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Spanish Expectations

Spanish I - II and III-IV

by Rebecca Gill

Español I, II Señora Gill

2008 – 2009 Expectations

Here are a few questions you may find asking yourself.

Will I like this class? Will this class be fun?

No! You will love it! Foreign languages are fun and very different from many of the other classes you can choose from in school. I will teach you anything (appropriate) that you would like to know, but it is up to you to help make a class a fun place to be – IT TAKES TEAM WORK and PARTICIPATION. (The faster you respond the faster class can move.)

Will Spanish class be hard?

It’s certainly fun, but can be confusing to some. Always, always remember that I am here to help. DO NOT be afraid to ask for help! (7:40 a.m. till 4:15 or later. (Please try to ask in advance and I will make the time needed.)

Is there any homework?

I don’t believe in a great deal of homework as long as the members of the class are studying the material daily spending 10-15 minutes a day studying that which he/she might be having difficulties with in the classroom. Spanish II and above will find that Spanish will get easier.

What do I need for this class?

I ask that all students have a binder dedicated to Spanish, as we will be using numerous handouts, worksheets, and vocabulary pages. Always come with paper and a pencil or pen to take notes.

• Goals!

• You must have at least a folder dedicated to this class; however, a notebook with dividers is suggested.

• A dictionary for upper level students (Spanish III and IV) is suggested to make class a bit easier. You do not need an expensive one, but one that has good explanations.

She doesn’t seem like she would even have rules. What do you think?

I really dislike those lengthy lists of rules that some teachers seem to have, but I do have rules. But only TWO.

1. RESPECT! Respect me (by doing homework, speaking to me in such a manner, and respecting each and everyone in class – no one needs to be laughed at). When this isn’t followed, do not expect to remain in my classroom.

2. No gum or candy is allowed, unless I am the one giving it to you. Speaking in the language is an important component of language learning. I need to be able to hear you and understand you. If you are seen with gum, your daily grade will be reduced to reflect this.

How does Sra. Gill grade anyway?

In my eyes, each student starts with an “A”. It is your responsibility to maintain your desired grade throughout the school year. Each grade is recorded as points. There are, however, four areas that determine your outcome:

– Daily assignments (which will include homework when given)

– Tests, finals, quizzes, and projects (These are worth about 2x the amount of daily assignments.) Most of these you will know about in advance.

– Semester tests (These will be taken in December and May and will constitute 5 % of each semester’s grade.)

– Speaking evaluations (These are equivalent to the testing category above.) – These are given at the end of each chapter.

– Daily class participation – This is soooo important when learning to communicate in another language. This can also alter your semester grade as well by a few percentage points. If you volunteer information, your average will be much higher than students who choose not to become involved.

– Portfolios – These are worth MEGA points and will be completed as each chapter is completed. Simply keep track of your papers and turn it in by the designated semester due date. This makes up another 5% of the semester grade.

– Culture activities – Each quarter a student must complete a different culture activity worth 75 points. There are a variety of activities that one might try, however one is required each quarter along with a brief write up or documentation.

How about late work? Or absences?

f you are absent due to a school event, read the handbook. Assignments (tests or quizzes) are to be turned in before participating or if you have discussed the matter with me first. (Homework Coupons might come in handy!) If an assignment is not turned in I will ask that you make a trip to the office to call a parent or guardian to report that you did not complete your homework. Also decide when you will be making up a detention with me (in the next 24 hours) to complete the missing assignment. If this is not made up your grade for the semester will become an incomplete on the report card until completed. Responsibility is a growing process, but high school students must possess this skill before exiting the school.

Can we play with all of you neat “things”?

Respect all items that are in the classroom. These are being supplied to you by the school district or by my own travels and income. If you need a hole punch, stapler, pencil, tape; these items can be found by the door in the classroom located above your bins. Look to the cabinet above your homework bins.

What do we do with all of these papers?

Turn in and pick up everything via the bins (not my desk!) You should keep and organize everything. You will also be asked to compile a portfolio at the end of each semester; therefore you must draw from previous assignments and projects upon the conclusion of each chapter.

Can we get by cheating?

This is one thing that I do not tolerate. If you are caught copying work or using notes when not appropriate you will receive a zero in the grade book. If you forge a parent’s signature, they will be notified and given a zero in the grade book as well. If you learn any thing other than the language in this class, I hope that it is responsibility and time management – these are life skills. (This is the only time that one will receive a zero.)

Is there extra credit offered?

I look at extra credit differently than many. Extra Credit is for those that want to learn faster and not those hoping to barely pass. I highly encourage it for those that have all assignments caught up and would like to learn more things. In one corner in the room there is a STUDENT CENTER with magazines, books of all levels, newspapers, flashcards, and computer software. Please use the magazines, newspapers, software, extra computers, and flashcards.

NO EXTRA CREDIT WILL BE ACCEPTED THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF EACH SEMESTER! (So that grades might be figured.)

You say you have a new reward program? Tell me more!

