Spanish I

Course Syllabus
2016-2017
George-Little Rock High School, Room #205

Teacher Contact Information

Name: Ms. Amy Stump (call me Seorita Stump)
Email: AStump@george-lr.k12.ia.us
Office hours: Before school (7:45-8:30 AM), second hour study hall (9:17-10:00 AM), fourth
hour prep (10:51-11:36 AM), and after school (3:15-3:45 PM)

Course Description
This course is an introduction to the Spanish language and culture! During the year students will
work at the four basic areas of communication: listening, reading, writing, and speaking in
Spanish. Grammar and sentence structure will be taught alongside vocabulary. In addition,
cultural themes of the Spanish-speaking world will be interspersed through the course,
completed through readings and projects.

Materials
Textbook: Paso a Paso I (2nd edition), writing utensils (both pencil and pens), notebook,
(optional: Spanish-English dictionary and note cards/paper)

Assignments/Points
Participation: 10 points/week (contributes to class discussion, is actively engaged)
Homework: 5 points/assignment (completes homework on time)
Quizzes: 10-20 points/quiz
Tests: 50-100 points/test
Projects: 25-50 points/project

-Extra credit opportunities can be found on my school website: https://sites.google.com/a/george-

lr.k12.ia.us/spanish/
-Anything is subject to change based on teachers discretion

Grading Polices
100=A+ 90-87%= B+ 80-77%=C+ 70-67%=D+ 59-0%=F
99-94%=A 86-84%=B 76-74%=C 66-64%=D
93-91%= A- 83-81%=B- 73-71%=C- 63-60%=D-

Attendance Policies
Attendance is essential for learning and success in this class. Students are expected to
show up on time every day. In the case of an absence (whether excused or unexcused), students
must make up all homework, quizzes, tests, etc. If the absence is excused, students have two
days to turn work in for full credit. If the absence is unexcused, students may still turn in
homework for credit, but twenty percent is deducted each day. It is the students responsibility to
turn in all work before a planned absence.

Technology
Students are allowed to use laptops during class with permission. Other electronic
devices must be stored away out of sight. If these devices are used without permission in class,
they will be dealt with according to the G-LR policy. If problems were to continue, the following
procedure would take place: devices must be placed on a chart after entering the room and
collected after being dismissed from class.
There are times when students may use the internet to do activities, projects, and
research. Students are also welcome to use the internet to look up vocabulary words using good
sources, such as wordreference.com. Please refrain from using direct translation websites, such
as Google translate, unless you are looking up a simple word or phrase. If students use direct
translation websites for phrases and sentences, however, their actions will be considered
cheating, and they will receive a zero.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing
them off as one's own. Any plagiarized work will receive a zero.

Cheating
All students who make the decision to cheat or help someone cheat must face
consequences. In addition to receiving a zero on that particular assignment, further disciplinary
actions may be taken. There are many actions that count as cheating, such as having someone
translate everything for you, using direct translation websites, copying someone elses answers,
using outside resources on a quiz/test, etc. If you want to argue about whether something is
considered cheating, its always best to go by the following saying: when in doubt, dont!

Student Expectations
Students are expected to do the following:
o Be respectful
o Be responsible
o Be punctual
o Follow all school rules
o Participate and speak as much Spanish as possible
o Put forth effort, and dont be afraid of making mistakes!

Students who chose not to follow these expectations will face consequences. Any
negative behavior will be dealt with on an individual basis, beginning with filling out a behavior
card explaining what happened and how the issue can be resolved. This is students only
warning! If the behavior continues, the student must attend retraining on his/her own time
(before or after school). Here the teacher and student will review the class expectations and
discuss what would happen if the behavior were to continue.

Student Accommodations
According to the school's policies, students who need any accommodations must have a
parent-teacher-student conference as soon as possible to discuss action plans. Students with
disabilities or other special needs may receive accommodations with permission.

As always, if there are any questions, contact Srta. Stump!