WEB EXTRA: Click here to lawsuit (complaint) filed by the student.

SISSONVILLE, W.Va. (AP) - A top student's failing biology project grade has landed a Sissonville High School teacher and the school system in court.

The parent of a straight-A student is suing teacher Jane Schultz and the Kanawha County Board of Education because the low score hurt the female student's four-point-five G-P-A.

The student, identified as "L-H" in court papers, was given an "F" on a leaf project because she handed it in a day late.

The project deadline was October 17th, but L-H was attending a school-approved student council trip to Jackson's Mill in Lewis County from October 15th to 17th.

J- Michael Ronson -- the student's lawyer -- says the late assignment should be accepted because other absent students, including athletes and those who are suspended under disciplinary action, are allowed to hand in work after they return to school.

Kanawha school board attorney Jim Withrow says the class had ample notice of the assignment and part of going to school is learning to follow the rules.