Academics
Academics
Orange County Public Schools is committed to ensuring every student graduates prepared and inspired for a thriving future. We empower students with a superior academic experience, essential life skills, and boundless opportunities.
On this page, you’ll find information about what our school offers to help lead all of our students to success.
Curriculum At A Glance
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ELA
The student…
- recognizes letters of the alphabet
- associates sounds with letters of the alphabet
- understands basic phonological/phonetic principles (ex., knows rhyming words, knows words that have the same initial and final sounds)
- blends individual sounds into words
- understands how print is organized and read (ex., locating print on a page, matching print to speech, knowing parts of a book, reading from top-to-bottom, left-to-right and sweeping back to left for the next line)
- uses a variety of sources to build vocabulary (ex., word walls, other people and life experiences)
- develops vocabulary by discussing characters and events from a story
- uses strategies to comprehend text (ex., retelling, discussing, asking questions, using illustrations and sequences of events)
- knows the main idea or essential message from a read-aloud story or informational piece
- selects materials to read for pleasure
- demonstrates phonemic awareness
Writing Development
The student...
- writes a story that makes sense
- stays on topic
- demonstrates phonemic awareness
- uses sight words
- writes from left to right
- leaves space between words
Mathematics
Number Sense
The student…
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counts, reads and writes numerals to 10 or more and counts backwards from 10 to 1
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knows that cardinal numbers indicate quantity and ordinal numbers indicate position
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uses language such as before or after to describe relative position in a sequence of whole numbers
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compares 2 or more sets (up to 10) and identifies which set is equal to, more than or less than.
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uses concrete materials to represent whole number and fractional parts of a whole (ex., one-half and one-fourth)
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counts orally by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s using concrete materials, pictures and hundred chart to show the concept of numbers
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demonstrates and describes the effect of putting together and taking apart sets of objects
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creates, acts out with objects, and solves number problems
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estimates the number in a set and verifies by counting
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builds models to show that numbers are odd or even
Measurements
The student…
- measures and communicates length, distance and weight of objects using nonstandard, concrete materials
- describes the concepts of time, temperature and capacity
- uses direct and indirect comparison to sort and order objects
- uses uniform, nonstandard units to estimate and verify by measuring length and width of common classroom objects
- knows and compares the value of a penny, nickel, dime, and quarter
- knows measurement tools and uses them for length, weight, capacity and time
- knows and sorts 2-dimensional shapes (ex., circles, squares and triangles) and 3-dimensional objects (ex., cubes and cones)
- recognizes and creates symmetrical figures
- knows the attributes of circles, squares, triangles and rectangles
Algebraic Thinking
The student…
- identifies simple patterns of sounds, physical movement and concrete objects
- classifies and sorts objects by color, shape, size, kind and which do not belong in a group
- predicts, extends and creates patterns
- knows that symbols can be used to represent missing or unknown quantities (ex., fill in the missing number in 5, 6, _ , 8)
- Data Analysis & Probability
- The student…
- knows how to display answers to simple questions involving two categories or choices using concrete materials or pictures on a graph or chart
- interprets data in pictorial or concrete materials (ex., pictures on a graph or chart)
- interprets data in pictorial or concrete graphs
- uses concrete materials, pictures or graphs to show range and mode
- knows if a given event is more likely, equally likely, or less likely to occur
Ideas for Helping Your Child at HomeLanguage Arts
- Make flash cards for upper and lower case letters and practice them daily OUT OF ORDER.
- Take your child to the library to get a library card and choose books.
- Talk, sing, listen and read to your child every day.
- Put letters in a bag and have your child reach for a letter and say the sound. Have him/her reach in for another letter. If your child does not know a sound, say the sound and put it back in the bag. Count how many sounds they can do in a minute.
- Write a note each day to put in your child’s lunch box or on your child’s pillow.
- Read a nursery rhyme. Reread leaving out the last word of every other line of the rhyme for your child to say.
Mathematics
- Allow your child to help you sort the groceries before putting them away (canned goods, boxes or items that need refrigeration).
