Colonel Richardson High School

Spanish IV: Syllabus

Teacher: Seorita Bickert
Email: jessica_bickert@mail.cl.k12.md.us
Telephone: (410) 754-5575 ext. 2504
Room: 504 Classroom #10
Website: senoritabickert4.weebly.com *study links will be posted here
for each unit
**Prerequisite: Spanish III
Course Description:
Bienvenidos a la clase de Espaol IV! Throughout the semester, students will
reinforce their Spanish skills as the themes, topics, and language become more
complex. Students will explore the role of the Spanish language and culture in
Spain and Latin America as well as its growing prevalence in the United States
through authentic literature, photography, video excerpts, and art. Additionally,
through oral reports, blogs, and informal conversation activities with peers,
students will engage in communicative tasks that are relevant to their lives.
Technology will be integrated in the Spanish classroom to connect students to the
reality of Spanish in our world and give students the opportunity to have
meaningful interactions with native speakers.
**Textbook: Realidades 3 (Prentice Hall)
www.realidades.com

Goals/Objectives:
The goal of this class is to examine the Spanish language and culture through
rigorous reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities. At the conclusion of the
course, students will have developed advanced vocabulary and grammar skills
needed to interact and communicate authentically and confidently with others
while gaining a greater understanding of and respect for the cultural perspectives,
and products of different cultures.

Classroom Grading:

Grading will follow the policy of

Caroline County Public Schools:
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%

D = 60% - 69%
E = 0% - 59%

Tests/Quizzes: 25%

Weekly Blog Assignments: 10%

Class assignments/Homework: 25%

Participation: 15%
Projects: 25%

Course Content:
Realidades 3 begins with an introductory/review section (Para empezar) and is
followed by nine thematic chapters. Each chapter is divided into two sections.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Das inolvidables (Accomplishments)

Cmo te expresas? (Artistic and Personal Expression)
Qu haces para estar en forma? (Health and Exercise)
Cmo te llevas con los dems? (Interpersonal Relationships)
Trabajo y comunidad (The World of Work)
Qu nos traer el futuro? (The Future)
Mito o realidad? (Interpreting the past)
Encuentro entre culturas (Encounters between cultures)
Cules son tus derechos y deberes? (Rights and Responsibilities)

Explanation of Assessment Methods:

Tests/Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given at the end of each sectiontypically focusing on one set of
vocabulary or one or two specific grammar skills pertaining to the chapter. Tests
will be given at the end of each unit. A review day will be conducted prior to each
exam and students will have the opportunity to meet with the teacher any day
after school for a week up to the exam date. *Please note that students may meet
with me at any time during the semester immediately after school as long as I am
given 24 hours notice. Students will be given the opportunity to retake quizzes
and make test corrections.
Weekly Blog Assignments:
Students will access my blog page: kidblog.org/spanish4-9 to post weekly blog
assignments. You can also find this link on my website:
senoritabickert4.weebly.com. Every Friday night by 11:59 p.m., students must post
a response/reaction to a question, prompt, short reading, or artwork. The response
minimum is 100 words IN SPANISH unless otherwise noted. Some time will be given
in class to work on blogs/ask questions.
In-class assignments/Homework:
Students are expected to complete daily warm-ups in a separate section of their
binder. These warm-ups will be collected at the end of each week and students will
earn a participation grade. Also, students must take notes daily. Students binders
will be collected at random, unannounced times twice a semester to ensure that
students are completing their work and on target with the learning outcomes and
objectives (this will form part of the participation grade as well). In-class
assignments will consist of group work, conversation-based activities, writing

samples, and listening exercises. Homework will be assigned on a weekly basis and
students will always have the opportunity to begin their homework in class so that
they may ask any questions prior to completing the assignment at home.
Homework will include, but is not limited to, various grammar and vocabulary
exercises from the textbook. Each student will receive one late pass for homework
per quarter.
Projects:
Most units are accompanied by a project, which students will complete prior to the
unit exam. Students will have class time to work on projects and also to ask
questions for clarification. Additionally, each student is responsible for presenting
one current event and one culture share to the class by the end of the semester.
More details will be provided in class and on the class website.
**One enrichment opportunity will be provided each unit.

