CURRICULM NIGHT
2013-2014
Please let me know you were here by signing the “Curriculum
Night Sign In” on the clipboard. Thank you.
Srta. Riggan
Rm. 307

 B.A., With Honors, Spanish Language and Culture,


Washington State University, 2011
 This is my second year teaching at Alki Middle School and my third year with Vancouver Public Schools!
 I did my student teaching at Alki, and also completed long-term substitute positions at Alki.
I worked at Jason Lee Middle School
I work at Lewis & Clark High School in the afternoons this year

 Spanish 1A (7 th grade) and 1B (8 th grade) are year-long elective courses and together are the equivalent of one year of high school Spanish.
 To receive high school credit, students must go on to complete
Spanish 2 at the high school level their freshman year.
 As high school credit is offered for successful completion of both
Spanish 1A and 1B, this course is rigorous and demanding
(NOT impossible  )
 Please review the WORLD LANGUAGE APPLICATION on my website.

 At the end of 1 st trimester students who are not passing the course will be removed from the program.
 To advance from Spanish 1A (7 th grade) to 1B (8 th grade) the student should maintain a C average.
 High school credit is available only if the student successfully and consecutively completes Spanish
1A and 1B at the middle school level and Spanish II at the high school level their 9 th grade year.

 ¡Avancemos! Textbook


The textbook will cover basic elements in Spanish, some of which include:








Meeting people
School/classroom chores/around the house
Playing sports
Weather
Food
Directrions
Etc…
This year, the textbook is online for all students at my.hrw.com
 Supplemental Materials:
 QUIA Online Resource for flashcards and activities
 Also where students will take Practice Quizzes/ In-Class quizzes
 Classzone.com
Online Resource for flashcards

 I plan on implementing iPads daily in my
Spanish classes
 Warm-ups
 Use of the calendar
 Formative assessment
 Summative assesment
 I am open to suggestions on how to use the iPads in Spanish class.

 The students will be taking quizzes and tests using an online software called Quia.
 Practice is available and students should be taking practice quizzes at least a few times a week.

Refer to class syllabus – subject to change
 Assessments (projects, tests, presentations etc.) (70% of overall grade)

 graded for learning gradebook
– (K) before the task indicates assignment was graded on student’s knowledge of Spanish
 Daily Classwork/Homework (20% of overall grade)
 graded on effort (work habits) and therefore will only be accepted late for half credit. We correct for accuracy in class.


Students should expect 20-30 minutes each night of homework and/or studying. Your student ALWAYS has homework!
Gradebook
– (WH) before the task indicates assignment was graded on work habit/ethic.
 Daily Participation (10% of overall grade)


5 pts possible each day
Gradebook
– (WH) before the task indicates assignment was graded on work habit/ethic.

Refer to class syllabus – subject to change
 For more information on classroom policies and procedures please refer to the 2013-
2014 Syllabus which can be accessed from my website.

 clear goals and expectations
 multiple methods of assessment
 feedback for improvement
 opportunities to improve
 good methods of evaluating and reporting student progress.

 Check your child’s homework calendar & planner each night
 Ask your child to teach you vocabulary and grammar he/she has learned in class.
 Review your child’s Spanish Notebook and help him/her keep it organized.
 Have your child watch TV and Movies in Spanish if possible.

 Before school
 7:30 am – students need to get a pass from me the day before or they may not be allowed past the main office.


During class
 Please encourage your student to get assistance and to ask questions during class.
At Lunch
 I have second lunch this year and am available on
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for help
 By appointment
 I teach at a different school in the afternoons.

Used to communicate good news and areas of concern
 INFORMALLY – the most important
 Skyward Educator Access (gradebook)

 email phone contact

 note sent home conferences
 FORMALLY
 Progress Reports


Report Cards conferences

 Stop by the main office to get set up with your personal account/password.
 FAQ
 What does an
(asterisk) mean in the gradebook?


Assignment has not been graded yet and/or is not due yet even if it shows as MISSING
A missing assignment will be coded with a zero for the grade and NHI
(Not Handed In) in the comments
 What does a (K) before an assignment mean?

Grade based on Spanish knowledge
 What does a (WH) before an assignment mean?

Grade based on work habit

 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
-Oct. 24 & 25
 The office will begin calling those students who are in need of conference beginning the week of October 7.
 If you have not received a phone call requesting a conference by October 14 and you would still like a conference, call Kristin
Coffey, 313-3200, and she would be happy to schedule one for you.
 I request students attend the conference (if possible) and that all students bring their Spanish work with them..

 E-Mail
 erika.riggan@vansd.org
 Most effective form of communication
 Phone 313 - 3277
 Calls are often returned in the evening or the next day
 Office Hours
 By Appointment
 Roaming Teacher:
 2 different locations

* A copy of tonight’s power point presentation can be accessed from my website under Parent
Information