Spanish+Syllabus

**__Welcome to Señora Wirtz's Spanish Class!!!__ **
 * __Syllabus 2013-2014__ **

Website: http://wirtz-espanol.wikispaces.com (there is a link on the school website through the staff directory)

Email: ewirtz @nssd112.org

Remind101 – Level B – text @mrswirtz to 443-962-6350 Level C – text @srawirtz to 443-962-6350 Phone: (224) 765-3200 ext. 3271  This year will be very fun and exciting as you continue your experiences with the Spanish language and culture! We will follow the standards of language acquisition which include communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and community. Students will explore Spanish through activities that enforce the importance of organization and proactive study habits in order to gain the necessary skills to succeed in middle school and beyond. As your teacher, I will guide you to become a knowledgeable citizen and student at Edgewood Middle School. You will be required to think, read, discuss, write and work with other students in the class. Small group work, cooperative learning, and group discussions will become a norm in this classroom, and you will be required to participate. **MATERIALS** Please bring these materials with you to class everyday: Pen (Black/Blue __AND__ a colored pen) Pencil Spiral notebook Folder Assignment Notebook On some days you will may asked to bring coloring materials as well, please have them available to you at school. **WHAT DO I DO IF I’M ABSENT?** > **PROCEDURES** Entering the Classroom:
 * If you are absent from class you are responsible for the missed assignments/homework.
 * Please use the class website, as they will be updated with assignments and the calendar.
 * You have as many days to complete an assignment as you were absent.
 * It is up to you to inquire about missed work and tests.
 * If you know you are going to be out or are out for an extended absence it is your responsibility to get assignments before if possible.
 * Enter quietly and find your seat.
 * Take out all materials and get started on the prompt on the board.
 * Check the board for any homework assignments and write them in your assignment notebook.

Using the Bathroom or getting a drink
 * You must ask permission to use the bathroom or get to the water fountain in Spanish.
 * Only one person may be out at a time.
 * You must sign out anytime you leave the classroom, and sign in when you return.
 * Use the bathroom and water fountain closest to the classroom.
 * Please return quietly!

Leaving the Classroom:
 * You must ask permission to leave the classroom for any reason.
 * I will dismiss you at the end of each class. I will do my best to allow you one minute to pack up at the end of class. However, if we work to the bell, you will be expected to listen to end of the period directions before leaving the room. All students must be seated when the bell rings, none may wait by the door.

Arriving Late:
 * If you arrive late, do not disrupt the class.
 * If you come to class late with no pass, you will be considered tardy.
 * For each succeeding time you are late, you will receive a check by your name.
 * After two checks, on the third offense, there will be a consequence (contact home/detention).

Snack/Drink:
 * You are allowed to have a snack and drink in class, however you need to be responsible, respectful, and ready to learn.
 * Food: snacks that won't make a mess or a lot of noise
 * Drink: Water bottles are encouraged so that students are not continually asking to leave.
 * NO GUM IS ALLOWED IN CLASS.

**Grade Breakdown** Grades will be categorized according to the following breakdown: Homework Student Skill (completed on time)– 3% Homework Completion (accuracy)– 7% Menu/Projects – 20% Tests/Quizzes – 50% Verbal/Participation- 20% **Homework Policy** Daily eStudio assignments are due at the beginning of class on the next day that class is in session. If keeping up with daily work becomes difficult, I will contact home and potentially ask you to attend ALP. Long-term assignments (projects and menu items) are due at the beginning of class on the identified due date. Students that have not completed a long-term assignment are assigned to the Academic Lunch Program until the assignment is completed and must have an 'Oops' slip completed and signed by a parent. **Retake Policy** Students will be allowed to retake a test/quiz no matter what their grade is. If you get a 95% on an assessment and are not satisfied, you can retake it. You must complete a retake form, which requires you to complete two activities and get a parent signature. (The activities you complete CANNOT be the same as what you did for a menu item for that chapter!!) Your original score and your retake score will be averaged. Retakes must be completed within two weeks.. There are no retakes on homework assignments.
 * Technology**

There is a class website- please familiarize yourself with the information. There are many benefits to using technology. Some of the major benefits are student ownership of their work, student collaboration and communication, and development of higher order thinking skills. You will be doing work online at the eStudio website, and submitting it to me by using your username and password. There will also be opportunities to use other websites and google docs as well. I trust that each of you will do your own work. When we work in class the expectation of myself and the school is that you are using technology appropriately and for school purposes only. Part of the eStudio website has audio and video activities. Many times we use those activities in class and are in need of earbuds. I would respectfully request that each student either bring in an extra set of earbuds that will remain in class or bring a dollar and I will purchase one for you to use. I will put the earbuds in a small bag that will be labeled with your name and will stay in my room for the duration of the school year so that there will never be an instance that you are unprepared to participate in those audio/video activities.


 * Academic Honesty**

Your character is far more important than a grade. If you are found to be cheating in any way you will be required to complete an alternative form of assessment and your parents will be contacted.

I promise to assist you with anything you need and make your Spanish experience successful! **I am available to work with students each morning at 7:30 before school. I am the ALP supervisor for 5 ****th **** period lunch. I am available after school for students on an appointment basis. Please allow at least a day's notice if you would like to stay after school for help. ** The best way to get in touch with me is through e-mail- please e-mail me at anytime with anything! I look forward to working with each of you this year!