Class Expectations & Grading Policy

Español 7 (IA)

Sra. Narkiewicz

This class is graded on class participation, skills and assignments.

1) Class participation is an extremely important part of this class and the largest grade received. Your child will receive a class participation grade (usually) every five days (20 points/day), approximately once a week. Class participation is how your child uses class time. This includes effort, being prepared, respectful, and on time, and trying to do what is expected during class time. (It is fine to make mistakes, as that is how we learn)! The key to successfully learning a language and being prepared for the Proficiency examination* is practicing the language. This includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing...all in Spanish. Your child is (eventually) expected to use Spanish at all times in the classroom. Each student is taught how to respond when they don't know the word or understand what is being said/taught. Each student is given specific opportunities to engage and grow in the language every day, regardless of how timid or knowledgeable s/he might be. The key to class participation is trying one's best in class each day.

2) After appropriate preparation, each language skill is tested through a variety of formats. This could be a quiz, test, conversation, project or presentation. The student will always be clearly informed of what and when this is, as well as how it is graded.

3) An assignment grade is given (usually) for every five assignments, approximately every two weeks or so, and may be classwork or homework. It is not graded on accuracy or correctness, only on effort and that it was completed in good faith. Assignments are due at the beginning of class for full credit. A student may receive half credit if it is completed by the end of the day (and answers are not given in class). If it is not received by the end of the day, the student must stay after and complete it or make alternate arrangements with the teacher THAT DAY! Cheating of any kind results in a non-negotiable zero. In class, we discuss what it is and what not to do. Cheating is very obvious to the teacher. This includes copying and using certain computer programs, translators and AI, as well as sharing your work and information.

The lowest of any one of these grades (#s 1-3 from above) is dropped each marking period.

General Information:

Materials Needed Every Day: pens (dark-writing), pencils with eraser, 2 packs note/index cards (non-fluorescent), 1 subject notebook (spiral or composition), 1 binder (any size) or heavy-duty folder, 8+ coloring instruments (pencils, markers OR crayons), and a pencil pouch/case.

 Optional, but handy: 4 dry-erase markers, scissors, glue stick.

All items except notebook, binder/folder and notecards may be used for other classes. If you need help acquiring these classroom materials, let me know! You are welcome to leave them in your classroom box, if you so choose.

  Absences are the responsibility of the student. The student has two weeks after her/his absence to make up the class (unless the student has specifically made other arrangements with the teacher). The student needs to talk to the teacher to set up a time to meet and review what was taught and to make up any missing work, which includes class participation points.  I certainly understand that Spanish is not your child’s only class and therefore am very flexible. Yet it is extremely important that the student understands it is her/his responsibility to see me and make arrangements. All homework will be posted on my website found on the CCS home page. Class participation still needs to be made up in person (or via a remote meeting).

 Extra help is always available during free time or after school, in person or remotely. The student is expected to stay after school if s/he is showing difficulty in a particular area, has neglected to do her/his work, missed class,  or is requested to do so by the teacher.

Please call or email me if you have any concerns or questions. I can only help if I am aware of the issue and I am happy to communicate with you! My job is to teach your child Spanish…successfully!

Phone: 518-677-8527 X 1508                                             Email: Kristen.Narkiewicz@cambridgecsd.org

 *The Proficiency Examination is a state required exam given at the end of Spanish IB(8), usually at the end of the 8^th grade.

 *The Proficiency Examination is a state required exam given at the end of Spanish IB(8), usually at the end of the 8th grade.

 ¡Hola! ¡Bienvenidos a español! Your child is now taking an exploratory Spanish course in order to have a general idea about the language so that s/he may choose which language to take next year and beyond. Please keep in mind…

     The Benefits of Learning Spanish  

It’s here!:

Spanish is the second MOST spoken language in the world today!

The U.S.A. is now the second largest Spanish-speaking country (by population) in the world today…

       and is expected to be the #1 Spanish-speaking country in the world between 2050-2060!

Today’s students will attend school and/or college, work and be integrated with Hispanics (Spanish-speakers) throughout their lives in all aspects of society. It will be highly advantageous, if not necessary, to know some Spanish! 

Please sign below stating that you understand the Classroom Expectations and Grading Policy (on the other side).

If you would like to keep this for your records, just send in a signed note stating you have read and understand it. ¡Muchas gracias! -Sra. “Nark  

I understand the Classroom Expectations and Grading Policy for my (child’s) Spanish class.

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