- Have a bag of various objects. Have your child sort by size, then shape, color, texture, etc.
- Practice counting orally to 100 by 1s, 2s, 5s and 10s using a hundred chart.
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ELA
The student…
- Reads at or above level 16 on DRA
- Uses basic elements of phonetic analysis (ex. Hears, segments, substitutes and blends sounds in words)
- Uses sound/symbol relations and beginning letters (onsets) and patterns (rhymes) as visual cues for decoding
- Uses context clues to construct meaning (ex. illustrations, knowledge of the story and topic)
- Uses information from a variety of sources (letters, sounds, pictures, background information, grammar) to figure out unknown words.
- Develops vocabulary by using references (ex. Illustrations, knowledge of the story and topic) to build upon prior knowledge
- Uses knowledge of word endings (including s, ing, ed, er, est, ful) to determine word meanings
- Uses a variety of strategies to comprehend text (ex. Inference, self-monitoring, predicting, retelling, discussing, restating ideas)
- Knows the main idea or theme and supporting details of a story or information piece
- Makes inferences based on text and prior knowledge (ex. Regarding traits, feelings, actions of characters)
- Reads for information used in performing tasks (ex. Directions, graphs, charts, signs, captions)
- Identifies fiction and non-fiction writing
Writing
Fluent writers…
- uses pre-writing strategies independently ( such as brainstorming, webs, etc)
- participates in the writing process through whole group, small group and independent writing
- uses beginning, middle and end organizational formats in their stories
- uses word wall words; sensory words
- uses conventional spelling with most frequently used words
- consistent use of spacing, capitalization and punctuation
- writes for a variety of purposes on their own
- able to plan, draft, conference, revise, edit, publish
- creates narrative, informative pieces of writing
- uses technology/media resources to support learning
Mathematics
The student…
- models addition and subtraction situations using a variety of strategies
- identifies, describes, and applies addition and subtraction as inverse operations
- creates and uses increasingly sophisticated strategies, and uses properties such as commutative, associative and additive identity, to add whole numbers
- uses counting strategies, number patterns, and models as a means for solving basic addition and subtraction fact problems
- compares and orders whole numbers at least to 100
- represents two digit numbers in terms of tens and ones
- orders counting numbers, compares their relative magnitudes (size), and represents numbers on a number line
- uses appropriate vocabulary to compare shapes
- composes (joins) and decomposes (takes apart) plane and solid figures
- extends repeating and growing patterns, fills in missing terms, and justifies reasoning
- measures by using iterations of a unit and counts the unit measure by grouping units
- compares and orders objects according to descriptors
- uses mathematical reasoning and beginning understanding of tens and ones
- solves routine and non-routine problems by acting them out, using manipulative, and drawing diagrams
- counts by 2s, 5s, and 10s to 100
- counts combinations of coins up to $1.00
- tells time to the hour and half hour
Science
The student…
- understands that all matter has observable measurable properties
- recognizes that energy may be changed in form
- understands that types of motion may be described, measured, and predicted
- recognizes patterns in weather
- knows the basic needs of all living things
- understands how living things interact with their environment
- uses the scientific process and habits of mind to solve problems
Ideas for Helping Your Child at HomeLanguage Arts
- Read Daily! Listen to your child read. Read to your child.
- Encourage your child to read from many sources including magazines, newspapers, non-fiction and fiction books.
- Read a story with your child playing “word tag” You read some words, then tap your child’s shoulder for him/her to begin reading. Your child will tap your shoulder when it is time for you to read.
- Read a page with “skip reading” You read one word and your child reads the next word. Continue to the end of the page.
- Provide experiences in writing such as family journals, diaries and learning logs. Provide writing materials.
- Set up a home message board. Write a message to your child every day.
Mathematics
- Sort objects into groups of 2s, 5s and 10s. Practice counting orally.
- Manipulate objects to count up and back. Then write the math addition or subtraction sentence.
- Have your child make a monthly family calendar of events.
- Practice basic addition and subtraction facts using flash cards.
- Practice telling time on an analog clock.
