When students received their first quarter report cards, there was an evident change in the honor system, made by the district administrative team in order to increase academic rigor and expectations between South Hadley schools.

During the late summer, the administration from Michael E. Smith Middle School and the high school had discussions about streamlining processes and expectations between the schools. Together, the administration came to a consensus that when more than half the middle schoolers make honor roll and 40% of the high school students make honor roll, it’s not much of an honor anymore. Principal Diana Bonneville said, “We want the true honor roll students to stand out.”

The new system eliminated highest honors and changed the requirements for honors and high honors. Bonneville said in an email, “We felt a solid A was required for high honors (93%), not an A- (90%). Now, 15% of our students are on honor roll, which is more reflective of increased rigor.”

Some students have had a particularly negative response to the new system. Junior Amanda Russo said, “A ‘B’ is a good grade. I think you should still be rewarded with some kind of honors if you get a few B’s.” Juniors Deanna Conti and Meghan Parenteau both agreed that they understand why students who receive C’s would not be considered honors students because previously, many students were just slipping by.

Bonneville said that the administration still wants to honor all academic achievements, and plans to do so at the end of the year Academic Awards Assembly where more students will be honored. Bonneville said she is confident that “students will rise to the occasion and are capable of these higher expectations.”

Nelson may be reached at [email protected]