Introduction

Contract/Syllabus Facebook Letter

“If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world."     ~Ludwig Wittgenstein     ** Señora Gomez **    ** FALL 2011 **    Welcome to the exciting world of learning another language! Students gain the ability to communicate in a wide variety of situations, from expressing likes and dislikes to ordering in a restaurant. Vocabulary, grammar, and culture skills are used together to help the novice language learner gain confidence. Technology is also used to enhance the learning process. Students finish the semester able to speak Spanish confidently in a variety of real life situations.   ** Course Objectives: **  **__ Communication: __** Students will participate in learning activities where they will be asked to interpret written or spoken Spanish, communicate with others in Spanish, or present information in both written and oral presentations.   **__ Culture __**** : ** Students will gain knowledge of Hispanic culture by examining the practices, products, and perspectives of Spanish speakers. Students will study the geography, history, personalities, and current events that influence the Spanish-speaking world. **__ Community: __** Students become life-long learners in their community by using the language both within and beyond the school setting. Students will be asked to participate in projects that involve the local community. ** Course Format and Procedures: **
 * Spanish I **
 * Course Overview: **
 * In this class every effort will be made to be sure that new material is presented in a specific context. For example, one chapter may include the grammar and vocabulary needed to plan a vacation or to shop in a store. Material is presented in this way so that students come to view the Spanish language as functional, relevant and useful.
 * I will make every effort to present material in creative ways so that EVERY student in my class has the opportunity to learn in the way they do best. Students will participate in activities in groups and individually. In groups and as a class students are expected not only to respect one another but to encourage one another as well. We are all in this together!

Spanish/ English Dictionary Textbook Pen or Pencil Index Cards (6 packs minimum) Notebook (set up as described below) Paper Each student will be asked to keep a notebook in a 1&1/2 to 2 inch binder. The binder should be divided into the following sections:
 * Course Materials needed EVERYDAY: **
 * SPANISH NOTEBOOK REQUIREMENTS: **
 * 1. Apuntes/ ** Notes
 * 2. Hablar & Escuchar/ ** Speaking & Listening
 * 3. Escribir –formal & informal/ ** Formal & Informal Writing
 * 4. Diario & Tarea/ ** Class work & Homework
 * 5. Exámenes, pruebas y proyectos/ ** Tests, quizzes and projects

 Grades will be earned as students complete daily work and homework and participate in class. Grades will be assigned based on a points system. //For every grading period// the students’ grades will be determined by the following weighted scale: Class work and Participation 30% Homework and Quizzes 30% Tests 25% Projects and Writing __15%__ 100%  Sumner County policy mandates that the student’s final grade will be calculated as follows: 1st nine weeks 40% 2nd nine weeks 40% Final exam 20%  Sumner County’s grading scale is as follows: A= 93-100% B= 85-92% C= 75-84% D= 70-74% F= 69% or below In return students can expect me to be respectful, empathetic, and prepared to the best of my ability.
 * Grading Policy: **
 * Sumner County Schools uses a county-wide online grading system to post grades for parents and students throughout the semester. To receive log-in information, parents __must__ come by the front office of the school. **HOWEVER, we will be using MYGRADEBOOK as a school as a primary source for grades access.** We will distribute login passwords and classwords the first week of school.
 * Expectations of Students: **
 * 1) Students will obey all school rules. (This includes dress code, cell phones, etc.)
 * 2) Students will treat **everyone** with respect and dignity.
 * 3) Students will be in their seats when the tardy bell rings.
 * 4) Students will come prepared for class. (This includes materials, homework and a //positive attitude//.)
 * 5) Students will listen to instructions the first time they are given.
 * 6) No food drinks, or gum allowed.

Students will receive **3** **Hall Passes** per semester. Students are encouraged to use these passes wisely and only in emergencies, as they will not be given more. I **DO NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK**, but I do understand that occasionally things happen. Thus, students will be given **3 Late Homework Passes** also per semester. Any unused passes can be turned in for extra credit at the end of the semester.
 * Hall **** Passes and Late Homework Passes: **

Students whose absences are verified or within the 5 allotted excused absences allowed by Sumner County will be given 3 days to make up work. Students should refer to the homework binder or class web site to obtain their missed work. If a student is aware in advance that they will be absent, he or she is encouraged to talk to me beforehand about what we will be working on in class. Students who are tardy to class without verification will be asked to stay after class for the amount of time they missed. On the third tardy the student will receive a detention.
 * Absences and Tardiness: **
 * Students should keep their syllabus/ contract as the first page of their notebook. **

Free tutoring is available for all Spanish students before and after school. Students are encouraged to attend tutoring if they have questions, need homework help, or want to review before a test. Also, tutoring is a great option if a student is absent from class. Notice of **__MANDATORY__** **__TUTORING__** will be sent home if a student is missing five or more assignments or if their grade drops below a 75%. Students will be required to attend two sessions within two weeks of the notice. Failure to attend mandatory sessions will result in a detention or further discipline referral. Tutoring times: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:15 a.m.- 7:45 a.m.     3:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
 * //__ IMPORTANT** TUTORING: __//**

Parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact me by phone or email. Also, you can check on assignments and download course documents at our class web site: Phone- (615) 824-6162 Email- __ diana.groza@sumnerschools.org __ Class site-__ http://spanishgroza.wikispaces.com __

__ Please check the appropriate boxes below, sign and return this form to your child’s Spanish teacher. __ ______I have read the contract for Spanish and I understand the course expectations. In addition, I agree to abide by Hendersonville High School’s academic integrity policy.


 * // I have read and agree to the policy and expectations for MANDATORY TUTORING. //**
 * // ______ Agree ______ Disagree //**

Student Name_____________________ Student Signature _____________________________

Parent Name ______________________ Parent Signature______________________________

Daytime Phone ______________ Parent E-mail ______________________________________