** 8th Grade German **
Dear Families,
Willkommen! The 2014-2015 school year is just starting, and I would like to take a
moment to introduce myself!
I grew up in the Pittsburgh region, and I feel very fortunate to be working in the area I
love at such an outstanding school district. I received my bachelor’s degree from
Allegheny College, where I double majored in German and International Studies. I also
studied abroad in the German city of Cologne. After graduating from Allegheny
College, I attended Edinboro University, where I received my certification and my
master’s degree in middle and secondary instruction.
I am thrilled to be working with your family this school year. Eighth grade is an exciting
and important year and I hope that your child finds it to be a challenging and
rewarding experience. If you have any questions throughout the school year, please
do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Frau Ashley Macari
Seventh & Eighth Grade German teacher
Carson Middle School/Marshall Middle School
amacari@northallegheny.org
*Please read the attached syllabus and return the bottom portion of this paper to Miss
Macari.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have read and I understand the attached syllabus.
Student’s Signature: ____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________
German 1A
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In German 1A students learn to perform a variety of language functions. The
course will be taught in German as much as possible, and students are also
encouraged to ask and answer questions in German to the best of their ability.
Students will complete the level 1
textbook this year which contains 4
chapters. Students can anticipate to
complete one chapter per 9 weeks and
will have a comprehensive final exam at
the end of the school year.
Chapters
Chapter 1: Hallo! Wie geht’s?
Chapter 2: Schule und Studium
Chapter 3: Familie und Freunde
Chapter 4: Essen
In addition to the textbook, students work with audio and video to master the
basics of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in German and to learn about
the customs and cultures of German speakers. There will be many opportunities
for students to interact with the language on the Vista SuperSite:
https://www.vhlcentral.com/.
Students will be given a code and will need to register at the supersite to
complete supplemental activities and homework.
TEXTBOOK
Mosaik 1: German Language and Culture by Vista Higher Learning © 2014
MATERIALS:
Each student is required to have 1-inch binder, 5 section dividers, index cards (if
you will not be making flashcards on your smartphone),a pair of scissors, and
colored pencils or markers.
EVALUATION:
Evaluation in this course will be determined by the following components:
Tests
Quizzes
Homework
Oral Proficiency
Projects
Classwork
CLASS RULES:
RESPECT:
Show respect for property, ideas, yourself and for others at
ALL times.
Be responsible for your belongings and your actions.
Be ready for class. This means come to class prepared, on
time, on task and with all materials.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES & EXPECTATIONS:
1. All rules and guidelines in the student handbook will be followed and
enforced.
2. Each student should have a THREE-RING BINDER to keep all class materials. This
should be brought to class every day along with your textbook.
3. Listen to directions the FIRST time and follow them carefully.
4. Each student must sit in his/her assigned seat until the end of the period. Do
not line up at the door.
5. At the beginning of class there will be a warm-up activity. As soon as you
come in, you should complete the warm-up by writing down your response in
your warm-up section of your binder.
6. Homework will be assigned several times per week and will be checked or
handed in at the BEGINNING of the period. Late homework will not be
accepted unless a student is absent from class. Students should check the
homework board for assignments every day and record them in his/her planner.
7. If you need to use the restroom/drinking fountain/locker, ask for permission
first, sign out on the sign out sheet, take the pass and sign back in when you
return.
8. If you are absent for any reason, including excused and school approved
absences, it is YOUR responsibility to inform me and make-up any work missed
including: class work, homework, quizzes, tests, or projects assigned. Make-up
work should be turned in within the same amount of time you were absent. You
are also required to make up tests or quizzes within the same amount of time
that you were absent.
9. Be an ACTIVE learner. If you do not understand or have any questions, please
let me know as soon as possible. Please ask questions. I will be available to make
arrangements for extra help or tutoring.
WEBSITE:
Please visit Ms. Macari’s homepage often. There students will find all the dates
for upcoming assignments and assessments. The homework site is especially
useful when students have been or will be absent from school.