Big changes Tuesday at Rio Grande HS

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque Public School administrators have been working nearly around the clock to set new schedules for students at Rio Grande High School. For some students, that could mean a change to their grade levels.

Late last week, a letter went out to parents that said some students may be dropped a grade because they don't have the right amount of credits. The letter added fuel to the on-going fire at the school about scheduling. Over the summer, the school's new principal, Cynthia Challberg-Hale, decided schedules had to be changed around because some students, particularly juniors and seniors, were not getting the courses they needed to graduate.

On Labor Day, a small group of top APS administrators met at the high school to go over Tuesday's plan-of-action to get students started on their new schedules. The plan is for students to go to their first class Tuesday on their old schedules and then they will be called to the gym and given new schedules. By fourth period, all students should finally be headed to the right classes.

"These teams have been working morning and night up until 11:30 and 1 o'clock in the morning and getting up and doing it again," APS Chief Academic Officer Linda Sink said.

Some students may also get the unsetting news Tuesday that they have been downgraded to a lower grade.

"There's going to be a number of students who are going to be surprised to find out they are a sophomore and not a junior because they've been basing it on the number of years they've been coming to Rio Grande High School and not on credits," Sink explained. "That's really dangerous because they need to know the credits that they have."

Students who have been dropped a grade can either make up for lost time during this school year, through summer school, or they may have to take another semester to catch up. That will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Students with questions can see a counselor next week.

As for Tuesday, Sink said they are prepared as possible.

"You get as organized as you can, but as we've learned along the way you might have to put out some fires during the day tomorrow but that's our job," Sink said.

A handful of teachers are also finding out they will be teaching a different subject or class due to these changes.