Spanish Syllabus

  ¡Bienvenidos a la clase de Español!

Introduction

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Independence High School family. I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful school and to be able to help your child gain a broader worldview through the teaching of Spanish. I look forward to making a difference in your child’s life and to working with you to ensure that your child will have a rewarding and enjoyable year.

Class Materials

• pencil/pen

• Chromebook and notebook

GRADING BREAKDOWN:     

We will have 3 types of assignments :

Prepare: Will be 20% of the grade and include the following assignments: Homework, warm-ups, exit tickets, smaller checks for understanding.

Rehearse: Will be 30% of the grade and include the following assignments: Quizzes,  mini-assessments, mini-projects, classwork

Perform: Will be 50% of the grade and will include the following assignments: Unit assessments, common assessments, performance tasks, writing assignments, projects with rubrics

Late work

50% should be assigned as the lowest grade for any assignment for which the student shows a reasonable attempt to address the minimum requirements of the task (except midterm and final exams). The comments section in PowerSchool should note actual reflection of student mastery when a minimum grade of 50% is given

Late penalties of no more than 5 points per school day will be deducted using a 100 point scale.

Late assignments will be accepted until one week (5 school days) after the “perform day”. The assignments will be available on canvas.  After the 5 days  the student will receive a 50% for the late work. If the assignment needs to be completed in a hard copy the student needs to request a copy of the assignment. 

Important: If the student did not turn in the assignment he/she will receive a zero in the gradebook.

Technology:  

Cell  phones 

On July 1, 2025, the state passed legislation HB959 . The bill states that all personal technology devices are restricted during instructional time. This aligns with the independence High School Policy, which requires all students to turn in their cellphones entering the classroom and not use any personal technology devices during instructional time. 

• To enhance the learning experience and protect valuable instructional time, students at Independence High School must turn off Cell phones and at the beginning of each instructional block, students must give their cellphone to the teacher when entering the classroom. Students will get cell phones back at the end of each class.

• Student use of an electronic device will be permitted from 6:45 a.m. through 7:05 a.m. (breakfast), during the student’s assigned lunch ONLY.  Headphones and earbuds are NOT permitted during school hours except during breakfast and their assigned lunch.

• Use of personal electronic devices (cell phone, headphones/earbuds) is prohibited during instructional time in classrooms, hallways, media center, gymnasium, restrooms, locker rooms, or school grounds (other than during designated lunch.) Personal electronic devices must be out of sight (or stored in teacher designated areas). The device must be turned off.

• Cellphones and Earbuds/Headphones will be confiscated if a student is using those devices in the hallway during the instructional block. 

• Students will not be able to answer phone calls or video chat during breakfast or lunch.  Students must use the main office phone or teacher office phones. Parents/Guardians are to call the front office if an important message must be relayed to the student.

• Students can not listen to music or use cellphones during all class changes.

• Students who bring more than 1 cellphone will have both cellphones confiscated if violating the cellphone policy.  

Tardies

• If you are late please enter the class quietly and sign in. 

• All tardies will be documented in the educators handbook.

• At the third tardy you will receive an office referral.  referral.

Attitude about the class:

This class requires attention, participation and hard work. You must be patient and continue to try, even if at times you feel lost and confused. This class also requires practice after school. Just like learning a new sport or how to play an instrument, if you want to master your Spanish skills you must practice. Studying your vocabulary for at least 20 minutes daily is highly recommended. 

Class rules and expectations:

Entering and leaving class:  Be on time!  Check canvas daily  and when you arrive in the classroom  start the warm-up.  Remain seated and quiet during all announcements.  Stay seated unless directed by the teacher.

Expectations:    1. Bring necessary materials to class. 2. Act respectfully to all people and objects in our classroom. 

 3. Allow others the opportunity to learn.    4. No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom.     

Consequences: 1. Warning             2. Warning and Parent Contact            3. Office Referral

Tutoring: Tutoring is available by appointment every Monday after the school. If tutoring is not an option for you please practice in Quizlet. 

 Best tips for students and parents:

Parents  please check on Canvas and PowerSchool often and encourage your child to sign up for remind to get messages  with reminders about upcoming events in the class. To communicate with parents I will use talking points and email. 

I hope each of you will enjoy learning Spanish this year. I believe that each of you has the ability to succeed in this class. This year promises much Spanish learning as you all begin your language study.

After reading the syllabus please complete the google form below. 

Spanish I : https://forms.gle/iP3wcQRD9yq5JB3F9

Spanish II : https://forms.gle/cLAvVWKgSA714zqZA