Fundraising Tickets Bought Students Extra Credit: Ridgewood Mom

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — School district officials are investigating a claim made by a parent that a high school teacher offered extra credit if students purchased tickets to a fundraiser.

Parent Colette Tretola gave an account of what happened to the Board of Education at a meeting Monday. She said the practice is common at the school.

"About six weeks ago, extra credit was given in one of my children's classes in exchange for buying a $20 ticket to a fundraiser," said Tretola, who noted the teacher distributed the announcement. "At the end of the announcement it said, 'When you purchase your ticket forward me your receipt, so I can give you your extra credit.'"

Tretola did not mention the teacher who distributed the announcement, what class it was, or the fundraiser.

Tretola said her child asked the teacher the day before the announcement went out if they could do extra-credit work, but the request was denied because, "the teacher said she didn't give extra credit that late in the quarter.'"

"How it is too late one day to do curriculum work for points, but the very next day you can buy them?" Tretola said.

Tretola said students who purchased the tickets, or let someone else buy the tickets for them, were given extra credit.

Tretola met with the teacher and administrators about the incident.

"I was told that many teachers use these practices, and they are a common way for teachers to offer extra credit," Tretola told the board, but did not specify who told her. "I ask you, what are we teaching our kids?"

Tretola requested the Board of Education enact a policy to keep such a practice from occurring again.

Board of Education President Jeannie Smith-Wilson said during the meeting that some students are awarded credit for attending "learning-related" events, such as a film screening at the library or a presentation.

In a letter to parents and students Tuesday, Ridgewood High School Principal Thomas Gorman said administrators are investigating how teachers administer extra credit in their classes.

"Each teacher and department handles extra credit differently," Gorman said in the letter. "The extra points allotted varies, but in most cases it is quite small when looking at the overall total amount of points a student can accumulate in the quarter."

Gorman gave examples of how teachers have given extra credit in the past, including offering extra problems on a test, completing work that goes beyond the daily requirements of the class, or attending school activities and events beyond school hours.

"Attendance like these contribute to the overall positive culture of the school," Gorman said. "However, the concern over a nominal fee at these events is what has brought this issue to light."

Administrators will be looking at the information collected to determine if a school policy or procedure needs to be in place.

"When we have concluded our investigation, we will be informing you of our findings and if any changes to our policies and procedures will be implemented," Gorman said.

Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said officials "are investigating the issue at this time." He declined further comment.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com