August 20, 2007
Dear Parents,
We are thrilled to have your child in our classroom learning Spanish this
year. This course is a high school academic elective, which requires your
child to come to class prepared and ready to learn. Daily and prompt
attendance is critical as we move at a rapid pace and the instruction is
sequential. Upon successful completion of the course and passing the county
midterm and final examinations your child will receive one high school credit.
The Florida legislature recently approved changes to the grading policy of
high school courses taken at the middle school level. Grades and credits
earned while taking high school courses in middle school will now be posted
to a student’s official high school transcript and be used to calculate a
student’s high school GPA and class rank. It is important that students and
parents realize that a passing grade for the course work as well as the
midterm and final examinations is necessary in order to successfully attain
the high school credit in Spanish. The following will enable your child to have
a successful year.
Classroom Supplies
The Spanish department adheres to the Broward County 6.3 ruling on school
supplies. No fee or charge may be required of any student as a condition of
attendance and participation for grades/credit in any class.
Requests for money for supply fees for the purchase of supply items or
participation in an activity must be in writing and must contain four required
disclosures.
a.
No penalty will be imposed against the student based on failure to
pay;
b. No student shall be denied the right to participate based on failure to
pay;
c. The principal may forego a planned activity or use of a particular item
based upon the collection of insufficient funds to cover the cost of
the item or activity; and
d. This request is for a voluntary payment.
Teachers cannot require supplies as part of a student’s grade; however we
ask your cooperation in making these materials available to your child.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
(1) Box of markers, crayons, or colored pencils.
Pens: Blue or Black ink only.
#2 Lead pencils with ERASERS.
Hi-liters. (a pink and blue is recommended).
3 prong duo-tang folders or a 1” binder with (6) dividers.
(1) Pack of index cards. Students will need to replenish as needed.
An ample supply of 8 ½ X 11” loose leaf paper.
(1) Manual pencil sharpener.
Pioneer Agenda which will be given to all students so that they record
their progress and daily assignments. The agenda book will also be
used as a daily pass.
10. Spanish/English Dictionary – 10,000 words.
11. Chapter book for sustained silent reading every Thursday.
Assessment/Grading Policies
Assessment will be based on the following:
1. Chapter tests/quizzes.
2. Completed homework assignments.
3. Class participation – very important – Students will be required to
speak and write in Spanish.
4. Projects.
5. Group and pair activities.
6. Oral presentations.
7. County midterm and final examinations.
Make-up work after an absence or field trip will be the student’s
responsibility. Please follow the Code of Student Conduct policy on
homework.
Broward County Grading Scale
A 90 – 100
B+ 87 – 89
B
80 – 86
C+ 77 – 79
C
70 – 76
D+
D
F
67 – 69
60 – 66
0 – 59
Class Rules
The Spanish department behavior policy is in keeping with the Broward
County Code of Conduct and Pioneer Middle School Discipline plan.
1. Students are to be in their seats when the bell rings.
2. Students should come to class prepared with homework assignments
and ready to learn.
3. Students may not eat or chew gum in class.
4. Students must show respect for themselves, other students and
adults.
Consequences
1. Verbal warning/Student conference/Note in agenda
2. Letter sent home for parent signature
3. Parent contact by phone or conference
4. Referral to Guidance or Administration
We look forward to a productive and positive school year. If you have any
questions or concerns please feel free to contact us during our planning
period at (754) 323 - 4100. We encourage you to regularly check your
child’s progress via the Parent Internet Viewer. Grades will be posted on an
ongoing basis, and this will allow you to keep track of your child’s grades,
assignments and attendance from any Internet enabled computer. To access
this information, go to our school website at www.pioneermiddle.com.
Please be advised that there is NO RAINY DAY SCHEDULE. In the event
of inclement weather, it is highly recommended that your child bring the
appropriate rain gear.
Sincerely,
Ms. Baime
Ms. Dann
Mr. Dávila
Ms. Mayer
No planning
Sixth period planning
No planning
First period planning
Extension 5602
Extension 5669
Extension 5673
Extension 5692
Please read and review this department letter with your child. Sign and
return this portion to acknowledge receipt of the Spanish department
letter. Please review no later than Thursday, August 23th, 2007.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation in what we know will be a
successful year.
______________________________
Student Name (Printed)
______________
(Date)
______________________________
Student Signature
______________________________
Parent Signature
______________
(Date)
______________________________________
Parent E-mail address (Printed)
______________________________________
Parent cell phone number (Please specify parent)
_______________________________________
Parent work number (Please specify parent)
__________________________________________
Home phone number