Ms. Islas
(510) 618-4400 ext. 3752 yislas@slusd.us
7 th and 8 th Grade Spanish 1
2015-2016 school year
Dear parent or guardian,
My name is Ms. Islas, known as “Señora Islas” by your child, and I will be your child’s teacher for Spanish this year. In this class your child will be working on basic listening and reading comprehension in Spanish, and skills for how to communicate orally and in writing in
Spanish, with a focus on using the present tense and being able to talk about themselves, and ask questions of others in Spanish to get to know people and build relationships. The three main content areas we focus on are vocabulary acquisition, language structures and cultural understanding of the Spanish speaking world.
In these first few weeks of school, your child will be learning about my classroom rules and policies as well as some of our regular procedures. My classroom rules and policies are posted in my classroom for the students throughout the year, but I am sending this packet home with your child so that you and your child can have a copy to refer to at home, in case anything comes up, such as wondering what to do for this class if your child is absent for example. Please review this packet with your child at home, and if you have any questions about our classroom rules and policies, please contact me at the phone number or email address listed above. Also, once you have read everything over, please fill out and return the next page by Friday, August 28 th just so I can know that you received and read this packet and so that I know I have your up to date contact information.
I’m looking forward to the year ahead of us, and look forward to working with you and your child. Thank you for all your help and support! I hope to see you at Back to School Night in
September!
Best,
Ms. Islas / Señora Islas

Ms. Islas
(510) 618-4400 ext. 3752 yislas@slusd.us
My child,__________________________________, and I have read and understood the rules and policies of Ms. Islas’s class for the 2015-2016 school year.
______________________________________ ______________________________
Parent/Guardian signature Date
PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT INFORMATION
Name of Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________
Best reached by (please circle preferred method of communication): phone email
Phone number: __________________________
Email:_____________________________________
Preferred language for school correspondences: _________________________

Ms. Islas
(510) 618-4400 ext. 3752 yislas@slusd.us
Welcome to Spanish 1
for the
2015-2016 School Year!
Required Materials:
The following materials must be brought to class EVERYDAY :

Realidades 1 Spanish TEXTBOOK (provided by the school)

Realidades 1 Spanish WORKBOOK (provided by the school)

Single-subject notebook (At least 70 pgs, for taking notes and for classwork assignments)

FLASHCARDS (made in class, they will be stored in the notebook in an envelope that we will glue in together once we start creating them)

BINDER with a special section designated for this class with a labeled divider (for storing handouts)
 STUDENT PLANNER for writing down homework (provided by the school, to be filled out DAILY for each class. It is a school-wide expectation that students are to fill in each section each day for each class, writing “No Homework” or “None” when a class doesn’t have a homework assignment that day)

PENCIL POUCH with at least 4 SHARPENED PENCILS (or two mechanical pencil with additional lead) and 2 PENS (blue or black ink)
* Please contact me as soon as possible if you have any problems with acquiring the materials needed for daily use
Tardy Policy:
Students must be sitting in their seats silently with all required materials and working on their posted “Do Now” assignment (see “Coming into the classroom”) by the time the second bell rings or they will be marked tardy.
Being on time to class is important for ensuring that students are not missing out on important learning and/information. The start of class is when I post what to write in the planners for homework, for example and go over the day’s objectives. It is also a safety issue if students are not in classrooms when they are assigned to be. It is important that students are where adults are able to supervise at all times during the school day.
We also want to keep learning possible for all students throughout the period. Going to lockers once class has started, for example, uses up time that could be spent learning. It can also be distracting to other students when one student is walking in or out or asking around to borrow materials, making it harder for students to engage in learning. Classroom learning is unable to start on time if there are distractions and interruptions like this going on after the second bell.
That is why it is very important that students not only be in the room, but also come prepared to class, ready to learn.
Students should double check that they have all their materials during the 5-minute passing period. This is also when students should take the opportunity to re-sharpen pencils, get water,