- Identify, label and discuss all the geometric shapes found inside and outside your home.
- Have your child assist with recipes and preparing meals.
- Give a number and have your first grader say what comes next and before.
- Give two numbers and have your first grader tell you which number is larger and/or smaller.
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End-of-Year Assessment Benchmarks /Targets:
- Student will be able to read the K-1-2 sight words with 80% accuracy.
- Student will be able to use proper punctuation and capitalization when writing sentences.
- Student will be able to identify beginning, middle, and end in a story.
- At or above 28 on DRA test by end of year.
ELA
The student…
- Blends sound components into words and applies knowledge of beginning letter (onsets) and spelling patterns (rhymes) in single and multi-syllable words.
- Uses a variety of structural cues to decode unfamiliar words.
- Uses a variety of context clues (ex. illustrations, diagrams, information in the story, titles and heading, sequence) to construct meaning (meaning cues).
- Uses context cues to define multiple meaning words.
- Uses a variety of strategies to comprehend text (ex., inference, self-monitoring, predicting, retelling, discussing, and restating ideas).
- Uses knowledge of contractions, base words, prefixes and suffixes, compound words to determine meaning of words.
- Uses resources and references to build upon word meanings (ex., dictionaries and glossaries)
- Uses a variety of strategies to comprehend text (ex. self-monitoring, predicting, retelling, discussing, restating ideas).
- Summarizes information in texts (including, but not limited to, central idea, supporting details, connections between texts).
- Uses specific ideas, details, and information from text to answer literal questions.
- Makes connections and inferences based on text and prior knowledge (ex., order of events, possible outcomes).
- Understands similarities and differences across texts.
- Reads informational text for specific purposes.
- Alphabetizes words according to first and second letter.
- Locates information in simple reference materials.
- Understands the difference between fact and opinion.
- Knows comprehension strategies and can apply while reading.
Writing
The student…
- Uses knowledge of sentence composing to be able to start a sentence with a capital letter and end a sentence with the correct punctuation mark.
- Beginning to use the 6 traits of the writing process.
- Can compose a complete sentence using sentence expanding skills.
- Can write a 3 paragraph narrative or expository piece of writing to go along with a given topic idea and or prompt.
Mathematics
The student…
- Can count by 2s, 5s, and 10s & describes patterns
- Can solve problems that involve repeated addition
- Can solve addition number stories
- Finds equivalent names for numbers
- Knows addition and subtraction facts with quick recall
- Can identify relationships between the digits and their place values
- Can add three 1 digit numbers mentally
- Knows what the complements of 10 are
- Find missing addends for the next multiple of 10
- Can solve number grid puzzles
- Can multiply numbers with a 0 or 1 as a factor
- Can identify and name numbers through the thousands
- Uses equivalent coins to show money amounts in different ways
- Exchanges pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters
- Can tell time to five-minute intervals
- Can compare and order multi-digit numbers through the thousands
- Can develop a quick recall of addition and related subtraction facts and fluency with multi-digit addition and subtraction
- Can develop an understanding of linear measurement
Ideas for Helping Your Child at HomeLanguage Arts
- Have a time each day for family members to read aloud or silently together. Discuss the main character, setting, problem and resolution of your child’s book.
- Write with your child and keep a journal of your own.
- Have your child write a letter or e-mail a family member or friend. Have your child create postcards to send.
- Learn one word and what it means every day. See how many times that word can be used in conversation during the day.
- Assist with spelling activities in preparation for spelling tests.
- Use our school’s web site for appropriate web links for additional support and practice.
Mathematics
- Ask your child to help you bake a cake. Allow your child to measure out all the ingredients.
- Have your child accompany you to the grocery store with a calculator. Have him/her round the price of each item to the nearest dollar and enter into the calculator. When you reach the checkout ask your child for the expected estimated total.
- Write word problems for your child to solve. Let him/her write word problems for you to solve.
- Assist with homework and activities through Homelinks.
