Class Information

 ¡HOLA!  Welcome to my Spanish class. This class requires your active participation in class as well as the completion of homework and projects outside of class. It is designed to include individual practice and group activities. In addition to standard forms of teaching, there will be time scheduled in the computer lab, videos, pair work, oral and listening activities, and cultural celebrations.

 Required materials

Students are required to have a 5 subject notebook, a folder or binder, and a pen (black or blue ink) or pencils, and a red ink pen. Each student needs to bring all materials to class every day.  A Spanish- English dictionary would be very helpful, but not required.  You may purchase one at a store or buy a notebook dictionary from me for $2.

Textbooks

In this class we will be working from the “Buen Viaje” series; however you will not be issued a textbook. When working from the text in class you will be assigned a book for the hour. For homework, there is an online textbook and workbook. (See handout for access information). If you do not have access to the internet, the school library is open before and after school (until 3:30). If you need to take a book home, please see me and I will sign one out to you for the night.

GRADES

You will earn a grade in my class by participating, completing homework, finishing projects, and taking quizzes and tests. The various parts of your grade are not weighted. Grades are determined by straight point totals. The percentages below reflect an approximate break down of your grade. Actual percentages are determined as the year develops.

                20%--Participation

                20%--Homework

                40%--Quizzes, Tests, and Projects

20%-- Final exams (includes an Oral proficiency test and a Benchmark exam)

 The grading scale for this class is listed in the student handbook.

 Participation points are earned by answering questions in class, completing in-class activities and certain assignments, etc. You must be present in the class to earn these points. If you are absent, you may schedule a time to come in for a little Spanish chat in order to make up the points. If you do not participate in class or consistently forget your materials, this will result in a loss of points.

 Homework is graded for completion: complete your assignments before class. If you have not fully completed the homework by the start of class, you will receive a ZERO for that assignment.  Incomplete or late homework may not be turned in for credit. Some designated assignments will be graded for accuracy.

Homework for other classes is to be done outside of my class.  All non-Spanish homework being done in my class will be taken and not returned.

 Projects are required from time to time, which are to be completed both in class with a group and/or outside of class. You will be given a grading guide when you begin the project, which will give you a general idea how much credit you may receive for your efforts. Projects are due on the assigned day.

 Quizzes and Tests: Quizzes will be given almost daily. Tests will be given every three to four weeks. Tests will be announced ahead of time, as well as their content and type (multiple choice, fill in the blank, etc.). Sloppy answers are always wrong. Re-tests are never given. Talking during a quiz or test will result in a Zero without the chance to make it up.

 The Final exam is cumulative.

 The Benchmark exam is a computerized vocabulary test. It is pass or fail. A 90% or better is passing, 89% or less is failing. You may take the test as many times as needed or time allows. This will constitute 20% of your final exam grade.

 Extra Credit – Extra credit will be offered throughout the semester in many different forms (bonus questions on tests and quizzes, small extra assignments, etc.). Please take advantage of these opportunities when they are offered, as special extra-credit projects will NOT be offered at the end of the semester. 

 Absences

Students that have an excused absence are responsible for missed work, turning in homework, getting notes from a friend, and making up any quizzes or tests. After a week has expired, your missed grades will become permanent zeros. If you are absent for an extended period, please see me to make arrangements. 

1.        Assignments given before the absence will be due on the day you return to school.

2.        Students absent for sporting events or other school activities are responsible for turning in work that is due and picking up assignments for the next day before they leave.

3.        No makeup work may be turned in at the end of the quarter.

4.        Being absent on a review day does not excuse you from the test.

 Discipline

1.        Be IN your assigned seat, ready to work, when the bell rings. Remain in your assigned seat unless you have permission to get up

2.        Do not cause a distraction or disrupt instruction

3.        Follow directions the first time given. Begin work immediately, stay on task, and continue working until completed or dismissed by the teacher.

4.        Keep body parts, objects, and inappropriate or negative comments to yourself.

5. Bring required materials everyday unless you are directed otherwise.

6.    Turn OFF all electric devices for the duration of the class period.

If a student chooses to break THESE RULES:

      Consequences vary but may include: Writing sentences/rules, Removal from the classroom, Detentions, Confiscation of items (electronic devices, toys, etc.), Phone calls home. At any time, consequences that are fair and logical may be enforced. Severe Problem Clause: Sent directly to Assistant Principal (ex: fighting, refusal to hand over cell phones, insubordination, inappropriate conduct, etc.

Peso Passes

You will be given multiple chances to earn Pesos. You may “spend” these passes to go to the bathroom, raise a grade, buy a pencil or pen, etc. (see hand out). If you are “broke”, and have a need (i.e. need a drink, go to the bathroom, need a pencil) you may take out a loan from a friend or barter with me for a trade.

 We are tech SAVVY!

You can find flash cards and other activities for each chapter on our class web page at www.mendycolbert.com You can also find class information, pictures, culture notes, and much more.

 Other important stuff to know

There is a foreign language club open to anyone at RHS. Listen for announcements.

 We are taking a trip to Costa Rica in 2010. For more information see Srta. Colbert, Mr. Bechtoldt, or visit www.mendycolbert.com

 You must pass both semesters this year to go on to the next level of Spanish.

 Please ask for help before it is too late. I am available after school for tutoring or you can call me at home for extra help on an assignment.