Spanish I:
This year-long course is the same class taught at Caroll High School, but
offered in 8th grade. It is for high school credit and as such the grading
policy adheres to that of the Foreign Language Department at CHS. (PLEASE
NOTE: Students do not receive any extra points added to their final grade in
this high school credit class and the class cannot be retaken--it is a
permanent grade factored into the student's GPA.) While technically an
elective, Spanish I is a challenging, fast-paced academic class and should
be treated as a 5th core class. It requires a large percentage of outside
study time and a lot of memorization. I have listed below what to expect in
class, as well as the grading policy. If you have any questions, please
email me at ordonezc@cisdmail.com. -Thank you, Mrs. Ordoñez
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-Teacher will speak mainly in Spanish and students are expected to speak
only in Spanish after the first couple of weeks in class
-Daily homework assignments
-Absolutely NO LATE WORK accepted (automatic zero)
-Memorization of all vocab words (including spelling and accent marks)
-Major spelling quizzes
-No extra credit offered
-Daily mini-quizzes (for homework comprehension check)
-Major listening quizzes (students will hear Spanish-only prompts and
complete a written quiz)
-1 to 2 Spanish-only essays
-Oral presentations (in Spanish) and projects
Spanish I Grading Policy:
Daily Grades = 25% (homework, mini-quizzes)
Major Quizzes = 25% (chapter, spelling, listening)
Major Tests = 50% (tests, projects, presentations)
Semester Exam = 20% of entire semester average (two exams given: one midterm
in January and one end-of-course in June)
CLASS SYLLABUS:
¡ B I E N V E N I D O S !
Welcome to Señora Ordoñezs Spanish Class @ Dawson Middle School
Teacher: Mrs. Carie Ordoñez Phone: 817-949-5510
Email: ordonezc@cisdmail.com
Website: http://teacherweb.com/TX/dawsonmiddleschool/Ordonez
Materials Needed for Spanish class:
red grading pen, blue pen, black pen, pencil, notebook paper, spiral
notebook for warm-ups, binder with 10 dividers for first semester and 10
dividers for 2nd semester, University of Chicago spanish/english dictionary
(for at home use)
Spanish Class Rules:
Please work hard, be honest, be respectful, and be nice!
Grading Policy
(in accordance with CHS Foreign Language Dept.
as this is a high school credit class):
25% - Daily work (homework, mini-quizzes)
Homework is given daily and is expected to be 100% completed before the next
class.
PLEASE NOTE: NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED! Late work will result in an
automatic 0. HW must be 100% complete to be accepted (no partial credit is
given). Mini-quizzes will be given 2-3 times a week for a check on homework
comprehension.
25% - Quizzes
Normally, there are 4-6 quizzes per six weeks, including listening quizzes.
There are no QUIZ retakes.
50% - Major tests (tests, projects, and presentations)
Typically two major tests will be given each six weeks. There are no TEST
retakes.
SEMESTER EXAMS: There is a cumulative mid-term exam in January and an end-of-
course final exam in June. EXAMS count for 20% of the semester average.
A Note about Attendance/Make-up Work:
It is extremely difficult to make up for absences in a foreign
language class where everyday builds on the lesson from the previous class
period (very similar to math class!). Tutorial sessions can be very crowded
and brief and can in no way make up for the missed classroom time. Any
missed quizzes/tests must be made up outside of class time. I am not
permitted to give any test, quiz, or exam early.
YOU are responsible for any make-up work! Check the Spanish website
for assignments; upon returning to school: check your mailbox for missed
handouts, check weekly board for tests/quiz schedule, turn in previously
assigned homework and see Mrs. Ordoñez to schedule a time to take any missed
tests/quizzes.
Tutorials:
I am available for tutoring Monday-Friday morning from 8:00 a.m. -
8:30 a.m. (first come-first served basis). I am also available after school
until 4:00pm (unless I have to leave early).
Students who come to tutorials must: be prepared to work on a
specific assignment or concept and have all necessary materials (book,
worksheet, paper, pencil, etc.). Students that are unprepared or not working
will be asked to leave. Tutorial time is not chat-time.
Classroom Procedures & Policies
Upon entering the Spanish classroom:
1. Check mailbox for any returned homework, absent work or hand-outs. All
graded papers are returned to your mailbox.
2. Start daily warm-up "diario" (always on front whiteboard).
3. Follow teachers directions for the day. (A daily schedule is written on
the whiteboard next to the diario.)
4. Homework is due on my desk in the turn-in basket BEFORE the bell rings or
it is considered late - but there is no late work accepted per the HS
grading policy. Only HW that is 100% completed will be accepted (no partial
credit is given).
5. Mrs. Ordoñez will dismiss the class NOT the bell! Remain seated and
working until I dismiss you.
Disciplinary Action for inappropriate classroom behavior:
1. Verbal warning and, if required, change in seat assignment.
2. Sent to hallway for the remaining class period. (If a student is sent to
the hallway for disruptive behavior, s/he is still responsible for acquiring
that days lesson and homework assignment.)
3. Phone call home.
4. Discipline Ticket sent home with parent signature required and detention.
5. Referral to Mr. Wilson with possible consequences such as detention, OCS,
or removal from course.
How to Succeed in Spanish class:
Come to class everyday and be on time!
Actively listen, question and participate in the daily activities.
Be organized. Dont get zeros for not finishing your homework.
Use the many resources available to you (i.e. morning tutorials,
textbook & online reviews).
If youre absent, check the Spanish website to see what you missed
so you wont fall behind.
Study EXTRA for test and quizzes. (Student study groups are great
for this!)
Get in as much listening time as you can outside of class.
(Spanish TV, radio and DVDs are great!)
Try your best and HAVE FUN!
A Note about High School Spanish I:
You have enrolled in a high school credit class; a grade that cannot be
replaced. While this class is an elective, it is as challenging as a CORE
class. It is important that you always understand that your grade in Spanish
belongs to YOU. It is what you have achieved or earned and you will own it!
its your responsibility. YOU (neither your parents nor I) determine the
grade placed on your report card. Your grade in this class is especially
important because it counts for *HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT* and will affect your
GPA (grade point average) on your permanent high school records. I urge you
to take this class as seriously as you would any other academic subject.