Ridgefield denies graduation plea

by morpheus maximus : 6/5/09 12:09pm - Report Abuse

Good. She had ample enough time to satisfy ALL requirements.......L A Z Y

by mike martin : 6/5/09 12:25pm - Report Abuse

Why would she want to walk through graduation, when in fact she has not met the standards to graduate. Why have standards if their not going to be abided by?

by big surprise : 6/5/09 12:26pm - Report Abuse

She shouldn't be able to graduate. She obviously can't count, being as that she is one credit short. It's okay, though. She'll be yet another student at Clark College going to school on my tax dollars, even though she can't graduate from high school.

by Jacob Rhodes : 6/5/09 12:28pm - Report Abuse

So it sounds like she had the opportunity to augment the score, but instead she spent a month arguing with the district over their requirements. Did she think she was special or something? I don't get why this is even a news story.

by Dr. No : 6/5/09 12:30pm - Report Abuse

Ah, yes, those life lessons of the real world. If or when you attend college, these "rules and requirements" become for more stringent. Then as you move on with your career and progress in life, it only gets worse, unfortunately. However, if you keep yourself ahead of the curve, maintain awareness of your surroundings, these little gaffes can be avoided. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and not call you "lazy," but make this situation a learning experience and move on. You have every right to make your case, but remember, rules are rules, and attending your commencement is a privilege that is earned by those who have fulfilled the requirements to graduate school (despite your other examples of leniency, which should not happen in our public schools).

by The Black Hand : 6/5/09 12:32pm - Report Abuse

Just so. No comment needed.

by opprox : 6/5/09 1:13pm - Report Abuse

I am astonished at the previous comments that are posted. These comments come across as hard-hearted and strict black and white thinking. This young woman was side tracked by illness in her early years of high school and has worked hard to get this far. One credit could be completed by the end of summer as the state sets that as the end time to complete the year. To not allow someone to walk with their class after they have tried faithfully to get this far is emotionally damaging. I feel sorry for the loved ones and family members of the writers previous comments. It must be unbearable to live with such bitter, mean small minded people.Hang in their Skyler, life can be successful withoutbeing narrow minded.

by Dr Who : 6/5/09 1:14pm - Report Abuse

boo freaking hoo... I know 5 people who almost didn't graduate because of a few points but kept taking the test every chance they got and finally passed... If you don't have it, you don't graduate.

by J K : 6/5/09 1:15pm - Report Abuse

It is upsetting that schools allow people to walk who "almost" qualify. There's a line. If you pass, you pass. If not, you don't. Allowing Skylar to walk would be a slap in the face to all of the students who DID earn their diploma.

by J K : 6/5/09 1:16pm - Report Abuse

I've got to add that I'm not even sure why this made the news . . . especially as a top-of-the-page story.

How's this for a headline . . . . "LOCAL DROPOUT CLAIMS WORLD IS UNFAIR"

by East County : 6/5/09 1:18pm - Report Abuse

I don't even understand what the argument she's making is. Is it just that one point shy is 'close enough?' That turning in extra projects too late to have them reviewed in time is 'close enough?'

I feel like there must be more, like some extenuating circumstance that the writer neglects to clarify. Was there no firm due date communicated for the extra projects, perhaps? Were the overall rules communicated in a fuzzy or contradictory way?

If 'close enough' is the entire argument, then I guess what I'm most confused by is how this merits coverage. Bad editorial decision.

by Penny Schinke : 6/5/09 1:23pm - Report Abuse

Just another case of "but not my child/baby/darling". This mother must be a charter member in the "no child 'loses'; every child gets a trophy, even for coming in last" club. And then they wonder why their child just has no "incentive" when they get out into the world...or they expect advancement in life where none has been achieved. OMG, we must not let these Mommy's darlings feel the vulgar realities of life.

by The Black Hand : 6/5/09 1:26pm - Report Abuse

I'm reminded of a wise old Russian drill sergeant I once had who was quite fond of saying:

"You know what they say in the Polish Army, don't you?.

"Toughski Poopski."

by jim boot : 6/5/09 1:28pm - Report Abuse

doubt if we know the whole story... as usual. Could be the fault of any number of 'mis-communications' on both sides. Life happens, maybe 'next life' will be more fair (doubt it)

by big surprise : 6/5/09 1:30pm - Report Abuse

I'm with you, JK! I smell an upcoming Onion Article!

by Dr. No : 6/5/09 1:39pm - Report Abuse

Opprox makes a fair point in regards to the health issue and I'm certain that was brought up when her case was make. However, it didn't appear that the condition of this health issue was a large enough factor for the school board to allow for the leniency. Perhaps instead of considering me "bitter," "mean," and "small-minded," maybe that feeling of resent should be aimed at the school board who made that decision?

by Penny Schinke : 6/5/09 1:45pm - Report Abuse

Oh puh-leeze! Is this mother going to be a "helicopter mom" for the rest of her daughter's life? Welcome to the real world, Skylar....it gets tougher after high school....

by Mark Hatfield : 6/5/09 1:51pm - Report Abuse

"I can't believe they're doing this," Theresa Jones said. She's been arguing with the school board to allow her daughter to walk for a month.

