Spanish II Parent/ Guardian signature form:
September 2015
Dear Parents/ Guardians,
Your child has been given two copies of the Spanish II syllabus. One is to be kept
in the student’s notebook for his or her reference throughout the year. The other is for
you to keep for your reference throughout the year. We have gone over this syllabus in
class and your child should explain it to you. It includes grading and class policies and
rules, as well as my contact information. Below I have included a list of materials that
your child will need as soon as possible in order to ensure his or her organization and
success in this class. This class includes many handouts which should be organized into 6
sections. This is extremely important because I often ask students to refer to notes in
certain sections in order to do practice activities in class. A disorganized notebook will
cause your child to miss practice time as he or she searches for reference sheets.
Please also understand that this class is largely in Spanish. Allow your child some
time to get comfortable with this if it seems overwhelming at first. Immersion can be
overwhelming at times, but it is the best way to learn a language. Feeling lost at times is
to be expected and okay. Should your child continue to feel lost, extra help is available
and you can always feel free to contact me. Your child’s participation in Spanish is
encouraged and counts toward his or her grade. I expect many mistakes and that is okay
too! Mistakes are a great way to learn.
Homework is given most nights and counts toward your child’s grade as well.
Homework is the way in which your child will preview, practice and reinforce class
concepts. Spanish II is full of the building blocks of grammar and vocabulary that your
child will need for upcoming years. I notice that homework (or lack thereof) often makes
the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful student at this level. Homework
and study make a big difference in a child’s success or failure not only during this class
but in upcoming years. I notice that students who fall behind during this course have a
difficult time catching up later on. Please help me by monitoring that your child does
homework diligently in order to avoid playing “catch-up” later on.
Daily study is also necessary. Language is best reinforced by studying daily, even
if for one or two minutes, rather than trying to memorize concepts all at once. I encourage
students to find one minute every day to just glance at vocabulary or verbs. That one
minute does not take much effort but in the long-run will really add up to some great
reinforcement throughout the year. Please sign below, stating that you have read this and
agree to purchase materials necessary as well as monitor, support and encourage your
child in his or her language learning endeavor.
By signing you agree to check that your child’s homework is copied down in his
or her notebook and completed nightly, as well as monitoring daily study. Please contact
me by email at groeberg@wantaghschools.org at any time in order to gauge your child’s
progress. An open line of communication between parents/ guardians and teacher is a
great way to keep your child on the right track and having a successful year of Language
learning! I look forward to seeing you at Back to School Night!
Señora Groeber
Spanish II Materials needed:
1. Medium sized 3 ring binder with hole-punched folder, loose-leaf paper and 6
sections. To be brought to class daily. Highly Important!
2. highlighters, pens, pencils- for class daily as well
3. index cards and Spanish English dictionary to be kept at home (or use of
wordreference.com website or free app.)
4. Covered textbook should be brought to class daily and may be used in
conjunction with textbook website.
Please ensure that your child has included the following sections in his/ her
notebook:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Vocabulario
Verbos
Gramática
Cultura
Miscelánea
Papel/Repaso
Technology: Technology is a double edged sword! On the one hand, students are
expected to use technology at home to preview, practice and review. Three sites which
should be readily accessible to your child at all times are:
1. Wordreference.com (There is also a free app for this amazing online
dictionary and forum.)
2. The ¡Avancemos! textbook web site. This will often be used for homework.
Student will receive a login and password.
3. My school web page under Ms. Groeber at: www.wantaghschools.org (This
letter, syllabus and links to all needed and suggested websites can be found
my page as well.)
*If your child does not have internet access readily available on a regular basis,
please indicate “no” on the attached sheet so that we can find a way for your child to
succeed! For example, student may stay for extra help to use my class computer on
days when technology is needed to complete homework. Please be honest. All
personal information is confidential. I cannot help accommodate if I do not know
that help is needed!*
Technology “don’ts”: For the forty minutes that I have with your child, I have a zero
tolerance policy as far as unauthorized cell phone (or other gadget) use. Your child may
use his or her phone to note or take a picture of the daily homework for the first few
moments of class. After that, cell phone use is prohibited. Please let this note serve as a
warning that the first time that your child is caught using a device in class will be written
up as misconduct and reported to the dean. A recent study (and common sense) shows
that when students are texting or otherwise using their phone, they cannot pay full
attention to their learning and their grades suffer. We all know this and please understand
the reason for my tough love/ zero tolerance policy. When this distraction is taken out of
the equation, I find that learning can take center stage without the distraction. If there is
an emergency situation that requires your child to have his or her device turned on
during class during a particular day (grandmother in the hospital for example and so
waiting for a call) please have your child let me know in advance to ask for permission.
Please sign below, detach and return. Retain the rest of the information for your
records.
Please detach here.
I have read and agree to follow all instructions given in the syllabus and accompanying
letter.
Parent/ guardian name (printed): ______________________________________
Relationship to student: ____________________________________________
Parent/ guardian signature: ___________________________________________
Student name (printed): _____________________________________
Student signature: ___________________________________________
My child has reliable access to the internet: Please circle
yes
no
Parent/guardian contact information: phone (s)
_________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________