Estimados estudiantes, padres y guardianes,



Estimados estudiantes, padres y guardianes, [pic]

¡Bienvenidos a Español II del año escolar 2011-2012!

I am excited to be your Spanish teacher this year as you embark on the journey of learning a new language. This year, I hope each of you finds your own unique answer to the question, “How can learning a new language help me grow personally and academically?” Our guiding objective throughout the year will be to recognize and celebrate the similarities and differences between the English and Spanish speaking communities around the globe. We will explore language and culture in each unit in a way that makes Spanish useful and meaningful to you.

I am new to Montville Township High School this year. I have been a teacher in the US for four years and prior to that I was an educator in Madrid, Spain for five years. I look forward to expanding on my cumulative nine years teaching experience and creating new learning opportunities with all of you. We can all expect to work hard, laugh and support each other as a community of learners this year.

Did you know that one of the original languages of Spain was Arabic and many Spanish words have their origins in not only Latin but also Arabic and even Gaelic! I look forward to sharing these discoveries with you and the many more you will come up with on your own.

I have attached a syllabus, class supplies list and class policies and expectations to this letter. Please both student and guardian read them and sign and return the attached contact information form by Monday, September 12 or your first class of that week.

Muchas gracias y ¡viva el español!

Zoe Benedict

Spanish Teacher

Montville Township High School

Supplies: [pic]

For Spanish 1 with Ms. Benedict, you will need the following for every class:

1. A pencil

2. A 1.5 inch binder for Spanish only

3. Four dividers to go in the binder

4. Lined loose leaf paper for each section of the binder

5. 500 3x5 white index cards

6. One index card box

*The index cards and index card box will be used over the course of the entire year. The box can be labeled and left in the classroom or taken home, but the cards must be brought to every class.

Class Policies and Expectations [pic]

Learning a new language is not easy; it requires dedication, bravery, a sense of humor and above all, support from peers. This is why it is of the utmost importance that we create and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment in which we are all responsible for ourselves and each other. The following expectations for work ethic and behavior management should provide clear guidelines and I am always open to constructive feedback and conversation.

Extra help: is always available upon request and appointments outside of class time will be scheduled as needed. Students are responsible for scheduling help sessions in advance. Review sessions are held for any major assessments and students are given a week’s notice about the time. Students may not schedule private review sessions for assessments.

Extensions: are given in extenuating circumstances and will be discussed with a parent or guardian.

Absences: One day for every day absent is given to the student to make up missed assignments. The student is responsible for getting the work. Work can be sent down to the office for pick up upon request.

Late work: work handed in late without an absence or previous arrangement.

Homework is due at the start of class, but will be accepted up to one day late for half credit.

Classwork is not accepted late

Quizzes cannot be taken late

Assessments are accepted up to five days late with five points off for every day late. Any assessments turned in after five days will not be given credit.

Classroom routines:

Flashcards: Students need to have all their flashcards with them during class and review sessions.

Notes: If it is on the board, it’s in your notes. Each class’s notes must be entered with the date, objectives and activities for that class, which will all be visible on the board.

Homework: Homework is not busy work and is only given when it reinforces classroom learning in an effective way that is not appropriate for the classroom. If a student is unable to complete the homework, he or she must make an appointment for extra help, in person, before the start of class.

Food and electronics: Unless otherwise indicated, no food or electronic devices are permitted in the classroom. If the student does not put these items away upon request, they will be confiscated and sent to the office where a phone call from the parent or guardian will be necessary for retrieval. As this is primarily an oral language class, food and electronics distract from listening and speaking effectively. Drinks are allowed.

Using the target language: Students are expected to employ previously learned vocabulary whenever possible. They are also expected to use target phrases provided to ask for meaning. Fluency is not expected, mistakes are welcome, and attempts to use what you know are applauded.

Misconduct and consequences: There is a three strike policy on misconduct with the third strike resulting in a call home and appropriate consequences. Egregious behavior that endangers any member of the class will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate office referral.

Support: I have an open door policy for students coming to me with concerns about misconduct or safety. Parents or guardians are also invited to contact me via email to make an appointment to meet in person.

Website: In the coming weeks I will have a website up that you can access through the Montville Township Public Schools website. It will provide a link to the following address that you can access for any type of class information including; important dates, assignments, handouts and practice activities, among other things. You can access the website directly at .

Contact: The best way to reach me is through school email at: zoe.benedict@. I check email every hour during the school week and twice daily when I am not in school. If you would like to speak directly, please send an email saying so and I will call you back or you may try me via talephone at the school.

Please sign and return this sheet no later than Friday, September 9, so I have a record that you have read and understand the information included in this letter. If you would like, please also fill out the contact information sheet so that I can keep you informed about classroom activity.

__________________________ ____________

Student Date

___________________________ _____________

Parent/Guardian Date

Student email

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Parent/Guardian email

| |

Home phone Work phone

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