Could be the fault of any number of 'mis-communications' on both sides.

If participating in commencement is so critically important, she should have worked harder and given herself a cushion. Lesson learned.

by M Johnson : 6/5/09 2:02pm - Report Abuse

Wow, for once I agree totally with the habitual nay-sayers in here. Rules are rules. Graduation actually means something and it should mean that graduates have actually completed the requirements to graduate! "Walking" with her class will mean less as she gets older, but actually getting that high school diploma (with the one remaining credit satisfied) is what should really matter to this young woman and her family. Jeez. Life is tough. It does get tougher after high school. Enabling her by "defending her right" to graduate without the requirements is simply irresponsible on the parent's part. Teaches her that life somehow "shouldn't" have rules. Too bad young lady. Buck up. Getting your high school diploma is what really matters, not "walking" with your classmates if you haven't done everything they have done.

by gma of 3 : 6/5/09 2:10pm - Report Abuse

I say, put in the work like everyone else has to. I agree with JK. It would be a big slap in the face for every single classmate that did do the work and pass the tests. If she doesn't have enough credits to walk this year, how about next year?

by JR G : 6/5/09 2:11pm - Report Abuse

If you can't pass the WASL and/or fulfill the other requirements, you shouldn't be rewarded with the opportunity to walk with the graduating class. You are not graduating! This is the reward each student get for all the work they've put in since kindergarten.

Ms. Jones, this is not news. You are embarrassing your daughter and yourself. Your daughter needs to suck it up. Finish school and move on to the next step.

by Kay B : 6/5/09 2:13pm - Report Abuse

If she didn't meet the requirements then she shouldn't be able to graduate. That's a life lesson. Life in the real world is tough and that's how it goes - if you don't do the work then you don't get the rewards.

by USMCbrat : 6/5/09 2:22pm - Report Abuse

She's had 2 school years since her sophomore year to make up for whatever she missed due to her illness. She's also had well over a year since taking the WASL, if she only turned the projects in "several weeks ago" she should have thought about turning them in LAST school year so that they could have been graded LAST summer.

I messed up my sophomore year of high school and took extra classes my entire junior and senior year to make up for it so that I could graduate with my class. Hard work is rewarded, waiting until the last minute isn't.

Too bad for her.

by Kathy Davis : 6/5/09 2:40pm - Report Abuse

What a incredible supportive community you have there!

by Kathy Davis : 6/5/09 2:53pm - Report Abuse

The support of the community is breath taking!

by whitejosh007 : 6/5/09 2:58pm - Report Abuse

well first of all as a high school student.i think its pretty funny someone is not telling the truth here.secondly, she can get a high school deploma from the state deploma with a passing of 19 crd.(just means she does not get the walk)

this link tells it all

http://www.k12.wa.us/GraduationRequirements/GradRequirements.aspx

by J K : 6/5/09 3:14pm - Report Abuse

By the time you're a sophomore, you ought to be able to pass the WASL. It's actually an embarrasingly low bar.

Here's a sample math question from the state's website:

You drive 100 miles in the first 2 hours, and 200 more miles in the next 5 hours. What was your approximate average speed? A) 40 MPH; B) 43 MPH; C) 45 MPH; D) 50 MPH

If you can't answer that question, you shouldn't be graduating.

by Norman Smiley : 6/5/09 4:14pm - Report Abuse

J K,

I hate to say it, but I'm guessing plenty of college grads would have trouble identifying a weighted mean problem, let alone solving for the answer correctly. That's just one more reason to agree with you completely. It's time to get tough and stop passing people through the system just for showing up.

by Jacob Rhodes : 6/5/09 4:20pm - Report Abuse

Kathy Davis, which part should we be more supportive about? The fact that she procrastinated on the makeup projects or that she whined to the Columbian when she didn't get her way?

by angie wallace : 6/5/09 4:45pm - Report Abuse

I dont feel bad for the girl. She should have gotten her "stuff" together long before the day of graduation!
Tell her mother to stop trying to blame everyone else and look in a mirror!

by DeEtte Kapustka : 6/5/09 4:48pm - Report Abuse

Here's an idea - actually READ the article. She did her work and turned it in - the state just hasn't graded it.

by DeEtte Kapustka : 6/5/09 4:50pm - Report Abuse

And if you actually READ the article you will see that the issue is that the school is letting others who have also not met the requirements WALK in the ceremony (about 30 fast start students who have not finished classes at Clark and an international student who hasn't even taken the test). Maybe all of you should take a reading test - you clearly wouldn't pass either.

by The Black Hand : 6/5/09 4:56pm - Report Abuse

Here's an idea, moron, get that we don't care.

