Princess Anne Middle School
2012-2013 Class Expectations
Teacher: María J. Davis
Class:
School Telephone Number: 648-4950 (Voice mail # 72014)
Email address: mjdavis@vbschools.com
Website: https://vbschools.schoolnet.com/
Best time to reach me is 8:30am – 9:00am
Assignment Information: My School Mail
Exploratory Spanish
Course Description:
The nine week Exploratory Spanish course will introduce students to the Spanish language and culture. Students
will have many opportunities to use the language as they interact with their peers and teacher. They will
understand and speak very basic Spanish and they will find out information about countries where Spanish is
spoken. They will explore the rich traditions and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries in a student-centered
environment.
Course Objectives:
 Students provide and understand simple oral and written messages.
 Students recognize and use basic vocabulary.
 Students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of other cultures.
 Students make contrasts and comparisons with their own culture demonstrating appreciation and acceptance
of others.
Course Scope and Sequence:
Exploratory students will study units on Greetings, Introductions, and Farewells; Spanish-speaking countries;
Alphabet and Numbers (1-39); Days, Months, and Holidays; Colors; Foods; Animals; and Parts of the Body and
Sports as time allows.
Materials:
Students will need a three-ring binder (1 inch), blank paper, pen and pencil. (Donations of tissues would also
be appreciated!) All materials should be brought to class each day.
Assessment Measures:
Students are assessed formally and informally throughout the course. Homework will only be assigned
occasionally and therefore is important when given. Homework, class-work, quizzes and projects will be
collected, graded and returned.
P. A. Middle- a school where every child succeeds
Grading Procedures and Policies:
Written and oral assignments, projects, quizzes, and class participation will count equally.
Students are responsible for making up all the work missed. Students will have as many days as they are absent
to make up the work.
The new Virginia Beach City Public Schools Grading Scale will be used.
Range
Letter Grade
Points
93 - 100
A
4.0
90 - 92
A-
3.7
87 - 89
B+
3.3
83 - 86
B
3.0
80 - 82
B-
2.7
77 - 79
C+
2.3
73 - 76
C
2.0
70 - 72
C-
1.7
67- 69
D+
1.3
64 - 66
D
1.0
Below 64
E
0.0
Students’ grades will be available through SchoolNet Parent Portal: please go to http://www.vbschools.com/schoolnet
to register. Students’ grades will be updated by 5:00 on Fridays weekly.
Help Sessions:
Students are encouraged to ask questions and seek extra help when experiencing any difficulties. Extra help will
be available on Thursday mornings from 8:30 to 9:00am in room 602.
Procedures for conferences, parental contacts:
I invite parents to communicate with me as often as needed and I promptly return messages left in the office or
sent to my e-mail address: mjdavis@vbschools.com. Teamwork between teachers, parents and students is
essential for students’ success. If you would like to meet with me in person, a conference can be arranged
through the Guidance Office.
Citizenship Expectations:
All students are required to HAVE FUN and ENJOY the quarter in Spanish. However, to ensure that all students
enjoy this class and feel comfortable in the classroom, all city and school behavior policies are to be followed in
the classroom and throughout the school. Students should be aware of the policies regarding attendance,
tardiness, proper dress, proper language and appropriate behavior in school. Students are always expected to be
prompt, polite and prepared at every class. SELF-respect and respect for others is expected in the classroom.
Instruction and learning are top priority and disrupting the learning environment will not be tolerated.
Mistakes in pronunciation are expected in new language learners and “making fun of” anyone will not be
tolerated in order to promote a friendly and creative learning environment.
P. A. Middle- a school where every child succeeds