SPANISH FOR THE NATIVE SPEAKERS
Español para hispanohablantes
Wenatchee High School
2007-2008
Instructor:
Room #:
Phone:
Hours:
E-mail:
Susana Velázquez
150
663-8117 Ext. 150
8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or by appointment
velazquez.s@mail.wsd.wednet.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
(This course may be repeated for credit, as materials are continually changed and rotated to meet the
individual needs of the students enrolled.) This class, taught entirely in Spanish, is an integrated
language arts class designed to provide native Spanish-speaking students with increased skills in
listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. It is designed as a “literacy in Spanish” class.
Oral and written communicative activities are woven around a literature based curriculum that directly
relates to the standard English AND Spanish programs at WHS. This will facilitate the student’s skill
integration into the regular high school program. Instructional emphasis is in the use of standard
INTERNATIONAL Spanish. An emphasis is also placed on comparative studies of Spanish language
culture, history and literature within a global context.
MATERIALS
Core Textbook/materials: Tu Mundo text and workbook, Encuentros Maravillosos text, Español Para
El Bilingüe, Español Para el Hispanohablante (on a rotating basis), AP Spanish materials.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
Cultural videos, music, software programs for computer (grammar/vocabulary), readings including
selections from Album, and other teacher-created activities and projects. Spanish language magazines,
newspapers, articles, short stories, literary works.
Required:
All students are required to bring the following to class:
1. textbook
2. a notebook just for Spanish
3. a red pen for corrections
4. pen/pencil
**Coming to class without these materials will result in the loss of participation points.
Recommended: Spanish/English dictionary
ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION
Grades will be determined on a point basis. Points will be earned through tests and quizzes (both oral
and written), notebook, written assignments, projects and participation. There are very few
opportunities for extra credit. Grades will be posted periodically on the WHS Web page.
Grade Breakdown
Quizzes, tests, projects,
Class participation
Homework
Notebook
40%
25%
25%
10%
Grading Scale
100% - 93% A
79% - 77%
92% - 90% A76% - 73%
89% - 87% B+
72% - 70%
86% - 83% B
69% - 67%
82% - 80% B66% - 60%
C+
C
CD+
D
Notebook
The format for keeping your notebook is as follows:
a. Write out the complete date in Spanish.
Example: Hoy es miércoles tres de septiembre.
b. Write the journal entry for the day. First ten minutes.
c. Complete in-class written activities.
There will be a periodic notebook check. Keep your notebook neat and well organized. Unorganized,
sloppy, and incomplete notebooks will result in a low score.
Homework
Homework is assigned almost on a daily basis and it will be posted in the classroom. Many of your
homework assignments will involve only study and practice. It is imperative that you do these
assignments in order to be well prepared to actively participate in the classroom. NOTE: students are
expected to do all homework assigned, although not all homework is graded.
** All written assignments must be written in your notebook, unless you are instructed
differently.
**All assignments must be completely headed to ensure proper identification for credit.
Make sure that in the heading you include the title of the assignment or exercise, date, page
and number, if any.
** Written assignments should be clean, legible, and on time.
** Late homework may be accepted for 50% credit at the discretion of the instructor.
Make-up Work Policy
All homework is due at the beginning of class. Make up work due to excused absences must be
completed within one week. If the absence was excused, due to illness, medical appointments, WHS
athletic events, or bereavement, make-up will be as follows:
1. Make up homework as a result of an excused absence is due within one week. Work not made up
by that time will not be accepted and will receive a 0 grade.
2. No make-up will be accepted for work missed during an unexcused absence.
3. Quizzes and tests can only be made up before or after school. It is necessary that you make an
appointment to come in to make up quizzes or tests. Students have one week to make these up.
After this, the grade will be a zero and no makeup will be allowed.
Participation
Students can earn up to 5 class participation points per day, a maximum of 25 points per week.
Students can earn full participation points by following the criteria below. Should a student have an
excused absence, he/she can earn up to 4 points for that day by completing the journal entry and an
alternate activity. The following criteria is used when awarding participation points:
0 = not assessable:
absence or no participation at all
1 = very poor:
No attempt at speaking Spanish, negative attitude, unprepared,
unmotivated, failed to follow classroom expectations
2 = mediocre
Minimal attempt at speaking Spanish, apathetic attitude, unprepared,
unmotivated, failed to follow classroom expectations, speaks English
3= satisfactory:
Some attempt at speaking Spanish, somewhat follows classroom
expectations, somewhat prepared, sometimes volunteers to answer
questions
4 =good:
usually speaks Spanish, follows classroom expectations, participates
actively, motivated, well prepared
5 = commendable:
speaks only Spanish positive attitude, follows classroom expectations,
very well prepared, participates actively, volunteers often to answer
questions
OUT OF CLASS HELP
Please see me if you have any questions or need extra help. Don’t wait until it is too late! I welcome
the opportunity to help you. You can find me in classroom #150 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can
also make an appointment. I am looking forward to working with you!