Had she done MORE, SOONER, this wouldn't be an issue.

by Dr. No : 6/5/09 5:03pm - Report Abuse

Do you know what "supportive community" means, Kathy? I am very supportive and wish the best for this young woman. However, I also support a higher standard for our schools. Schools (K-12) these days are nothing more than diploma factories. What ever happened to subjects like civics? I don't know. Unfortunately everyone (including me) is too busy to micromanage the people that prepare and educate our youth for the future. Someday, maybe we'll have a solution for this mess and won't be lagging behind other developed countries in public education.

by K Gero : 6/5/09 5:06pm - Report Abuse

Couldn't pass the WASL, couldn't complete the credits, timing was off, others had the chance to walk...

Just wait until she hits college. This is nothing compared to college, young lady. Mommy won't be able to hold your hand and talk your way through the big league. You will be all by your little self.

"Congratulations to Skylar Jones!!!" You have just entered the big school of Hard Knocks. Welcome to the real world.

by DeEtte Kapustka : 6/5/09 6:20pm - Report Abuse

Gero - She did get her credits. Again, READ the article. YOU clearly don't get it. Most schools let Seniors walk in commencement and get their diploma in the summer when they have to finish a class, test, etc. Skylar has finished all of those. Her augmented test is sitting with the state now. They won't grade it until September when she will get her one point and then her diploma. The big issue is consistency. If the school would have said all kids who are not complete can't walk - great, so be it. But they let over 30 of them walk. Running start kids have not finished their classes and are not "complete" per their policy. The only thing Ridgefield Board and Principal have been consistently is inconsistent.

by BJ Davey : 6/5/09 6:27pm - Report Abuse

Here's a sample math question from the state's website:

You drive 100 miles in the first 2 hours, and 200 more miles in the next 5 hours. What was your approximate average speed? A) 40 MPH; B) 43 MPH; C) 45 MPH; D) 50 MPH

JK: Will this drive be accross the new I-5 bridge or the existing one? And will I have to pay a toll?

by Michael Bailey : 6/5/09 6:31pm - Report Abuse

The ever popular no child left behind act...The good ol' WASL tests. The school districts pick and choose who walks and who doesn't. If you are almost passing, or almost at the passing line...You should get a piece of paper that reads "sucks to be you!" I hope Skylar Jones does walk. Walks her butt to the nearest lawyer's office and sues the crap out of them for discrimination!!

by chick talks : 6/5/09 6:36pm - Report Abuse

I say let this girl walk. She did the work but wont get the results till August. I think Mom made somebody mad to be honest with you.

Let the girl walk but dont give the diploma till she gets the results. Why damage this girl? Give her the memory she's worked so hard to obtain. If this were any of your daughters you would all be saying the same thing I am.

Please let the young woman walk.

by John Casey : 6/5/09 6:51pm - Report Abuse

I would like to know what health issue was bad enough to keep her from her studies. When mom called the press it should have been stated. If it was, then the press needs to clarify it. It might have tempered some of the backlash.
We have let school administrators set the bar way to low. Kind of like giving the losing teams trophies to not hurt their feelings. I have seen the quality of WASL testing and it seems to me that they have lowered the bar to make sure everybody passes. We wouldn't need these additional tests if the administration would get the hell out of the way and let the teachers do the job they were hired for. Now they have to spend so much of their time on getting the children up to speed to pass it. I call that babysitting not quality teaching.

by Danielle Hite : 6/5/09 7:00pm - Report Abuse

I can not believe how rude you people are! I am a graduating senior this year and if Skylar went to my school I would be supporting her. Not being able to graduate because you missed the pass level by 1 point is extremely frustrating. You guys are making it sound like she never did anything and is expecting to graduate anyway. You think that this is a "life lesson" or whatever but it's not. You are just being rude. Us seniors have worked ourselves to death trying to graduate. You wouldn't understand because all you had to do in order to graduate was pass a class. We have to do that plus culminating projects, community service, and much more! Show some respect!

by Hugh Jass : 6/5/09 7:00pm - Report Abuse

Let the girl walk. Sounds like ridgefield has the most strict policy when it comes to graduation. Shes obviously going to get her diploma sooner or later. So why would you take this away. Your not just taking this from her, think about her mother. I know all your parents would have been very upset if this was the case. And dont give me some BS answer like "well i studied i did this i did that" Everyone of you who said or thinks she should not be allowed to walk are a joke. Whats it matter to you anyways?

by K Gero : 6/5/09 7:30pm - Report Abuse

DeEtte Kapustka: No, you don't get it. Maybe you need to read more closely. She didn't get the last credit yet. Her projects will be graded in August. You do not graduate until you have the passing grades. Ridgefield SD has it set up that way, live with the policy or ******* your little behind and do something about it.