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ELA
The student:
- predicts using prior knowledge, captions, and headings
- uses strategies to determine meaning and increase vocabulary
- develops vocabulary, monitors reading on or above grade level by rereading, self-correcting,summarizing, and questioning
- identifies main idea, details, makes inferences and identifies the sequence of events, author’s purpose, examples of fact, fiction or opinion, and recognizes and understands comparison and contrast, cause/effect and sequence of events
Writing
The student:
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writes using the writing process and the six writing traits of ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions
Social Studies
The student:
- studies communities and Ancient Civilizations
Science
The student:
- investigates several science units using scientific observations and skills
- explores different science topics including life science, earth science, physical science, and space and technology
Math
The student:
- uses number sense to master all basic facts, read, write, compare numbers
- knows the value of a given digit to hundred thousand
- explains and demonstrates the meaning of multiplication and division with remainders
- uses measurement to measure length, weight, capacity, area, perimeter, volume, time and temperature
- calculates and compares types of measurement
- estimates area, perimeter, and volume of rectangular shape
- selects the appropriate unit and tool of measurement for a solution
- uses geometry and spatial sense to understand symmetry, congruency and reflections in geometric shapes
- explores flip, slides, tessellations and 180 degree turns
- compares area and perimeter using concrete and graphic materials
- knows how to identify, locate and plot ordered pairs of whole numbers
- uses algebraic thinking to describe, extend and create visual geometric patterns
- analyzes, explains and states the rule for number patterns
- uses models and graphs to solve equations and inequalities
- know that an equation is a number sentence stating that two quantities are equal
- uses data analysis and probability to identify parts of a graph and interprets displays of data
- interprets and compares information from pictographs and bar graphs
- identifies the mean, median, mode and range in a set
- uses technology to compare data and to construct and discuss patterns
- determines the number of possible combinations of items
- calculates the probability of an event and represents all possible outcomes
- designs questions for a survey, depicts the data in a graph and explains the results
- uses statistical data to recognize trends
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ELA
The student…
- Predicts using prior knowledge, captions and headings
- uses strategies to determine meaning and increase vocabulary (ex., multiple meaning words, antonyms, root words)
- develops vocabulary, monitors reading on or above grade level by rereading, self-correcting, summarizing & questioning
- identifies main idea, details, makes inferences and identifies the sequence of events, author’s purpose, examples of fact, fiction or opinion, and recognizes and understands comparison and contrast, cause/effect & sequence of events
Writing
The student…
- scores 3.5 or above on the Florida Writes exam
- writes using the writing process and the six writing traits of ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions.
Mathematics
The student…
- uses number sense to masters all basic facts, read, write, compare, and identify whole numbers, fractions, mixed numbers and decimals to the hundredths
- locates numbers on the number line, and identifies equivalent and non-equivalent forms of numbers
- uses estimation to solve problems and determines the operations needed to solve one-step and two-step problems
- knows factors and multiples of numbers to 100
- uses measurement to measure length, area, volume and perimeter
- knows time intervals and common angle measures, and uses schedules, calendars and elapsed time to solve problems
- compares length, weight and capacity using standard and non standard units
- solves problems with estimated length, width, time, temperature and money
- estimates the area and perimeter of a polygon and the volume of a rectangular prism
- uses geometry and spatial sense to describe the attributes of two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures
- performs flips, slides, 90 and 180 degree turns and tessellations
- knows how area and perimeter are affected when geometric figures are combined
- knows how to identify, locate and plot ordered pairs of whole numbers
- uses algebraic thinking to describe and creates numerical and geometric patterns, and analyzes number patterns
- solves problems with equations or inequalities using models or graphs
- uses data analysis and probability to choose a title, labels and interprets information on a graph
- interprets and completes circle graphs using common fractions
- identifies the mean, median, mode and range
- records the possible outcomes of an experiment using common fractions
- determines the statistical measures for data and explains the results
Social Studies
The student…
- studies Florida History from pre-historic times to the present.
Science
The student…
- investigates several science units using scientific observations and skills.
- explores different science topics including life science, earth science, physical science, and space & technology.
