Dear Parents / Guardians s12

August 20, 2007

Dear Parents / Guardians,

A new school year has started and I’m happy that your student is in my Spanish class!

Learning a second language can be challenging. It requires a lot of work and dedication, both in and out of class. For this reason, I have developed a classroom expectations list so that you and your student know what to expect. Please read over the expectations with your student, including the materials section. Organization is a key to your student’s success at school, as well as a time-saver in class.

I have three main goals for your student this year. First, students will learn the vocabulary and grammar concepts necessary to be successful in Spanish II, should s/he choose to continue his/her study of Spanish. Both the vocabulary and grammar will be practiced using the four main skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Second, students will be given the opportunity to complete the three oral common assessments for foreign language. Each assessment is a speaking exam focused practical skills: ordering food in a restaurant, asking for and giving directions and shopping. Finally, students will learn about cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world.

Experience shows that students who study a minimum of ten to fifteen minutes a day and beyond homework time tend to become more proficient speakers and earn higher grades than those students who only study sporadically. I recommend studying vocabulary and/or grammar notes nightly and making flashcards over the more difficult words or concepts. Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of open communication between student, teacher and parent. If at any time your student is concerned about his/her progress in the course, he/she should see me immediately.

I am looking forward to this school year and working with your student. Please feel free to call me at school (233-2000) if you have any questions or want to discuss your student’s progress. I will return your phone calls as soon as possible. You can also email me at inga_mccoy@n atronaschools.org. Additionally, I would like to invite you to our Back to School Night on Thursday, September 20th at 7:00 p.m. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with our campus and meet your student’s teachers. Lastly, I wanted to let you know that parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday, October 25th.

Sincerely,

Inga McCoy