Rather than lollygagging around through the school years, she should have worked more diligently towards her future. Parents need to be more strict with their children regarding their education as it is vital to get anywhere in life. The picture painted here in the article is that Mommy has been pushing for the school district to move her daughter out of the school system prematurely. My kids, all three of them, worked their backsides off and graduated ON TIME, with WASL testing and the whole shebang and graduated with honor cords. Why did this happen to them and not her? Because they worked themselves nearly to death to achieve the best they could. To walk at graduation is an honor, not a social status for classmates to gather and say Ha Ha, good riddance school - time for the all night party!!! So what if she misses graduation this year! This is a good lesson for her and maybe will give her the incentive to accomplish anything when she puts her mind to it.

Danielle Hite: Saying you missed a pass level by 1 point may sound frustrating, but what about you seniors who busted your back sides and managed to pull well ahead of that brink of failure? This is not an issue of rudeness, it is an issue of policy which would be unfair to the students who did work hard to earn the diploma and to earn the rights to walk on graduation night. If you think high school is difficult, wait until you enter college, sweetie. Then you will definitely know where I am coming from. End of Lesson.

Now if the Ridgefield School District allows her to walk, then that is their decision. But I stand on my opinion that she should wait until her projects are graded. It will all work out in the end and she will still get her diploma.

by K Gero : 6/5/09 7:35pm - Report Abuse

So if she had health issues in her Sophomore year, why is there nothing mentioned about summer class make ups during the other two years or take-home assignments from school? Some school districts allow assignments to be continued while recuperating from illnesses and will also bend the rules regarding extended illnesses and number of school hours attended. So why haven't we heard anything about that? Was it not provided through RSD?

by J Smith : 6/5/09 8:08pm - Report Abuse

This article is pointless.
What does this tell the next person who misses a point? or two?
or three? That if they barely graduate high school, and have their mother complain to the Columbian that they can still walk?
being able to walk should be a privilege.

Also, as a high school junior, i took the WASL my sophomore year.
Of course it was a complete waste of time, but it was not difficult
at all. Also, if you fail any part of the WASL, you still have your
junior year, senior year or the option to re take it in the summer.

honestly, if you can't pass the WASL or the classes that you take
for not passing the WASL, you should not graduate.

by PEARLJAM 550 : 6/5/09 8:36pm - Report Abuse

ya gotta keep up with the herd and follow the rules.
any summer school completed? tutoring sessions attended?
why turn in projects so late in the year?
2 years to get it together?
where was mom? was mom pushing for catching up on missed/late/failed classes/assignments? mom too busy to help?
wasl is so easy for the average kid to pass,even the special-ed kids where im an aide in high school took it and they did ok.
come on,no more excuses..no more complaining,face the facts.
take responsibility for your actions or the lack thereof.

by Morpheus Maximus : 6/5/09 8:56pm - Report Abuse

DeEtte Kapustka are you able to read and comprehend?
It doesn't look like it.
Do what K Gero suggests....re-read the article than you will see the truth.

by Hugh Jass : 6/5/09 9:21pm - Report Abuse

She came up one point short on those alternatives and was invited to submit additional projects to "augment" her score. Only students who come close to the passing line may augment their scores.
Skylar submitted the projects several weeks ago, which will be graded in August at the state schools office.


Its not like she waited till the end of school. She came up one point short and they said she could do this. So she did. She should be able to walk. All of you who say otherwise get a life. Nothing better to do than tell a girl who is 17 she doesnt get to be apart of graduation?

K Gero your a ***** who needs to stop living your life on the columbian. Lesson over

by Hugh Jass : 6/5/09 9:22pm - Report Abuse

gero why dont you just call Ridgefield High school and give us the inside scoop

by Kathy Davis : 6/5/09 11:30pm - Report Abuse

Dear Ridgefield School District, Board Members, Ridgefield High School Principal and staff,
Today should be a sad day in your districts life. As adults and educators it's our duty to encourage and to see that our students and children succeed, isn't it? And its the students duty to meet the requirements for graduation, which this student did.Really what did you gain from this exercise, by not allowing Skylar to walk with the other students? Of coarse she would not have been given a diploma until the state assesses her test and grants her the ONE point that she is lacking. High schools and universities all over the country allow people to participate in ceremonies prior to completion of units as long as the student is on track to graduate. Skylar was on track, she was lacking ONE point. Ultimately it is the students responsibility to complete the requirement to obtain their diploma.
What did you gain or hope to gain by this exercise? Just the ability to manipulate and control a 18 year old student's ability to walk in a graduation ceremony? Thats impressive! You should all be ashamed of yourselves personally and professionally. To take away the one time that this student will ever be able to participate in her graduation ceremony with her classmates. Once again...this student has completed all requirements, she has done as was asked of her in a timely fashion and now is at the mercy of the state. The state with reconvene in late summer and will then score her test. Skylar is a caring individual, who would not do anything to hurt anyone in her community. Skylar will rise from this and she will be a far more caring and compassionate human being,unlike the educators that she has been exposed too. I understand that this district has a history of cold, heartless treatment of their students. A few years ago, a student who was terminally ill was denied participating in the graduation, he was lacking credits, HE WAS DYING!!!!! He died and didn't have the chance to celebrate his high school years. Skylar is this doesn't cause some of those sleep, you don't stand a chance!
Sleep well Ridgefield, knowing a legacy you have left in their heart and mind of a student as she travels into our world.

