The Dawson County School System recently released details on how local schools will handle the end of the academic year, with details on grading, report cards and graduation requirements.

According to a press release, students will not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control due to COVID-19.

“Student assignments completed the last nine weeks, during the period of online learning, will be used to enhance a student’s grade,” the release said.

May 8 will be the last day for new content. When students have successfully completed all new content with a passing grade, they will be done with schoolwork for the term. All work must be completed by May 22, and teachers will continue to provide students with instruction and help to complete and turn in all assignments.

No final exams or state assessments will be administered, per the guidance of the Georgia Department of Education.

Students in kindergarten through second grade will receive a standards-based report card, and students in grades third through eighth will receive a numerical grade. Dawson County High School students will receive numerical grades per state requirements in order to receive course credit. Students will not be penalized for lowered grades due to COVID-19.

“The course averages a student had on March 12 at midterm is the lowest grade the student will receive,” the release said.

AP exams will be administered virtually, dual enrollment credits will be awarded by the enrolling college or university, and SAT and ACT exams have been rescheduled. Final grades will be entered by the end of May, and report cards will be mailed to all students’ homes in the first week of June.

Each school will communicate individual plans to parents regarding iPad collection, yearbook distribution and how to retrieve personal items from the school.

Dawson County High School will communicate with parents on how to receive graduation regalia, and the plan for rescheduling graduation ceremonies will be announced soon.

“The Dawson County School District plans to reschedule the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020,” the release said. “The current plan is to hold the ceremony in the summer. The district is working with the venue to evaluate options. Once plans are finalized, they will be shared.”