Students attending Wareham Public Schools might have to get their grades up a bit if they want to participate in extracurricular activities in the future.

After a lengthy discussion Wednesday, the School Committee decided to consider a policy to prohibit students who fail a class or classes from participating in after-school activities.

Committee member Michael Flaherty, who raised the issue, said he found it “unacceptable” that a student could fail a class and still participate.

“Once I found out about it, I couldn’t believe it,” said Flaherty. “I’d like to open it up and get people’s thoughts on having a zero-tolerance policy . . . whether it’s sports or chess or whatever.”

“I completely agree with you,” said committee member Geoff Swett referring to Flaherty’s previous comments.

“I’m for high standards, but I’m also for second chances,” said Committee Chair Clifford Sylvia.  “Whatever we decide to do, there have to be safety nets—there has to be a policy for a one-time mess-up.”

After discussion, the Committee decided to explore the current policy and potential changes and to include Wareham High Principal Scott Palladino, Athletic Director Ed Rodrigues, and other parties involved in the discussion.

According to the Wareham High School Student Code of Conduct for the 2013-14 school year, a student must pass six major subjects each quarter of school in order to be eligible to participate in sports at Wareham High School. No requirements are listed for other extra-curricular activities.

They way it stands now, a student could fail two classes and still be eligible, as each student takes eight classes per quarter.

Swett said that although Wareham’s requirements are higher than the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s, he still feels Wareham’s students should be held to a higher standard. “I feel that participation would be equally as good and grades would improve.”

Nicole Russo, student representative to the School Committee, spoke up to say: “I agree with pretty much everything that’s been said—and I agree with a safety net, a probational period, some repercussion.  [Students should] get a chance, but there wouldn’t be so many chances so that the policy is not even there.”

Sylvia suggested that a sub-committee be formed to explore and discuss potential changes. He also noted that no changes could be made for the upcoming fall sports season, as teams have already begun to practice and were still subject to the current standards.

Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood said that she already has an open-forum meeting set up for Sept. 15, and asked that School Committee members and others attend that meeting to further discuss their options regarding the matter going forward.