Ms. Islas
(510) 618-4400 ext. 3752 yislas@slusd.us
and use the facilities if needed. If for some reason, a student needs to borrow materials from me or from other students that should also be taken care of before the second bell so as not to be tardy.
If students find that they need additional time checking their materials during the passing period,
I highly recommend packing materials strategically. The 25 minute period between when the halls first open and 1 st period is a great time to check and gather materials for BOTH 1 st and 2 nd period, so that there is no need to stop by lockers between 1 st
and 2 nd
period when there is only 5 minutes. The 15 min. period between 2 nd
and 3 rd
period is similarly a good time to gather and check materials for BOTH 3 rd
and 4 th
period. The beginning and end of lunch together provide an extra minute or two to think carefully about what to pack carefully for 5 th and 6 th period.
Coming in to the classroom
Students should enter the classroom when they are ready to work and do so before the tardy bell as discussed above. Our classroom is a space for learning. The school provides many areas and opportunities for socializing and/or relaxing which students can and should take advantage of before and after class. However, coming in to the classroom early to socialize or play around is not welcome.
When students enter the classroom, the daily expectation is to immediately take a seat and take out their planners to copy down the homework assignment from the whiteboard or screen at the front of the class, including if it says to write “no homework.” This should be done silently. Then students should start work independently on their daily “do now” assignment. Unless otherwise posted on the board or on the screen, the daily routine at that time, which we’ll be learning how to do in the first weeks of school, will be a choice between taking out flashcards to study individually, turning to a willing partner in one’s group to practice Spanish conversation models together, or to focus and reflect silently on the cultural music playing when students walk in, taking mental note of its characteristics. These independent, class-related, and learning-focused activities should continue until students here me ring my bell or otherwise call them to attention to go over the day’s objective and agenda.
Dismissal
Students are dismissed by the teacher, and NOT by the clock or by themselves. Students are expected to continue working and stay focused on their tasks until the teacher tells them they may begin packing up and lining up and/or leaving. Packing up materials before the bell rings can be very noisy and distracting, and therefore disrupt the lesson. Just like the start of class, the end of class is an important time for closing statements and reminders that are important and need student focus.
School Planner – an IMPORTANT TOOL:
All JMMS students receive a school planner at the beginning of the year. If you have not yet received one, please see the main office to acquire one.

Ms. Islas
(510) 618-4400 ext. 3752 yislas@slusd.us
Students must fill in EACH SECTION in their planners EVERY DAY. If there is no homework in the class, we ask students to write “NO HOMEWORK.” For this class, homework should be written in the last section, which students should label as “Spanish,”
“espa ñol” or “elective.”
This is a valuable tool for school + home communication. School planners are not solely for student use. We encourage families to regularly check their children’s planners throughout the year to help them plan their homework time and remember to pack their homework for the next day. Missing homework assignments are one of the most common reasons students receive progress reports at school and we feel that that situation is preventable with daily and correct use of the student planners at home and at school. Teachers and other staff may also periodically ask to see planners to ensure that they are being used daily and properly.
BASIC CLASSROOM RULES:
This is OUR CLASSROOM and the following rules will help keep it a positive place where everyone can achieve their goals!
1.
Take responsibility for your learning . That includes: a.
Starting your work as soon as you come into the classroom b.
Staying on task and following teacher directions c.
Asking questions of the teacher when you need to, such as when the directions or task are unclear to you d.
Coming prepared to class e.
Engaging only in classroom related activities and discussions while in this space
2.
Be mindful of others by avoiding any actions that are harmful to those around you whether socially, emotionally, physically, or academically
3.
Follow the school-wide rules in the classroom, i
(NOTE: This is including the dress code and cell phone policy, which will be enforced in this class. Cell phones, and electronic devices: should not be out, in use, or heard in the halls or classroom or they will be confiscated to prevent their disruption of the learning environment.
What happens when UNWELCOME BEHAVIORS happen in class:
1.
INFORMATION + GUIDANCE - I will tell you when a behavior of yours is causing harm (whether academically, socially, emotionally, or physically), and thus not in line with our classroom rules. Then I will tell you or remind you how to fix it.
2.
OPPORTUNITY - You will stop the unwelcome behavior and fix things, asking for clarification or further guidance if you need it. Actions have consequences, and if those natural consequences are negative, it is your responsibility to put things right. I am happy to help you. NOTE: If you don’t understand why a behavior needs to stop, you may

