Dear Parent/Guardian s34

September, 2008

Dear Parent/Guardian:

I welcome your child to his/her third year of studying the Spanish Language. Below, please find some guidelines for a successful year in this course. It is recommended that this letter be kept in the front of your child’s notebook for easy reference throughout the year.

Needed Materials:

1. Three-ring binder and ruled paper 2. dividers 3. folder 4. blue or black pens and #2 pencils 5. highlighter 6. SpanishEnglish English  Spanish Dictionary (Pocket Version) 7. 3 x 5 Index cards 8. 501 Spanish Verbs- Optional

Your Responsibilities:

Basic Classroom Rules:

1. Students are to arrive to class on time! Unexcused lateness will not be tolerated.

2. Upon entering the classroom, the students are to sit in their assigned seat, copy the homework assignment for the evening, and begin working on the Do-Now assignment. The student is to have the homework assignment on his/her desk so that I may check it. Remember: Always come to class prepared and willing to learn and participate.

3. Students are expected to follow my classroom philosophy of RICE- Respect, impulse control, compassion, and equity. At all times, you are expected to demonstrate kindness.

4. Please be sure to raise your hand when asking and answering questions. Calling out will not be tolerated.

5. This year, you will receive a textbook entitled, Buen Viaje-3, which is a new textbook. Please be advised that you will be responsible for any damage and be required to pay $64.95 to replace the book.

6. Food, beverages and gum, are not permitted in class.

Quizzes and Tests:

Quizzes will be given throughout the week on material given during that period of time and tests are given at the completion of every unit of study. Dates and material that will be tested will be announced in advance. All tests and quizzes missed due to legitimate absence are to be made up within a three day period from the date of the test or quiz. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to take the quiz/test that he/she missed during his/her absence. If a quiz or test is missed and not made up, a zero will be averaged into the quarterly test grade. PLEASE NOTE: Since advanced notice is given, absence the day before a test or quiz is not an acceptable excuse for not taking the exam upon return to school. Homework:

Since education takes place in more that just the classroom, homework will be an integral part of the learning process. Since young adults need to develop a sense of responsibility and need to set priorities in life, the following homework policy has been developed to reflect these concepts. Your son/daughter will have homework everyday consisting of a written assignment, as well as a study element. In order for your child to experience success on the NYS Regents Examination, which he/she will take in June, it is expected that he/she will study grammar, vocabulary, and material that is covered in class at least twenty-thirty minutes each day. Your supervision in this regard is important. The homework assignment will be written on the board and it is the student’s responsibility to write the assignment in his/her agenda book. Homework is due the day after it is assigned. Should your child fail to complete the assignment, five points for each missing assignment will be deducted from the homework grade. All missed homework due to an absence is to be completed. It is the student’s responsibility to inquire about the homework assignment that he/she missed and submit it to me within a three-day period.

Classwork:

In order to achieve maximum success in this class, your child will need to be organized, attentive, and thorough. Each day, the students will have an opportunity to participate in class discussions and, throughout the year, work in cooperative learning groups. Lack of cooperation and loss of points is indicated by not being prepared with a textbook, binder, pen, and other necessary work material, arriving late to class, as well as not following directions. The student is expected to ask and answer questions and to read and speak in the target language when called upon. Together, all of these elements make up an important aspect of your child’s language development, as well as his/her social progress.

Extra-Help:

Extra-Help is available to all students. I will be available to students on an as-needed basis; however, students will need to make an appointment to meet with me. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this time to ask questions, review for a quiz/exam, or to clarify material learned in class. I encourage your child to stop by should he/she have any questions or concerns.

Grade Distribution:

Tests- 40% Quizzes- 30% Homework- 15% Oral Presentations/Writing Assignments- 15%

I look forward to working with the entire family. Together, we can make this year a rewarding experience and contribute in a significant way to the development of the student. Please feel free to contact me at the school (478-2087) if there are any points to be clarified or if additional information is desired.

Please sign the following page and have your child return it to me tomorrow with any comments that you would like to make.

Wishing you a good year! 

Sincerely,

Mr. P. Giacalone I have read Mr. Giacalone’s classroom guidelines and understand that they are to be followed throughout the school year.

______Signature of Parent/Guardian

______Signature of Student

Comments: ______

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