Jefferson City High School

Spanish II Syllabus

Course Description:  Spanish II reinforces and expands on the Spanish I experience. Students’ knowledge of basic vocabulary and grammatical structures is broadened to empower students to communicate at the basic level. Cultural items will be explored to enhance their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world and their own culture.

Course Recommendation:  Earning a C average (semesters 1 & 2 combined) or above in Spanish I is highly recommended for students who enroll in Spanish II to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in level two. Native speakers can advance without mandatory prerequisites with department approval. NCAA approved course.

Units of Study:

• Students will develop grammar and vocabulary knowledge in each unit to increase proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

• Cultural awareness in Spanish II will focus on raising students’ awareness of the people who speak Spanish and where they live.  Students will study demographic trends and implications globally and domestically to understand the place Spanish takes in a world of many languages, bringing relevance and a context to their studies.  

Course Materials: 

• Bring your school-issued Chromebook to class daily and fully charged.  We use it daily.  Also, have your charge cord ready if needed.
• Note-taking:  If you take notes digitally, you simply need to manage the extension on your Chromebook.  If you take notes on paper, you need a notebook (or section of a notebook) dedicated to this class.   
• There are times in this class we need to listen to content on our Chromebooks.  Many students prefer to use their own earbuds.  There are classroom sets of headphones if students do not want to use their own.  

Grading Policy & Procedure:  Letter grades align with percentages on the grading scale set by Jefferson City Public Schools.   

Grading Categories:

Semester 1:

30% Coursework/Classwork

70% Assessments

Semester 2:  

25% Coursework/Classwork

65%  Assessments

10% Final Exam

Late work:  If you are absent, you can reference Google Classroom to check the agenda and access all resources necessary.  It is always encouraged that students who know they will be absent to prepare themselves proactively to keep up with the class and not wait until they return to class to ask the teacher what they missed.  Absences happen.  Plan accordingly and responsibly to keep up with the class.  Late work needs to be submitted before the end of the unit.  Reasonable accommodations can be agreed upon with the student who needs alternative deadlines.  The key to this flexibility is proactive planning and communication with the teacher.  If you miss an assessment, speak with the teacher on the day of your return to set a date to take your assessment, whether that be during class or after school. 

Academic Dishonesty:  

At Jefferson City High School, we uphold the principles of academic integrity as fundamental to our shared pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Academic integrity ensures that each student's work reflects their authentic understanding and effort while maintaining a fair and respectful learning environment. The integration of technology, such as generative AI, translation tools/services, cell phones, and smartwatches, presents unique challenges to maintaining academic honesty. Therefore, it is imperative that all students adhere to the following guidelines:

Original Work: All assignments, projects, and assessments should be the result of your individual effort, ideas, and understanding. Plagiarism, which includes presenting someone else's work, ideas, or words as your own, is strictly prohibited. This includes using generative AI to produce content without proper attribution or misrepresenting the authorship of work.

Citing Sources: If you utilize external sources, including information from the internet, academic texts, or translation tools/services, you must appropriately cite them using a recognized citation style (e.g., MLA). Failure to give proper credit to the original authors constitutes academic dishonesty.

Collaboration: Collaboration can enhance learning, but it must be conducted ethically and within the boundaries set by the instructor. If collaboration is allowed for a specific assignment, ensure you understand the extent to which collaboration is permitted and always acknowledge your collaborators.

Technology Use: When using technology tools, such as translation services, ensure that their use aligns with the guidelines set forth by the instructor. Relying solely on technology to complete assignments that require personal understanding and interpretation is not acceptable.

Assessment Security: During assessments, including tests and quizzes, using unauthorized resources or seeking assistance from others is considered cheating. Smartphones, smartwatches, and any other electronic devices should not be used unless explicitly allowed by the instructor.

Honesty in Documentation: If you encounter technical issues while completing assignments or assessments, communicate with the instructor as soon as possible. Providing false documentation or excuses to seek extensions unfairly disadvantages other students.

