In order to focus on student success, provide quality instruction, and communicate openly and honestly
with students and parents, secondary teachers will publish a course syllabus each term.
2015-2016 Course Syllabus for Introduction to Spanish Term 3
Teacher: Ms. Elizabeth Watson
E-mail: elizabeth.watson@biloxischools.net
Teacher’s Web Site: http://biloxischools.schoolwires.net/Domain/1053
Objectives: Students will:
 Review topics presented during Terms 1 & 2
 Identify different weather phenomenon
 Describe what the weather is like today
 Identify different days, months, and seasons of the year
 Use clothing vocabulary to describe what articles of clothing are the most appropriate to
wear based upon the weather and season
 Identify and describe different rooms of the house
 Construct an ideal house
 Use critical thinking skills to analyze and learn during cultural experiences
 Write reflections about Hispanic culture and how it relates to their personal lives
 Listen and read authentic materials from Hispanic culture to foster cultural appreciation
Tests and Grades
Grading: A=90-100 B=80-89 C=70-79 D=65-69 F=below 65 I=incomplete
Grading follows the policies of Biloxi Public Schools. A mid-term progress report and a report card following the end of each term are issued.
Tests and Projects: Students will speaking tests (which may be individual or group-based,
depending upon the topic and structure selected by the teacher) and vocabulary tests
throughout the course, and they will be notified at least 1 week prior to any assessment. A term
assessment will be administered at the end of each 9-week grading period.
Students will be allowed to make-up assessments during the reteach/retest sessions on
Tuesdays and Thursdays, and they are responsible for notifying Ms. Watson of the date and
time that they will be making up the assessment. Skipping class on the day of an assessment
will result in a zero, and students will not be allowed to retest.
Retesting: Should a student need to retake an assessment, they must meet ALL of the
following criteria:
1. Turn in a Reteach/Retest form by 1st period on the day in which the student intends to
stay after school
2. Make prior arrangements for transportation after a Reteach/Retest session has
concluded
Homework/Assignments: Students will turn in selected Bell Ringers (“Tocatimbres”) and
journal entries as the teacher deems necessary. Students will also receive daily grades for inclass partner conversation activities and classwork. Failure to participate in class activities and
discussions or refusal to complete work will result in a zero for the activity grade.
Course Requirements: Students must complete the following assignments during the 3rd 9
weeks:
1. Bell Ringers
2. Class Activities and Discussions
3. Vocabulary Tests
4. Cultural Activities
http://www.biloxischools.net
In order to focus on student success, provide quality instruction, and communicate openly and honestly
with students and parents, secondary teachers will publish a course syllabus each term.
5. 2 Speaking Tests
6. 1 Term Exam
Important Dates:
Midterm Progress Reports: February 15
Report Cards: March 24
A Note about Portable Electronic Devices in Spanish Class:
Recently a school board policy was approved and adopted for the current school year that
permits students to have an electronic device with them on campus. While there are
advantages to having these devices on campus, it is one that should not be abused in Spanish
class. There will be times when electronic devices will be permitted for use in class, but
remember that this privilege can also be taken away if it is used inappropriately. Do not use
your cell phones, tablets, etc. during class unless given permission to do so by Ms. Watson.
Additional Comments:
**While there are helpful resources on the Internet that translate thoughts, the use of online or
cell phone translators is not allowed. Assignments that strongly suggest that the student used
an online translator will result in a zero. However, one reliable source for students to use online
is www.wordreference.com. It is a comprehensive online Spanish-English dictionary, and it will
solve many of your translation problems.
Supplies:
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3.
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5.
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8.
1 3-ring binder (1” is best)
1 pack of looseleaf paper
Pen/pencil
Colored pencils
Glue
Scissors
1 3-prong folder for journaling and Bell Ringers
Choose one: 1 box of Kleenex, 1 bottle of hand sanitizer, OR 1 bag of
peppermints
http://www.biloxischools.net