by K Gero : 6/6/09 5:59am - Report Abuse

Hugh Jass: In your crass way, you always have the ability to befit your name with a little tweaking of letters. It is too bad that you think I live my very fulfilled life on the Columbian. As everyone else has the ability to voice their opinions and concerns, I do too. If you notice, I waited until well into the comment list to voice my opinion. I did not jump in and shout it out. When another poster voices disregard to my statement, I will respond whether your comment policing efforts attempt to regulate me. There was a falsification on the part of another poster and I will correct it. As a former school employee in Clark County, I witnessed many students who went through what Skylar is enduring. There were ways to correct this unfortunate situation that could have been curbed long before her senior year. She had illnesses which prevented her from performing the WASL on time in her Sophomore year. She had two more years to complete what she needed to graduate on time. Our education system is lacking the abilities to keep up with the rest of the world. If we allow everyone to finish early by barely passing the margin, what does that say for the future leaders of our country? Do we want to continue down our political road by students who barely passed? Did you see the national article on yahoo about the 12-year-old who is graduating from a university? Our children have the potential to do their very best in life. This is not a prime example in any way, shape or form. Parents cannot come to the rescue every waking day of their adult child's life, and their daughter is considered an adult at the age of 18. Think before you speak Hugh Jass. Furthermore, Hugh Jass, I am not only sharing comments here - I read other opinions, take into consideration what others have to say, share these other opinions and take action in the community by voicing my concerns directly to those who lead the local government and am physically involved with the community in a productive manner. What have you done in Clark County lately to improve the quality of living?

by Corn Tooth : 6/6/09 7:34am - Report Abuse

This chatroom is no fun

by Cindy Cleveland : 6/6/09 9:40am - Report Abuse

The Columbian forgot to add a some important KEY factors here that all readers need to know.
She did take credits else where so that she met graduation requirements. They (Ridgefield School District) is refusing to to let her walk or graduate because the tests won't be scored until September. Okay - so be it, RSD rules. The problem I have is 11 other kids were able to walk and graduate even though the classes at Clark and Running Start don't end until June 14th, and finals have not been taken. So WHY did they allow those kids to walk and graduate? And just so you all know, it was English she failed on the WASL - a few of you that were so negative should learn about the spell check key before you spout off! She is also Dsylectic, something the Great State of Washington doesn't recognize in its "No child left behind" policy when it comes to the WASL. - Syklar, I am so sorry the Ridgefield School District took away one of the most important days of your life, yet turned their cheek to the other 11, hmmm sounds sneaky to me. Research that Columbian! Ridgefield, why don't you worry about who is stealing our tax payers moneys and big issues instead of effecting the life a child that had all B's and C's. I hope she grows up and becomes someone that effects your life with no recorse. Heard of KARMA? It WILL GETT YA!

by delbert greening : 6/6/09 9:59am - Report Abuse

first there were complaints about pupils being passed even when not ready or qualified. now the cry is let her walk, after all she is only one qualifier short of having the magic number. this sounds like almost pregnant, she either met the standard, or she did not......

by Lyn Ngaue : 6/6/09 11:52am - Report Abuse

Ok whiners,tell me:


What is wrong with you people? Whining because "your tax dollars..." "she had time..." blah blah blah. Of course your lives function so perfectly under such flawless judgement that you couldn't possibly relate. A mere mortal mistake? Heavens no, this would NEVER happen in YOUR family!

A girl that was so ill in her sophmore year that she partially lost her eye sight,lost much school time,did her best to make it up and DID but it "won't be graded until August".

My question is: "why WON'T it be graded until August? For the sake of one, ONE point, WHY could it not have been assumed that she earned AT LEAST THAT with the submission of the extra work?

My most profound question of all: WHAT is wrong with ALL YOU PEOPLE who ***** and judge and whine and cry about the fact that your neighbor's daughter, despite adverse circumstances she has had to overcome, can actually walk missing (*gasp*) one credit?

You all act like you're afraid she's going to "get" something you or your kid won't. Like she's getting a "freebie", a "pass", but gawd forbid, most of all, ANY-thing at all. Because you are an incredibly selfish person, all of you, and she BETTER NOT get anything YOU can't!

Waaaaaaaaa! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Your kids are all out there boozing and drugging and tagging and huffing and drunk driving and stealing....but BY GOD they had that ONE POINT served up on GRADUATION DAY!

This is what 8 years of George Bush has done to the mentality in this country.

by K Gero : 6/6/09 12:33pm - Report Abuse

Cindy Cleveland: The word is "dyslexic," and I have relatives with the same condition who graduated ON TIME WITH HONORS. Not an excuse. Nowadays, dyslexia is recognized at an early age. My relative's wasn't discovered until after graduation.

