Señorita Kruszynski
Español I & III
(815) 577-5922
Classroom expectations, rules and procedures
¡Hola y bienvenidos a español! Learning a foreign language is the best way to expand your horizons and learn something that can connect you to different people and different cultures. Learning a language is a process, and that process is one that needs an open and accepting environment where everyone (including myself) is not afraid to make mistakes. Because of this, as your teacher, I will strive to support you, be patient, and give you the respect you deserve and the tools you need to learn Spanish. As my students, I will not expect you to get everything on the first try, but I will expect you to work hard and respect your classmates.
1. Attendance
The most important part of learning a language is PRACTICE so being there is very important. Students are expected to take responsibility for their part in the learning process. They are expected to be present on a daily basis and participate actively in class. The policies regarding attendance and tardies are as follows:
- If you know you are going to be absent, please let me know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE-email is the best way to reach me.
Make up work
- Only those with EXCUSED absences may submit make-up work
- For each day you are absent, you have an equal number of days to make up all work missed.
- If you are absent on the day of a test, it is YOUR responsibility to make arrangements to make up the test. Generally you will be expected to take the quiz or test the day you return. You must make an APPOINTMENT with me before or after school or during your study hall.
- If you are absent on the day a project is due, it is YOUR responsibility to get the project to me the day you return.
- If you are absent the day of a presentation you must be prepared to present the day you return.
Tardies
- Please be in the room, seated and ready to work when the bell rings
- Tardy procedure
First Tardy: Verbal warning
Second Tardy: Teacher Detention and phone call home
Third Tardy: Before or After School Assignment
Fourth Tardy and thereafter: Referral to Dean
2. Be Prepared
- All students must bring the following to class every day: textbook, notebook, any assigned homework, pen/pencil, along with any other handouts I ask you to bring.
- Food, drinks or gum are prohibited in the classroom
- Cell phones, CD players, pagers, etc must be kept in lockers in accordance with school policy. Violations to this policy will result in a referral to the dean and possible confiscation of materials.
3. Classroom Behavior
- In my classroom, you are expected to keep an open mind and show respect for yourself, for others, for the teacher, for property and for the subject matter of this course. Some guidelines can be found below:
- Ethnic, gender or racial slurs are prohibited
- Come to class prepared
- Participate in class discussion and exercises
- Raise your hand
- Be in your seat when the bell rings
- Keep the room CLEAN
- Use the target language (Spanish) whenever possible
- Consequences to negative classroom behavior
Step 1 Teacher-Student Conference
Step 2 Contact Home and 15 minute detention
Step 3 Contact Home and 30 minute detention
Step 4 Referral to the Dean
- In extreme cases, steps may be skipped according to severity of behavior.
4. Grading Policies
- Grades are cumulative throughout the semester and will be determined by the works from the entire semester that is weighted 80% and the final exam that will represent 20% of your semester grade.
- Each Marking Period Grade will consist of the following 5 Categories
Marking Period Grade:
Tests 20%
Quizzes 15%
Projects 15%
Participation 15%
Homework 15%
80%
Semester Grade:
Marking Period Grade 80%
Semester Exam 20%
100%
· Letter Grades are as follows:
90-100%= A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
0-59% = F
5. Tests and Quizzes and Projects
- Tests and quizzes will be given regularly. A formal assessment will conclude each chapter and will be cumulative. Students will be responsible for all material covered in class even if they were absent. Tests will usually include: reading, writing, listening, speaking and culture sessions.
- Quizzes will usually be given in advance but pop quizzes may also be given in order to encourage daily study, effective note taking and attention to class activities.
- Projects will usually be assigned for each chapter. These projects will give you the opportunity to use your creativity and show me what you have learned. Projects will be accepted late; however, your grade will drop one letter grade for each day late after the due date.
- **Retake policy: Any student not satisfied with a grade received on a test or quiz has the opportunity to retake the test or quiz. The student will be required to have TWO 30-minute tutoring sessions with either myself or in the learning lab, and the two test grades will be averaged to replace the first grade. The purpose of this policy is to allow you the opportunity to learn from your mistakes and improve on your study skills. All retakes must be done before the day of the next chapter test.
6. Homework
- Homework will be assigned daily and students are expected to have assignments completed by the beginning of class that day to receive credit.
- Daily homework that is graded in class will NOT be accepted late.
- More formal assignments will be accepted up to two days late, dropping a letter grade each day (a B assignment that is two days late will become a D).
- Each student will receive one homework pass per semester. This pass can be turned in instead of ONE homework assignment. The passes are NOT valid for projects. If all homework has been completed you may turn in your pass for 1 point extra credit on the final exam.
7. Participation
- In order to create the best learning environment for everyone participation is necessary in our classroom. You will be expected to volunteer and be prepared to answer questions throughout the class period.
- For your grade you will receive a card every three weeks. Each day you will be asked to give yourself a participation grade for the day. The grading is out of 3 points/day and is as follows:
0 points=misbehavior or “lost” card, sleeping in class, no participation
1 point=little effort in activities, not active in class discussions, not prepared
2 points=somewhat active in class discussions, materials ready, some effort to participate
3 points=active participation, voluntary answers, ready for class.
- I will check these each day as they are turned in and reserve the right to change a grade. The cards will be kept IN THE ROOM. If there is confusion, please talk to me. Again a forgotten/lost card means NO POINTS for that day. This is a great way for you to see how YOUR participation affects the class environment and gives you some input in your grade.
8. Extra Credit
- Extra credit opportunities will be available from time to time during the course. It will only be allowed when the student has fulfilled all REQUIRED assignments and is not to be used as a substitute for routine assignments.
9. Extra Help
- If you ever need extra help, I am usually available for tutoring sessions before or after school. I expect every one of my students to succeed, so please talk with me or email me so we can set a time to meet.
10. Rewards
- There are many rewards for good behavior throughout the semester. You all will receive things such as homework passes, fiestas, dulces (candy), etc. for meeting my expectations. Most importantly, in following with the expectations of the class, you will be rewarded with a good grade and the ability to communicate in Spanish. Not only this, but by meeting these expectations you all will be part of a wonderful environment to learn and succeed in Spanish!