Intro to Latin
2024/25
Room 129
Mr. Finnegan
https://sites.google.com/bfcsaz.com/bfinnegan
This class is an introduction to Latin and includes a study of the culture and history of Rome in addition to Latin, the language of the Romans. The homework load for this class will vary from week to week, but I cannot stress enough the importance of always doing the homework for this class. Any language requires constant practice, and Latin is certainly no exception. The homework for this class shouldn’t take too long if you always do it.
Grade Breakdown:
30% - Discussion
30% - Quizzes: Vocabulary and Forms Quizzes (Weekly)
30% - Tests
10% - Homework Quizzes/Graded Classwork
The above covers 80% of the total grade. The other 20% is a final exam.
Discussion and Participation: This is your grade based on your behavior in the class.
Come to class prepared (Always bring your binder, composition book, pens, flash cards, and paper).
Complete your bellwork in a timely fashion (usually 5 minutes from when the bell rings).
Respect your classmates and your teacher.
Follow the class procedures and rules.
Come to tutoring if there is anything that you don’t understand.
Quizzes: We will have weekly quizzes on new vocabulary and forms. Quizzes will cover vocabulary and forms from the previous week. Forms quizzes will be graded on a 100% or zero basis. However, forms quizzes can be retaken until 100% is achieved. Quizzes will be announced in class and posted on the class website: https://sites.google.com/bfcsaz.com/bfinnegan/home .
Tests: There will be a test for every two chapters covering vocabulary, forms, and translations. The final exam will be cumulative.
Homework: Homework (HW) will be given virtually every day. HW is graded by means of a Google Form posted on the the class website: https://sites.google.com/bfcsaz.com/bfinnegan/home . The deadline for homework will typically be the end of the day after it is assigned, or for Friday homework, 11:59 of the following Sunday. If you are absent from class you can make up homework by the end of the week it is assigned, or for extended absences, by agreement with the teacher. Lesson videos are available on the class YouTube channel, also posted on the class website, to help you if you were absent or would like to review a lesson before doing your homework.
Detention Policy: Refer to Parent Handbook for current policy.
Materials: Have the following items for this class no later than Monday August 10th:
One composition book for Bellwork/Homework Quizzes/Graded Classwork
A 1-inch 3-ring binder with 1 divider (Weekly Notes, Handouts)
Black and red pens (Always have at least one spare of each at school)
Flashcards: Either purchase a couple pre-made sets on book rings, or purchase 3x5 cards and book rings. Cut the 3x5 cards into two halves.
Whiteboard markers (6 whiteboard markers should last you the entire year)
Scrap of cloth to use as a whiteboard eraser (an old sock is great)
Classroom Expectations:
Do not tear pages out of your binder.
Do not take your pens or pencils apart.
Do not interrupt speakers.
Do be attentive, taking notes, and respectful.
Do clean up your desk and the surrounding area after class.
Do be in your seat with your materials ready when the bell rings.
Do come to class with the attitude of a stout, noble Roman each day.
In sum: Do what we are doing.
Attendance: Excessive tardies (5 for the first period of the day, 3 for every other class) will result in detention. Makeup work for excused absences must be submitted within 2 days of the time missed. Work for unexcused absences may not be accepted, at teacher's discretion.
Academic Honesty: Be aware of your surroundings. If you give me any reason to suspect that you are being dishonest (vocabulary flashcards not put away during a quiz, for example) I must give the assignment a zero. Let your conduct be above reproach.
Discipline: You are here to enjoy learning, as are your fellow students. Think before you act. If you are preventing another student from learning or not following the expectations outlined above, you will earn the following (step(s) may be skipped for a more serious offense):
The first time I call it to your attention you will earn a verbal warning.
The second time I speak to you about it you will earn a teacher directed consequence.
The third time I have to speak to you will earn a consequence and parent/guardian contact.
The fourth time you may be sent to the office to speak to a principal.
Tutoring: Available in room 129 during conference or before/after school by special arrangement. Ask questions via email - bfinnegan@bfcsaz.com