SUPPLIES:
- a composition notebook (college ruled/any design)
- at least one folder for handouts (you may keep this in a binder if you have other classes that you use one for)
- pens/pencils for notes and activities
- laptop & charger
- earphones (whatever type you prefer)
CLASSROOM RULES:
- Be Safe,
- Be Helpful,
- Be Actively involved,
- Be Respectful, &
- Be Prepared.
DISCIPLINE PLAN:
1st offense - verbal warning
2nd offense - infraction notice
3rd offense - parent contact
4th offense - counselor/administrative contact
5th offense - referral/ISD
ATTENDANCE:
- Missing more than 20 minutes of class equals an absence.
- Four unexcused tardies = office referral
- Be sure to keep up with classwork even when absent.
**Your attendance is VERY important. Foreign language builds on prior knowledge attained.
GRADING:
34% - Minor (quizzes, classwork, homework)
66% - Major (tests, projects, presentations)
- Any work turned in late will have time-based deductions.
- Turn everything in on time, unless excused absence -- then go by excused absence guidelines.
- If you know you’ll be absent, turn it in early!
** It is the student’s responsibility to gather information about missed or make up any test or quiz. You may refer to my website, another classmate, or come by my room before/after school or during breaks. (See late policy in the parents' tab.)
CELL PHONES:
Cell phones in general will not be allowed in class and are only to be used at the teacher’s discretion, insomuch as they are needed as a necessary aid in the classroom experience. I have a safe location for phones during class instruction. Multiple infractions will result in the phone being sent to the office to be dealt with accordingly.
PLEASE NOTE: If a parent/guardian needs to get in contact with a student, please go through the office. I understand needing to get in contact with your students for emergencies, but cell phones often create a huge distraction in the language classroom.
RESTROOMS:
To ensure everyone's safety and to keep disruptions to a minimum, we implement the Securely Pass system for students to use to check in and out of the classroom as needed. I have elected to allow students to check themselves out of the classroom, provided it isn't in the first or last fifteen minutes of class or when I am giving direct instruction. Only one student at any time may be outside the classroom, so I have a small signal by the door that allows the rest of the class to see, without interruptions, if the bathroom is available at any given moment.
TRANSLATIONS/AI:
The use of any translation device on the internet (other than an online dictionary), computer software, or the aid of a Spanish speaker or artificial intelligence [AI such as ChatGPT, etc...]) to complete your work is considered cheating. All submitted assignments are subject to a verbal followup review to ensure authenticity. If your work is a product of a computer translator or AI, you will be subject to receive a referral and a zero. While such tools do have their place and can be useful at times with prior teacher guidance and approval, the aim in language class is to better understand how to *fully* comprehend the language and how to speak with command, confidence, and competency. That's my goal and why we focus on what we can accomplish personally rather than technologically.