Seven Lakes High School
2014-2015 Spanish 1 Course Syllabus
Señor Figg
Conference period: 4th period (10:55-11:40)
Tutorials: Mon. 2:40-3:10, Wed. 2:40-3:10,
Phone: (281)237-9047
E-mail: HarryDFigg@katyisd.org
Texts: Katy ISD Vocabulary/Grammar book, WAVA Workbook, Realidades1
Course Overview
Spanish 1 serves as an introduction to the Spanish language and culture. Basic listening, speaking, reading,
writing, viewing, and sharing skills are developed. Communication skills are the primary focus of this course. At
the end of Level I, students will be able to express themselves and engage in simple conversation in Spanish
within the limits of their knowledge of vocabulary and structure.
Course Objectives
The student will:
 Engage in oral and written exchanges to socialize, to provide and obtain information, to express
preferences and feelings and to satisfy basic needs.
 Present information in oral and written form in a variety of formats.
 Demonstrate an understanding of practices and products of the people of the cultures studied.
 Use the language to obtain, reinforce or expand knowledge of other subject areas in the school,
community and beyond.
 Understand the inter-relationship of languages and cultures.
 Use word recognition skills to read and listen for comprehension, identify the main idea, acquire
information and expand vocabulary skills with a variety of materials.
Internet Tools
Regular use of the online gradebook is expected. If you do not yet have access, please contact your counselor
for a PIN to register.
Grading Scale
55% MAJOR: tests, major grades
30% MINOR: quizzes, participation sheets, and Wordplay (online assignment)
15% OTHER: daily homework. If homework is not turned in on time, a grade of zero will be given. NO LATE
HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED, a SLHS policy. Homework will be checked for completion in class.
Students are expected to make corrections to their homework when reviewed in class.
Attendance, Class Rules and Keys to Success
Attendance is extremely important to success in a foreign language. When you come to class, remember:
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You are expected to participate and cooperate.
We work as a class.
Arrive on time and be seated before the tardy bell rings.
Use class time for Spanish work only.
Bring all materials to class everyday.
Let the teacher know early when you need additional help or explanations.
Maintain high expectations for yourself.
Follow all school rules in this class.
Make-up Work
You will be given a six-week calendar of activities/assignments. Students have 2 days for every excused absence
to turn in missed work with the exception of school-related absences. Work (including tests/quizzes) is due
the day the student returns from any school-related absence. Missed work is to be solicited by the student
prior to any school-related absence. Students must make arrangements with the teacher for missed quizzes and
tests. Also check the online grades regularly.
Notebook
Students are required to keep a notebook (or a section in their binder) for Spanish work only! Students are
expected to arrange their notebook in the way they find most helpful. Here are some suggested headings:
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Forms: Course Syllabus/Calendar/Participation sheet
Calentamientos
(Warm-Ups)
Apuntes y Tarea
(Notes and Homework)
Pruebas/Exámenes/Repasos (Quizzes/Exams/Reviews)
Calentamiento
Apart from their binders, students will have a separate composition notebook (or spiral) to complete their daily
warm-ups. These need to be dated with the date correctly written in Spanish. Students must get warm-ups
from days they are absent. Warm-up journals will be collected and checked periodically. Students are expected
to correct their entries as they are discussed in class. There will be open-note quizzes on warm-ups.
Participation
Students have the opportunity to earn participation points every day in class. Students will get a participation
tracking sheet that they must hold on to for 6 weeks. At the end of each six week period, every student receives a
participation grade (quiz grade equivalent) based on the total number she/he has earned. The grades are based
on a sliding scale. They may not be carried over from one six weeks to the next. This system is designed to
encourage students to use the Spanish language in class. However, failure to earn an adequate number will
result in a failing participation grade.
Special Activities
Spanish Club (anybody can join this club)
Pan American Student Forum in San Antonio (must be an active Spanish club member)
Spanish Honor Society (advanced Spanish level need)
National Spanish Exam (available to all students- sign up in January/February)
Farrington Competition (by invitation- sign up late December/early January)
Tutoring
Students have an option of which Spanish 1 teacher to go to for additional help. Below is a list of the Spanish 1
teachers and their tutoring schedule:
Donald Figg
Rosana Serna
Rm 1203
Rm 1241
Supply List (to be replenished as needed)
3 ring binder or a section in a large binder
5 tab dividers
Notebook paper (to be replenished often)
Mondays 2:40-3:10 PM
Tuesdays 2:40-3:10 PM
Wednesdays 2:40-3:10 PM
Wednesdays 2:40-3:10 PM
1 highlighter, #2 pencils, and blue or black pens
2 dry erase markers (to be turned in to teacher)
composition or single subject spiral notebook
A box of tissues will be highly appreciated.
I am looking forward to starting a new year with you!
Don Figg
PLEASE DETACH THIS PORTION OF THE SYLLABUS AND RETURN THIS FORM TO Mr. Figg BY Aug. 29, 2014
IMPORTANT STUDENT INFORMATION- Spanish 1
• Student’s Name ______________________________________________________
• Parent/Guardian’s Name _______________________________________________
• Relationship to Student ________________________________________________
□
• Parent Cell Number: _______________________□
• Work Number ___________________________ □
• Home Phone Number ______________________
Please check the number(s)
where I can most easily
reach you during the day.
• Parents’ E-mail(s): (List those for contact about student)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
• Does your son/daughter have regular access to:
□a computer? □ the Internet? □ a printer?
• Is there anything extra that you would like me to know about your child?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Success requires support from all stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, administrators, and
counselors. By signing below, you are indicating that you have read all of the above information and are
completely aware and understand the procedures in Sr. Figg’s Spanish 1 class.
STUDENT: I have read the syllabus and understand all that is expected of me. I agree to organize my time, work
diligently, and give extra effort to successfully complete the Spanish I course. I agree to seek help from Mr. Figg
as soon as possible if there is something that I do not understand or am struggling with.
Student __________________________________
(Print)
_______________
(Date)
__________________________________
(Signature)
PARENT: I have read the syllabus and understand all that is expected of my child. I agree to be familiar with the
Spanish I course requirements and to help my son/daughter organize study time in support of class assignments.
I will notify the teacher immediately of any concerns that I have relating to the class or my child’s progress. I also
agree to the requirements of the class.
Parent __________________________________
(Print)
__________________________________
(Signature)
_______________
(Date)