Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Imagine this: it’s the end of the nine weeks, you’re struggling to get the best grade you can get. You’re turning in work, taking tests, and it’s all to get that perfect grade. What is the one thing you need the most during that time? Yes, I’m talking about MMS. As we neared the end of the first quarter, many students started to think about the dreaded question: “What did I get on my report card?” For most students, good grades are a way to make sure they stay on their parents’ good side for the next nine weeks. But for juniors and seniors, grades can mean getting into the college of their choice. So what is a worried student to do? Of course the answer is to check MMS. But to their surprise, some subjects may not have been updated for over a month! The only alternative is to wait until the grades are updated, and by then it may be too late. MMS can be a great tool for students and parents alike to keep track of progress, not just at the end of the marking period, but all year long. It is a great way to check when assignments are due, and even when tests are scheduled. Alas, it is only beneficial when students use it. In this same way, it only works when teachers keep it current and up-to-date, which seems to be a slight problem here in the high school. Being a student, I tend to only see one side of the dilemma. Maybe the system is not user-friendly for teachers, making it hard to make sure all assignments and grades are entered promptly and correctly. But teachers are not the only ones to blame; some students don’t use MMS at all, so teachers who enter grades consistently still have students who have no clue about their grade in that class. I encountered my first problem with MMS just this year. While looking at one of my grades, I noticed that there was a big fat zero for one assignment. Knowing I turned it in but still worried about my grade, I emailed the teacher in panic. I later found out that there was a problem with the MMS program. Just as students are expected to have their assignments handed in on time, it would be nice for teachers to meet those same expectations concerning grading. How can a student bring up a low grade if the grades are only updated after the quarter ends? It makes the system seem useless. Don’t get me wrong, most teachers do a great job at keeping MMS current, and because of this, I will continue to use it. But more students need to use this program. I personally think MMS is a good tool, but I feel that it could be a great tool when used properly by students and teachers alike.