Spanish+I+Syllabus

= ** Monocacy Middle School ** = = Español Uno – Grades 7, 8 = Guidelines 2011-2012

**__ Course Description __** This year you will enter a new world through language and culture! We will work very hard in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, writing, and cultural awareness. By the end of the school year, you will be able to conduct conversations and write about topics such as personal aspects, school, leisure activities, food, health and family. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be eligible to enroll in Spanish II in eighth or ninth grade. If you receive a passing grade in this course you will acquire high school credit. Success in learning a foreign language will require practice beyond the classroom. You should dedicate 20 minutes or more a day to pronunciation, phrases, vocabulary, and grammar practice and review. Some suggestions are: ü Reread the textbook dialogues aloud ü Make and use flashcards ü Complete online activities via [|www.phschool.com] and [|www.pearsonsuccessnet.com] ü Work with another person (classmate or family member) Please read the guidelines and have the third page signed. Make this page the first page of your notebook. I look forward to discovering a new language and culture with you this year! Parents and students may contact me by email: mercedes.mason@fcps.org or by phone: 240-236-4693 (school) or 215-771-5825 (cell). Sincerely, Mercedes Mason-Gould **__ Classroom Materials __** Pen and a pencil 2"/3" three ring binder with loose leaf paper __ Realidades __ textbook, covered __Realidades__ workbook*

* This year, as part of your child’s study of Spanish s/he will be using the workbook that accompanies the textbook, //Realidades,// and reinforces the classroom learning activities.

We recommend that the students purchase the workbook, which will be used for BOTH Spanish I and Spanish II, so that they can write the answers in the book. This allows them to write the answers in the blanks provided or directly following the prompt or question and to have the exercises complete with the answers together in one secure place. (The cost of the //Realidades// workbook, which includes shipping/handling and tax, is $15.00).

You are not required to purchase a workbook. If you choose not to purchase a workbook for your child, one will be loaned to him/her for use throughout the year, but **__s/he cannot write in it and must return it in good condition__**.

**__ Grading Policy __**


 * 1) Test/Quizzes: Oral and Written 60%
 * 2) Classwork 30%
 * 3) Homework Assignments 10%

**__ CRES Test __** The CRES test for Spanish I will count toward 20% of the final grade in the course. The test includes concepts from Para Empezar through Chapter 5A. The student will be assessed in the areas of listening, reading, writing, speaking and understanding Hispanic culture. (1st semester x 40%) + (2nd semester x 40%) + (CRES test x 20%) = final grade

**__ Academic and Behavioral Expectations for Your Success __**

ü Be in class and in your seat before the bell rings. Bring all class materials daily. ü Be a positive, active learner prepared to concentrate on Spanish only. ü Be ready and willing to work independently and in small or large groups with classmates. ü Be a good listener. Talking or causing distractions interferes with everyone’s learning. ü Maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect. ü Follow directions. ü Raise your hand and wait to be recognized before speaking. ü Don’t hesitate to ask questions and/or let me know if you do not understand. ü Complete all assignments, both homework and classwork, on time. Make up missed assignments and assessments as soon as possible. You are responsible for making the arrangements. ü ** Be honest. Cheating and copying are not tolerated, and will result in parent contact and a zero grade. Online translation resources are NOT to be used. **  ü Be open minded and ready to experience an exciting language and culture!

** Poor behavior and/or work habits may result in these consequences: ** 1. Warning 2. Behavior Reflection 3. Parent contact (phone call, note, or email) 4. After school detention for 30 minutes and/or 60 minutes. 5. Office referral * The steps will be followed at the teacher’s discretion according to the situation. **__ Make-Up Policy __** In the case of an absence on the day work is assigned, **you** are responsible for checking the make-up folder in the classroom in order to come prepared to the next class. You are also responsible for turning in assignments that were due during an absence **the first day of your return**. If you are absent the day of a quiz you shall take the quiz in class the day you return or during the CCP period. I will put your name on the CCP list the day of your absence. If you are absent the day of a major test, you must arrange to make it up within five days. You may come during the CCP period and after school with prior approval.

**__ Homework Policy __** Homework is given every night. Students must complete assignments to receive credit. Incomplete and/or not completed homework assignments will be accepted one week late (example: An assignment given on Monday will be accepted until the following Monday).

**__ Tutoring/Extra Help __** I will be available for tutoring during CCP and after school on Thursdays until 4:15.

**__ Pinnacle __** Grades will be updated on Pinnacle bi-weekly. You may access your child’s grade on the FCPS website [|www.fcps.org]. The following list of codes is provided to help you better understand the Pinnacle grading program. · An “X” is issued to excuse work. (This neither hurts nor helps a student’s grade.) · A “Z” is used by teachers to let parents know that an assignment has never been turned in. (The “Z” counts as a zero in the student’s grade in order to give an accurate reflection of what the grade will be if the assignment is never turned in.) · An actual “0” in a grade book signifies that a student earned a zero on the assignment.