Magistra Thomas thomase@cps-k12.org 363-8610 Salvete discipuli parentesque!!! Welcome students, parents, guardians! Welcome to my Latin classroom! I have assembled a packet of information to help you understand what I expect from your student and how you can help your student learn. Please read and discuss this material with your student. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a note, an e-mail at thomase@cps-k12.org or leave me a message at school (363-8610). I will try to respond within one school day. I look forward to a great year with all my students. We will need to work together to ensure this. Latin involves serious work for most students. Good work habits and regular class attendance are of great importance. Your child will have homework every evening (posted in the classroom and on my website) in addition to the necessary daily practice and review of the vocabulary and forms. I will keep you advised as to your student’s progress through Parent Connect, notes, calls, and conferences when necessary. I have high expectations of all of my students. If your student scores below a 70 on any paper, quiz, or test, I require that you sign the paper to be returned to me the following day. This lets me know that you are aware of what is happening too. Latin requires two elements above all from each student: patience and enthusiasm. Students who come prepared to class on a consistent basis will be most likely to succeed. Please encourage your child to ask questions in class when they feel lost or confused. There are no “foolish” questions. If they do not ask, I cannot help—for I do not read minds. Be assured, everyone gets lost at some point in working on Latin. I am also available to help your student every Thursday after school until 3:30. Students should come prepared with specific questions or concerns so that we can focus on improving the areas giving them trouble. So that I know you have received and reviewed all the materials that I am sending home, please sign on the appropriate line below and have your student return the bottom signature portion tomorrow. I am confident that together we will have a productive and successful year. Magistra Thomas
Student’s name:___________________________________________________ I have seen and discussed the course requirement and classroom expectation handouts with my student. Parent/Guardian signature:____________________________ Date:____________ The best way to contact me is __________________________________________
Course Requirements
Supplies: (to be brought to class daily) 1 3-ring 1” or larger notebook (binder) for class work, homework etc. Loose-leaf paper and 4 divider sections for the notebook 1 Latin for Americans textbook, covered 1 workbook 1 plan or assignment book Blue or black pen for work, green pen for correcting, NO RED INK! 3x5 index cards (flashcards) with rubber bands/clips to hold the flashcards together Homework: There will be Latin Homework everyday! Vocabulary flashcards must be made for every lesson. They will be collected and graded. Remember- vocabulary is cumulative and will appear in subsequent chapters and tests. Vocabulary is the backbone of any language; without it the student cannot succeed! Daily written and memory work is expected to be carefully done. Exercises are never “busy work.” If you are absent on the due date, the homework is due upon your return or within the same number of days absent. Absences: For each day absent, you have one day to make up a missed homework or quiz. All tests are announced at least one week in advance. If you miss the day before the test, you are still expected to take the test with the class. Grading: Quarterly grades consist of: homework 25%; quizzes 25%; tests and projects 50%. Consideration is given to those who put forth effort and participate. Grading scale: A= 90-100; B=80-89; C=70-79; D=60-69; F=59 and below. Any grade below a 70 is considered unacceptable. Help Night: Thursdays after school in room 318 until 3:30.
Expectations
Be ON TIME. In the first 5 minutes: 1. Get rid of gum, candy, food, or drinks; ONLY water is acceptable in class. 2. Copy the day’s homework into your planner 3. If needed, sharpen pencils, have late slips, permission slips signed 4. Put everything unrelated to Latin in your backpack under your desk Be PREPARED to work EVERYDAY The following items should be on your desk: • Latin book • Latin notebook • Paper and pens/pencils (you should always have 2 or more writing tools) • The day’s homework assignment. Be ATTENTIVE during every class. Students who pay attention do the best. Be NEAT. If I can not read it, I can not grade it. Be sure to LABEL papers correctly with your name, the date, bell, and title or page #. Be a WILLING CONTRIBUTOR to the class- I want to know what you can do. Be RESPECTFUL at all times of each and every person in class. Be SEATED until dismissed by the teacher. ALL C.P.S. DISTRICT RULES AND REGULATIONS APPLY. Detentions are given at the discretion of the teacher for an infraction of rules or policy. No same day detentions are given. Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated in any work and will result in a ‘0’ grade for the work. LET”S HAVE A WONDERFUL SCHOOL YEAR!
Name __________________________________________________ Class period _____________________________________________ Nickname or Preferred name ________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ E-mail address ___________________________________________ Phone # Daytime____________________ Emergency# __________________ Evening ____________________ Previous School __________________________________________ Favorite Activity or Hobby ________________________________________________ How do you think Latin will help you? _______________________________________ Do you speak a language other than English at home? _____________ If so, what one? ___________________
Class Schedule Course Teacher Room
Bell 1 _______________________________________________________________ Bell 2 _______________________________________________________________ Bell 3 _______________________________________________________________ Bell 4 _______________________________________________________________ Bell 5 _______________________________________________________________ Bell 6 _______________________________________________________________ Bell 7 _______________________________________________________________
Dates of Parent Contact
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