Spanish I – Señor Blanco / Señor Broughton / Señora Torres– Strake Jesuit College Preparatory 2015-2016

Required Texts and materials:  Descubre 1 – Digital e-book with eCuaderno and SuperSite Code

Digital resources for Descubre 1 (through vhlcentral.com)

Spanish-English Dictionary (will remain in the classroom at all times); a digital copy on the iPad is also required

A writing journal (will remain in the classroom at all times)

A binder with loose leaf (a notebook is not allowed) – NO NOTES MAY BE TAKEN ON THE iPAD UNLESS AN ACCOMMODATION IS GRANTED THROUGH THE LRC – all of our resources are digital and are not visible if the student has a notetaking program open on the screen

 

Your grade will be based on the following percentages:

Tests 50%

Quizzes 35%

Homework 15%

——-

100%

* Final Grade: Semester Grade 80%

Final Exam 20%

About the class:

Objectives:

• To learn vast vocabulary and grammatical structures
• To experience communication in Spanish
• To be understood in basic linguistic exchanges in Spanish
• To listen and read basic texts in Spanish
• To understand the cultures of the Spanish-Speaking world
• To become aware of the Spanish-speaking cultures of Houston
• To complete Descubre 1 Textbook and Workbook, chapters 1-9

Pace of Class: 

The Spanish 1 curriculum is designed to give each student a solid introduction to the Spanish language by the end of his first year, with the aim of being fully prepared for an even more challenging Spanish 2 and 3. We complete about one chapter in the textbook every 3-4 weeks, with weekly quizzes and major tests at the end of each chapter (1-9). Quizzes generally fall on Fridays; tests will be announced several days in advance with their scheduling occurring as they need fall. Homework is usually nightly as a completion grade with no late assignments accepted unless due to an absence excused by the school administration.

Expectations:

• The class will be conducted totally in Spanish. Students must talk in Spanish at all times.  Mistakes are welcomed! The use of English will be very limited, generally confined to essential grammar explanations and broader linguistic concepts.
• Bring all books and materials to class including folder with loose leaf, pencil/pen (no red ink), highlighter, etc. If the student fails to bring all required materials to class, he shall be assigned a PH.
• You must take notes in class at all times.  Your binder will be checked periodically for a homework grade.Complete homework on a daily basis.  You will receive a 100 for completion or a 0 for incomplete or missing homework. There is no partial credit for partial work.
• Study a little portion of the lesson each night. Students will take pop-quizzes on the material covered in previous classes without warning.
• Participate actively in the classroom activities even if they are difficult.
• Study for quizzes (once or twice weekly) and Tests (2 or 3 per month).  All the quizzes, pop-quizzes, and test must be signed by the parents and return to the class the following day, with the exception of semester/final exams (per school policy).
• Ask for extra help as soon as you need it.  The virtuous student asks for help immediately if he feels lost.  Attend extra help sessions. Questions are welcome in the class, so please; don’t hesitate to ask any question!
• Doing work or studying for other classes will not be tolerated.
• Conduct yourself in a respectful manner towards your peers and your teacher.  The guidelines of the Community Life all apply in this classroom.
• Honesty is a virtue and will be fostered in this classroom and at Strake Jesuit.  Repercussions are severe for those who choose to engage in academic dishonesty activities.  Don’t go there!

Tardies: 

• Each student who is a freshman may receive one grace tardy in the first semester, assuming some acclimation to campus. After this, he will receive a P.H. for being tardy to class.

Classroom Rules: 

• Be prepared
• Raise your hand and wait to be called upon to speak
• Doing outside work will not be tolerated
• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
• Remain seated at all times unless you have permission
• Conduct yourself in a respectful manner towards yourself, your peers, and your teacher

 

• Disruptive Behavior:

• 1.  Warning   2. Teacher P.H. & Call home.  3. School P.H. & Call home
• Minor disruption may be punished with “paperclips” or other alternatives solely at the teacher’s discretion.
• **Profanity and bullying are not tolerated**
• **If you are doing work from another class in Spanish class, all your materials will be confiscated**

• Honor Code:

• Cheating will not be tolerated.  It will result in a 0 with no opportunity to make up the assignment.  This includes using online translators or getting help from native speakers/upper level students/parents for homework, writing assignments, and projects.  Please note that copying a friend’s homework and giving/receiving answers prior to a test/quiz is considered cheating.  You will be asked to sign the honor pledge on tests and quizzes.  You must abide by the Strake Jesuit honor code.

I have read and understood the above objectives and expectations.

________________________________           ____________________________

Student’s signature Parent’s signature

Date