Spanish I Grade 8- May 4, 2009
Congratulations to Elizabeth Marcello our Gold medal award winner in the National Spanish Exam who scored in the 97 percentile! We had 3 others score 90 percentile or above and they were Sean Myrtetus, Allyson McCune and Jake Franko. In addition, we had 10 others score in the 75 percentile or above and 18 students above the 55 percentile. Great work by everyone. Each of the students was given their raw score and percentile score. Over 26,000 students participated.
We still have work to complete and I am pushing to to get it done. This includes prepping for the Diocesan Exam on May 19.
We are set for May 12 for our lunch and I want to thank the parents who volunteered to drive.
Getting close to the finish line! Hang in there!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
This year's Classroom Policies and Procedures still appears below. Don't hesitate to let me know if you have questions.
CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SEÑOR PAUL JOSEPH
8TH GRADE ESPAÑOL 2008-09
Bienvenidos! Welcome back! I look forward to working your children again this coming year. We have some exciting goals to achieve this year and I am looking forward to the prospect of assisting your children in meeting those goals. The goals include earning the high school foreign language credit as well as participating in the National Spanish Exam for Spanish I level students in March. In May, the entire class will be treated to a lunch at a local Spanish restaurant where they can use their speaking (and eating) skills! The information below is provided to help clarify classroom procedures and requirements for Spanish that will help us meet those goals.
PROGRAM: As you know, our class meets each day for fifty minutes during which time I will give the students the opportunity to speak, write and read in Spanish. I am sure you remember from last year that throughout the year your child was told that the most important word they learned was the word “RARE”. I am sure they all recall what “RARE” means and I would hope they can tell you that I expect each student to be Responsible for their actions in the classroom; Accountable for meeting the homework requirements assigned outside of class; Be Respectful to their classmates and to all teachers and staff members at St. Bridget’s; and to put forth their best Effort by always trying their best. Besides the word RARE, the expression we also used throughout the year is…Sí, sí puedo… (Yes, Yes I can!) Meeting these “RARE” standards and never saying “No puedo” (I can’t) will help to ensure that your students are successful both in and outside of the classroom. This year I am adding a bit more to my expectations because at this age peer pressure is enormous. For that reason I am looking for those who have “el coraje ser RARE” that is, for those who will have the courage to be RARE. Because we know how hard it can be to stand up and do the right thing (like doing homework or wear the uniform correctly, etc.).
TEXTS AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS: We will again be using two texts, ¡Avancemos! and Ventanas. Students own Ventanas and will keep that text at the end of the year. In case of loss, a copy will have to be purchased. In addition to the texts, other media will be used to enhance their instruction. At the same time, I am hopeful that you will encourage your children to listen to, if available on your TV cable outlets, the news or other programs on Univisión, the Spanish cable network, or any other available Spanish outlet at least 15 minutes a day. At the same time, your students have a listing of Spanish masses in the area that you might allow them to attend from time to time to hear first person, the spoken word of God in español.
HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned daily to reinforce material presented in class. These assignments will be reviewed and corrected in class. When this homework is coupled with a review of grammar, vocabulary and the opportunity to listen and to speak Spanish daily, it will enhance their language development. Each student must maintain a Spanish portfolio (three-ring binder) to keep their homework assignments as well as to maintain information distributed in class. In addition, they will be assigned a country and will keep information on that country, its leaders, and current events in that portfolio.
GRADES: Grades will be based and weighted on the students’ performance in the following categories:
Participation: 20%; Daily participation is expected. Also included will be proper wear of the uniform and proper conduct.
Quizzes: 30%; There will be both scheduled and unscheduled quizzes.
Tests: 50%; All tests will be scheduled with ample pre-test preparation.
Projects: Country, biographic and other cultural projects will be assigned well in advance and will be weighted as a test;
Homework: I consider homework to be an extension of the classroom activities. For that reason, no separate grade will be given for it. However, a half-point (.5) will be deducted from the semester grade for each assignment missed.
Contact Information: Please contact me should you have any questions or concerns at pjoseph@saintbridget.org .
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
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