EMPA’s are right around the corner which means, students at Hawthorne High School are stressed out!
A little bit about EMPA’s:
EMPA’s (End of the Marking Period Assessment) take place at the end of every two marking periods. For example, earlier this year, as the second marking period was coming to an end, all students took an EMPA for each of their classes. Now, since the fourth marking period is coming to an end, students have to take another set of EMPA’s. But, here’s the good thing about EMPA’s that take place towards the end of the year. If you average over a 93 in one of your classes for the whole year, you don’t have to take the EMPA for that specific class. If you take a ½ year elective, you have to automatically take the EMPA. Although, if you take a full year elective, you do have the chance of getting exempt from it. Lastly, there is an EMPA for every single class except for gym and of course lunch.
EMPA Schedule:
EMPA’s this year will start on June 11 (Wednesday) and end on June 16 (Tuesday).
Wednesday, June 11 (R2 Day)- Exam Period 3 (8:35-10-05) and 7 (12:25-1:55)
Thursday, June 12 (R3 Day)- Exam Period 4 (8:35-10-05) and 8 (12:25-1:55)
Friday, June 13 (R4 Day)- Exam Period 1 (8:35-10-05) and 4 (12:25-1:55)
Saturday and Sunday off, of course!
Monday, June 16 (R1 Day)- Exam Period 2 (8:35-10-05) and 6 (12:25-1:55)
Student opinions about EMPA’s:
The Clarion asked a few students from HHS their opinions on EMPAs…
First, the Clarion asked Amanda Provenzano, “How do you feel about automatically taking an EMPA for a half-year course that you can’t be exempt from?” Amanda responded with, “I feel that it is a bit unfair that you cannot be exempt from the EMPA like all of your other classes, even if you excel in the class. Although it is a different class from the first half of the school year, if you are able to consistently excel for the two marking periods you are in the class for, you should be able to be exempt from taking the EMPA. Taking a half year course EMPA causes extra stress and more studying to worry about. Since it is a half year course, most of the lessons are rushed and a lot of information is put into your head in a very small amount of time, which makes it much harder to keep up with.” Amanda’s passionate response makes a good point.
Second and lastly, the Clarion asked sophomore Tori Tricoli, “Do you think a 93 and above is a fair average to get exempt from an EMPA?” Tori responded with, “Yes, I think a 93 is a fair grade to get exempted. A Low 90 is not too high where it’s impossible to obtain, but it’s also enough to show that the student understands what they’re learning.” Tori’s response is very fair-minded.