¡Bienvenidos a Español II y III! 

            You are about to embark on an exciting journey through the Spanish-speaking world.  We will be “traveling” to: Oaxaca, México; Barcelona, España; and Quito, Ecuador (SPANISH II) and the USA; Mexico City, Mexico; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.  We will be studying the sights and sounds of these places; taking in the culture and learning about how the Spanish language works.

General rules:

1.      Respect everyone and everything.  This includes but is not limited to:

·        being on time prepared and ready to start class by the time the bell rings

·        not talking when someone else is talking

·        not taking or touching things that belong to others

·        keeping your book covered and taken care of

·        understanding your job as a student

2.     Read the Ellington High School Handbook:

A.  Pay careful attention to the attendance and make-up work policies, especially regarding vacations or other unexcused absences.  If you are going on a planned trip or for another unexcused purpose (i.e. concert or sporting event) and will be missing school, it is your responsibility to get your work ahead of time.  Arrangements can be made for the date the work will be due.  If you do not see me to make up the work ahead of time, it will automatically be entered in as a "0".  If you were out due to an excused absence, you must see me to get your missing assignments.  Failure to do so will result in a "0" by the handbook allotted deadline.  I WILL NOT APPROACH YOU FOR YOUR MAKE-UP WORK, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE ME. 

B.  Any personal electronic device (which includes but is not limited to iPods, mp3 players and cell phones) is not permitted in school during school hours.  This includes Spanish class.  If you are found in possession of one of these devices you will be asked to put it away, the first time only.  The second offense will result in classroom confiscation (I will take it and give it back to you at the end of the day).  The third offense will result in office confiscation (the office will take it and give it back to you at the end of the day).  Any offenses that occur after the third will result in office writeups and a teacher or office detention.

3.     Understand that I am here to help you when you need it.  You need to let me know when you don’t understand something or have a problem.  I cannot help you to understand it or fix it if I am not aware of it.

4.     Always try to be better than you were yesterday…

Required Supplies:

·        Notebook and paper

·        Writing utensil (markers and red pens are not permitted)

·        Book (bring everyday unless told otherwise)

·        You are responsible for your own materials, I will not provide them for you.  If you ask another student for paper or supplies, it could have a negative impact on your participation grade so plan ahead.

*Recommended:  Spanish-English dictionary

Computer use and technology:

1.      No student is to use the teacher computer at any time

2.     Online translators are not to be used for any assignments.  If you do, it will be considered cheating and you will receive a score of “0” for the assignment, no questions asked.

3.     All homework is to be handwritten unless assigned otherwise.

4.     Reread "General Rules" #2 part B.  Know this policy!!!

Grading policy:

All assignments are given a point value.  For example, a test may be worth 100 points but a vocabulary quiz might only be worth 15 points.  The total combined points you score will be divided by the total combined possible points.

Tests/quizzes:  65% of the quarter grade
Homework:  20%

Participation: 15%

There will be opportunities to earn bonus points (usually from trivia questions or questions related to class discussion).  I do not allow extra credit assignments to make up for effort not put forth on a daily basis.  You are the most important person in control of your grade and your understanding of the material.

Resources and recommended links for study:

·        En español uno o dos textbook

·        www.classzone.com (click on “World Languages” and find your book under “Spanish”)

·        www.learnspanish.com

I look forward to working with you this year and hope you will take advantage of every opportunity to improve yourself and to learn a lot! 

                       Peruvian Hearts

As part of an ongoing effort for EHS students to become global citizens, all of Mrs. McHugh's Spanish students will be working on a service project in support of Peruvian Hearts (see fave link below).  Peruvian Hearts is a non-profit organization that provides financial, emotional and spiritual support to Peruvian orphans.  Its founder, Ana Dodson, was born in Peru, but was adopted by an American family shortly after her birth mother's death.  One of her main goals is to end childhood poverty and see that all children receive quality nutrition and education, as well as friendship.  If you have any questions about the Peruvian Hearts project, please feel free to contact me.  ITEMS MOST NEEDED FOR DONATION:  PENS, PENCILS, FOLDERS, ERASERS, MARKERS, STICKERS, PENCIL SHARPENERS, CALCULATORS, SCISSORS, and STUFFED ANIMALS.  Gracias!