Course Syllabus

Herzliche Willkommen zu Deutsch I

 

August 29, 2016                                                         Email: lgoodric@pennridge.org

German 1                                                                   Phone: (215) 453-6944 ext. 2420

Frau Goodrich    

Share assignments to: lgoodric@pennridge.us      

 

 

Course description:  This course is designed to provide the student with the basic patterns of speech. Stress is placed on oral proficiency. German culture is emphasized throughout the course. Audiovisuals, field trips, and creative projects are an integral part of the entire program. Students may choose to pursue the unique opportunity of participating in a student exchange with a school in Nürnberg, Germany in the future after continued German study.    

 

 

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,

            Welcome back to a new school year and to German 1.  I am very excited to join you on your journey into the German language and people and hope that you will enjoy this year with me.  I have studied German both at the University of Richmond and Millersville University, as well as through the Goethe Institute in Schwaebisch Halle.  I completed my Master’s Degree from Gwynedd-Mercy College, my principal certification through Delaware Valley University and have been teaching in the Pennridge School District for over 14 years. I’m also a mom of two elementary school students.

My goal for the year is for your students to greatly improve their reading, writing and understanding of German.  To attain this goal, we will complete a number of projects to practice material, will practice speaking as we interview each other in class, and will study the differences in German and American cultures.  We will also enjoy fun activities, such as games and movies in German, to help keep you motivated. 

I believe that it is very important for parents to be involved in the learning process and I know that you will be interested in following your child’s progress throughout the year.  I am often asked for hints and tips as to how to help your student study and improve.  I would suggest:

• Check regularly for written homework or study assignments.
• Expect and encourage your student to study aloud. Help them with flashcards and, if possible, asking basic questions in German for them to answer.
• Contact me if you have any concerns or questions.
• Check their progress weekly on PowerSchool.
• Check Canvas to see what assignments are upcoming.

 

This syllabus outlines my expectations of you (the student) and your behavior in the classroom for this year.  Please read the contract, sign and detach the slip on the last page and return it to me.  Thank you and I look forward to a great year!

 

                                                            Sincerely,

 

 

Due Date for signed and returned back page:  Friday, September 2, 2016

What will this year look like?

• Intro activity on the board to work on upon entering the classroom.
• Active participation in the learning experience.
• LOTS of partner work with various classmates.
• Practicing listening, speaking, learning to write German.
• Learning to appreciate a different culture than your own.
• Review games in class to practice new concepts.
• Homework on average 2x a week!! Do all homework!!

 

 

Important Information for the Classroom:

 

Books and Handouts: 

• We will use a classroom set of books. If you need to borrow a book from Frau Goodrich, please ask and sign one out.
• You are responsible to bring all handouts to class every day.
• You must take very complete notes on info discussed in class. If it is on the board, it goes in your notebook!!

 

 

3-ring binders:

• You will need to purchase a large 3-ring binder to keep ALL classroom handouts, homework assignments, overhead work, and tests/quizzes organized. This contract should be the first item contained in your notebook. 
• Keeping an organized notebook with all papers contained therein will allow you to go back to past lessons if you are having difficulty. You will also need these papers to study for midterms and final exams.  It is YOUR responsibility to be able to find old tests, quizzes, and homework assignments if a question arises regarding a grade.

 

Spiral Notebook:

• You must get a notebook for note-taking, homework, and various other exercises. Do your very best to keep these notes organized and neat.

 

Homework:

• You will receive homework typically 2 times a week. Each homework assignment is given for a purpose:  for you to practice on your own what we have done in class.  Some weeks you may receive more homework and some weeks less.
• All homework assignments will either be spot-checked or collected and graded for points.
• Homework assignments will be accepted for late credit UNLESS the corrected activity is handed back to students. (See below)

 

How will I be graded?

 

Tests, Quizzes, and other Assessments:                               (45% of your grade)

• At least one vocab test and one chapter test per chapter. Begin studying for tests and quizzes when notified of them.

 

Chapter Projects:                                                                  (20% of your grade)

• You will often have some time in class to work on your project, but all projects will require outside work. Do not fail to complete these projects!

Project point values:  50-120 points

• Extra Credit on projects: Some projects will give the opportunity for extra credit within the project. I always recommend that you complete this extra credit.  If you turn the project in late, you forfeit your opportunity to get extra credit points and will lose points for the project being late (see below). 

 

Test Re-Take policy:

• Students may retest any major test or quiz at the teacher’s discretion.
• Students are limited to one (1) retests per marking period.
• All criteria to be completed outside of class time:
  • Student initiated meeting with teacher
  • Completion of all work pertinent to the unit—all homework must have been completed during the unit.
  • Test corrections and/or Proof of additional practice assigned by teacher must be completed prior to retake.
  • Retake completed only on the day designated by the teacher OR during study halls OR lunch on the day before or after the designated day!!
• Midterms and Final are excluded from this policy.