Lyn Ngaue: Since you seem to know so much about her, did she attend summer make-up classes? Did she receive additional education outside of the school program from a place like Sylvan to aid her in the most important needs of education in American Society understanding the concepts of English? Did she stay home nights and weekends studying instead of hanging out with her cronies? You are generalizing all opposing posters on this site as parents of kids who are all out there boozing, drugging, tagging, huffing, drunk driving and stealing - quote/unquote - without anything to substantiate your claims. Everyone who has read this article as it was presented has made their opinions known about this situation. As long as they allowed the Columbian to present this article, Mother and Daughter have allowed themselves to hear the opinions of Clark County AND beyond. Sorry honey, but this ain't no beauty pageant world. Facts are facts and rules are rules. It has nothing to do with Bushisms. Welcome to the REAL WORLD.

She will still graduate IF her grades are passing for the crucial final point. She can still attend the graduation to show support for her friends as her friends will her, too. Her fellow classmates can share words for support and know they see her as a graduate as her family would too.

by Penny Schinke : 6/6/09 12:44pm - Report Abuse

OMG....now we're blaming former President Bush for this girl's problems....geezus...

by j l : 6/6/09 2:36pm - Report Abuse

Ridgefield High has always been inconsistent. There was the year that the Valedictorian cheated on her Senior Project; everyone knew it and they still allowed her to walk and to be Valedictorian. Then there was the year they decided that a school board member's daughter could be Salutorian although she hadn't earned that position. If they can do that they surely could have let this girl walk on her graduation day.

by DeEtte Kapustka : 6/6/09 2:49pm - Report Abuse

Hey Gero (or should we say zero?) Since I actually do know Skylar (you obviously don't) she DID take extra courses to make up all of her classes, which WERE ALL FINISHED ON TIME. Her one point (not a credit) was on a test that the she augmented and is waiting to be graded. The point you continue to miss is that all the running start kids got to walk before they finished their classes. Do you in your opinion think they should have been able to? And if so, how in the world is that fair? Graduation requires two things: courses completed and tests passed before graduation night. They did not complete their classes and she did not pass her test. So why should they walk and she should not? That is the inconsistency and unfairness.

by K Gero : 6/6/09 4:27pm - Report Abuse

j l: Obviously the parents have to fight the district en masse, not just one parent and one student!

DeEtte Kapustka: You are absolutely right. I do not know Skylar. One thing I must ask you is regarding the running start students. Does the school district have a date limit designated for the Running Start students who by the way have their feet in the door at college due to the fact they qualified with their COMPASS testing? There is quite a margin of difference here in that failing WASL and augmenting it with projects and comparing it to those in Running Start. In Running Start, high school juniors and seniors have the opportunity to take college-level classes at community colleges to fulfill high school diploma requirements while also earning college credits. Participants in Running Start must have qualifying scores on the writing, reading and college algebra COMPASS tests prior to enrolling. (That is a College Entrance Examination for Clark College. I even had to take it at 45 years old before entering Clark.) So you can hardly compare the two. If you don't believe me, check out the Clark College website. As far as I am concerned, if the Running Start students complete their programs in June and have shown consistently good grades in college-level classes, then I state emphatically YES qualified Running Start students should graduate as they are already ahead of the curriculum at Ridgefield High.

by K Gero : 6/6/09 4:31pm - Report Abuse

One more thing DeEtte: Doesn't Ridgefield High School allow students once they have earned the number of credits necessary to graduate? It isn't a course completed, it is the number of credits completed. College-level classes qualify as credits. Although I cannot state for sure this year as I know things have changed over and over again, certain employment also earns credits for classes. If there is anybody out there who can verify this, it would be good information for future graduates to know this also.

by Tri Lo : 6/6/09 4:32pm - Report Abuse

Its not like she is the 1st person to EVER end up being just 1 point away from graduating. If they let her walk then who else will feel they should walk too? First its letting her walk, then its lowering the standards for the next year and goes downhill from there. You have 4 years of HS. Its spelled out for you from the beginning what the expectations are. You know what it takes to graduate. Figure out how to live with the consequences of the wrenches life throws in your way of reaching the goal and get there. Don't use the "wrench" as a crutch. One point away or not, she had her chance.

by Morpheus Maximus : 6/6/09 5:52pm - Report Abuse

Maybe the stars weren't aligned properly these last couple of years for her. If they where I would imagine she could have finished her friggin requirements to graduate!

by DeEtte Kapustka : 6/6/09 6:00pm - Report Abuse

To graduate under Ridgefield school policies, you have to complete all your required courses prior to graduation. I have read both last year and this years policies. The classes the running start students take go towards (and actually replace) the credits they would otherwise receive in high school. If they fail their final classes, they would not have the necessary credits and would then not receive their high school diploma. The only difference between them and Sky is they will finish late June and she will finish in September. An international exchange student also participated - who clearly will never graduate. Again, that is what is unfair. Either they follow their policy for all or they don't follow it for all. Either is fine by me, but they have to (by law) be consistent.

