Classroom Policies and Procedures for Spanish

 Classroom rules are simple and few.      Be respectful and be prepared.

1. Respect your teachers and your peers. Respect the personal property of one another and the school. Do not interrupt or disrupt in any way. Treating everyone with respect and courtesy will help create and maintain a positive and safe learning environment.
2. Be prepared for class every day. Come to class on time and prepared for learning.

Requirements for this class include: 

1. A 3 ring binder with 4 dividers labeled notes, hw/cw, dittos, quizzes & tests.

      Keep materials filed by date. Proper note taking is an important skill to develop, and is essential for becoming a successful student. If I write it on the board, you should   write it in your notebook! 

2.  Your homework!

      I start every class by checking and reviewing your homework. Homework is essential in a     foreign language to reinforce the day’s lesson. Written homework is usually assigned     Monday through Thursday. Friday’s assignment is usually to review vocab and verbs. You       will be given a day’s grace period to show me an incomplete hw assignment; after that,    credit is lost. This is your opportunity to ask questions if you do not understand a concept! 

      An absence does not excuse you from hw. It is your responsibility to determine the hw assignment that you missed and show it to me within 2 days of your return to class.        Consideration will be given for lengthy absences.     

      All hw assignments will be posted on the side board. It is your responsibility to copy it into your agenda book or notebook. Tests will always be announced ahead of time. Quizzes usually have at least a day’s notice. 

      If you miss a test or a quiz, you have 1 week from the date of your return to class to make it up.  Failure to do so will result in a 0.  Extenuating circumstances for lengthy absences will be considered. Tests are to be made up after school or during study hall. 

2. A positive attitude and willingness to participate in class.

            Class participation is vital for success in learning a foreign language. I don’t expect everyone to love learning a foreign language, but I do expect you to give me your best effort.

            You should take pride in your work! 

            Daily Class Requirements            

1.      covered textbook                                                            

2.      2 writing utensils (sharpen pencils before the bell rings)    

3.      agenda book/assignment pad

4. notebook

5. homework asssignment

             Daily Expectations

1.     At the bell, you are seated and quiet with your homework ready.

2.     You are prepared with all of your class assignments, books, etc.

3.     Do not leave your seat without permission

4.     Raise your hand (and wait to be called on) if you would like you speak.

5.     Actively participate in class! Ask questions! Volunteer answers! It is crucial in a foreign language class; you can’t just listen, you must practice!

                Grading 

             Teachers do not give grades, students earn them.                       

             The grade that you earn in this class will come from quizzes, tests, listening comprehension quizzes, homework, compositions, oral presentations/dialogs, and projects. You will have a section in your notebook devoted to keeping your grades in one place; therefore you should have a good idea at any given time of what your grade is. If I do not give back a set of quizzes or tests right away, it is because I am waiting for students to make up that particular test. I will however, give you your grade so that you can write it down in your notebook. From time to time, I might ask for a parent signature on a test that you did poorly on. Failure to get it signed will result in a detention.

         Be forewarned: if you cheat on a test or plagiarize, you will receive a 0.

               Extra Help 

               If after participating in class you still do not understand a concept, extra help is available upon request after school until the 2:48 dismissal. You must have a properly signed detention/extra help notice signed by a parent in order to stay after.

               Discipline

          As long as you follow the rules outlined above and by the school, I do not anticipate any        problems. However, if you decide to ignore a rule, I would usually give a verbal warning,      which, if ignored, would result in a classroom detention. Obviously, certain behaviors would       warrant skipping a verbal warning and result in an immediate removal from class, followed           by a referral. If you are consistently problematic, I will not hesitate to contact your parents.

                In conclusion: Bienvenido!

                I welcome you to my class, and I look forward to sharing this school year with you. You might wonder why you should learn a foreign language. Whatever language you choose to   study, it will make a difference in how you perceive the world and how the world perceives you. It will broaden your mind, and give you a chance to see the world from another                   perspective. Studying a second language can improve your skills in math and English classes,  your SAT scores, and college entrance exams. It helps to develop your analytical and interpretive capacities. It will give you a professional edge when applying for a job. Professionals fluent in another language travel and represent their company in foreign countries. Foreign language knowledge enhances opportunities in government, business, medicine, health care, law enforcement, public service, teaching, technology, communications, industry, social services.