World Language | McRae, Wade

Spanish 1 and 1B Classroom Syllabus

Contact Information

Instructor:  Sr. Wade McRae                                      Classroom:  209

E-mail:  wade.mcrae@husd.org                                 Voicemail:  480-279-8500

Office Hours:  by Appt.

After School Tutoring:  3:55 – 4:45 Mondays and Wednesdays or by Appointment (McRae rm 209)

                                                            Tuesdays and Thursdays (Señora Shutt room 211)

                                                            Tuesday (Señor Hallock rm 215)

Class Website:  http://www.husd.org/Domain/2637

Textbook: Buen Viaje, Glencoe Spanish 1

Online Textbook: (students may use the online version as additional review/practice)

http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/007846570x/

username:BUEVL105

Password:NepH4fre

Parents:   Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Email is the quickest way to reach me.   I will return your email or phone call within 24 hours.  Please be sure to check the electronic grade book system on a regular basis.

Course Description: 

Bienvenidos (Welcome) to Spanish Semesters 1 and 2. I look forward to working with you this year as we introduce you to Spanish and as we develop your knowledge and proficiency in Spanish language and Hispanic culture. 

Spanish 1B is the second semester of high school level course for high school credit.  This course in combination with Spanish 1A (last year) provides one (1) high school foreign language credit.   This course requires a high level of work and effort.  There will be daily homework in addition to weekly quizzes or tests.  Many times the homework is going over the vocabulary using flash cards of Quizlet.  Spanish 1 is an introductory course that provides the student with the ability to use the Spanish language for basic communication.  Students will be able to speak, read, write and listen to Spanish at the novice level.  They will gain a general understanding of where Spanish is spoken throughout the world today.  They also will come to understand some of the similarities and differences between Spanish-speaking cultures and their own culture. 

Supplies/materials:   

Teacher wish list - Tissues

What your child will be learning throughout this school year?

Grading Policy:

Course Breakdown:                          Description:

60% Assessments                               Chapter tests, vocab, pop quiz, projects, etc.

20% Daily work and practice             Bell work, class work, home work

20% Final Exam:                                Final Exam is 20% overall grade. (December and May)

High School Credit:  Per HUSD policy, to receive high school credit the student must earn a minimum of a C (70%) in class AND pass the year end comprehensive final (multiple choice) with a minimum of a C (70%).

Disclaimer Statement: Course content may vary from this outline to meet the needs of the class

Retaking/Redoing tests/assessments: Students are permitted to retake any graded assessment, excluding the Semester and End-of-Year finals. This includes quizzes, projects, writing tests, speaking tests and unit comprehension exams. However, to retake/redo an assessment, students must first complete any incomplete classwork or homework and fill out an action plan form signed by their parent.  Retakes/redos must be completed before the end of the quarter in which it was assigned.

Rules:

• Promote respect, safety and learning of yourself and others.
• Be working on your opening assignment when the bell rings.
• Bring your materials to class every day.
• Do your best in class each day.

Consequences:

• Warning
• Call/e-mail/note to parents
• Time out in alternative area
• Lunch bunch – come in during lunch for 5/10/15 time periods (Students will not miss lunch but will lose some of the social time)
• Office referral: A student may be sent to the office before going through these consequences if the behavior is severe.

Bathroom procedure:  Using the restroom is to be done during passing period.  If an emergency arises then simply ask in Spanish at an appropriate time. ¿Puedo ir al bano?  (Pwe-tho eed al ban-yo).  Then you must sign out before leaving.    Students who use class time to use the restroom instead of using it between classes will come in during lunch for a short period.  If there is an ongoing problem, please contact me and we will make accommodations. 

Instruction:  During direct-instruction (teacher to students) everyone will remain in their seats and will listen and participate appropriately.  Students should NOT get up at this time to take care of personal business like sharpening pencils, washing hands, throwing away paper etc.

Interactive Notebook:  Students are required to bring a 100 page or bigger composition notebook to class.  This Interactive notebook will be left in class except when students choose to take it home to study or work on a project.  We will also be keeping up a digital Interactive Notebook that the students will have access to at home.

Homework: Spanish must be practiced frequently and it is expected that when students do not have homework that will be turned in that students will be going over their vocabulary using flash cards or Quizlet.   Homework will be given frequently and it may be that you study the vocabulary using flash cards or Quizlet.  Homework may be on Edmodo, handouts, or in student digital interactive notebook.  Students need to practice speaking Spanish daily using both new and old vocabulary.

Quizzes/Tests  (pruebas/examines):  There are 10 units for Spanish 1 and 5 units for Spanish 1A and 1B. Weekly tests or quizzes will be given to assess reading, writing, speaking and listening. 

Absences:  If you are absent it is your responsibility to get the missing work.  Missing work will be found on-line in Notebook.  You will also want to update your interactive notebook by looking at the class master copy.  Notes/handouts and worksheets will be filed in the make-up work file and will also be available digitally on my teacher page.

After School Detention:  SMS staff and administration believe in the value and importance of teaching our students responsibility and accountability.  As a result, students may be assigned After School Detention (ASD).  ASD will be held three days a week.  Students who are assigned ASD will serve on the next scheduled ASD day. Students will not serve on the day it is assigned in order to allow parents the opportunity to make arrangements to pick up their child.  District transportation cannot be provided for ASD.  Students will need to be picked up no later than 4:30PM.  ASD may be assigned by a teacher for the following reasons:

• Tardy to Class
• Unprepared for Class (missing materials, uncharged iPad, etc…)
• Failure to submit an assignment

Written notification will be sent home with students to be signed by the parent and returned the following day.  If the form is not returned, discipline action by Administration may occur. 

The ASD program is not meant to address behavior issues in the classroom.  However, a teacher may utilize lunch detention, after school detention, and hold student/parent conferences in order to address inappropriate behaviors in the classroom.  These consequences are not related to the ASD program and will be accompanied by communication from the classroom teach