The 2025-2026 school year began with new RM policies, including its updated grading policy “Return to Rigor.” According to the MCPS website, this system will ensure consistency and effort throughout all four quarters.
The change raises standards for high GPAs, with grades now being calculated through numerical percentages instead of averaging letters. Additionally, MCPS is implementing a stricter late work policy and summative assessments. For upperclassmen, this means adjusting to an entirely different system from previous years.
“Last year it was like, oh you’re fine if you could have the lowest A and the lowest B and have a [semester] A,” junior Lucia Ewig said. “Quite literally every single point matters now because it’s like all about the very specific percentages.”
The new grading policy sparked mixed reactions across RM. Math teacher Hannah Vogel cites benefits for both students and staff as a result of this policy.
“I feel like in the past, there’d be situations where once a student got a certain grade, they would stop trying, or they wouldn’t start trying until the end of the marking period,” Ms. Vogel said. “So I actually really appreciate these changes. I think it’s going to improve consistent performance.”
Similarly, English teacher Mina Anderson sympathizes with the upperclassmen, but supports the new policy’s two-way accountability street between students and teachers.
“It’s a really good change because it does keep both the students and the staff…turning things in on time,” Ms. Anderson said. “And I think…sometimes you don’t know what you can produce until you’re under pressure.”
However, some students view the changes as an added pressure to their already-demanding activities and homework. Ewig finds it particularly stressful as a junior in the IB program. “Junior and senior year [grades] are really important, especially as we approach like applying for colleges,” Ewig said. “Not having as big of a safety net is definitely more stressful, especially for people in harder classes.” This grading inconsistency will also be displayed on upperclassmen transcripts.
RM also implemented an updated phone policy. In addition to prohibiting phone usage during instructional time, each classroom contains a brown paper bag where teachers can store student phones.
Many people welcomed this policy as a step in the right direction. “Phones are just a really incredible distraction. I feel very lucky that we did not have smartphones when I was going through high school…so I really appreciate that across the school, we’re just trying harder to keep those phones from being distractions,” Ms. Vogel said.
Others had neutral reactions to the new phone policy. “A lot of my classmates…don’t really want to be on their phones in class anyway. [Never] in my classes have I ever actually seen a teacher, like, pull out a paper bag and put someone’s phone in it,” Ewig said.
Additionally, RM introduced new bathroom and hallway regulations, which include a phone-free system for using the restroom. Many students found the phone pass system much more convenient and efficient, but for adults in the building, this new hallway policy makes certain things much easier.
“I was not totally sure about the kiosks at first, but it’s become pretty smooth,” Ms. Anderson said. “So I think that in terms of the backing policies that have been out the last few years, this one seems to be the most effective one, and I’m noticing students do come back faster.”
For security, especially, the bathroom system is a welcome change for monitoring students. “The hallway tracking list is very helpful in keeping kids in class, taking care of the amount of time students leave class and how long they’ve been out,” security guard Tajane White said.
Although the new policies may feel overwhelming to many, there are many strategies and resources that students can take advantage of. “Take a deep breath. Talk to your teachers if you want help with anything…I think there’s still plenty of grace that can be given and and just do your best,” Ms. Vogel said.
Despite student concerns about the year ahead, Ewig also said the school is very open to feedback and encourages involvement through Student Government and other outlets.
“I know that this grading policy…it’ll prepare us more for like the real world,” Ewig said. “If you like are really passionate about one of these issues, you could definitely try and talk to somebody and potentially impact a change.”