Policies:
ABSENCES:
If you are absent from class, it is 100% your responsibility to obtain the work you
missed. Missed assignments can be found in your personal folder in the classroom.
You have the exact number of days you were absent to make up the work in order
to receive full credit. If you miss a test/quiz/presentationsee me to arrange a
make-up date. If you are absent the day that a homework assignment or project is
dueit is due the first day you are back in class.
LATE WORK:
Every day an assignment is late will result in 10% off the earned grade. After five
school days late, the most a student will earn on the assignment is a 50%.
Students must turn in all work for each unit prior to the unit test to receive any
credit.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/RULES:
The behavior in my classroom will be guided by the rules and restrictions set forth
in the Colonel Richardson High School Student Handbook. In addition to the rules
in the handbook, I have provided and discussed my set of classroom rules and
expectations with my students.
CELL PHONES:
Cell phones may only be used (for Spanish dictionaries/cultural investigations)
when the cell phone sign is present on the main whiteboard. When the sign is not
present, students will not be permitted to use their cellphones or any other type of
electronic in class.
BACKPACKS/HATS:

Students will not be permitted to bring hats nor book bags into the classroom.
Students may not wear their hoods up inside of the school.
Reassessment opportunities are identified by the teacher and will be done after
school only and after an appointment has been made with the teacher within one
week from the day the student gets the assessment back. Past the one-week
mark, no more opportunities will be given. Additionally, only one opportunity for
reassessment is offered per instructional unit. The new grade will be calculated by
averaging the original and the retake grades.

Rules:
1. Respect everyone and his/her belongings.
2. Come to class on time and with all materials on a daily basis. YOU SHOULD
BE IN YOUR SEAT WHEN THE BELL RINGS.
3. Follow directions the first time they are given.
4. Use classroom appropriate language.
5. Be Colonel TOUGH.
Consequences:
If you choose to break a rule you will face the following consequences:
1. Verbal warning/seat change
2. Teacher conference after class
3. Teacher conference, lunch detention, action plan, phone call home
4. Referral and phone call home
Procedures:
When you enter the classroom:
1. Pick up all materials for the day from the counter near the door.
2. Find your assigned seat.
3. Put all distractions away.
4. Check messages on the message boardif homework needs to be turned in,
place it in the appropriate class tray.
5. Have all class materials on desk and complete the daily warm-up that is
presented on the Smart Board.
The teacher decides when to dismiss class - keep your materials out until
I let you know that were done with the days activities! Stay in your seat
until the bell rings.
If you need to leave the classroom to visit the restroom, nurse, guidance counselor:
1. Always ask for permission. (Students may not leave the classroom while
instruction is being given unless in the case of an emergency).

2. Sign out using the form on the clipboard near the door with your name,
destination, and time of leave and return.
3. Take a bathroom/office pass with you.
REMIND 101
I encourage all students and parents to register for text alerts regarding upcoming
tests, blogs, projects, and homework assignments via remind.com. To sign up for
these messages: text the message @msbickert4 to 81010. If this number does
not work, try (256) 469-2804. You can also sign up online with the following link:
https://www.remind.com/join/msbickert4. When you sign-up I will not receive your
phone number and you will not receive mine. I will only be able to see your name
on a list with other people who have signed up to the class. If you do not want to
use this service, but still want updates please contact me and we can work out
another method.

SUPPLY LIST:

Required:
1) Composition notebook (available at Wal-mart/dollar store)
2) 2 Folders
3) Pens/pencils
After reading the previous pages, please sign and return this portion to confirm
that you understand the expectations for this Spanish IV course as well as
materials needed. If you have any questions, please write them on this paper or
contact me via email or phone.
Jessica Bickert
Spanish Teacher
Date ____________________________________________
Students Name (Print) ____________________________________________________________
Students Signature
________________________________________________________________
Guardians Signature ______________________________________________________________
Guardians Phone and Email
________________________________________________________________________
Additional comments/questions

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