A C A D E M I C S

Father Duenas Memorial School (FDMS) offers a four-year program of college preparatory courses.

FDMS is a member of NCEA (National Catholic Educational Association) and is accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Each student takes a full program of studies. We retain the right to acknowledge or deny credits from other schools or certified tutors. Only with explicit permission from the school principal, may FDMS students take courses at other institutions and apply earned credits to their transcripts.

A. Course Outline - All courses are 1 credit and some variation is possible.

Theology is required of all students. As a Catholic school, we are interested in our students both knowing and practicing the faith. The integration of this study into the life of every student is expected.

FRESHMAN

Theology 1
Algebra 1
General Science
Geography
Introduction to Literature
P.E. 1 or Naval Science 1 (NJROTC)
Foreign Language I (Spanish I or Japanese I)

SOPHOMORES

Theology 2
Geometry
Biology
World History
World Literature
P.E. 2 or Naval Science 2 (NJROTC)
Foreign Language II (Spanish II or Japanese II)

JUNIORS

Theology 3
Algebra 2
Chemistry
U.S. History
American Literature
Composition or Foreign Language III
Elective (Psychology, Naval Science 3, Computer Science
Accounting, Methods of Research & Oral Communication, Fine Arts)

SENIORS

Theology 4
Pre-Calculus
Physics
American Government
British Literature
Guam Studies
Elective (Psychology, Naval Science 4, Computer Science, Accounting, Methods of Research & Oral Communication, Spanish III, Japanese III, Fine Arts)

B. Marking System - The interpretation of our marking system is as follows:

A = 4 = 93 - 100
B = 3 = 92 - 85
C = 2 = 77 - 84
D = 1 = 70 - 76
F = 0 = 0 - 69

C. Scholastic Standards

1. The passing grade is 70%.

2. Academic probation is a restraining measure imposed on students who are covered by all or any of the following conditions:

a. Failure in two or more subjects in any grading period;
b. Habitual negligence of assignments;
c. Poor classroom attitude and achievement.

A student on academic probation must show positive efforts to improve his school achievements. The student on academic probation cannot participate in any extra-curricular activity.

3. Attaining a failing mark (F) in the same two or more subjects for the first two successive quarters will result in withdrawal. In addition, Freshmen must have a GPA of 1.50 and Sophomores a GPA of 1.75 to be promoted to the next grade level. Juniors must have a GPA of 2.0 to become Seniors.

4. A student who earns a failing grade for the year in two or more subjects at the end of the year, or has not earned the GPA required to be promoted to the next grade level, will be allowed to return only if the courses are made up before the beginning of the next fall term and only upon request to the principal by the parent and student. The principal may, at his discretion, accept the student on academic probation if a "contract" for remediation is signed. After academic dismissal, a student may be considered for re-admission for the following academic year upon favorable review by the School Principal and Assistant Principal.

5. Any student failing one subject at the end of the school year must attend summer school at an institution recognized by the Department of Education or at an institution (with which summer school was arranged by Father Duenas Memorial School). The student must also pass a final exam showing that he has mastered the material of the course before he can receive credit. After summer school, he must have the GPA required to be promoted to the next grade level. The summer school grade does not affect grade point average or rank in class. Any student at risk of receiving a final grade of less than a 70% (failing) in a subject and receives a deficiency notice the fourth quarter, should register for summer school.

6. Failure in any subject in any given quarter disqualifies a student from participating in all academic and athletic interscholastic events until grades are evaluated midway through the following quarter. Any grades below a 77% at that time will merit continued disqualification. A GPA of 2.0 must also be maintained in order to participate in these activities.

D. Rank in Class

Cumulative grade point average begins with the Sophomore year, or the year the student enters FDMS, if it occurs after the Sophomore year.

Cumulative GPA is based upon the year average of all subjects converted from the percentile grade to a 4 point system, A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. Only subjects completed at FDMS go into the GPA. Ties in GPA are not broken for rank in class.

Valedictorians and Salutatorians must have attended FDMS for both the Junior and Senior Year.

E. Homework

To meet academic requirements at FDMS, students are expected to devote two to three hours per day at home for study and assignments. Parents must be responsible to provide a place where students can study without distraction and monitor, discuss, and check to make sure homework is being done. Students must invest the time and effort required for success.

F. Quarterly Exams

Exams are taken on the announced dates. In case of illness, a doctor's certificate and written request from the parents must be presented to the principal before or on the day of exams. The same procedure may be observed on days when major projects, papers, or presentations are due. Financial obligations with the school must be current prior to taking quarterly exams. Tuition non-payment will disqualify students from taking the quarter exams.

Students are expected to be present for all quarter exams. In the event that a student is unable to take a exam as scheduled, whether due to illness, off-island travel, or any other reason, a late exam of $20.00 per test will be charged. The fee must be paid prior to the taking of the exam.

G. Report Cards

Report cards are distributed quarterly. Parent-Teacher meetings are scheduled during the first and third quarters, at which time report cards are to be picked up. Parents are asked to avail themselves of this opportunity to meet with the teachers of their son. Second and fourth quarter report cards are mailed directly to parents accompanied by a letter from the administrative office. Questions concerning the grades are to be forwarded to the registrar's office. Conference with individual teachers may also be scheduled through the registrar. Fourth quarter report cards will be released only to those parents whose financial accounts will the school are current.

All report card grades are given by percents. The final grade of a course is determined by averaging the four quarters. Deportment in class is graded by a scale of 1 to 5: 5 being good, and 1 being poor.

H. Textbook and Supplies

Students must have the necessary books and supplementary materials for their courses. Upperclassmen must have a scientific calculator for use at school and at home. Students should have access to a typewriter or a computer with a printer, since many assignments must be submitted in typed form.

Books at FDMS are loaned to the students by the school or the Government of Guam. Students who lose or damage a book must pay the book's current price, plus its shipping cost. Payment must be made to the business office. A replacement copy may then be requested, depending on the availability of the textbook.

I. Honor Roll

The school maintains three honor rolls. First Honors include students who have all A's. Second Honors include students who have no grade below 85. Third Honors include those students who averages 85 or better with no grade below 77. A student receiving any grade below 77% is not eligible for honors.

J. National Honor Society

FDMS maintains an honor society. Membership in the chapter of the National Honor Society is by election of the faculty only. It is based upon scholarship, leadership, service, and character. All sophomores, juniors, and seniors who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 after at least one semester of attendance at FDMS are asked to fill out an application form detailing their service and leadership activities. Membership is a privilege, not a right. Only those interested may apply for membership. Failure to maintain grades, service, or leadership, plus any serious breach of conduct, may cause dismissal which would deny further membership into any chapter of the National Honor Society.

K. Graduation

In order to be considered for graduation, a student must have successfully passed all required and elective courses. Any senior who fails a subject must go to summer school and obtain a passing grade to receive a diploma. All financial responsibility to the school must also be settled.

L. Academic Honors

Academic honors are given to top outstanding graduating seniors. To be considered for valedictorian and salutatorian, a student must have been enrolled at FDMS for two consecutive academic years.