Cherokee County schools to extend ‘grace’ to struggling students

The Cherokee County school superintendent announced a policy of “grace” for students struggling in the shutdown of the schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will not retain a student from advancement to the next grade or from graduation when we can determine the student was attempting, but unable to overcome, hardships created by the school closure,” Superintendent Brian V. Hightower said. “We will extend grace.”

Hightower's message to parents, posted to the school district website, said that when considering final grades, teachers will take into account how students were performing prior to the school closures. A student at risk of failing will be given help and allowed to resubmit work. Failing that, the teacher will reach out to parents.