All Vancouver schools let these summer graduates walk.

by K Gero : 6/6/09 6:53pm - Report Abuse

DeEtte: Now I ask you this regarding the international exchange student. Was the diploma the exchange student an actual bonified, documented diploma to be utilized in the USA as proof of completion and able to be utilized globally or was this merely a training issue for the student to experience an American Graduation and a token diploma? In Europe, many students graduate from what is equivalent to 12th grade here but at the age of 16. So most likely, your FES was already graduated in a more advanced stage in their homeland. Secondly, one thing you must understand about college is the grading system is different from the high schools. By the end of May, many of them have already earned enough points to at least pass the class. The rest of the class they take will determine exactly where the level of passage is whether it be a 76%, 80% or above depending on their grades at the time of Ridgefield's day of determining who graduates. So in essence, the Running Start students will have already passed their classes if and only if their grades are at a certain percentage. Also, their credits they earn not only go towards high school, they also go towards the necessary credit hours to complete a program at the college. I want to stress something very important here to you and all parents of students in the Clark County area and that is if enough of the parents got together and sat down with administrators with WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION and I stress that tremendously as nothing would be taken seriously otherwise, the Ridgefield School District would have no choice but to listen to the parents' grievances and requests for change as long as it is under the parameters of the State of Washington. To be honest, I am really surprised they aren't allowing Skylar to walk. She just would not have her actual diploma and graduate status until grades are finalized. Sometimes things just aren't fair, no matter what.

by The Black Hand : 6/6/09 8:04pm - Report Abuse

Lyn Ngaue, infected with Bush Derangement Syndrome, lacks the reading comprehension skills required to understand that only one side of this issue is whining and sniveling.

Like most leftists, she/he/it excels in the science of victimhood.

Here's a clue.

For whatever the reason, this girl failed to have everything completed in a timely manner and as a result, she will not be graduating.

Tough.

She WILL get over it.

I had to skip my college graduation as a result of a military schooling conflict. I, along with every other grad, was sent my diploma 6 weeks after graduation... where, at the ceremony, everyone received empty diploma folders. I got over it (In about 10 seconds) and so will this girl.

Here's the simplest solution: don't like Ridgefield school district policies or decisions?

Then move somewhere else.

But the idiocy of turning her into some kind of martyr... of even making this a story in a newspaper (as if it actually was news, which it isn't) cannot be overstated.

"Earlier this week, he declined to comment because the Joneses had retained an attorney."

That's when I'd stop talking... or cooperating... or trying to find a compromise... as well.

Get lawyers involved, and the time for talking is over. Then, it becomes the time for fighting.

by Kathy Davis : 6/6/09 8:19pm - Report Abuse

The bottom line in this situation is the Mom in the process of looking into the WASL COE policy dug up the dirt on the school! The school has been out of compliance on the "learning plan" for all of the students in the school district for years. Look it up OSPI web site,(this is a state law not followed by RSD) This has effected past and present students. The learning plans had been completed by the school last November they were in a large binder in the office and never given to students and their parents. After the school was made aware of the discovery by the Mom, all of the sudden the school sent out "learning plans" to everyone just to cover their (.).The plans they did send out were the same for every student...hmmm very suspicious...DON"T YOU THINK?? CAN YOU SAY FALSIFICATION OF LEGAL RECORDS?? TRY IT!!
Yep thats the way to do it RSD. Your principle, superintendent and curriculum director should be fired and the school board should be removed because they are the people responsible, the ones that see that the laws are followed or that is the intention.
SO open your eyes people, get the BIG picture this effects lots of students, not just one. Citizens of Ridgefield step up and make this administration do their job so the next kid (AND IT MIGHT BE YOURS) doesn't have to suffer.
I can almost taste a class action lawsuit!!

by judy francis : 6/6/09 11:38pm - Report Abuse

The young woman is doing what is necessary to earn her diplmona by August. The school district quite likely is holding the action of retaining an attorney against the girl and her mother. It is no secret that school district are insular and quickly label any parent questioning their ways as a rebel and one who must be "stopped". It sounds like Battle Ground and other districts have reached a reasonable compromise. It's time Ridgefield got on board.

