Hillsborough High principal lays out graduation requirements and attendance rules for Class of 2030 families

Jeff Delo, principal of Hillsborough High School, opened the Class of 2030 academic orientation and reviewed the academic and attendance expectations parents should know as their children begin the transition to high school. “The most important thing for us to share with you this evening is that these are academic area supervisor focused,” Delo said, introducing the content-area speakers who followed.

Delo summarized the district’s graduation requirements: four years of English language arts; three years of math (including algebra and geometry); three years of science, including a lab science; three years of social studies (one year of world history and two years of U.S. history); one year of world language (noting that selective colleges may prefer two to four years of the same language); one year (five credits) in fine visual and performing arts; one year (five credits) in career technical education; a half-year (2.5-credit) financial literacy course; and physical education and health each year of attendance. He also said students must meet required state proficiency assessments in language arts and math or their approved equivalents.

Delo emphasized attendance requirements and academic credit rules: students in full‑year courses must attend at least 90% of class time; a student may have no more than 18 absences in a full year course and no more than eight absences in a semester course, and exceeding those limits can result in a no‑credit status even if the student passes the course. He also noted supports for students with individualized education programs (IEPs), stating that course planning will be IEP driven and that case managers will meet with families to develop a high‑school plan.

Parents were told about freshman transition offers including two summer orientation dates (details to be provided), a peer‑mentorship program, and visits from program representatives and athletic staff — Delo mentioned Athletic Director Mike Davis as one expected visitor to middle schools later in the year. He encouraged families to use the district’s Program of Studies and to contact case managers or content-area supervisors with questions about placement and course sequencing.

The orientation is intended to help families plan a four‑year course sequence that aligns with post‑high‑school goals — whether college, trade programs, military or immediate workforce entry — and to make clear the requirements and pathways that will be used to determine placement and graduation eligibility.