New Grading Scale for The New Modern Monessen

A Better Grading Scale for Brighter Futures

Dear Greyhound Families,

As we continue our mission to modernize Monessen and create an environment where every student can succeed, I’m excited to share an important change we’re implementing beginning this school year: we are updating our grading scale to better support, motivate, and empower our students.

Here’s what’s changing:

  • 90–100% will now be an A

  • 80–89% will now be a B

  • 70–79% will remain a C

  • 60–69% will remain a D

  • 59% and below remains an F

While this may seem like a small shift on paper, it will have a big impact on how students see themselves and their potential. This decision wasn’t made lightly—it’s rooted in a commitment to equity, student motivation, and academic competitiveness.

Why Make the Change?

  1. More Opportunity, Less Punishment
    Under the previous scale, a student who scored an 89.4%—a strong performance by any measure—would receive a B. That can be discouraging, especially when students are working hard and showing deep understanding. This updated scale better recognizes students’ efforts and achievements while still holding them to high standards.

  2. Increased Motivation and Confidence
    Grades should inspire students to grow, not discourage them. By slightly widening the grade bands, we give students a more attainable path to success. Students are more likely to stay engaged, participate in class, and take academic risks when they feel their effort will be fairly rewarded.

  3. A Level Playing Field
    Many neighboring school districts already use this more inclusive grading scale. By aligning ourselves with these practices, our students will now be more competitive when it comes to GPA, college applications, scholarships, and honor societies. They deserve every advantage we can offer—this is a step toward leveling the playing field.

  4. Higher GPAs, Stronger Futures
    Grades are more than just numbers—they can shape the trajectory of a student’s future. This updated scale will help improve overall GPAs, opening doors to more college acceptances, better financial aid packages, and stronger job prospects after graduation.

  5. Bringing Students Back to Monessen
    We also hope that this change sends a clear message to families who have chosen other options: Monessen is evolving, and we want your children back. By creating a grading system that reflects fairness, encourages growth, and mirrors what competitive districts are doing, we believe more families will recognize the value of a Monessen education and return to our community.

A System That Works With Students, Not Against Them

At Monessen, we believe that education is not about labeling students, but about lifting them. Our job is to create systems that encourage learning, celebrate growth, and support the development of the whole child. This new grading scale does exactly that.

As always, we will continue to provide strong academic support and intervention strategies for any student who needs them. This grading shift isn’t about making school “easier”—it’s about making it fairer, smarter, and more student-centered.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a better, brighter future for every Greyhound.

With Greyhound Pride,
Robert Motte
Superintendent
Monessen City School District

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