The midterms, also known as the nine week grading period, ends. Besides turning in work, there are grades! This period determines many things for students; the cause of stress for many.

The nine week grading period acts as a progress report for students, but it also determines many other school related activities. In Hughson High School, Vice Principal Mrs. Moring says that the grades recorded at this time will determine both extracurricular eligibility, and the amount of finals passes received. Overall, these determine the amount of credibility a student has and many students stress about their record in order to apply to colleges. It is also safe to say that every student goes through a tremendous amount of stress during this period as a result of the midterms.

So, how exactly do students respond to the end of the nine week grading period? Well, having interviewed three students, all said “I want to cry.” The pressure to make up for missing assignments and keep their good grades is at its peak during this last week and students are, for lack of a better word, overwhelmed. Isabella, a junior at Hughson High School comments, “I am not happy because it makes it hard to be able to participate in anything because I missed school and I can’t keep doing my work and trying to catch up at the same time.”

To reduce the number of finals students have to take at the semester end, midterm grades are essential. They determine the amount of finals passes and in turn require students to keep good grades. With the midterms ending this Friday, Good Luck!