On April 19, MCPS announced that fourth quarter grades would be assigned on a pass/incomplete scale. Superintendent Jack Smith explained, “We have determined that a traditional grading system based on percentages and letter grades will not serve the best interests of all students during this period of online learning.” According to a presentation to the school board, MCPS leaders are also leaning toward assigning pass/incomplete grades for the second semester, though the idea

Junior Sophia Rankin fell in love with dancing when she was five years old. It was the day of her first competition, and Rankin had driven to a venue just outside Philadelphia. One of her competitors had been recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite the diagnosis, she came out on stage in crutches and danced her routine to the best of her ability. The judge awarded her with a first-place trophy at the end of the competition. At that moment, Rankin found something s