 

 

Written Work Policy:

 

1. Definition of Late Work:  Any outside of class assignment (exercises, projects, etc) that is NOT COMPLETE when you walk into class is considered late.  Any in-class work must be turned in before you leave the classroom for the day, unless otherwise stated.  Late Work will receive a grade deduction of 20% per day that it is late.

 

1. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, you are expected to turn it in the day you return. 

• It is your responsibility to turn in work that is late or turned in late due to illness. Frau Goodrich will not request it from you. Failure to turn the assignment in upon return to school will result in a deduction of points.

 

1. Computer and printer problems will NOT be accepted as an excuse for late work without a note from a parent indicating the problem. Work can always be emailed to Frau Goodrich’s school account if a problem arises with your home computer.  If the problem involves a SCHOOL computer or printer, you must have a signed note from the computer lab teacher.

 

1. The following will result in a “0” on any written assignment:

1. Work that is not completed within 3 school days.
2. Work that is copied (this includes the use of translation services) or is NOT your work product.

• Work that has no name and is not claimed!!

 

 

Grading:  The grade in this class is weighted according to the following scale. PowerSchool will weight the grade as assignments are entered:

 

            Class Participation:                                         15%

            Homework completion/Evaluation:                20%

            Projects and Computer work:                         20%

            Written evaluations/Tests/Quizzes:                 45%

 

Classroom Rules:

 

• You must show respect for each other and me at all times. Name calling, insulting, and making fun of others will not be tolerated.  Raise your hand when you have a comment or question in class!!  Have a good attitude and give 100% effort—it will pay off.

 

• You must make every effort to be in class. If you are excused from school or class, arrangements for make-up work must be made the first day that you return from your absence (before class begins). 

 

 

• You must come to class prepared each day with handouts, homework, paper, sharpened pencil. Get ready to work and learn!!

 

 

• German is a spoken language, and, as a result, participation in class is extremely important to learning. You will receive a participation grade at least three times a week. (See Participation sheet for details)

 

• All work which you complete should be your OWN, ORIGINAL work. Students are NOT ALLOWED to use translation programs from the Internet to complete projects and other assignments.  Additionally, you may not give your projects/assignments to friends or relatives to proofread.  This is considered cheating because you will not be turning in YOUR OWN WORK.  Use of Internet Translation machines or other assistance will result in a “0” for the assignment with no opportunity to make it up.  This is the same penalty as for cheating on a quiz or test.  You will also be referred to the assistant principals for cheating on an assignment.
  1. In addition, with each project/essay/paper which you turn in to me, you should include all notes, research or first drafts (English and German!!) Failure to turn in these notes/rough drafts will result in a loss of points.

 

• No Gum, No food. Water bottles are allowed. 

 

• You may leave the room to use the bathroom only within the first 5 minutes of class and only after asking permission and presenting a bathroom pass. You will be allotted 4 bathroom passes for each marking period.

 

 

• Tardies to class: You must be in the door and working when the bell rings, otherwise you are considered tardy and will be referred to the office for disciplinary action.  If you have a long hike from your last class, you are expected to be in the room when the bell rings.  If another teacher holds your class, ask for a pass. 

 

9) School laptops will not be used to play online games (with the exception of those games that I have specifically allowed and/or created)!! If you are caught playing online games, you will be referred to the principal for disciplinary consequences. 

 

10) No cell phones or other electronics will be used in this class unless you have been given specific permission on a determined activity.  They should not be out or seen. Even if you have down time, use your time wisely and work on other work (learn your vocab, work on monthly homework, etc).

 

11) If a student cannot attend a scheduled detention:  School policy states that a student must attend detention, even if he/she has a sports practice, a game, a club meeting, or work.  If a student is unable to attend detention because of a doctor’s appointment or other emergency, the student’s parent/guardian must either send in a note or phone the teacher PRIOR TO the date of the scheduled detention in order for the detention to be rescheduled.  Otherwise, if the student does not appear for the scheduled detention, I will refer the student to the vice-principal for not appearing at detention and other disciplinary action will be taken.

 

 

12) The bell does not dismiss your class.  I will dismiss your class.  In German class, we typically work right up until the bell, so you should plan accordingly.  Very rarely will you be allowed to pack up early.  Also, you may not line up at the door if we close up a minute or two early.  You must stay in your seats until the bell rings

 

13) If a student disobeys classroom rules or disrupts the learning environment, I will follow appropriate discipline procedures as stated in the student handbook. 

 

14) You are expected to be on your best behavior and follow all rules with any substitute teachers who will be in our classroom this year.  Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.    

 

If at any time, you are struggling, please see me so that we can either arrange for a peer tutor or arrange a review session after school. 

 

If you are having difficulty with the subject matter or need to contact me, you can always reach me at my school email ( lgoodric@pennridge.org ) or you can reach me at the school:  215-453-6944.