Ms. Islas
(510) 618-4400 ext. 3752 yislas@slusd.us
discuss that with me after class, but it needs to stop immediately when I have identified it as an unwelcome behavior. Otherwise we go to step 4.
3.
WARNING of teacher assigned consequence. If you choose not to take steps towards correcting a harmful / unwelcome behavior, then I, as the teacher, will take action by warning you that you face a teacher-assigned consequence such as a loss of privileges, a seat change, a detention, or a referral.
4.
TEACHER ASSIGNED CONSEQUENCE - If behavior is still not corrected, then you must deal with the consequences of your actions, including the teacher assigned consequence you were warned about.
Grading:
Weighted Grading Structure
Required task
Workbook (Vocab/Grammar practice) + worksheets
Projects and Written
Compositions
Tests and Quizzes
Oral exam
Participation
Grading Percentage distribution:
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79%
60-69%
59% and below
C
D
F
Percentage of grade
10%
20%
40%
10%
20%
Aeries / ABI: Grades are updated frequently on Aeries / ABI. Parents and students should check Aeries weekly to ensure that all scores have been updated correctly and to keep track of grades. If there is ever an error with a grade or if a student would like to know how to improve a grade, the student or parent should contact me immediately.
Tests and quizzes (40%) – Students can expect to be regularly quizzed in this class, often twice a week. Quizzes start with vocabulary recognition skills, then vocabulary production, grammar, and finally a larger test on multiple skills at the end of each chapter. Nightly study is generally required. Re-takes are not allowed. Tests/quizzes can be postponed and taken as make-up tests/quizzes in cases where a student is absent for a long period of time and returns on the day of a test/quiz.
Projects and Written Composition (20%) – Writing projects give students a chance to practice writing skills with revision to deepen their understanding of the language and push their ability

Ms. Islas
(510) 618-4400 ext. 3752 yislas@slusd.us
further. This class will also involve a few projects designed to help students better engage with and understand regional cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
Participation (20%) is an essential part of language acquisition as well as positive classroom contribution and behavior. Spanish class involves daily active participation. Some examples of the types of participation that will be required are partner dialogues to practice vocabulary, partner and small group dialogues, surveys, role playing, skits, and other vocabulary practices, answering questions and finding answers when called on in class (“I don’t knows” without any attempt to find the answer are not accepted for participation), correcting work, note-taking, and being on task whether the task assigned is reading, writing, speaking, or listening oriented.
Students do not lose participation points for making mistakes . Mistakes are an essential part of learning. Participation points are lost however for refusal to participate in a task, refusal to try or heed guidance on what to do, being off task including demonstrating that directions were ignored. (It is the student’s responsibility to ask clarifying questions or ask for things to be repeated before tasks begin, which is simply done by a person truly trying to pay attention).
Participation points can also be lost through inappropriate behavior that potentially affects the participation and confidence of others. Any discouraging behaviors will result in points taken away. Students are able to earn extra credit points for participation by volunteering when volunteers are requested.
Workbook : The workbook contains practices to help cement learning of Spanish vocabulary and grammar. It is PRACTICE. We will go over the answers in class and students are expected to correct any mistakes in class during that review time. Points are not lost for mistakes, but any student who is caught not correcting his/her mistakes as directed would of course lose participation points. Because workbook practices are very short and graded on completeness rather than correctness I see no reason for them to be left uncompleted when they are assigned for homework or classwork. Because we go over the answers in class , I do not accept late workbook work as such work would be meaningless after the answers are written down in class.
Oral Exam (10%) – Oral exams are administered at the end of each chapter, or at times at the end of unit instead (every 2 chapters). These exams are one on one between student and teacher while the rest of the class works on a project or writing. They involve 1-2 minutes of speaking
Spanish without use of notes or other study aides.
STUDYING for Spanish 1:
Students are expected to review vocabulary and study DAILY. Memorization takes time and effort. With language learning it is better to study for a short period of even a few minutes daily than to spend one big chunk of time studying and then put it off for several more. Memory fades fast if not regularly worked at.
I do not recommend that students study by simply looking over a list of words and translations.
Play is an important part of learning a language. Students should instead test themselves with flashcards, and set goals, or play with the flashcards to try and form sentences or conversations.

