Required materials (to be brought to class every day):

1. Textbook
2. Notebook – preferably a 3-ring binder with pockets
3. Workbook
4. Pen (no red ink or fluorescent colors) and a pencil (pencil must be used for tests)

Other suggested materials:

Spanish / English dictionary

1. Index cards of any size for making vocabulary flashcards
2. A highlighter

Grading:

1. Scale:              Follows school policy as outlined in the handbook.
2. Breakdown of grades:
3. Oral work / class participation / workbook = 15%
4. Homework / classwork = 20%
5. Quizzes / minor papers = 30%
6. Tests / projects = 35%
7. Final exam = 15% (of overall semester average)

*Extra credit will be assigned throughout the grading period in the form of games and puzzles.  No other extra credit work will be given.

Class rules and procedures:

1. Be polite and respect others and their belongings.
2. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
3. Bring your notebook, textbook, workbook and a writing utensil to class every day.
4. Go to your locker, the bathroom, and the pencil sharpener before class begins.
5. No lotion, makeup, brushes or mirrors to be used during class.
6. Stay awake during class – you can sleep at home.
7. Homework is due when I ask for it.  No late work will be accepted.
8. Bottled water is the only beverage allowed in class.
9. Food of any kind is strictly prohibited in my classroom.
10. Disrespect will not be tolerated.
11. Cell phones are to be out of sight and turned off at all times during class, otherwise I will take the phone up and turn it over to an administrator.
12. When in doubt about anything, ask.

Special note:  Class will be conducted mostly in Spanish once you become accustomed to your surroundings and my teaching style.  At that time, you will be expected to communicate in Spanish as much as possible.  Attempting communication in Spanish is our goal.

Make up policy:

                It is your responsibility to find out about missed assignments if you are absent, and you have 5 days to make up the work.  I come to school early for makeup tests in the mornings.  Please speak to me ahead of time if alternate arrangements need to be made.  Make up tests will not be administered during regularly scheduled class time.

Course outline:

                1.  Introduction to class 1 – 2 weeks
                     The following vocabulary will be started and continued throughout the course:
                     Class commands, names, numbers, colors, days, months, dates, and other basic
                     vocabulary.

                2.  Basic verbs:  ser, estar, ser vs. estar  -   2 ½ weeks
                     Subject pronouns
                     Articles
                     Gender of nouns and adjectives

                3.  Spanish-speaking countries, capitals and nationalities -  1 week

                4.  Telling time (more numbers), tener, tener que, ir, ir a, verb infinitives, tener
                      expressions, gustar and encantar.      3 – 4 weeks

                5.  Present tense regular verbs, weather terms        2 weeks

                6.  Possessive adjectives, family terms, beginning of irregular verbs    2 weeks

                7.  Personal “a”, professions, interrogatives   1 week

                8.  Present progressive tense     1 week

                9.  Stem-changing verbs, sports terms      2 weeks

              10. Semester review and final exam 1 week

Note:  The syllabus is subject to change at any time.  The order of topics may alternate also.

Passes:
You will have two bathroom or locker passes per grading period to use at your discretion.  Please use them wisely.  Taking more than your two allotted passes may affect your participation grade.  Also, you must have your agenda book with you in order to leave class for any reason – your agenda book is your pass.  NO AGENDA BOOK = NOT LEAVING