Teacher:Myriam L. Schulze                                       Email: myriaml.schulze@cms.k12.nc.us

Tutoring Schedule: Thursdays 2:20 - 3:30
Testing Schedule: Fridays 2:20 - 4:00 (by appointment only)
 
Course Description:
This course is designed to continue the development of the students’ communicative competency and linguistic accuracy and to expand the students’ awareness and appreciation of Hispanic culture. Spanish IV is a high rigor course that prepares the students for their AP class, which is the next level. Through authentic texts, media and inductive presentations of grammar, students practice speaking, listening, reading and writing. Classes are taught primarily in Spanish. This whole language learning will lead students to achieve an advanced level of communicative competence in Spanish and also make connections to the knowledge and concepts of other disciplines. Through linguistic and cultural inquiry and comparisons, students will gain the skills and knowledge they need to become open-minded reflective communicators in the target language.
 
AIMS:

• gain proficiency in an additional language while supporting maintenance of their mother tongue and cultural heritage
• strengthen a respect for and understanding of, diverse linguistic and cultural heritages
• further develop the student’s communication skills necessary for further language learning, and for study, work and leisure in a range of authentic contexts and for a variety of audiences and purposes
• enable the student to strengthen multiliteracy skills through the use of a range of learning tools, such as multimedia, in the various modes of communication
• enable the student to further develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts and to use critical and creative techniques for comprehension and construction of meaning
• allow the student to use language as a vehicle of thought, reflection, self-expression and learning in other subjects, and as a tool for enhancing literacy
• enable the student the use language and the process of language learning, which comprises the integration of linguistic, cultural and social components
• foster curiosity, inquiry and a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, language learning
• discovery of in-depth themes and social issues, inquiry, formation of opinions and expression of such opinions 

 
Course Standards: This course is based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. A full copy will be available to you upon request. Below is a list of units we will cover.(Subject to change)
 
The syllabus approaches the learning of language through meaning. Through the study of the themes, students build the necessary skills to reach the assessment objectives of the course through the expansion of their receptive, productive and interactive skills. 
 
Topics:

1. Introduction
2. Families and communities
3. Persuasive writing
4. Medicine and ethics
5. Entertainment and cultural controversies
6. Standards of Beauty (if time allows)

 
Materials: 
Students will need a three-ring binder with lined paper or a notebook, whatever works best for the student. Please remember though that this is a two-year class (AP is next year) and you will need your notes for future levels. The pencil is the choice of writing utensil. This way, if you should change your mind about an answer you want to submit, you can cleanly erase it and start over. If you must use pen you can use any color as long as it is not red, of a similar hue, or any color that is light or hard to see. Index cards and tab separators are optional.
 
Due Dates
Major assessments will be announced at least five days ahead of time. Most assessments are announced at the beginning of the unit and will be posted in the classroom calendar. Missed exams need to made-up the first Friday after the absence unless a prior appointment has been made with the teacher. If there is any homework, it will be due at the beginning of class on the day it is due. 
 
Technology Policy: Students are only permitted to text on their cellphones during class transitions and in the cafeteria during their lunch period. Cell phones/ electronic devices are a distraction in the learning environment. 
 
All students must comply with the following 4 rules:

1. Cannot make or receive a call anywhere, anytime, during the school day. This includes all forms of video calls.
2. Cannot video or photograph anyone.
3. Absolutely no earbuds or cellphones in the classroom unless used with a Chromebook for instructional purposes.
4. Cannot have audio at a volume where it can be heard by others. 

 
Consequences:
First Offense: The device will be held in the main office until the end of the day. The device will be returned to the student after an electronics policy is signed indicating knowledge of the policy and future steps.
Second Offense:The device will remain in the main office and will be returned only to a parent/guardian after electronics policy form is signed indicating acknowledgement of policy and future steps.
Third Offense: The device will remain in the main office and be returned only to a parent/guardian after electronics policy form is signed indicating acknowledgement of policy and future steps. The student will receive an administrative referral and consequence. 
 
REFUSING TO SURRENDER YOUR DEVICE WHEN ASKED BY AN ADULT IS INSUBORDINATION, WHICH WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION.
 
KEEP THEM OFF AND OUT-OF-SIGHT!
 