Ideas for Helping Your Child at Home
Language Arts
- Encourage your child to read from many sources including magazines, newspapers, non-fiction and fiction books.
- Provide experiences in writing such as family journals, diaries and learning logs.
Mathematics
- Help your child figure the amount of change when shopping. Teach him/her how to count back money.
- Allow your child to survey the family (ex., favorite foods, color or car) and make a bar, line or picture graph.
- Practice basic multiplication and division facts ON A DAILY BASIS using flash cards or practice problems.
- Identify, label and discuss all the geometric shapes found inside and outside your home.
- Have your child assist with recipes and preparing meals.
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ELA
The student…
- decodes words to clarify pronunciation, uses context clues and predicting to construct meaning
- develops vocabulary by reading independently and using resources and references
- monitors reading on or above grade level by adjusting reading rate summarizing and checking other sources
- identifies examples of fact, fiction or opinion
- reads and organizes information from reference materials to write a research report or perform other tasks
- demonstrates knowledge of and supply use of graphic organizers/thinking maps to organize information in all
- content areas
- uses strategies to determine meaning and increase vocabulary (ex. Homonyms, prefixes, suffixes, word-origins, multiple meanings, antonyms, and synonyms)
- identifies, classifies and demonstrates knowledge of words from a variety of categories an or above grade level
- determines the main idea and connects ideas with relevant supporting details
- describes how the author’s purpose and perspective influence the text
- knows characteristics of persuasive text
- understands comparison and contrast, cause-and-effect and sequence of events
Writing
The student will…
- write a 5 paragraph essay (Narrative and Expository) with correct punctuation and proper sentence structure
- write using the writing process consisting of six traits; ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, and conventions
Mathematics
Number Sense, Concepts, and Operations
The student…
- reads, writes and identifies decimals through thousandths
- reads, writes and identifies whole numbers, fractions and mixed numbers
- uses symbols to compare and order whole numbers, fractions, percents and decimals
- explains the relationship between the decimal number system and other number systems
- demonstrates the inverse feature of multiplication and division
- uses strategies to estimate quantities of one thousand or more
- expresses a whole number as a product of its prime factors
- knows that place value relates to powers of 10
- translates problem situations into diagrams, models or numerals
- multiplies common fractions and decimals to hundredths
- determines the operations needed to solve one and two step problems
- finds factors of numbers to determine if they are prime or composite
- determines the greatest common factor and the least common multiple of two numbers
- applies rules of divisibility and identifies perfect squares to 144
Algebraic Thinking
The student…
- describes, extends, creates, predicts and generalizes or eliminates the numerical and geometric patterns
- analyzes number patterns and states the rule
- uses a variable to represent a given verbal expression
- identifies and explains numerical relationships and patterns using algebraic symbols
- models and solves a number sentence with a missing addend
- translates equations into verbal and written problems
Measurement
The student…
- develops formulas for determining perimeter, area and volume
- classifies and measures (ex., acute, obtuse, right or straight) and measures circumference
- compares length, weight and capacity using customary and metric units
- measures dimensions, weight, mass and capacity using correct units
- estimates length, weight, time, temperature and money for solving problems
- solves problems for determining perimeter, area and volume
- determines whether a solution needs an accurate or estimated measurement
- uses multiplication and division to convert units to measure
- uses schedules, calendars and elapsed time to solve problems
- estimates area, perimeter and volume of a rectangular prism
- selects appropriate unit and tool for measuring
Geometry and Spatial Sense
The student…
- knows and identifies symmetry, congruency and reflections in geometric figures
- describes properties of and draws two and three dimensional figures
- applies and compares the concept of area, perimeter and volume
- knows how to identify, locate and plot ordered pairs of whole numbers on a graph
- knows the relationship between points, lines, line segments, rays and planes
- knows the effect of a flip, slide or turn on a geometric figure
- knows the effect on area and perimeter when figures are combined, rearranged, enlarged or reduced
Data Analysis and Probability
The student…
- selects the appropriate graph for data
- chooses titles, labels, scales and intervals for organizing data on a graph
- completes and interprets circle graphs using common fractions or percents
- uses technology to examine data and construct labeled graphs
- uses a model to represent all possible outcomes for a probability situation
