By Stephanie Caron – Editor-in-Chief 

With Milford’s high schools transitioning to Tier 3 learning until January 8, midterms and finals are going to look different for the 2020-2021 school year. 

“We will not administer traditional midterm and final exams during the 2020-2021 school year,” Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Amy L. Fedigan said. “Therefore, each marking period for full-year courses will count toward 25% of the final grade, while each marking period for semester courses will count toward 50% of the final grade.” 

The temporary change will allow teachers to maximize their instructional time with students, assessing them with one on one feedback. 

“Students seem like there is enough stress of online learning, that without midterms and finals, hopefully there will be more focus on learning the current material and not worried about the test to come,” Math teacher Mrs. Francisco said. “Without them, teachers will adapt and come up with other ways to see where their students are academically.”

Though with the new change, the current grading structure and letter grades will continue to be utilized. 

“What is important this year is for our students to stay connected to and engaged with us, whether we are in Tier 1, 2 or 3,” English teacher Mrs. Lucia said. “Looming exams, for both teachers and students, would make an already difficult year harder and more stressful.”

Both teachers and students have had a positive response with the announcement. 

“It has been really hard and stressful on all the students work wise throughout the whole year from going in person and online,” senior Amanda Dew said. “Coming right back and going into midterms can be very hard for some students.”