Tardy to Class: Students will adhere to the school tardy policy. If a student is not in the classroom when the bell rings, they will be sent to the closest tardy station. The staff on duty will log their tardy and provide them with a tardy pass. Administration will follow-up with consequences based on our school policy. 
                                                                                          
Academic Honesty: Honor Code: The North Mecklenburg High School Honor Code states that all students are “honor-bound to refrain from cheating, lying or misrepresenting the truth, and stealing.” What this means is that all assignments are your own effort and original ideas unless collaboration with other students, people or sources is explicitly allowed by the teacher. The honor code applies to all the work you do for school: formal and informal, including homework.  
 
The consequences for violations of the honor code are consistent throughout the school and in all programs.  The consequences are tiered, but infractions accumulate throughout a student’s high school career. So, a violation in 9th grade doesn’t get erased when a student moves on to 10th grade. In all cases, the work receives a grade of 0. For the first offense, a student can redo the assignment for a grade that will be half of what the work would normally have earned. For all offenses after that, work is made up, but there will be no change in grade. Parents and administrators are always notified. Eventually, students may earn ISS or OSS if violations multiply.
 
The full code is available in the Student Handbook. Please read it all the way through. This summary is included in the syllabus for the purposes of beginning a discussion on the ways in which dishonesty creates an unfair advantage for either you or others.  We will use the online document as we proceed with class assignments so that there is no confusion about expectations. Again, you and your parents/guardians are urged to read the entire document and to seek clarification from administration if you have questions.
 
Online Translators Policy
The use of translators in the class is not permitted and is considered a form of plagiarism. In the foreign language classroom, it’s easy to find ways to cheat yourself out of learning. It is very easy to find translators online. These are detrimental to your learning. There are several ways that these are often incorrect and will not get you the grade you think you deserve. Also, once your teacher knows your ability, your teacher will be able to easily detect when you are using one.

• They translate one word at a time without proper placement.
• They do not correctly translate common idioms or choose the right word you need.
• They do not correct your misspellings.
• They do not correct your improper grammar.
• They often do not use correct tenses or complex tenses needed in Spanish.
• They do not make allowances for your slang.

If it is suspected that you are using a translator, you will complete an alternative assignment in the presence of a teacher, with your cell phone turned in. 
 
Using translators inappropriately:
1. Alternative assignment given after class, cell phone turned in, no technology allowed. As per school policy, this assignment will be entered at 50% of the earned value, and parent will be contacted.
2. No credit recovery for assignment and parent conference.
3. Office referral for academic dishonesty.
                                                                                          
Expectations: 
Students will come to class prepared to learn each day just as the teacher will be prepared to teach each day. Students will follow all school rules and CMS rules according to the Students Rights and Responsibilities handbook. Students will not be allowed to eat, drink, or sleep in class. Electronic Devices will only be allowed during appointed times for use to enhance learning. In addition, students will follow the following expectations:

1. No talking during instructional or independent practice time.
2. No use of personal electronic devices during class without teacher permission. If an electronic device is out during class without permission, school procedures will be enforced.
3. No disruptive or disrespectful behavior, no profanity. 
4. No eating, drinking (except for water) with the exception of those who have a doctor’s note.
5. No littering.
6. No hats, caps or hoods on in class.

 
If there are any discipline issues with your child, the plan of action is as follows:
    1. Warning
2. Reflection in written form
3. Separation from students
4. Removal with administrative referral
 
CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
1. Be PREPARED 
When the bell rings, have your Spanish materials (composition notebook and folder) and writing utensil on your desk. The daily plan is always on the board. Also utilize your peers, the Spanish class website, and your teacher for help if you will be / have been absent. (See Late Work, Make-up Policy and Rules sections for more details.) 
2. Be ENGAGED 
You will often work in pairs and groups. Each activity is designed for your growth in the language and culture. Your involvement is often as important for others as it is for yourself, and you will receive a bi-
weekly grade based on your active participation and I can quizzes (See participation rubric for details.) 
3. Be RESPECTFUL and POSITIVE 
Each member of our class will be consistently using Spanish to share about themselves, their ideas and beliefs. Each of us has something valuable to bring to the class. Respect them as they talk and they, in turn, will respect you. 
4. HABLA ESPAÑOL 
Speaking is an essential skill you need to develop in a language class, and it can only happen if you speak up. Therefore, use of Spanish will be expected for any type of communication -including interactions with your classmates and teacher. Use the Phrase “Me permite hablar inglés” is the phrase you will use to speak English. Remember that mistakes are part of the process. Outside of class, explore other ways to come into contact with the language, like Spanish/Latin American television (available free through the Internet), music, and native Spanish speakers to converse with. This will help your language acquisition tremendously.
 

