Course Information
Spanish 1 – Room 224
My name is Ms. Velasquez; I’m looking forward to be working with you in my class this year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at avelasquez@raleighcharterhs.org or (919) 715-1155 x 3224. Please just give me about 24 hours to respond during the working days. I might be available to respond during the weekends as well.
During class you will be actively using Spanish, and outside of class you will practice skills that will increase your fluency and literacy. In this class we will focus on the four areas of communication: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. I have listed some useful information about our classroom below.
Materials and Supplies
Every day bring a notebook, pencil, and the workbook. You will need to purchase the "Navegando 1" workbook at Quail Ridge Books if you have not already done it. You will be given the textbook, which you will be expected to return at the end of the academic year. You will also need a binder with pockets for handouts and notebook paper. The use of highlighters will be highly recommended. It is important to be prepared to write notes.
Office Hours
I will be available to meet parents and/or students on Tuesdays and Thursdays, before school (8:10 to 8:30). I am also available at other various times by appointment.
Homework Policy
All times, homework will be graded for completion. Other times I will collect it and grade it for accuracy. If your written homework is incomplete at the start of Spanish class, you have 24 hours to produce it for half the credit. All homework assignment counts into consideration in your grade.
Grading Procedure
Grades will be calculated on this basis.
Preparation (Homework) 20%
Language Lab 10%
Classwork 10%
Tests 40%
Quizzes 20%
Effective class participation includes your best effort to speak Spanish whenever possible, being prepared for class, volunteering to support classmates, and keep a safe/neat space.
Resources
You may use different only programs to practice vocabulary, such a Quia.com and many others. We will be utilizing our language lab, as well as a new program we are adopting named Schoolshape.
Make-up tests/quizzes
Please, check with me for availability. I will have the test or quiz ready for you. Please make up the work as soon as possible. If you are out of school and don’t think you’re ready for a test/quiz, please talk with me (or email me) before the schedule day of the test. Don’t assume you can postpone the assignment. It is important to understand that make-up work from excused absences will be scheduled and handled on an individual basis. Make-up tests may have a different format from the test given in class on the assigned test day but will cover the same.
Volunteer Opportunities
We always welcome parent volunteers in our classroom. We appreciate any time and talent shared with us. Let me know if you are interested. Thank you for your help and support.
RCHS Honor Code
· Remember that all work, whether done in class or outside of class, most be done by you in order to receive credit. You may work with others on homework, or projects but copying homework (or allowing someone to copy your work( is an honor violation.
- Any honor code violation will result in referral to the Honor Council and administration. Cases will be handled on an individual basis as to credit for the assignment in question.
- Abide by the honor code on all work (this includes using translators before using what you know first)
Class Rules
1. Come to class on time and prepared (homework, notebook, pencil) every day.
2. No eating in Spanish class. To drink-only water in capped bottles.
Do not put food, trash or phones in the desks. Phones should be in your book bag or in your pocket. If you need to leave the class and the phone is in your pocket, you’ll need to put it on top of the desk before leaving the room.
3. Please, go to the bathroom before or after class.
With five minutes between classes, there is no good excuse for arriving late. If your previous teacher holds you over, please ask him/her for a note. There are bathrooms and water fountains near this class. Please stop there before class if necessary. Aside from medical issues, there is no reason for daily or regular trips during class time. (If there is a medical reason, please let me know).
4. Always respect others.
Please show respect for everyone. I want everyone to have a great experience, to develop language skills and to have fun. You’ll be doing a lot of pair and group work. I will be changing the seating regularly. Please do your best to participate and contribute in a positive way.