by Danielle Hite : 6/7/09 12:36am - Report Abuse

K Gero: I did bust my butt to graduate and to walk across that stage but so did this girl. The state isn't grading her project until August. How does that make sense when we graduate in June? I know that college is going to be tough and so is the real world and blah blah blah. You think I don't here that enough from everyone else. You people are so caught up with everyone needing to be perfect. Everyone just needs to take a chill pill. You only live once so enjoy it while you can. I may only be 18 but I'm not stupid. Don't try to "tech me lessons" on some newspaper website. Good try though =]

by K Gero : 6/7/09 6:38am - Report Abuse

Danuelle Hite: First of all, congratulations for your diligent work and graduating. You are one of the students who other students yet to graduate SHOULD look up to as a peer. You have earned your rights to walk, and with the way the education system is set up - that is remarkable. Nobody wants everone to be perfect and do everything perfectly. This is far from a perfect world. I guarantee you, I am not trying to teach you lessons. I am sharing my opinions and thoughts as you are. I don't care if you are 18 or 81. Did you read my other posts or are you only answering by my direct comments to you? As I stated before and I will state this only one more time. Since there is obviously a communication issue and what sounds to me like preferential treatment at the school district or any district, Parents and Students need to document in writing every shred of evidence in order to go to the school board administrators and fight what they feel is unfair or wrong. (If issues are unresolved, then it is attorney time.) This Mother and Daughter could not fight this alone if their lives depended upon it. I also stated that although they may not let her walk, she should go to the graduation ceremony to support her peers AND her peers have the right in their speeches or any celebration at the graduation to speak on her behalf in supporting her efforts to graduate. Not everyone goes to the all night party. She can attend a party in honor of her efforts as those around her know the situation and will support her in full. She will get her diploma THIS year, although obviously they will give it to her in August. I also stated she should walk, if you had read my other posts. So I would appreciate it if in any future posts you attempt to destructively criticize, you would check out what the other person is saying before such an attack. And yes, this is a difficult life lesson of which both mother and daughter are battling, but it isn't the end of the world. It is the start of her adult future and hopefully, this will make Skylar a much stronger woman who will continue to fight for her rights rather than portraying herself like a poor victim of little Ridgefield School District in littletown USA. You state the quote "You Only Live Once so Enjoy It While You Can." Excellent advice to everyone!)

by K Gero : 6/7/09 7:31am - Report Abuse

Danielle: Sorry about the typo on your first name in my last post - not enough morning coffee today!

by Phil Block : 6/7/09 9:56am - Report Abuse

Good for the school district for standing firm. A requirement is a requirement is a requirement. There are consequences for our behavior and hopefully that's a lesson Ms. Jones learns. Had she walked the commencement wouldn't that be an insult to those students that did their job.

So what's the more rediculous issue here:
a. Ms. Jones thinking she's special.
b. Mom going to the press to further humiliate her daughter.

by Kathy Davis : 6/7/09 10:07pm - Report Abuse

You know Mr Block and the rest of the people who hide behind intials on this site.
Skylar and her Mom are very special. CONGRATS THAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU HAVE GOTTEN RIGHT!!
Another thing you did get wrong, my sister would not humiliate her daughter. The district is the one who should watch out for that!
Be careful not to judge anyone. They are not lazy, they are very hard working people. They both would and have done so much for their community. They have hearts of gold. And a work ethic that I am sure that most of you wouldn't be familiar with.
I agree its not the end of the world, but put your self in their shoes, we have children and we live for those milestones, its heart breaking. I hope none of you ever know the feeling of not being able to see your child walk across that stage.It was heart breaking to listen and know the dissapoinment that my sister,niece, my brother in law and nephews were enduring. Heartbreaking.
Some families never ever get a break, and this is one of the families. They weren't asking for anything to be given to them, nothing that wasn't
earned or worked for. They weren't asking for a diploma, just for their daughter to walk in a ceremony with her classmates. They weren't asking for something to be given to them, just fairness and consistency across the board. Gee and maybe some kindness and compassion.Obviously your community doesn't have that quality about them. How dissapointing for everyone.
And because the games that were played in the district Skylar was denied that time of walking with her class. Inconsistency was the key word here!
The ceremony is over. Its done. I am happy to report that the entire family did survive.
I hope that all you perfect people have a perfect week. And hopefully you won't have any disappointments, something as big as a death or as small as loosing your job.......but heck if you do..I guess you will just have to get over it, no matter how big or small, because that is the society you live in. If something doesn't effect me, it doesn't matter. Thank heavens my community isn't like that!

by delbert greening : 6/8/09 7:15am - Report Abuse

i did not graduate with my class either, i did it four years later after serving in the army. get over it girl, life will go on if you lrt it and ten years from now you will never notice the diferrence. when your class has it tenth reunion, you will be htere along with the rest of your peers , it will be something you can laugh about with them... give it a shot, it will work. good luck to you. oh here ie an irish blessing for you. may your neighbors respect you, may trouble neglect you, may the angels protect you, and may heaven select you.... have a wonderful life.

by Mike Fast : 7/12/09 2:18pm - Report Abuse

"Hey Gero (or should we say zero?) Since I actually do know Skylar (you obviously don't) she DID take extra courses to make up all of her classes"
Deetts: So, if people have a different opinion then you feel it is necessary to call them names? That's a much bigger problem than the actual topic being discussed here. If you are unable to make your point on the merits of your statements then you revert to calling someone a rude name? Actually they may be doing this gal a favor. The minimum wage in Washington is one of if not the highest in the nation. And if she doesn't have a diploma then she won't have a high enough income to move out of your trailer park so you can be BFF forever.