1. Criteria

10-9 (Excelente)
100-89
8-7 (Bien)
88-79
6-4 (Suficiente)
78-60
3-1(Insuficiente)
59-0

Amount 
of 
Spanish 
used
You use Spanish almost exclusivelyin class and ask before speaking in English
You frequentlyuse Spanish in class and usually ask before speaking in English
You occasionally use Spanish in class and sometimes ask before speaking in English
You rarely or never use Spanish in class 

Speaking only Spanish is critical for this grade. Participation points will be lost for speaking English in class. If points are lost you will need to do a speaking activity to recover lost points. Also, involvement and appropriate preparation for the class is a crucial part of this grade. If you do not do your homework, it is impossible to participate! CHECK WEEBLY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on point recovery. 

• This grade will be based upon contribution to group activities, completion of warm-up activities, and thoughtful participation in discussion. I am more concerned with your thinking and engagement than with your “correctness”, so raise your hand! The ONLY way to get better at speaking Spanish is by SPEAKING SPANISH! 
• Speaking and participating in class are integral parts of learning to communicate in any language, therefore I expect students to speak up in class FREQUENTLY (individually, in pairs, and in small groups). This is a college-level course, you are EXPECTED to raise your hand and contribute on a regular basis! 
• I ABSOLUTELY EXPECT that all students will participate in DESCANSITOS HABLADOS- they are an important part of class :) 
• Please also remember: if you are absent from class it is impossible to participate! You can make up for absences by participating MORE when you do come to class. If you have missed MANY days due to illness, injury, or travel, please come and see me.

                                    
TUTORING
Tutoring is available to those students who have been working hard in class and have attempted all classwork and homework. Tutoring will be held on Thursdays from 2:20 PM to 3:40 PM. Students should not arrive after 2:45PM unless they make an appointment. Test make ups and retakes will be offered on Fridays from 2:20 PM to 3:40 PM.
 
WEBSITE, CANVAS AND CLASSTAG:
Most class assignments will be pushed out over Canvas. Announcements will be made through ClassTag, so make sure to have access. Parents who want to stay connected to the classroom happenings can also sign up for communications through ClassTag. All general information will be available through my website: www.schulzeteach.com
                                                      
COMMUNICATION, CONCERNS, PROBLEMS, TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you have any problems or concerns, please speak with me about them. This is a designed as a college-level class and you will be treated as such. As in college, the student will be expected to address the instructor with concerns. If a resolution to your concerns cannot be reached, we can then set up a parent/teacher conference or a conference with your principal. Communication is key, please do not hesitate to let me know if you have questions or concerns.
 
The fastest way to contact me, including requests for a phone call, is through (myriaml.schulze@cms.k12.nc.us) email or fill the contact request form in my webpage (www.schulzeteach.com). Students are required to write professional emails to Sra. Schulze, in Spanish, if possible. If the email is not written in a professional manner, there is no expectation for a reply.  Please check PowerSchool for grades. If it is not in PowerSchool I will not be able to tell you either.
Assessment / Grading 
Assessments will primarily be designed to prepare the students for the AP oral and written production and will include but are not limited to the following activities and exercises: 

1. Test and quizzes that will prepare the students for future AP examinations, as well as reviewing grammar concepts.
2. Communicative activities- debates, group or individual presentations, interviews with teacher, 

                interviews with other students, role play, newscasts, projects etc. 

1. Listening and Video Activities- songs, movies, documentaries, news bulletins, commercials, etc. 

4.     Rubrics will be used to assess writing and speaking proficiency.  These will be posted in Canvas and in Google Classroom. 
      5.   All grading procedures will follow the CMS grading policies.
 
