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PAGE 12A - THE COMMERCE (GA) NEWS. WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 13. 2008 New Report Cards Would Drop ABCD-F Grading System 'Standards-Based' Report Cards Would Include More Details By Kerri Testement Jackson County elementary school students may no longer see the traditional “A, B, C, D” or even “F” on their report cards next school year. The Jackson County Board of Education is considering a major shift for report cards from the “traditional” method of “ABCs” to a “standards-based” report card. If approved, the program would be implemented next school year with first through fifth grade students. “Standards-based” report cards assess how well students are meeting specified standards in each major subject area. Instead of giving students a traditional letter or numerical grade, standards-based report cards will reflect a scale of 1-4 or N/A for each subject. Standards-based report cards would assign a “1” as “Does Not Meet,” “2” as “In Progress,” “3” as “Meets” and “4” as “Exceeds” standards in each subject. A “N/A” will be given when that standard has not been addressed in the classroom. “I think it’s a great idea, but I think it’ll be an adjustment for some parents who want to see those numbers,” said board chairperson Kathy Wilbanks Monday. The “standards-based” report card would define specific goals for students to accomplish in each subject area. The stan dards would follow the Georgia Performance Standards for each curriculum. For example, a third grade student’s report card for science would reflect how well he or she can explain the difference between a rock and a mineral, describe ways heat energy is produced and describe ways to protect the environment. A sample report card included 12 “standards” just for science. Teachers would determine how well students perform on each one of those standards. April Howard, assistant super intendent, said “traditional” report cards use averages that may include lower scores from earlier tests and assignments. Those report cards don’t mea sure how well a student is learn ing and meeting goals through out the entire school year. “Our goal is for kids to learn, it’s not to be graded,” Howard said. “Standards-based” report cards better communicate to parents how well their child is learning, she added. The new report cards would further determine students’ per sonal and citizenship skills in six areas. Those areas would be assigned a “S” for “satisfactory, “N” for “needs improvement” and “U” for unsatisfactory. The Jackson County School System is expected to pilot the program during the third, nine- week grading period teacher conferences, Howard said. The “standards-based” report cards will also be posted on the school system’s website for parents to review from March to June. Eventually, the new report cards may be implemented for sixth through ninth grades, Howard said. Rec Officials To Ponder Options By Angela Gary Jackson County recreation leaders plan to meet this week to discuss how to increase and improve facilities after the $15 million bond referendum failed last week. “We are meeting this week to discuss future plans,” recreation director Ricky Sanders said. “The challenges we face are real and they are needs, not wants. We will focus on our immediate needs using our current SPLOST funds. I want to thank our committee and the citizens who voted on this important issue.” Last week, the bond referendum failed by a 6,311-6,056 vote. The bonds would have funded a new recreation center at Lamar Murphy Park that would have included two gymnasiums, an indoor pool, racquet- ball courts, multipurpose rooms, meeting rooms and office space. The bond would also have pro vided funds to buy 340 acres for recreation projects throughout the county and expand some facilities at Lamar Murphy Park and West Jackson Park. Is a Health Savings Account right for me? Offered by United Community Bank in partnership with Paragon Benefits. Whether you're a business owner searching for affordable health care options for your employees or a person who would like more control over their family's health care spending - a tax-free HSA can benefit you with: 2025 Homer Road Commerce, GA 706-423-9300 ucbi.com » Long-term savings » Substantial tax savings » Interest earnings » Stays with you - fully portable » HSA checks and debit card Contact us for more information and current rates/fees. You may also contact our HSA Customer Support toll free at 866-719-6039 Member FDIC United Community Bank* Health Savings Accounts (HSA) must be used in conjunction with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). HDHPs typically offer cost effective insurance premiums compared to traditional insurance plans. The Bank That SERVICE Built.’ 'Cured For Life' Queen Named Jackson Creative’s Relay for Life team spon sored the “Ms. Cured for Life” pageant Feb. 8 at the Commerce Cultural Center. Ginger Standridge (far right) was named the “Ms. Cured for Life Queen,” as well as “Ms. Best Dressed Queen.” There were 24 contestants and nine judges. The queen’s court is, left to right, fourth runner-up Kailey Price; “Ms. Smile Queen” and third runner-up Megan Hix; second runner-up Stephanie McFadden; first runner-up Holly Brown; and Standridge. Participants of the Jackson Creative program worked at the pageant, taking up tickets, helping backstage and working with the judges. All participants in the program are members of the Jackson Creative Relay for Life team. Senator Isakson To Meet Citizens At Chamber Office Have you been waiting for a chance to tell a U.S. Senator your opinion on government, politics or anything? Your chance is coming. U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson will be in Jefferson to meet with citizens from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18. The “meet and greet” will be held at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce office in Jefferson. WE DELIVER! All deliveries are Delivered and Damped. All products available in dump truck loads and tractor trailer loads. 473 Lee Street Jefferson, GA Open. 6 days per week LANDSCAPING SPECIALS! 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