Holley Board approves 65 percent
passing for freshman Regents

At its August 28 meeting, the Holley Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution that will require all incoming ninth grade students to pass all five required Regents exams with a 65 percent or better. Currently, the state mandates that freshmen pass three Regents exams with a grade of 65 percent and two with a 55 percent. "To keep it at 55 percent did not make sense when the Holley District is trying to create a culture of high standards," said Superintendent Robert D'Angelo.

High School Principal Terry McCarthy will send home a letter to parents and will meet with freshmen students at the start of the school year to explain the new requirement. Incoming 10-12 grade students will not be affected by the change. "These students were already told they would follow the state mandated phase-in for the 65 percent passing score and have worked accordingly. It wouldn't be fair to change the rules on them now," said D'Angelo.

To support the higher expectations, the district is implementing Regents review classes in January and June, and developing learning centers where students can receive extra help. During the 2007-08 school year, the district plans to introduce a Saturday morning program that will give students academic intervention services, as well as enrichment opportunities. At the elementary level, a more comprehensive summer school program is being planned this year that will help students, who are at risk for failing, to move on to the next grade level.

D'Angelo extends an open invitation to parents and the community to get involved in Holley schools. "I want to promote a good, healthy spirit of collaboration to help our students be successful," he said. Parents and community members with questions or concerns can contact the superintendent at 638-6316.

September 10, 2006