30% of quarter grade: Classwork/Informal Assessments/Homework
70% of quarter grade: Formal assessments, major projects
                  All assignments will have a different value within the categories.
 
Grading Policy: Grades will be calculated using the following: 
Formal – Exams 
Informal – Class work, homework, quizzes, labs, projects, papers
Grades will follow the North Carolina Grading Scale: 
A – 90-100                                                                                
B – 80-89
C – 70-79
D – 60-69
F – 59 and below
 
Final Grades will be calculated using the North Carolina format as follows: 
All quarters        70% Formal Grade          
30% informal grade                                                                                                                                            
 
Final Grade         40% 1st Quarter Grade 
40% 2nd Quarter Grade 
20% Final Exam 
 
LATE, MISSED WORK AND RETEST POLICY
Homework Policy: Homework is due on its due date. Students will lose 5% per day late from the original graded score. On the fifth day, work will be accepted for feedback, but no credit will be given.

1. Example: Students submits an assignment one day late. The assignment receives a grade of a 75 PRIOR to late grade deduction, students will then receive a 71 for the grade, including late grade deduction. If the student submits the assignment two days late, the student will receive a 67 for the assignment, etc until assignment is five or more days late.  

Upon return from an excused absence, students have 5 days to submit make-up work. Any previously announced assignments/tests prior to absence(s) will not be moved or rescheduled. 
 
It is the responsibility of the student to contact the teacher before or after class to discuss any assignments or schedule make up work. Make-up work is to be completed outside of class time. Students have five school days to return all make-up work for full credit. Any work turned in after 5 days is late.  If a student is absent the day of a test review, they should expect to take the test as scheduled.  Any previously announced assignments/tests prior to absence(s) will not be moved or rescheduled. Arrangements to make up missing quizzes or tests need to be made within 5 days of the absence.
 
Per our school policy, if you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you will be required to turn it in on the day you return to class. If you are absent on the day an assignment is given, you will have 5 days to turn in the assignment from the day of your return. Work otherwise received after the due date will be considered late. Late work will receive a deduction of 5 points per day for 5 days. After 5 days, students will not receive credit, but may submit work for feedback.
 
Re-test Policy: 

1. Students who score less than an 79% on a formal test will have the opportunity to retest
2. Students must complete remediation prior to the re-test 
3. Re-tests must be common across PLC and be different from the original test 
4. Re-tests should be completed within 10 days of the test getting returned, and it is the student’s responsibility to schedule their re-test. 
5. AP/IB DP students will be limited to one re-test per quarter per class
6. If a student retakes a test, the highest grade is entered into PowerSchool.

 
Students will have the opportunity to retake any formal assignment on Friday the week following the assessment grading, and after fulfilling the following prerequisites:

1. Completed and corrected homework for that objective or assessment
2. Presentable class notes are present for that objective or assessment
3. Test corrected 
4. Error analysis
5. Tutoring was attended

 
Attendance Recovery:In accordance with CMS policy, students that miss more than 10 days of class are required to do recovery time for those days or they will fail based on absences. Students are expected to make up any missed work due to any absence from class. The process for recovering time is 90 minutes per absence/one to one recovery with the teacher. Recovery cannot be completed during the school day. Teacher is not responsible to schedule or modify their after-school schedule to accommodate attendance recovery. Student can also attend attendance recovery when offered on Saturdays or after school. 
                                    
Absences and Make-up Work: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the teacher before or after class to discuss any assignments or schedule make up work. Make-up work is to be completed outside of class time. Students have five school days to return all make-up work for full credit. Any work turned in after 5 days is late.  If a student is absent the day of a test review, they should expect to take the test as scheduled.  Any previously announced assignments/tests prior to absence(s) will not be moved or rescheduled. Arrangements to make up missing quizzes or tests need to be made within 5 days of the absence.
                                                                                          
Late Assignments: Students will be responsible for turning in assignments on time. Work that is received after the due date will be considered late. Late work will receive a deduction of 5 points per day for 5 days.After 5 days, students will not receive credit, but may submit work for feedback. 
 
NMHS 15 Minute Rule:No students will be allowed to leave class during the first or last 15 minutes of class.
 
Bathroom Policy: Unless it is an emergency or a student who has a medical note, students will only be allowed to leave the classroom during non-instructional time.