SHAW HIGH SCHOOL
7579 Raider Way
Columbus, GA 31909
August 6, 2009
Syllabus
Spanish
Welcome to Spanish. You have chosen to become a part of an extremely dynamic
and challenging class that will test your intellectual abilities. This class
is not difficult, but it is time consuming. In order to be successful, you
must read, write, listen, and speak constantly. You are also required to
complete all the activities in the textbook and additional activities
assigned to you from time to time. Over the course of the class I will share
with you some strategies that will help you succeed.
Some of you will find this easy and others may find it more difficult. Again,
I will go over various strategies to help you. Do not hesitate to come to me
at any time for help and advice. I am here to help you be successful;
therefore, I am available before and after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays
to work with you. If you need help but are unable to attend on Tuesdays and
Thursdays, please let me know.
This course is not taught in isolation, but in communicative context. The
following topics will be combined into coherent thematic units and taught in
context.
Celebrations
Clothes
Colors
Customs and Etiquette
Family and Friends
Foods, Meals, and Restaurants
Geography
Homes
Numbers
Parts of the Body
School and Classroom Routine
Self Sports and Leisure Time
Stores and Shopping
Time and Calendar Weather
Your work will be graded in accordance with the following guidance:
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
Under 70 = F
Below is the grading system for the nine weeks and semester:
TEST GRADES 20%
Test grades include the following:
a. Chapter Test. This includes written, listening &
comprehension, and speaking exam.
b. Mid-term exam
c. Final Exam
c. Any test that is designated as a test grade
TASK GRADES 20%
CLASS PARTICIPATION 30%
PROJECT GRADES 20%
QUIZ GRADES 10%
Quiz grades include the following:
a. Announced quizzes
b. Unannounced quizzes
c. Any work that is designated as a quiz grade
NOTE: Proper conduct and behaviors are very important to me; therefore, these
areas are taken very seriously and are evaluated in my classroom.
On-Time On-Task behavior grade:
Late for class Detention
Defiance (first offense) Detention
Defiance (2nd offense) Referral
Not on-task (1st offense) Detention
Not on-task (2nd offense) Referral
The following activities will also be evaluated and will allow you to earn
extra credits:
1. Notebook 5. Journal
2. Special Projects 6. Exceptional behavior
3. Student of the week 7. “Puntos para tí” program
4. Student of the month 8. “Give me a break” program
You will need the following items for class:
Three-ring binder, Notebook paper, A spiral notebook, Black ink pens and
pencils, Index Cards, Highlighter markers, A mind open to knowledge.
The following items will be part of the notebook:
1. Bell ringer section 3. Assignment section
2. Note section 4. VIP section
Here are some helpful hints to get you through the semester:
1. Read every night
2. PRACTICE the pronunciation of your vocabulary words
3. Check the website everyday
www.teacherweb.com/ga/shawhighschool/pichardo
4. WATCH TV for a few minutes each day (in Spanish)
5. Don’t get overwhelmed or frustrated – take your time
6. USE flashcards
7. Ask for help
8. SPEAK often (use the words you know)
9. Form a study group
10. Attend tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays
There are no free days in Spanish. We work until the final day of class and
then you will need to continue to practice to maintain proficiency. BUT… we
WILL have a good time together while we learn!!!
What is Spanish I?
It’s a course designed to prepare the student for intermediate Spanish by
making demands upon them equivalent to those made by a full year introductory
college courses. This course should develop your ability to read, write,
speak, and understand basic terms and grammar concepts of the Spanish
language.
This course focuses on the development of communicative competence in the
target language and understanding of the culture(s) of the people who speak
the language. It assumes that the students have minimal or no prior knowledge
of the language and culture. The major means of communication will be in the
target language. You’ll also study the relevance of this language in our
society today.
What do I expect from you?
1. INTEGRITY, HONOR, AND CHARACTER. All students will abide by the MCSD
Honor policy.
2. Always come to class prepared. Bring all your materials: textbook,
notebook, pens, pencil, AND A DESIRE TO LEARN!
3. Keep a well organized notebook. It will be graded throughout the
semester, allowing you to earn some extra credits.
4. Do not be afraid to ask questions, I WANT YOU TO ASK!!! Your
contribution is important. You will be asked to participate… be prepared to
do so.
5. BE IN CLASS (ON TIME) DAILY!!! You are to assume the responsibility
of getting any make-up work. Absences and the education process DO NOT MIX!!!
This is Spanish. This is not the time and place to eat, sleep, write notes,
color, draw, or work on other subjects. I WILL GIVE YOU 100% EVERYDAY and I
expect you to do the same. Enjoy the class. Expand your mind and challenge
yourself. You will find that you like the challenge and that you can actually
do it. GOOD LUCK!!!
Parents,
I look forward to having your child in Spanish this semester. It is going to
be a great journey. I encourage you to contact me at your earliest
convenience to discuss any matter concerning your child’s education. My
telephone number at the school is (706) 569-3638. You can also contact me by
e-mail myspanishteacher@bellsouth.net
Please visit my website:
www.teacherweb.com/ga/shawhighschool/pichardo
You may also simply go to Shaw High School website, click on “Faculty and
Staff,” look for my name, and click on it. You will be redirected to your
child’s Spanish Class website.
On this website, you can see current information on what we are doing in the
classroom. Homework and other assignments are also posted on the website. My
classroom is always open. You are welcome to visit with us anytime.
Sincerely,
J.A. Pichardo
Spanish Teacher
ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE:
Respectful Punctual Productive
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Student Signature___________________________________________ Date ________
Parent/ Guardian Signature__________________________________ Date _________