RULES & DISCIPLINE
Classroom Management
Students will be required to adhere to the WHS’ policy for behavior as stated in the Student Handbook.
I appreciate your cooperation in being considerate, cooperative, and respectful of others in
maintaining a positive attitude in the classroom. Please come to class on time, turn off your cell
phones, wait at your desk to be dismissed and help me keep the classroom furniture in top shape.
My desk, cabinets, and computer are off limits to students without permission. Do not line up at the
door before the light comes on! No soda, gum, or coffee is allowed in the classroom!
Class Rules/Expectations:
1. Respect all members of the class.
2. Raise your hand before speaking out.
3. Always come prepared with all required materials and be ready to learn.
4. Be in your assigned seat when class begins and have all of your materials with you.
5. Be honest! Cheating is unethical! Cheating in any form will result in disciplinary action,
an automatic zero for the assignment, quiz, or test, loss of participation points and no
opportunity to make up the missing points. This rule applies to all involved, those who are
doing the copying and those who are allowing it to happen.
6. Participate actively. Remember this class is taught entirely in Spanish and you are
expected to speak only Spanish. Participation also means listening when others speak.
7. No eating or drinking allowed in the classroom without permission.
Disruptive Behavior
1st offense: The student will be asked to leave the learning environment, fill out a disciplinary
sheet, and given a warning.
nd
2 offense: Same as above, in addition parents will be notified.
3rd offense: Student will be referred to administration.
ATTENDANCE
Wenatchee High School Attendance Procedures
Goal
We believe that school attendance is not just a school issue but a community issue. The extent of a student’s
success is determined by a couple of things. First, it is our responsibility to keep accurate attendance records.
Second, it is the parent’s responsibility to call or write a note within 48 hrs of the student’s absence to excuse the
absence. Finally, if we share this responsibility, students will improve their academic achievement and be able
to establish meaningful relationships as part of a professional learning community with their peers and staff at
WHS.
Definitions
Student absences from class & tardiness to class are recorded by class period and are classified in the following
ways: (please keep in mind that a parent or student can ask for an attendance report print out)
Unexcused Absence
The student is late 10 or more minutes to class or is absent in one or more classes in any one day and fails to
have a parent or guardian call or provide a written note for the absence within two school days (48 hours) of the
student’s absence. Student will be assigned an intervention.
(On school reports unexcused absences are identified as “W” or “U”): “W” is reported by regular classroom
teacher, “U” is reported by substitute classroom teacher
Tardy
The student arrives to class less than 10 minutes late. Please keep in mind that 4 accumulative tardies in any one
day or week(s) is equal to having one unexcused absence. 4 tardies = 1 unexcused absence
(On school reports tardies are identified as “T” or “L”): “L” is reported by regular classroom teacher, “T” is
reported by substitute classroom teacher
Excused Absence
The student is absent from school due to illness, health, family emergency, religious purposes or educational
opportunities during one or more classes in any one day and has a parent or guardian call or submits a written
excuse within two school days (48 hours) of the student’s absence from school.
 After five consecutive absences per class due to a health, or an accumulation of ten absences during a
single semester due to illness or a
health condition, a note of explanation signed by a doctor will be required, unless the absence was prearranged.
 Even when oral or written verification is received, school officials have the discretion to investigate the
circumstances surrounding an absence.
 If a student does not check out of school with the attendance office before leaving campus for an appointment
or for any parent excused reason they will be assigned an intervention resulting in a 2 or 3 hour detention if
the student leaves campus without checking out of school with the attendance office.
(On school reports excused absences are identified as an “E” accompanied by two letters specifying reason)
Examples: E-AP (appointment) / E-PE (parent excuse / E-CT (court) / E-JD (juvenile detention) / E-MD (medical)
School-Excused Absence
The student is absent from school for a school-sponsored or school-endorsed event. Examples include athletic
and academic competitions, field trips, and educationally-related absences that have been pre-approved by the
school.
(On school reports school-excused absences are identified as an “O” accompanied by two letters specifying
reason) Example: O-SA (student activity):
Absenteeism and Grading
1.
Students reaching level six intervention (accumulation of six or more unexcused absence in one class;
reminder four tardies = one unexcused absence) will receive a reduced schedule. If a student is currently
receiving a passing grade when schedule is reduced they will receive an “NC” (no credit) grade for the class
and on their transcript.
2.
An “NC” grade differs from an “F” grade in that an “NC” grade does not figure into the student’s overall
GPA. However, both “NC” and “F” grades result in loss of credit.
3.
For co-curricular eligibility purposes, an “NC” grade is counted the same as an “F”.
Attendance Discipline Chart of Student Interventions
Note:
1. Four tardies = One unexcused absence.
2. If a student receives six unexcused absences in any particular class they will receive a reduced schedule and
“NC” for classes lost.
3. Any student with three or more unexcused absences in any one month will be referred to the District Truancy Officer.
Level of
Intervention
1
2
3
4
5
6
Consequence
Monday School
(2hr. detention)
7:30-9:30a.m. or 3:15-5:15p.m.
