Wow, the summer's over and you are going back to school. How nice that you 
already know the building and you will not be getting lost! I am happy to 
welcome some of my own students back and looking forward to get to know the 
new ones.Please see here for common questions. If there are any I haven't 
covered, please feel free to e-mail me.

1. What's the grading policy?
2. How is my participation graded?
3. Do you offer after school help?
4. Do I need a textbook for class?
5. What are your expectations as regards behavior?
6. Do I need to bring my agenda to class?
7. Do I have to get tests, quizzes and orals signed?
8. How is my oral grade calculated?
9. Will you be at Back-to-school night?

What's the grading policy?

I follow the grading policy established for World Language 
classes at this 
level:
40% oral presentations and role-playing
40% written tests and quizzes
10% homework assignments
10% participation

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How is my participation graded?

As your teacher, one of my jobs is to encourage and motivate all 
of my 
students to participate actively in my class. The more you 
participate and 
take risks, the more comfortable you will feel in the target 
language. As a 
means to help you and me 
calculate your grade I will be giving out tickets (most of the 
time) that 
you will keep. Every other Friday we will tally them and every 
will participate in a raffle with great treats.
However, participation is not just raising your hand. I will also 
consider 
if you listen attentively in class, if you are cooperative and 
respectful, 
if you are on time to class and complete your work promptly.

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Do you offer after school help?

Yes. I stay after school before tests or quizzes. We will meet 
either in my room (2611) or in the Media Center. Please let me 
know in advance if you are staying. 
NOTE: After school help is intended as a reinforcement of work 
that is 
conducted in class, not as a fall back for lack of class 
attention and 
participation.

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Do I need a textbook for class?

You will be receiving a textbook in the upcoming weeks but you 
will not need 
to bring to class. You should keep it at home and you will have 
to use it 
for homework and for reference and extra practice.

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What are your expectations as regards behavior?

I sum up my rules in one word: respect. Just like I am respectful 
of you, I 
expect and encourage you to be respectful towards me, my class 
and all my 
students. That includes listening to directions, raising your 
hand to speak, 
being prepared for class and completing your work in time.

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Do I need to bring my agenda to class?

Yes, I can't emphasize this enough. As a student at Hammarskjold, 
you are 
required to have the agenda with you at all times. Not only will 
I ask you 
to record your homework there, but I will sometimes communicate 
with your 
parents through it.

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Do I have to get tests, quizzes and orals signed?

Yes, you will have three days after you receive your graded tests 
or quizzes 
to get them signed by one of your parents. This is an effective 
way of 
helpinhg your parents monitor your progress in my class.

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How is my oral grade calculated?

First, there are oral presentations. You will be given directions 
in advance 
and you will have time to practice with a partner. When you go 
up, however, 
I may assign you a different partner so your presentation is more 
spontaneous. You will not be allowed to have notes or scripts 
with you.
I also assess your work when you do pair work activities in 
class. I walk 
round the room and listen to you conversation. I follow the TALK 
rubric, 10 
points for Talking, 10 points for Accuracy, 10 for Listening and 
10 for 
being Kind. Being kind when communicating means being respectful 
of and 
collaborating with your partner.

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Will you be at Back-to-school night?

Yes, I will be attending the seventh grade night. Looking forward 
to meeting your parents.

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