- explains and predicts outcomes that are most likely to occur and tests the predictions
- interprets and compares information from different types of graphs
- generates questions, collects responses and displays data on a graph
- identifies range, median, mean and mode
- uses computer-generated spreadsheets to record and display data
- uses a model to represent all possible outcomes for a probability situation
- designs a survey to collect and display data on a complete graph
- uses statistical data to predict trends and make generalizations
Science
The Nature of Science
The student…
- identifies and explains the reasons for documenting scientific activities
- identifies, explains, and describes, or applies the scientific process (i.e., accurately reporting and analyzing data, reaching logical conclusions that reflect the data, repeating investigations for validity, asking new questions, and communicating results
- knows to compare and contrast observations and results is an essential skill in science
- identifies ways in which people impact others, including inventions and discoveries
- knows that data are collected and interpreted in order to explain an event or concept
- knows that before a group of people build something or try something new, they should determine how it may affect other people
- knows that through the use of science processes and knowledge, people can solve problems, make decisions, and form new ideas
- identifies how scientific method affects progress
Processes that Shape the Earth
The student…
- knows that larger rocks can be broken down into smaller rocks, which in turn can be broken down to combine with organic material to form soil
- knows that 75% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water
- identifies the factors that alter the surface of Earth over short and long periods of time
- knows that some changes in the Earth’s surface are due to slow processes and some changes are due to rapid processes.
The Nature of Matter
The student…
- identifies properties and uses appropriate tools (e.g., rulers, balances, thermometers) to determine the properties of materials (e.g., density and volume)
- identifies different materials made by physically combining substances and/or identifies similarities and differences between mixtures and solutions
Force and Motion
The student…
- knows that an object may move in a straight line at a constant speed, speed up, slow down, or change direction dependent on net force acting on the object
- knows that the more massive an object is, the less effect a given force has
- identifies the net force acting on an object and describes the motion of that object
Energy
The student…
- knows how to trace the flow of energy in a system (e.g., as in an ecosystem)
- identifies the source of energy by their source and properties
- knows that most things that emit light also emit heat
- knows the many ways in which energy can be transformed from one type to another
- knows that various forms of energy can be measured in ways that make it possible to determine the amount of energy that is transformed
- knows ways that heat can move from one object to another
Earth and Space
The student…
- identifies and describes how the position of Earth in relation to the Sun impacts Earth and knows the effects of energy available to organisms
- identifies factors that change the amount of sunlight reflected from the moon to the Earth
Processes of Life
The student…
- knows that living things are different but share similar structures
- knows that living things compete in a climatic region with other living things and that structural adaptations make them fit for the environment
- identifies factors that benefit or slow down the development of different organisms in an ecosystem
- identifies and explains the process and importance of photosynthesis
- identifies characteristics of an organism that increase its probability of reproducing
- knows that the human body is made of systems with structures and functions that are related
- identifies the effects that changes in a habitat have on organisms
Social Studies
The student…
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study United States History through 1865, starting with the human migration to North America and ending with the conclusion for the Civil War
Ideas for Helping Your Child at Home
- Encourage your child to share and discuss books that he/she reads.
- Check planner and encourage homework completion.
- Practice math facts; addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
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Art
Music
PE
Orchestra (Grades 4 and 5 only)
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Grading procedures are determined by Orange County Public Schools.
Individual grading procedures are used at the classroom level.
Honor Roll/Principal’s Honor Roll
Students in grades 2-5 are eligible for Honor Roll or Principal’s Honor Roll at report card time each nine weeks. The criteria for this award is as follows:
HONOR ROLL – All A’s or B’s in academics and All S’s or O’s in conduct
PRINCIPAL’S Honor Roll – All A’s in academics and All S’s or O’s in conduct
Grading System
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: 59 and below
S: Satisfactory
N: Needs Improvement
U: Unsatisfactory
W: Working on Skill