior year (at cost to the student): completing their 60 hours of service, writing the assigned
reflection papers and meeting with a reflection group. Students failing to have the requirements
done by August 1 may not be asked back for senior year.

Incoming juniors who sign up for the Summer Option for Junior Community Action and
complete part but not all of their requirements will be placed on Academic Probation until
requirements are complete. (An example of this would be a student who completes his hours but
does not attend reflection group meetings or submit written assignments).

Freshmen and sophomores who do not complete their service requirements (hours and reflection
paper) by the given deadline within the given academic year will be placed on Academic
Probation for the following school year until timesheets and reflection papers have been handed
into the Service Director.
9

7th and 8th graders who fail to participate in their Days of Service and Reflection will be required
to participate in a make-up service day during that academic year.
Theme
Hours
Placements
Reflection
XII.
Freshman
Cura Personalis –
Care of Myself
and Others
15
Participation in
school events &
local service to
individual person
Essay to religion
teacher for
individual/class
reflection, then to
Coordinator of
Service & Justice
Initiatives for
student service file
Sophomore
Men for Others –
Living the Great
Commandment
20
local community –
non-profit
organization;
indirect service
allowed; students
are given the
option of
completing service
work with a
partner
Essay to religion
teacher for
individual/class
reflection or
individual
interviews, then to
Coordinator of
Service & Justice
Initiatives for
student service file
Junior
Contemplative in
Action – A Call to
Service
60
Urban, non-profit
agencies serving
marginalized
persons or an
approved
Immersion
Experience
Senior
Ad Majorem Dei
Gloriam – Living
Dedicated Lives
Students will be
presented with
optional local and
international ways
to live out a
commitment to
service.
Three Reflection
Group meetings
and written
reflection
component read by
group reflection
leader
THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
The National Honor Society is established under the auspices of the National Association of Secondary School
Principals to provide recognition to high school students who have clearly distinguished themselves in school and
community for scholarship, character, leadership, and service. A more detailed description of the NHS can be found
on our website. One qualifies for the NHS by being invited and subsequently satisfying each of the following
criteria:
1. SCHOLARSHIP – demonstrates academic initiative and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.264 at the end of
the sophomore year
2. CHARACTER – consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness,
poise, stability, courtesy, concern and respect for others); cooperates by completely complying with all
school regulations and demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
3. LEADERSHIP – demonstrates leadership in promoting school activities; demonstrates leadership in the
classroom, at work, and in school or community activities and is thoroughly dependable
4. SERVICE – Participates in some co-curricular activities in school or in community and has completed a
minimum of 40 hours of community service to a disadvantaged population in our society
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XIII.
TRANSCRIPTS
School policy permits the sending of official transcripts of students from institution to institution. Students
requesting transcripts should sign a transcript release form and leave it with the Academic Dean or Guidance
secretary.
XIV.
TRANSFER REQUESTS
Notice of withdrawal of a student by parents should be delivered in writing to the office of the Academic Vice
Principal. The formal Withdrawal Form is available in the office of the Academic Vice Principal and must be
completed and turned in before records can be sent to the receiving school.
XV.
UNSCHEDULED TIME
Students should use unscheduled time in a responsible and profitable manner. Students may consult teachers or
study quietly in the Corcoran Library, which also houses a staffed Academic Support and Tutoring Center. The
cafeteria is available for students who wish to work together or discuss assignments. Computers are available in the
Corcoran Library. If students wish to relax during their unscheduled time, they may use McNeice Pavilion (after
period two), or the front lawn. Students are not allowed in Viola Stadium, behind Walsh Hall or on the practice
fields without expressed permission from the Vice Principal for Student Affairs. So as not to distract classes in
session, students are not to congregate in classroom corridors, nor are they to recreate outdoors in close proximity to
the classrooms.
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