Monday School
7:30-9:30a.m. or
(2hr. detention)
3:15-5:15p.m.
Monday School
7:30-9:30a.m. or
(2hr. detention)
3:15-5:15p.m.
3 hour Friday or Saturday School
(8a.m.-11a.m.)
**PC or 2 day *STS
Saturday School will be assigned for each
additional unexcused absence or four tardies!
However, if a student has six or more
unexcused absences in one class they will
receive a reduced schedule and “NC” for
classes lost.
Communication
Auto
Dialer
Call home
Auto
Dialer
Call home
Auto
Dialer
Call home
Auto
Dialer
Call home
Administration
Call home
Letter home
Administration
Call home or
Letter home
Failure
To Complete
Consequence
3 hr. Friday
or Saturday School
Failure
To Complete
Consequence
**PC or 2 day *STS
3 hr. Friday
or Saturday School
**PC or 2 day *STS
3 hr. Friday
or Saturday School
**PC or 2 day *STS
**PC or 2 day *STS
Definitions
-------------------------3 day *STS
*STS = Short Term Suspension
“NC”= No Credit
**PC = Parent Conference is held
with a school administrator.
Attention!
In all cases, the participants in the conference shall enter into a written agreement that establishes school attendance
requirements and outlines the interventions identified as appropriate. If the parent/guardian does not attend the scheduled
conference, the conference may be conducted with the student and the school official. However, the parent/guardian shall
be notified of the steps taken or proposed to reduce the child's absences. Once a student has had a Parent Conference
(PC) at any level of intervention subsequent conferences will not be required, unless requested by parent. Students will,
however be assigned the appropriate consequence.
Commonly asked questions
How does a student get assigned an attendance intervention?
If a student has unexcused absences during the previous week of school.
If a student has four tardies in a given week or every time they accumulate four tardies from the beginning of each semester.
How is a student and/or parent notified?
1. We attempt to notify a student during class Monday through Friday.
2. A phone call is sent home on the auto dialer on Sunday’s for students that need to serve Monday school and on
Fridays for students needing to serve Saturday school.
3. During the year we have some cases where a phone call may be sent home on Mondays for students needing to
serve a 2hr. detention on Tuesday afternoon if regular classes are not in session on Monday. Also a phone call
may be made on Thursdays for students needing to serve a three hour Friday school if regular classes are not in
session on Friday.
4. This way we have a record of when the call was made and received. Please keep in mind that this phone call is
different than the one that is sent out daily for students having unexcused absences.
How does a student get an intervention/detention “cleared”?
A student cannot get an intervention “cleared” by a parent once they are assigned an intervention unless it is an extenuating
circumstance (48 hour rule). Once a student serves an intervention a student can continue to move up the intervention list or
stay on the same intervention depending on the student’s attendance every week. (extenuating circumstance: death in the
family or by a doctor’s note)
Why am I receiving more than one phone call? or Why is my student receiving more than one intervention slip?
Possible clerical error for which we do apologize if that is the case or the following scenario:
1. You will receive more than one phone call during a given week concerning different detention notices. One will be
for failing to serve a 2hr. detention and therefore being assigned a 3hr detention. The other phone call will be
because the student was assigned another level of attendance intervention resulting in a 2hr detention or level four
3hr detention.
A student may receive more than one detention slip because they failed to serve a 2hr detention that turns into a 3hr
detention. The second slip would be because the student’s attendance did not improve therefore being assigned another
2hr detention or level four 3hr detention.
Failure to Work Policy
First Concern: Teacher will visit with student about concern.
Second Concern: Teacher will notify parent.
Third Concern: Teacher will notify counselor.
Fourth Concern: Teacher will notify administration. Student will be removed until a parent
conference takes place and a contract is made.
Fifth Concern: Student may be removed from class with loss of credit and reduce schedule.
SPANISH FOR THE NATIVE SPEAKERS 08-09
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS PAGE TO MS. VELÁZQUEZ
Signatures acknowledge receipt of the guidelines as stated in the syllabus:
Student — Please print full name ______________________________________________
Student signature__________________________________Date______________________
Parent/Guardian with whom you live ___________________________________________
#1 Parent/Guardian — Please print full name
Parent signature __________________________________ Date _____________________
Home Phone
__________________________________ Hours_____________________
Work Phone
__________________________________Hours _____________________
E-mail address ____________________________________________________________
#2 Parent/Guardian — Please print full name
Parent signature __________________________________ Date _____________________
Home Phone
__________________________________ Hours_____________________
Work Phone
__________________________________Hours _____________________
E-mail address ____________________________________________________________
Online grade password — I’ll be posting grades to the WHS website later this month. If you would
like to be able to access your student’s grade online when this process is complete, please indicate the
six-digit/letter password you would like me to install for your use. If you do not have a preference, I
will use the six-digit code provided by the school.
•••This counts as your first assignment•••