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Español 2008-9
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPANISH
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,
¡Bienvenidos a nuestra clase de español! I am thrilled to b e teaching Middle School Spanish this year. Here are some helpful hints and expectations for my class. Please read them, as well as the attached curriculum outline and report card that explain the content and assessments for the first trimester. If this is your second year in my class, refresh yourself and note a few new additions (can you find them?) and your new curriculum attached for this fall.
Organization of “El Cuaderno” (Spanish Binder): You are required to get and always bring to class a 3-ringed binder exclusively for Spanish. Because there is no “official” textbook for this class, your binder will be the main source from which you study, and will be a valuable tool for up to six years at Compass. DO NOT use an oversized binder—instead, use one that is sized so you can transport it with ease from day to day. Upon introduction to new language and concepts, you will receive a colored, three hole punched reference sheet. These reference sheets (called “hojas principales”) will be the main study guides for quizzes, tests, and exams. Parents can always follow along by asking about the most current study sheet. You are expected to keep handouts that are three-hole punched, and to maintain an organized binder. You will be graded on the organization of your notebook (during each quiz I will do a quick check) and being prepared with your binder to each class. Some of you may have your own strategies to organize the binder, but I suggest dividing your “cuaderno” into three sections:
1. Section #1 LAS HOJAS PRINCIPALES (Main study sheets) Each new hoja principal should be placed on top.
2. Section#2 PRACTICA Y APUNTES (Practice sheets and notes).
3. Section#3 EL ARCHIVO An archive section to put quizzes and other notable Spanish work so you can have it handy for your portfolio or P.O.W. (you will want to periodically clean these out during advisory sessions dedicated to portfolio work).
What happens if I miss a day of school?
It is your responsibility as the student to find out what happened in class and get missed notes, hand- outs, and homework assignments. To get a copy of a missed handout, look in the “Were you absent binder?” Your name will be on any missed handouts with the date you were absent. In most cases, you will have one day for each day missed to make up homework. Please check in with me at 12:00 or any time during lunch if you have questions or concerns when you are absent. (I am at school from 12:00-2:30 every day).
Participation Points:
√ +=3 points √ =2 points √- = 1 pt 0= points
It is critical to take advantage of every opportunity to listen and practice speaking in Spanish and engage in cultural discussions during class and to demonstrate involvement during both group and individual activities. Students will be assessed for participation every class and points will be tallied and will be reflected in a couple of indicators in the report card. (check critical thinking section of report card.)
Quizzes and Final Trimester Exam
Students will have several small quizzes, either written or oral, during a trimester. A Final will be given at the end of each trimester that will cover all the material from the trimester. Unless you have an I.E.P. which suggests otherwise, quizzes and exams will be taken in the classroom (never the big room), and there is no talking allowed while test taking.
La tarea: Homework:
· Late work will result (1) in a grade drop for that assignment—your grade will be lowered for every day late (ex: “Good” drops to “Good/Fair”) and (2), your “Meets Deadlines” grade on your report card in the Personal Development realm will be affected. (see report card in Personal Development Realm)
· Homework will be written down every class before you leave in your planner.
· On time work is not work that needs to be e-mailed to me, or that needs to be printed out. It is work that is ready to be worked with or handed in at the beginning of class.
· If you know you will have a problem with completing an assignment (family obligation, etc.) talk to me as soon as possible. I am flexible when you take responsibility and communicate with me.
Respect and Behavior
The success of the class largely depends on how comfortable students feel practicing the language in front of the rest of the class. Let’s keep it positive by supporting each other by being respectful in language, actions, and attitudes. If a student is compromising the quality of the learning environment with unacceptable behavior, s/he will receive a zero for their participation grade that day, and be asked to sit on the stage next to my class and write a letter about why they were asked to leave the room. Parent(s)/ Guardians will be notified. If this becomes a pattern, an S.S.T meeting will be scheduled with at least your advisor, parent(s), and me.
Using Translators and Computer Use:
When using translators or translation systems, students should limit themselves to vocabulary and isolated phrasing only—as you would use a dictionary. My favorite dictionary on line is http://www.spanishdict.com
The computer will be used occasionally for research and outside of class. Generally, there will be no need for laptops in class.