Dear OAMS Families,
We are excited to share that Owego Apalachin Middle School will be introducing a new hybrid report card that
demonstrates student skills beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. This change represents a multi-year effort
toward the next step in our district’s commitment to providing clear and meaningful communication about
student learning to ensure that our students have the skills necessary to be successful.
The new report card is designed to help families and students clearly understand what each grade represents by
showing progress toward specific learning standards and skills. Rather than averaging points or percentages,
standards-based grading highlights what students know, can do, and where they can continue to grow.
Our goals with this transition are to:
● Provide clarity for families by showing exactly which skills and concepts students have mastered.
● Removes averaging and grading bias by focusing on the most consistent evidence of skill mastery.
● Encourage a growth mindset, where students see learning as a process and are supported to improve
through feedback and reflection.
Our Staff Are Working Hard To Include:
● Consistent grading practices across subjects, supported by shared rubrics and teacher collaboration.
● Ongoing feedback to students and families through Canvas and MasteryConnect.
● Professional learning for staff focused on effective feedback, calibration, and communication.
● Parent resources such as sample report cards, family guides, and information sessions to help you
understand the new format. Attached to this letter you will find a sample report card.
We understand that any change to grading and reporting can feel significant. Please know that our goal is to make
grading more transparent and supportive to ensure that every student and family has a clear picture of progress.
At the end of the year we will gather your feedback and work to continually improve the report card.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we work to make our feedback systems more aligned with student learning.
Sincerely,
Sean Swider
Principal
Owego Apalachin Middle School