My name is Mrs. Graefen and I am delighted to know that your child will be learning the second most spoken language in the United States. Unlike other core curriculum subjects, Spanish is a new discipline for most students, and of course, will provide a new, challenging experience. It is important that students and parents know the classroom expectations and procedures to help each child achieve to the highest degree of success.
Program Goals
Middle School Spanish
The ultimate goal of the middle school Spanish course is to help the students build basic literacy skills in Spanish, using the Realidades series. Middle school Spanish students will be studying a great deal about the culture, history, geography, and the arts of the Spanish-speaking world.
Grades
Our class time will be devoted primarily to speaking. listening, and writing activities. Students will be expected to engage in topic specific conversations and performances. Students will receive homework on a regular basis and will be expected to complete each assignment with care and accuracy. Even when no written work is assigned, students will have a great deal of vocabulary to study.
Homework generally is evaluated as student effort and will receive full credit when neatly and accurately completed and turned in on time. My homework policy states that if the assignment is submitted one day late, the student will receive half credit. Homework that is more than one day late will receive no credit.
Students will typically have at least one quiz per week. Sometimes there may be two quizzes per week.
After each chapter/unit there will be a cumulative test. There will also be various projects during the school year.
Grades are weighted as follows:
- Category 1 (chapter tests and major tests): 45%
- Category 2 (quizzes and projects): 30%
- Category 3 (homework, class work, group work): 25%
The district-wide grading scale will be utilized on each graded assignment:
Discipline
In a foreign language class, students need optimal conditions for concentration, and they need to feel comfortable speaking without the fear of making errors. To create a safe, enjoyable learning environment, the following classroom rules are observed:
- Be on time for class.
- Be prepared for class.
- Raise your hand and wait to be called on.
- Follow all school handbook rules.
- Participate in class activities.
Students who violate any classroom or school rules will be assessed the following consequences:
· Offense 1: Warning/reminder.
· Offense 2: Warning/reminder.
· Offense 3: Final verbal warning/Reflective Statement / Call Home.
· Offense 4: Referral/Call Home.
Parents can also show their involvement in their child's education by checking assignment notebooks daily, reviewing homework, and checking grades on Powerschool weekly. Please also check the school website, www.district130.org, where my homework will be updated daily. You may feel free to contact me at anytime via email at cgraefen@district130.org., by sending a letter to school with your student, or by phone at the school's main number to discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s progress.
I look forward to an exciting, fresh academic year. I hope to instill in your child my own passion for the acquisition of Spanish language and study of Hispanic cultures.
