http://www.auburnschools.org/drake/acwilkinson
Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to Seventh Grade Exploratory Foreign Language! I am looking forward to working with you again as we use what we learned in sixth grade to learn more about the language and culture of the German-, Spanish-, and French-speaking countries.
This course meets on Blue days. It will be your passport to the following foreign languages: German, Spanish, and French. We will spend approximately three instructional weeks (six calendar weeks) studying each language. During this time students will…
· learn how to communicate basic information about themselves to others in each language.
· be able to recognize and locate the countries that speak these languages on a map.
· identify similarities and differences between English and a foreign language.
· understand the word cognate and be able to identify cognates in each language.
· compare cultural practices and products from the German-, Spanish-, and French-speaking countries
to those of America.
· develop an appreciation of learning a foreign language and a desire to continue foreign language
study. It is my hope that by the end of the course students will be able to make an educated choice about which foreign language they would like to continue with.
As we embark on our 18-week journey through the German-, Spanish-, and French-speaking countries,
I will …
I expect the following from my students:
Students will…
Failure to meet these expectations will have the following consequences:
Supply List
**Workbooks must be returned at the end of the semester and may NOT be written in. If they are written in, or you would like to write in them, workbooks can be purchased for $7.00.**
Grading Policy
Student grades will be figured according to the following percentages:
Tests/Projects 50% Classwork/Quizzes 40% Homework 10%
Tests: Students will have approximately two tests for each language. Tests will include listening, vocabulary, and geography activities. There will be some multiple-choice and matching activities. However, seventh grade students will also be expected to complete short answer questions in the language of study. Test dates will be posted on my website.
Students may retake any test by appointment before or after school. Test retakes or arrangements MUST be made within one calendar week from the return of the tests. **All tests will remain on file in the classroom.**
Homework: Students should expect assigned homework approximately two times a week in this course. All homework is expected to be completed before the student comes to class and will be turned in at the beginning of class. I will accept homework one day late, but the highest grade possible on the assignment will be half credit! Homework assignments will be posted in the classroom as well as on my website.
If there is no assigned homework, I expect students to be practicing what was learned in class that day. There may be some announced pop quizzes.
Projects: Students will complete a small project for each language as well as one larger project (approx. 200 pts.) towards the end of the semester. All requirements, deadlines, and rubrics will be given to students and made available on my website.
Grading Scale
A (90-100) B (80-89) C (70-79) D (65-69) F (64 and below)
Policies and Procedures
Make up work: Students have five school days to turn in work or tests missed due to an excused absence. Students are responsible for picking up make up work and scheduling a time to make up any missed tests upon their return to school. Graded assignments will be posted in my room. Assignments can also be found on the Seventh Grade page of my website: http://www.auburnschools.org/drake/acwilkinson.
Progress Reports: Students will receive a progress report each Thursday in their folder from their team with an updated grade for this class. I will distribute detailed progress reports every 4-5 weeks. The detailed progress reports will need to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned by the next class day.
Leaving the classroom: Because of our limited instructional time, students will be allowed to leave the classroom for emergencies only. If a student does need to leave the room, he/she should ask permission and bring me his/her planner to sign.
End of the Course Celebration: Towards the end of the course, you will be receiving an invitation to visit our classes and see what your students have learned. Student work will be on display as well as your student’s talents in foreign language.
Class Help: If your student needs help, I am available after school Tuesday through Friday until at least 3:40 or by appointment.
Please visit my website http://www.auburnschools.org/drake/acwilkinson weekly for updated information about the class and assignments. You can contact me by e-mail, acwilkinson@auburnschools.org or by phone at 887-1940. If you would like to schedule a conference, I am available after school or during my plan period between 2:05-3:12. Please call the office to make this appointment.
I am looking forward to a great year!
Andrea Wilkinson
Seventh Grade Exploratory Foreign Language Mrs. Wilkinson
Classroom Polices Room 132
Parent and Students:
Please sign below indicating that you have read and understood the policies and procedures for this course. This sheet must be signed and returned by the second class day. It is a homework assignment worth 10 points.
I have read, and I understand Mrs. Wilkinson’s policies and procedures for Exploratory Foreign Language.
_________________________________________ __________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature Date
_________________________________________ ___________________________
Parent or Guardian’s E-mail Address Daytime Phone Number
I am aware and understand Mrs. Wilkinson’s policies regarding grading, missed assignments, and discipline.
_________________________________________ __________________________
Student’s Signature Date
__________________
Class Period