Ms. Islas
(510) 618-4400 ext. 3752 yislas@slusd.us
Active play with words WILL help. If possible, studying with a classmate or Spanish speaking acquaintance is also very helpful to practice producing language. Spending time at home in private playing with the sounds of the words, trying different tones, can feel silly, but it can also feel fun and helps with not just memorization but with acquiring comfort with the language.
Flashcards:
Flashcards are a great study tool when learning a foreign language. In class we will be discussing how to make them and make the most use out of them.
I also highly recommend setting up a free account on Quizlet.com
to make electronic flashcards because the website then creates tests and games for students using the vocabulary. Most useful, and a somewhat new feature to Quizlet is the ability to test oneself on SPELLING the vocabulary, including use of accent marks or not. Plus, there are many sets on Quizlet for the
Realidades textbook that can be found already made by doing a simple search. Once students have completed Internet safety training and acquired SLUSD Google Classroom accounts this year, I hope to make Quizlet use part of our classroom, but in the meantime, I highly recommend setting up an account.
Important Information about Turning in Work:
 Homework:
Please check the student planner daily. In Spanish 1 we have both short assignments and projects. Students and family should check the planner together regularly. Parents/guardians are encouraged to double check with their child that completed assignments are packed and ready to turn in the next day, which is a great help.
 LATE WORK is NOT accepted in this class unless otherwise stated.
There way be particular projects where I might notify students of the possibility of turning work in late for points off, but most assignments in this class are short worksheets that can be completed in a very brief amount of time. Furthermore, in this class we regularly go over answer in class to these assignments as they are designed for practicing skills rather than as summative assessments. Once answers to an assignment are revealed in class, the assignment loses its potential meaning and benefit for students who did not independently try their hand at the assignment before hand and no real work is left to be done. Thus, accepting late work would be unfair and it is against my policies to accept it in these cases. PLEASE NOTE however that that late work and make-up work are not the same thing.
See below for more information about the absent policy.
 Requests for extensions
for projects and presentations will only be accepted up to the day before an assignment is due and are only granted to students who are coming in for tutoring help. DO NOT WAIT until it is due! Parents/guardians, if there is some kind of extraneous circumstance (such as a death in the family, as opposed to your child having a lot of practice at an extracurricular activity) where your child needs an extension after the due date, please make sure to notify me as soon as possible by sending a signed note with

Ms. Islas
(510) 618-4400 ext. 3752 yislas@slusd.us
your child, calling, or sending me an email with details of the circumstances and how long of an extension is needed.

Every assignment that is not in the workbook requires the following information (unless otherwise instructed) in the TOP RIGHT corner: o Student’s FULL name (1 st and last), followed by their assigned number o the date of the assignment o the class period
 Papers with no names or incomplete names
must be claimed before the day either progress reports or quarter grades are due to receive credit. The assignment will be docked one full letter grade.
 Students are expected to start work on the FRONT side of papers if work is
done on sheets of line paper. Papers with formatting issues discussed in class will also be docked one full letter grade once students have been instructed on the format expectations.
Absences and Make-up Work:
When a student is absent, he/she is still responsible for all content and assignments missed.
It is the students’ responsibility to:

Remind me of their absence BEFORE class starts, upon return, telling me exactly how many days they were gone. I may have work to give the student right away or I may ask the student to come in afterschool to pick it up.

PLAN on stopping by afterschool THE DAY THEY RETURN to pick up any missed work AND review any content they may have missed. After all, if a student missed the lesson, he/she may not know how to complete the assignment unless you come in for help. Parents/guardians, please remind your child on the morning that they return to school to talk to ALL their teachers outside of class.

Ask a friend for any notes and information missed or come after school to copy them.

Complete missing assignments on time. Students have exactly the number of days they missed to complete any missing assignments. This begins immediately upon return to school. Students cannot make up work past this time period.
NOTE: If any group projects are assigned in class, it is important that students also check in with group partners in such cases.
Copying and Cheating:
Copying and cheating is against the school wide rules and I take it very seriously if a student attempts to cheat or plagiarize work. If a student’s name is the only name on a paper, I expect it to contain that student’s own words and ideas and no one else’s. In addition to the school wide rule on cheating, if a student uses the words of another (taken from a classmate, book, or the internet) without properly citing the source, the student will receive a failing grade of zero for that assignment and will not be able to make up the assignment. Students deliberately passing along their work to others to be copied are also considered to be involving themselves in

Ms. Islas
(510) 618-4400 ext. 3752 yislas@slusd.us
cheating. This is something that I regularly discuss and remind students about during the year and make clear should never be attempted. While many kinds of unwelcomed behaviors periodically pop up in classes by accident or through lack of knowledge, cheating and copying is not one of them. It is a very deliberate attempt to deceive. Because the knowledge of what is wrong with this behavior already exist and students are regularly reminded and warned about this behavior, any such case goes straight to the teacher assigned consequence of a zero on the work, plus a very long discussion with me including guidance on how they will work to bring their grade back up after.
My Availability:
Students are welcome to come talk to me about their progress in class or any other issues that might come up. Students can come talk to me in the morning after halls open, during the break, before or after class, or after school. Parents/guardians, please feel free to call or email me any time. If you need to make an appointment to meet in person, my prep period is 4 th
period this year. I can also schedule meetings after school on some days or meet before school between 7:45 and 8:20 am.