Bonjour à tous!

This website provides students and parents with access to all relevant information about our classes and our curriculum.  Please make sure to check Google Classroom for information about assignments.  

ORAL

The goal is to develop confidence and fluency.  Speaking in class is a key component of each lesson.  In order to feel comfortable speaking French and to master new vocabulary and concepts, students have to participate actively in class.  Students are encouraged to speak every day and their participation is evaluated accordingly.  Students can monitor their progress by counting the number of checks placed by their name on a seating chart kept in class.  An oral grade is given every 4 to 5 weeks based on this evaluation system.  Students should come during office hours or after school if they wish to improve a poor oral grade due to absences, insufficient class participation or if they need to prepare for the speaking portion of a scheduled test.

HOMEWORK

Homework assignments are given every day.  Memorization of new vocabulary is considered homework.  All assignments should be completed for the next class unless otherwise specified.  In case of absence, students will be granted an extra day to submit an assignment (extensions will be permitted for longer absences).  When collected, homework is graded on a 90-point basis and any missed assignment will result in a zero.  Late work will receive a 20% deduction for each day that the assignment is missing.  Assignments completed on worksheets (simple practice exercises) should be presented on their due date.  Since these 10 points assignments are corrected in class, no extension will be provided after their due date.  Students are encouraged to redo any homework assignment that was either incomplete or incorrect (partial credit will be allocated). 

QUIZZES AND TESTS

Lesson quizzes are given on a regular basis and are always announced.  Homework assignments focusing on mastery of a new set of vocabulary or a new grammar concept may be followed by short quizzes designed to check students’ mastery of new material.

Tests are given at the end of a unit or chapter.  They include a listening exercise, vocabulary, grammar, and culture questions as well as a writing and/or speaking portion.  Each section is graded according to our World Language Categories (Interpretive, Interpersonal, Presentational).  Students are always notified of an upcoming test several days in advance.

PROJECTS

Projects are an important part of the curriculum and are always a welcome break in our routine.  Ample time is given to all students (either in class or at home) to produce their best work in French.  Students are reminded of a project due date and are encouraged to manage their time accordingly.  Most projects rely on technology, either for research purposes (French-language Internet sources) and/or for presentation (Word/PowerPoint).  Students are reminded to ask for assistance when needed. 

PORTFOLIO

Students should keep all their graded work in a double pocket folder.  There are three important reasons for this requirement:

1.  It is a collection of the student’s work to be used for revision throughout the year and specifically before mid-term and final exams.

2.  It helps us avoid time-consuming searches in cases of grade inquiries.

3.  It provides the only opportunity to receive extra credit points.  Portfolios are collected and “graded” at the end of each marking period.

TECHNOLOGY

Students should check Google classroom every day to find out about homework and all important communications and assignments. All links to classes will be provided on the first day of school.  Complete lesson plans are posted in the shared “Lesson Plans” folder each week.  Absent students should refer to this folder to find out about missed assignments.  All material needed for class will be uploaded in the corresponding Google Classroom folders.

Students will be required to post some assignments (homework, speaking tests, projects, etc.) on Google classroom.  Some listening assignments (mostly videos) will also be posted for students to review and work on at home. 

BE PREPARED

Students should come to French class ready to work.  Please bring your Chromebook to each class with your charger and a personal set of earbuds (with working microphone).

Frequent interruptions for various reasons (bathroom, water fountain, locker trips, etc…) unless absolutely necessary, rob all students of precious instruction time.  We want to be mindful of all our learners’ needs and accommodations.  Parents will be notified should their child’s missed class time result in disruption and/or declining grades. 

Our program is very exciting with a lot of new vocabulary, language structures, and cultural themes that are both enlightening and challenging.  Students should not hesitate to seek help should they experience any type of difficulty.  We will work together to make sure that all students are successful French learners!

I am available for extra help or to catch up on missed assignments during the full lunch hour on B and C days and after school by appointment only.

If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email between 7 am and 7 pm Mon thru Fri:  ntartaglia@summit.k12.nj.us