This page will answer questions commonly asked by students and parents.
- Where is homework posted?
- What is the expected homework like?
- What are grades based on?
- How are grades calculated?
- How do I calculate the trimester effort grade?
- What happens if you do not have your basic homework done?
- What is the policy on late work?
- What counts as late work?
- What is the procedure for signed tests?
- What happens if a student is absent?
- What are the expectations/procedures for science lab reports?
- What/When is the best way to reach Mrs. Molchany?
- Is there extra help available?
- Are there extra credit opportunities?
Where is homework posted?
Homework is written on the board in the classroom, it is given verbally, and I update it daily on this website. It is found
under the "Homework" link.
What is the expected homework like?
MATH: There is typically math homework every night for my math classes. The homework should be completed neatly, SHOWING ALL
WORK in the notebook--both for textbook and workbook work.
SCIENCE: Though we don't have science everyday (3-4 times a week) there is typically homework given for every class. This is
usually pages in the workbook, vocabulary flashcards, a worksheet, or questions from the text. There is typically a quiz for every
section we cover. Students are expected to review the content every night.
RELIGION: Religion is lighter on homework since we only have religion three times a week. Homework is typically prayer journal
entries. However, there are many projects--which may be long term.
What are grades based on?
MATH: tests, quizzes, projects, classwork
SCIENCE: tests, quizzes, lab reports, projects, other homework assignments
RELIGION: tests, quizzes, projects, written reflections
ALL: Homework and Effort grades
How are grades calculated?
I base my grades on a point system. Each assignment is worth a certain number of points. The bigger projects and tests are worth
more than smaller assignments or quizzes. For example, science quizzes are usually worth 10-25 points whereas tests are usually
worth 40-60 points. I usually (but not always) write the percent grade on the student's paper calculated by dividing the points
earned by the total points possible. Do not be alarmed if a percent grade on a small assignment is low since the assignment
is not worth that much.
When final grades are calculated, the computer program simply
adds up all the points the student earned divided by the
total possible number of points.
How do I calculate the trimester effort grade?
Effort affects a student's final trimester grade. Every student starts off with 50/50 points in the "effort" category. Every
time the student shows a lack of effort based on my rubric, 2 points are deducted from the student's grade. Effort refers to
the neatness and completeness of work, appropriate and frequent participation in class, focus in class,and following verbal/written directions. I keep track of effort
based on my rubric on a weekly basis in a chart. Periodically I will send an email out with the student's current "effort" grade.
If there are consistent issues, parents will be contacted.
For the full rubric that determines weekly effort grades,
please see the link "Effort Rubric" on the "Back to School
Documents" page.
What happens if you do not have your basic homework done?
All Homework: anytime homework is not done, 5 points are deducted for trimester homework grade. Every student starts off with
100/100 points for their trimester homework grade. This grade heavily affects the trimester grade. If partially done, 1-4 points are deducted
Math Homework: If a student has no homework, he/she loses recess.If the assignment was forgotten at home, he still loses recess and
must bring me the assignment the next day. If he did not do the homework, he must work on it while he is in for recess
6th Grade Science: because I only see this class 2-3 times a week, it is imperative that homework is done. The student will lose
recess if an assignment is not done and complete it at this time.
What is the policy on late work?
Small assignment; (10-20 points) You lose half credit after one day. I will not accept after two days.
Big assignment (20+ points): You lose 5 percentage points a day. I will not accept it after two weeks. two days late, you stay in at recess.
What counts as late work?
Considered Late if: the assignment is not printed out (even if itis on a jump drive) or ready to turn in when collected or you
do not follow directions and do not turn in when asked for it. This includes leaving the assignment in another room. Students should
come to school early or print out the assignment the day before to ensure the printer works and the document opens.
What is the procedure for signed tests?
You have two choices for how you would like to receive grades:
1.) Receive grades via email. You will receive the points possible and the points earned by the student in a ratio. If the student
did "well/good/satisfactory" the subject will say "Excellent Work." If the student did low or lower than ususal the subject will say
"More Effort Needed." Students have quizzes and smaller assignments returned to them so you can ask your child to look at
the paper. I keep bigger papers, projects, and tests on file so you can email me if you would like me to send a copy of the
paper home.
2.) You can continue to sign tests in person. I expect signed papers (not an email later in the day saying it was seen) 2 days
after they are handed back. The student will lose recess until I have the paper returned.
3.) If there is any other way you would like to see grades, pleaselet me know.
What happens if a student is absent?
A student should always bring a note in when he returns from an absence. The homework will be posted on my website. Another student will be assigned to write down the absent student's homework and to collect any papers for the absentee. This information will be left on his/her desk. If a parent comes to pick up the work, this student will also gather the books and bring them down to the office. I expect the student to come up to me to set up a time to meet and go over what was missed. I will gladly meet with the student to go over what he/she missed, but after I do this, the student is expected to make up the work missed.
What are the expectations/procedures for science lab reports?
The class before we have a lab, we will discuss the procedures to make certain the students understand them thoroughly. They will
typically have time to begin their pre-lab report which includes writing a hypothesis, summarizing the procedures,and identifying
the variables. THIS MUST BE COMPLETE BEFORE THE LAB TO PARTICIPATE! If the pre-lab is note complete, the student will
not participate in the lab, will lose recess, will lose 5 points off the lab report score, will need to copy
their assigned group's data collection and complete the lab report just like everyone else.
We perform the lab in a group during class during which they collect data, and the students have some time to discuss their
conclusions.
Though they are in a group, a student's lab report should NOT BE COPIED from another student's work--especially the conclusion!
The group may discuss and collaborate, but the written work should be in each student's own words. Lab reports are a large
grade typically 35-40 points.
This year, there is a new policy. All pre-lab work and actual lab work will be done on loose leaf as a "rough draft." The student
will then neatly write on the formal lab report copy I gave the class. This formal report will be turned in three days after a
lab is finished in class.
What/When is the best way to reach Mrs. Molchany?
The best way to contact me is via email. I check my school email
everyday at school:
cmolchany@smsnarberth.com
Otherwise, you can call the school. I am available after school. Or see my "teacher schedule" link to see when I am free.
Is there extra help available?
Yes, I often work with students at recess if I see they are having trouble understanding a concept/topic. Otherwise I am
willing to meet before or after school any day except Monday mornings and Friday afternoons to tutor/work with students.
Please contact me about this ahead of time so we can arrange a meeting time.
Are there extra credit opportunities?
Religion: if you go to church and write a summary (one GOOD paragraph) of the gospel and have your parent sign the form you
get 5 percentage points on an assignment/quiz/test. Up to 3 pertrimester (maximum 15 points).
Science: Do an experiment that tests a question that ties into something we have studied in class and write a lab report on it.
The report must be typed. You must also bring in evidence of what you tested or bring in pictures of you performing the
experiment. Your parent must sign the report. This is worth ten points on a test. You may do this only two times per trimester
(maximum 20 points)
Math: throughout the year I may offer students a challenging/enrichment worksheet to do on their own as extra
credit if they so choose.