The major goal in our class is to master as much Spanish as possible in each and every class period. Expect a variety of activities every day. You will be expected to complete tasks in an efficient and timely manner. You will then proceed to the next task. This results in far less homework for you. I value your time after school and so should you. DO YOUR WORK EVERYDAY IN CLASS.

Our emphasis is on oral proficiency. We will do oral checks for mastery and you will be given a checklist to mark off completed tasks. These are daily grades. (Native speakers have their own Spanish classes at Newman Smith so the playing field is level. The material is new to everyone else in the class, too. You may feel nervous in the beginning, but you will soon become confident. Public speaking will never again frighten you as much because you speak in front of others everyday in Spanish class and it is not even your first language!)

You are expected to listen quietly as others say their oral checks. This is not down time. By listening to others you learn to focus and learn to avoid commonly made errors. This improves your fluency. You may work on your written work or flashcards quietly while you listen or study for the upcoming Spanish test.

I am available for extra help most afternoons from 2:30-3:15. Please sign up on the calendar on my desk so that I know to expect you. If I have to attend a meeting, I will mark that on the calendar.

You will receive progress notes after the 3rd and 6th weeks. After the 9th week you will receive your report card. TAKE PROGRESS NOTES & REPORT CARDS HOME!

Follow all school rules in the Student Handbook.

Bring your Spanish materials everyday.

Do not work on other subjects in my class without my permission.

Observe class room rules posted on the wall.

Do not be tardy. Do not pack up to leave until I tell you to do so. At Newman Smith you are dismissed by the teacher, not the bell.

Tardy students must sign the tardy book near the door.

Classroom rules (posted on the wall) infractions: 1) verbal warning; 2)written documentation/conference with teacher; 3)parent call & opportunity for office referral; 4) Severe clause--immediate office referral.

Dress code infractions result in a pass to the office.

Only non flavored bottled water in the classroom is allowed. No food is allowed. This is a building rule.

Use the restroom on your passing period. Ask for permission in Spanish if you absolutely have to use the facilities during class. Sign out & in on the official bathroom pass.

If you are ill & need to go to the clinic or if you need to see the counselor, see me for a pass. I will check to see that you made it to your destination. Do not detour.