Spanish 1A/B
Course Description
Mrs. Bono, Rm. 520 (294-1188, ext. 520) nbono@hartdistrict.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students studying Spanish 1A/B will build a foundation of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills that will carry them into further study of the language. Students will express themselves in Spanish and increase their awareness of cultural differences within the Spanish-speaking world. We will be using the Navegando curriculum from EMCParadigm.
Learning a foreign language takes time, practice, patience and effort. You must make the effort to communicate with others in a meaningful manner. You must practice the vocabulary daily. You will need to do the grammar exercises and work with the grammar so you learn the structure of the language. My expectation is that you will find the study of a foreign language to be enjoyable and rewarding. You will also discover that knowledge of a foreign language and culture will lead to an increased knowledge of your own language and a better awareness of your own culture. I know that you hope to earn a good grade to show colleges your academic abilities. The following are the ways I expect you to demonstrate that you are working and learning and the best ways to EARN a good grade. I do not GIVE you a grade.
CLASSWORK (cw):
Most days there will be classwork assigned that will require reading, writing, speaking and listening. Written assignments will be turned into the proper basket. It will be checked off and tallied as part of your grade. All written classwork must be turned in no later than the beginning of the next school day. There will also be regular oral participation opportunities that will be checked off and tallied as classwork.
HOMEWORK (hw):
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis, usually from
the curriculum workbook. It is normally
checked off at the beginning of the period and must be ready at that
time for credit. Written work must be
turned in or placed in the proper basket at the beginning of the period.
I will NOT accept copied work, work that
shows no effort or illegible work. I
will NOT accept “ I didn’t understand” as an excuse. Figure out how to understand it. Use your book!
I will only accept late work if you are absent (excused/verified) from the class and in a timely manner which means you have as many days as you were absent to show me your work. It is YOUR responsibility to show the work to me; I will not ask. It is YOUR responsibility to arrange a time with me for make-up tests and quizzes; I will not ask. You will have only 1 opportunity to make up work, tests, and quizzes.
Incomplete work (yes, even missing one exercise is incomplete) will not receive any credit.
All homework and classwork assignments count for 5 points each. The assignments will be entered as a total, usually after each chapter section. DON’T FALL BEHIND! Sometimes, one incomplete assignment can make a difference in your grade. There will not be extra credit opportunities.
Quizzes and/or tests will be given at least weekly (maybe more frequently) and also I may give unannounced quizzes to check that you are keeping up with the work. The course contains comprehensive chapter tests and smaller section quizzes, which I will use. Only the chapter tests and section quizzes can be made up. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with me to make up the tests/quizzes in a timely manner. I will offer only one make-up session per test or quiz.
GRADES:
A standard grade scale will be used:
A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 59% and below
At all progress reports, I will use the minus to indicate to you that you are in the lower 2-3% of the grade span. Classwork and homework will be weighted at 40% of the final grade; quizzes and tests are 50% of final grade. The final exam will account for 10% of the final grade.
MATERIALS:
Issued textbooks should be brought to class each day and used at home for study. The curriculum workbook and CD is issued at the beginning of the school year. There are a limited number of workbooks and no guarantee that a lost or damaged workbook can be replaced. If your workbook is lost or damaged, it is your responsibility to still turn work in on time. There are copies of the workbook and textbook available for use in the library. I will not accept "I lost my workbook." as an excuse to turn in late work (even with parent verification.)
Each day bring textbook, workbook, a binder/notebook, paper, pens, pencils and a red pen to class. Students will be required to make vocabulary flashcards and bring them to class each and every day.
ACADEMIC HONESTY is a requirement. I expect you to do all of your own work. If this expectation is violated, you will not receive credit on that assignment, test or quiz.
TEACHER CONFERENCE:
You will usually be able to find me in my room at lunch for extra help. If you are having trouble, see me and I will arrange a time for you to get what you need. If you or your parent need to reach me, use the VHS Voice Mail line at 294-1188, ext 520 or email me, nbono@hartdistrict.org.
WEBSITE
I will maintain a website that will list assignments on a weekly basis. I will update it as much as possible and it can change daily. It is your responsibility to check this and use it. A copy will be posted in the classroom also. Since this is the most accurate way to figure out what went on in class, use it, not me!!
The address is http//staff.hartdistrict.org/nbono or it can be accessed through the VHS home page. Click on staff directory and find my name. Then click on website.
The assignments can change on a daily basis and it is the student’s responsibility to check the website. I will not accept “My internet was down last night” as a reason for not doing the homework. The assignments are paced according to what is accomplished in class.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
1.
Students
will be punctual and follow directions.
Not tardy means that students will be in
their seats and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. You are tardy
if you are opening the door or walking to your seat when the tardy bell rings.
2.
Students will act in a respectful, courteous
manner. They will respect themselves and
others. This includes their own and
other’s property.
Three words, which will
not be tolerated in the classroom, even if not directed to the teacher, are
stupid, shut-up, and sucks in any language.
3.
Students will come to class prepared to
learn. This includes an attitude to
succeed. NO SLEEPING!
4. Students will bring all necessary materials
to class each day. Students will
conduct themselves in class and outside of class in a quiet, calm
manner.
I will continue to support our VHS ESLER’S (Expected Schoolwide Learning Results) in this class. That means that as Valencia High Graduates you will be:
Effective
Communicators
Self-Directed
Learners
Critical and
Creative Thinkers
Healthy
Individuals
Responsible
Citizens
I
In our ever-increasing global society, learning a second language is a definite advantage. Studying a foreign language will not only increase your academic knowledge but your intellectual growth as well.
----------------- Cut here and return to Mrs. Bono by Aug 21, 2009.__________________
We have read, understood and agree to the Course Orientation for Spanish 1A/B.
Student’s Name (Printed) ________________________ Period __________
Student’s Signature ______________________________ Date ___________
Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________ Date ___________
Home Phone _____________________ Work Phone ___________________