Course Description: This nine-week course will give students the opportunity to explore languages other than English. Through this introductory course, students will have opportunities to communicate with each other and their teacher. In addition, by understanding and appreciating other cultures, they will understand their own culture better.
Classroom procedures and rules Students are expected to:
· Write the notes from the board as soon as they come in.
· Be prepared each day putting forth their best effort. Bring materials to class each day
· Follow all directions · All IMS rules apply
· Turn in work at the end of class
· Sit in their assigned seats
Citizenship Expectations /Classroom Behavior Students should: Students are expected to follow all rules and procedures in the Student Handbook and code of conduct as well as any school-wide rules stated in the student planner including the tardiness and detention policy. First tardy- verbal warning, second tardy teacher detention and third tardy administrative detention. In addition, students are to:
· Be courteous, respectful, and non argumentative with teacher and other students
· Raise their hands and wait for me to call on them
· Have permission to move about in the classroom
· Refrain from teasing, yelling, or swearing. keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves
· Leave no trash in the classroom
Citizenship Expectations:
The following actions will be taken as necessary:
· Students will be warned
· A Behavior modification/written assignment will be given
· Phone contact with parents
· Detention will be assigned
· Referral to administrator
Virginia Beach Public Schools Grading Scale:
A ( 93-100) A-(90-92)
B+ ( 87-89) B (83-86) B- (80-82)
C+ ( 77-79) C (73-76) C- (70-72)
D+ (67-69) D (64-66)
E (64- and below falling)
Make- Up work: When a student returns to school from an excused absence, it is his or her responsibility to request missed assignments, to be completed within the same amount of days missed and returned to me.
Academic detention: In an effort to increase student performance, an academic detention will be assigned to any student who fails to complete assigned work. If the work is made up prior to the date of the detention, students will not have to serve the detention and a partial credit of a 50 will be granted.
Evaluation/Grading: The nine weeks will be calculated as follows: Class work –Everyday work 25% Quizzes -average of 9 quizzes 25% Projects –in class or at home 25% Participation – daily 25%
Required Materials: Students need to bring the following each day to class for the entire nine weeks · Pencil or black /blue pen · Markers/crayons/colored pencils · Folder/small binder · Loose-leaf paper and planners
Projects/Assignments:
Students will complete 9 quizzes and 7-8 projects. In addition they will complete daily assignments in class.
Homework/Classwork: class work not finished in class will have to be completed at home for homework and will still be counted as classwork.
Book: Discovering Languages Spanish Exploratory does not require a book we will be
using this book occasionally.
Help Sessions: Students are encouraged to ask questions and to seek extra help when experiencing any difficulty.
If additional help is needed arrangements could be made on a need basis.
Procedures for conferences, parental contacts: I invite parents to communicate with me as often as needed. I will respond promptly to messages via phone calls and/or email within a day. Teamwork between teachers, parents, and students is essential for students’ success. If you would like to meet with me in person, a conference can be arranged through the Guidance Department. * Parents will be contacted via phones calls and/or email for “E” and “D” grades at progress report and report card time.
Grades are always accessible through Parent Portal and will be updated at least once weekly.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Virginia Beach City Public Schools will allow students to use privately own electronic devices to access the VBCPS wireless network. Connection to the VBCPS Wi-Fi network with personal devices is a privilege, not a right, and it is not a requirement for division students. Devices used such as phones or other devices will be used according to teacher discretion.
Chromebook Success Tips
* Bring your Chromebook to school every day with a full charge.
* Keep your charger at home.
* Power down at the end of each class.
* Handle your Chromebook with care.
* Close the lid when you walk away.
* Use two hands on the bottom to carry.
* Keep food and drink away from the Chromebook
* Be open to change and growth.
* Be a good digital citizen.