For students who maintain a high average (94% and above) through out the school year, you will be exempt from having to take the year-end written and spoken final tests. You have demonstrated a high ability during the year of study. Congratulations!

In addition, you could become a member of a Spanish National Honor Society (this is a national organization that allows students to apply for scholarships, international travel, etc) and entitles you to attend out of school functions that are related to the language (i.e. Field trips and outings).

You will be recognized for your abilities at the end of the year at “High School Honors Night”. Two members from each level of Spanish study will also be honored with an award and certificate if they have carried the two highest averages for the last year and demonstrated a desire to reach beyond their peers and the basic classroom requirements.

The University of Nebraska- Lincoln Foreign Language Fair will be held on March 12^th this year. I feel this event is so very important due to the fact that it is the only time that you (students studying the Spanish language) are offered the opportunity to brag/showcase their special talents in a second language. If you choose to attend this Fair, you will also be given a 100% on the activity that those remaining behind will have to complete in our absence. More important, however, you are going to represent the school and perform to the best of your ability.

Expectation Agreement

Upon reading the attached, please share three goals or

expectations for yourself this year in Spanish class.

Be specific when writing your goals, as we

will be reflecting on these at the end of each semester.

________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

Student: ____________________________________________________

Signature

Tell me a little about yourself.

What is your favorite color?

What is your favorite pastime?

What are you involved in school or outside of school?

What is your favorite food/candy/pop?

This is your first graded assignment. After reading the attached please sign and date below, then share the material with your parent(s) or guardian(s) as well as the attached letter, having them sign only this piece. Return this to Ms. Gill by August 22, 2008.

Student:

____________________________________________________

Signature

Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

____________________________________________________

Signature

______________________________________________________________________

Español III, IV Señora Gill

2008 – 2009 Expectations

Here are a few questions you may find asking yourself.

You know and realize a few things by now.

Can class be a blast?

IT TAKES TEAM WORK and PARTICIPATION. (The faster you respond the faster class can move.) Have your work done and ready and please prepare.

When am I here?

I’ll be here by 7:40 a.m. till 4:15 or later. (Please try to ask in advance and I will make the time needed.)

Take time.

10-15 minutes a day studying focusing on what you just learned or struggled with that day. It all adds up quickly.

What do I need for this class?

Same thing as always. Also:

• Goals!

• A notebook (with dividers is suggested.)

• A dictionary would be a great idea, but it is not necessary.

5. Remember my 2 rules. I’ll be watching this year.

I have only TWO.

6. Remember how you are graded?

- Daily assignments (which will include homework when given)

– Tests, finals, quizzes, and projects (These are worth about 2x the amount of daily assignments.) Most of these you will know about in advance.

– Semester tests (These will be taken in December and May and will constitute 5 % of each semester’s grade.) Expect to take this unless you have a 94% or above average for the semester. Then plan to have some relaxing fun on test day. Generally very few at this level have to take these.

– Speaking evaluations (These are equivalent to the testing category above.) – These are given at the end of each chapter. You might be asked questions, maybe create a skit or anything creative I can think of this year.

– Portfolios – These are worth MEGA points and will be completed as each chapter is completed as a class. Simply keep track of your papers and turn it in by the designated semester due date. This makes up another 5% of the semester grade.

How about late work? Or absences?

If you are absent due to a school event, read the handbook. Assignments (tests or quizzes) are to be turned in before participating or if you have discussed the matter with me first. (Homework Coupons might come in handy!) If an assignment is not turned in I will ask that you make a trip to the office to call a parent or guardian to report that you did not complete your homework. Also decide when you will be making up a detention with me (in the next 24 hours) to complete the missing assignment. If this is not made up your grade for the semester will become an incomplete on the report card until completed. Responsibility is a growing process, but high school students must possess this skill before exiting the school.

What do I save?

Turn in and pick up everything via the bins (not my desk!) You should keep and organize everything. You’ll need work for your portfolio and now what you know what to save; I expect appropriate work that reflects your goals.

Is there extra credit offered?

Extra Credit is for those that want to learn faster and not those hoping to barely pass. I highly encourage it for those that have all assignments caught up and would like to learn more things. In one corner in the room there is a STUDENT CENTER with magazines, books of all levels, newspapers, flashcards, and computer software. Please use the magazines, newspapers, software, extra computers, and flashcards. Remember that there are also slang packets that can be worth up to 50 points.

NO EXTRA CREDIT WILL BE ACCEPTED THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF EACH SEMESTER! (So that grades might be figured.)

Remember, I reward you!

The University of Nebraska- Lincoln Foreign Language Fair will be held on March 12^{th (Thursday)} this year. I feel this event is so very important due to the fact that it is the only time that you (students studying the Spanish language) are offered the opportunity to brag/showcase their special talents in a second language. If you choose to attend this Fair, you will also be given a 100% on the activity that those remaining behind will have to complete in our absence. More important, however, you are going to represent the school and perform to the best of your ability.

Expectation Agreement

Upon reading the attached, please share three goals or

expectations for yourself this year in Spanish class.

Be specific when writing your goals, as we

will be reflecting on these at the end of each semester.