GPA, Homework

A student’s GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale, and both annual and cumulative GPAs appear on each student’s transcript. MKA does not weigh grades. Only courses taken at MKA during the school year are used in the GPA calculation. All graded courses at the Upper School count towards the GPA. Transcripts reflect final grades and credits only, and are mailed home at the end of each school year.

GRADING AND AVERAGES

Students receive grades of record at the end of each semester. In full-year courses, the Semester 1 grade counts as 40% of the final average for the course, the Semester 2 grade counts as 50% of the final average for the course, and the final assessment counts as 10%. In Semester 1 courses (and AP English Literature), the semester grade counts as 100% of the final average for the course. In Semester 2 courses (and AP English Language and Composition), the semester grade counts as 80% of the final average for the course and the final assessment counts as 20%. When there is no final assessment, as is the case in full-year AP courses and when students are in their senior year, the Semester 1 grade counts as 40% of the final average for the course and the Semester 2 grade counts as 50%; the total is then divided by 9 (instead of 10). The final average is the grade that appears on transcripts. For seniors, the Semester 1 report card is sent to colleges. Seniors with any reported grade below C- lose Senior Privileges until their low grade rises as noted in the subsequent grading period.

HOMEWORK

Homework is given in all academic courses. The purpose of homework is to prepare students for class by adding to their knowledge in a particular subject, practicing skills they have learned, and/or applying information they have studied. In addition, homework serves as a means for teachers to measure students’ mastery level of the concepts or skills discussed in class. Since classes meet every other day, students are strongly encouraged to complete their homework the day it is assigned. Doing so allows students to see their teachers for clarification the next day if necessary. Completing homework the day it is assigned, rather than waiting until the night before the class next meets, allows students to complete the assignment while the day’s lesson is still fresh in their minds. Homework assignments generally take 60 minutes, although the amount of time it takes an individual student to complete any given assignment varies. Because each class meets every other day, students do not have homework for all their classes every night. Over vacations, with the exception of Winter Break, students may be given the equivalent of one night’s homework in each course. Students in honors or AP courses may have more homework. Students must plan ahead so they have enough time to complete long-term assignments. Students are encouraged to develop their timemanagement skills, using study halls, free periods, Common Work Periods, and other times during the school day to work on their assignments. Students must work on homework assignments alone unless instructed otherwise by their teacher. All work submitted by students must reflect their own words and ideas.

HOMEWORK REQUESTS

Students should be responsible about making up work they miss when they are absent. Teachers understand that students who miss school for legitimate illnesses may not be able to spend that same day studying or doing homework. Upon return to school, students should see each teacher whose class was missed. For brief absences, students should consult the learning management system, or contact a classmate in each course. It is expected that students get their own assignments. For longer absences, the advisor will work with the family to collect missed assignments.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

All assignments must be handed in, and all assessments must be made up by the last day of each semester. Failure to complete work by that date will result in a grade of F (zero) for that work. The Academic Dean must approve any extension of this deadline. If an extension is granted, a grade of Incomplete (INC) will be recorded when grades are due. An approximate grade range and written comment will accompany any grade of INC.