Spanish One – 2009-2010 Señorita Prax-Lodge F-2

Name: ___________________________ Period: ___

All information in this document is subject to change with notification.

To receive credit for your first two homework assignments:

□ Re-read this sheet with your parents, have them sign it, and turn it in tomorrow.
□ Have your parent contact me in one of two ways:
email: oprax-lodge@uusd.net (preferred)
call: 463-5253 x1402
In the message, you parent needs to identify him/herself, mention your name, the period
in which you have my class, and confirm they have read and understood the rules.

¡Hola! I am excited to welcome you to a challenging and fun first year in Spanish class at Ukiah
High. Our Spanish program is successful because we love what we teach. This year you can
expect to work hard, learn a lot, and have fun! There will be some difficult turns in the road, but
there is always help available. Learning is not something that happens to you – you control your
own learning. You do not “get” a grade, and I do not “give” grades. All grades are earned.
With some common sense, paying attention, and a good attitude, you too will fall in love with
one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

Grading practices
Homework, Classwork, Participation = 30%
Tests, Quizzes = 40%
Projects = 15%
Final Exam = 15%

Notebook Requirements
Keep the materials for this class in an organized manner, easy to access and presentable. You
are expected to keep all handouts and notes and to have them at the ready every day. Expect
unannounced, graded binder checks. There are two grades for a binder check: A and F. Be
organized. See below for a list of required binder sections.
o Always use 8.5”X11” lined binder paper for assignments, unless otherwise specified
o Always use blue or black pen for homework. You will lose points for work done in
pencil. However, you need to have a pencil for occasional Scantron tests.
o You should keep a planner for remembering the day’s assignments. Use your cell phone
alarm clock function to remind yourself.

Notebook/Binder Sections
Please organize a three-ring binder with dividers in the following order:
A sheet of paper entitled, Upcoming Assignments
You will use this paper to write down the homework assignments, upcoming tests,
tutoring sessions, extra credit opportunities, etc.
1. Calentamiento – Warm ups
a. Use this section to do the daily warm-ups.
2. Notes
 a. You are responsible for anything that I write on the board.

3. Lista corriente
a. This is a running list of Spanish words and phrases that are awesome but didn’t
make it into the textbook.
4. Returned work
a. Keep ALL of your returned assignments, always.
5. Blank paper
a. Keep at least 25 sheets of clean paper here at all times.
6. (Optional) Pen pouch. You always have to have pens for this class, and occasionally a
highlighter or colored pencils. You might want to get one of those zipper pouches and
keep it in your binder or backpack.

Be smart about your work for this class. You can expect daily homework for this class.
Though it will never take very long, the daily practice will help you learn. I grade homework
heavily. As you can see, the highest grade you could possibly get without doing your
homework is a C-. I believe homework is a valuable use of your time. Take advantage of
networks like MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc to keep you and your friends aware of what
assignments are due when. Also, take pride in your work. I will grade you down for things
like sloppy handwriting, pencil, crumpled paper, misspellings, and lack of heading or title. I
do not accept late homework, and I detest excuses.

Always use 8.5” X 11” lined binder paper. Homework must be completed in blue or black
pen. Do not use Sharpies or other markers that bleed.

Please do not use online translators for more than one or two words at a time. Buy yourself a
good dictionary instead.

Behavior Expectations
I expect you to respect yourself, the teacher, and education. This is an academic environment,
and any form of disrespect will not be tolerated. I do NOT want to see, hear, or otherwise sense
the presence of iPods, cell phones, or any other such devices. These things have their time and
place, and my classroom is NOT it. Turn OFF your cell phone BEFORE entering my classroom.
Any confiscated cell phones, etc will be returned only after parent contact.

Tardiness
You need to be on time, every day. This means you are in your seat with your materials out
when the bell rings. Should you chance to be tardy, you must sign in immediately and serve
lunchtime detention in my room on Friday. Detention lasts all lunch period, and often involves
you cleaning my room. A second detention will result in a referral and campus beautification.
Should you be so inclined to be tardy for a third time, you will be issued a referral, placed on an
attendance contract, and your parents will be notified.

Cheating disgusts me and disgraces you. It is a gross betrayal of trust. Have more respect for
yourself than that, and hold yourself to a higher standard. Cheaters will be dealt with harshly,
and parents will most definitely be notified.
Bathroom Privileges
Each student will be given two passes per semester. It is up to the student to use these with
discretion. Plan your day accordingly.

Monitoring Your Progress

Progress reports are available for all classes in the A Building near the secretary’s desk. Single-
class progress reports are available in my classroom and I’ll be happy to check-in with you
regarding your grade, etc at an appropriate time. Every assignment is valued and reflected in
your grade. Your participation in class is vital. Your attitude is extremely important. Parents
may email or call me at any time to request information regarding your grade.

Getting Help
If you are feeling confused or frustrated at any point throughout the year, do yourself and me a
favor – let me know! Communication is the greatest tool we have as humans, and the basis of
this whole class. Please, do not be afraid or hesitant to speak up. Ask questions in class, stay
after, come get help…don’t wait till the last minute! My room is always open and you’re
welcome to come hang out. Spanish IV students will be available to help you study, understand
a concept, or just get organized. These are kids who love Spanish, and want to help you. Take
advantage of the help – there’s no reason to fail.

Contacting Me
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. Be aware that I leave the
ringer off during the day, but I check voicemail frequently.

oprax-lodge@uusd.net 463-5253, ext 1402

I have read and understood the information contained in this document.

___________________________________________________________________________
student name and signature date

________________________________________________ ______________________
parent/guardian name and signature date

________________________________________________ ______________________
parent/guardian name and signature date