Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What should I do if I am absent from class?
2. What if I forget to do my homework or leave it at home, etc.?
3. What if I don't understand something we have been learning?
4. What if I am absent the day there is a test or quiz?
5. What is the best way to learn new vocabulary?
6. What final assessments do we have at the end of each year?
7. What benefits are there to taking German?
8. What if I am caught cheating on a test, quiz or assignment?
9. What does Frau Riley expect from all German students?

What should I do if I am absent from class?

First, check the website to see what the homework assignment is and call a 
friend (if possible) to find 
out what you missed in class.  When you return to school, check to see if 
there is a paper for you in 
the absent folder located in the classroom.  For a one day absence, I expect 
all make-up work by the 
day after you return to school.

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What if I forget to do my homework or leave it at home, etc.?

You can turn your homework in one day late for half credit (50%).  Remember: 
it is worth doing because 
SOME credit is better than NO credit at all.  After one day, I will no longer 
accept it and you will get a 
zero for the assignment.  (Exceptions may be made for extended absences, 
special circumstances or 
projects.)  When in doubt, ask me :)

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What if I don't understand something we have been learning?

The best thing to do is to tell me in class (or after class) that something 
is unclear.  That way I can try to 
explain it further/in a different way.  I am also available for extra help 
outside of class.  Come see me to 
plan a time and place.  (Note: try to schedule as far in advance as possible, 
NOT the day of.)

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What if I am absent the day there is a test or quiz?

For a one day absence when the test/quiz was announced several days in 
advance, you should take it 
the day you return to school.  If that is not possible, you can take it one 
day later.  IT IS YOUR 
RESPONSIBILITY TO TELL ME THAT YOU NEED TO MAKE UP A TEST/QUIZ.

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What is the best way to learn new vocabulary?

Making flashcards with the German on one side and either the English or a 
picture on the other side 
works well.  I will break the lists up into smaller, more manageable segments 
and assign a little at a 
time.  Don't wait until the last minute to learn all of them!  If you can 
tell me the German word when I 
give you the English, then you know the words well.

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What final assessments do we have at the end of each year?

Level 1 (7th Grade)- Final Exam
Level 2-  Final Exam
Level 3- Regents (State) Exam
Level 4- Final Project 
Level 5/AP- Final Project

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What benefits are there to taking German?

~Colleges like it because it is unique.
~Both English and German are Germanic languages.
~Having small classes and really getting to know your classmates.
~Germany is the 5th largest trading partner of the US (Canada, Mexico, Japan 
and China are the top 4).
~Germans are the biggest spender of tourist dollars in the world.
~Germany awards thousands of grants annually to study in Germany.
~Germany follows the US in internet access, making German the second most 
common language in cyberspace.

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What if I am caught cheating on a test, quiz or assignment?

I take cheating very seriously.  If I find that you have cheated on any 
assignment, test, quiz, project, 
etc., you will receive a zero for that assignment.  Your parents will also be 
notified.  Cheating (even on a 
small assignment) can prevent you from being eligible for honors, awards and 
some groups such as 
National Honor Society.  It's not worth ruining your future because you got 
lazy one day.

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What does Frau Riley expect from all German students?

1) Come to class prepared (paper. pen or pencil, notebook, assignments due, 
etc.)
2) Be polite and respectful of EVERYONE.
3) Do your own work.
4) Try to speak German exclusively (No English)
5) No talking out of turn or disrupting the class.

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