Dear Parent and Student,
I want to convey to you my expectations for students taking a world language in the district of Sheboygan. My experience shows that regular attendance and completion of homework assignments are critical components for the success of the foreign language student. Grades will be based upon performance, which includes tests, quizzes, projects, and oral demonstrations. Students are also expected to bring texts, a three-ring binder, workbooks, and pen/pencil on a daily basis. Students will take this class every other day depending his/her schedule on A or B days.
A student needs a final grade of C- or better to proceed to the next level. Any student who receives less must repeat the course successfully before advancing.
Grading Scale:
90% of the total A-
80% of the total B-
70% of the total C-
60% of the totalD-
Tests and Quizzes: Two or more quizzes and one exam are given for each chapter. 7th graders will complete a general introduction to the subject and 3 chapters. 8th graders will complete a review and 3 chapters for the year.
Homework: Assignments are given daily with very few exceptions. My assignments will be short with the purpose of reinforcing the material taught that day. It is critical that any work missed due to illness, appointments, etc. be made up in a timely fashion. Generally one day is allowed for each day absent.
Binder: Notes and handouts should be kept in the three-ring binder.
Final Exam: Final exams are given at the end of each semester. The semester grade is a combination of the two-quarter grades and the final
exam grade.
What do I expect the student to learn:
The purpose of learning Spanish is for the student to learn how to communicate with the people who speak it and to understand their cultures. My students are going to learn the sounds of Spanish through repetition and practice. Basic vocabulary and grammar are presented and learned throughout the year. Daily oral communication and listening although the major emphasis is put on oral work. I use language tapes, videos, and short movies to give further exposure to the spoken language. Cultural lessons on Hispanic society are included.
How long will it take the student to accomplish this goal:
The student will need to work on this goal for the entire school year. The student is going to use the text book AVANZEMOS. Home page at http://www.sf.aw.com. 7th graders will go through the preliminary chapter and 3 thematically organized chapters on friendship, school, sport, and leisure activities, food, and family. 8th graders will complete the program and will continue with chapters 4 to 6 learning about clothing, leisure, vacation, home, health, community, movies, and television.
Why is this important:
The SASD Board of Education had adopted academic standards of goals for all our students to accomplish. The instructional content mentioned before is connected and directed to reach these standards.
How will I know that the student has learned:
I will assess students formally and informally during the year.
What will I do if the student did not learn:
If my students do not perform the tasks or do not reach proficiency on the benchmark established I would reteach and reassess the content until mastering of the learning goal is achieved. This teaching will take place in the regular classroom or before or after school through personal and free tutoring.
I encourage you, as parents, to support your child’s foreign language learning and help them develop successful strategies. Your questions and comments are always welcome. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me at jhelmstedt@sheboygan.k12.wi.us.
Sincerely,
Juan Carlos Helmstedt
Urban 459-3680 |
