The Gibraltar School District is implementing a new grading policy due to the challenges in providing instruction this spring. Elementary school teachers will offer a narrative grade that gives guidance to next year’s instructor on each student’s progress and areas where improvement is needed. Older students can choose to be evaluated traditionally or on a pass/fail basis, says Superintendent Tina Van Meer.

Van Meer insists it was the students who asked for a regular grading scale option. The district will be moving from a valedictorian system to a tiered honor roll similar to college, where students can obtain cum laude distinction.