Academic dishonesty on assessments will result in a grade of zero points accompanied by a written referral to document the infringement and communicate with administration and parents/guardians.  Whether the student earns the chance to take the assessment honestly will be granted contingent on how the student accepts responsibility for their actions and accepts the consequences of their choice to cheat.    Upholding academic integrity is a shared responsibility, and by adhering to these principles, we foster an environment of trust, respect, and authentic learning.

By signing this syllabus, you agree to abide by these principles of academic integrity. Remember that the ultimate goal of education is not just the acquisition of grades, but the development of skills, knowledge, and character that will serve you throughout your life.

Retaking Assessments:  Students have 3 “tickets” to retake any assessment each semester.  Your 3 retake tickets in the first semester do not carry over to the second semester...use them or lose them.  To earn the opportunity to use those three retake tickets, you must have the acknowledgment form for the syllabus signed by yourself and your parent/guardian that states you have read and understand the course procedures and expectations.  Once those three tickets are used up (at the student’s discretion) in a given semester, you will not be able to retake any assessments.  Also, important to note, students must notify the teacher of the intent to retake an assessment within two days after the assessment results have been shared with the student, and the assessment must be reasonably taken within one week of the original assessment date.  Students are not required to meet with the teacher for additional help before a retake, but it is highly recommended if the student needs the help.  When you retake an assessment, the second score counts, regardless of which score is higher.  

Technology Statements:  

• Students are expected to use their Chromebooks responsibly and for academic purposes.  There are many productive applications of this device that support learning, but for undisciplined students, it can be a distraction with games and social media.  Please consider coping without games and social media during class.  It is expected that students mindfully and respectfully accept redirection from the teacher if a student is found focusing on trivial media that interferes with learning.  
• There is no need for cell phones in this class since the school provides a device and Wi-Fi.  Having a cell phone and using it at your discretion during class is not a right.  The expectation is that cell phones are put out of sight during class.  This is a JCSD policy. 
• The Chromebook is used daily in class.  It is the responsibility of the student to manage, care for, and charge the device daily, ready for class.  The Spanish program does not have textbooks.  We manage the learning experience digitally, so it is imperative that students learn how to navigate a hybrid learning environment, an increasingly common trend in education at the secondary and post-secondary levels in an ever-increasingly connected and digital world. The tech center above the library by the red tower can assist students with technical issues and questions.  Please be proactive and aware of technology needs that need to be addressed.  Do your best to take care of issues outside of class. 
• There will be frustrations, especially for novice users, with any device.  Sometimes wifi will temporarily fail or weakens.  Sometimes an app/extension will glitch and need to be closed out and reopened.  Understand these setbacks happen and that it is an opportunity to learn troubleshooting skills, experience that will serve you in a world that is increasingly dependent on technology, updates, and transition.  
• Common uses of Chromebooks in this class:
• Google Classroom: We manage the entire course through Google Classroom.  It is our Learning Management System that will have all daily agendas and resources/links/documents.  Students also submit work in Classroom.  
• Lingco:  This is our virtual language lab.  We use it for listening and speaking activities and assessments.  We will also use it for vocabulary and grammar development.  
• Digital assessments, including speaking/listening tasks that are recorded and submitted.
• Formative tasks (concept checks) that inform the student and teacher of progress and next steps
• Create products (presentations, infographics, word processing, etc.) 
• Research 
• Accessing websites such as WordReference.com, Studyspanish.com, etc.  
• Accessing and watching instructional videos
• Managing note-taking if students choose 
• Managing emails and checking grades on Infinite Campus
• Quizlet: All vocabulary in the Spanish program is managed through Quizlet.  This is a powerful learning tool that helps students manage and learn vocabulary.  

Expectations Outside of This Class

Don’t think “homework” but “study”:  It is rare that I assign “homework” in the traditional sense, meaning a worksheet and “problems/examples” to complete at home.  This does not serve our needs in learning Spanish. I want students to do the application and practice in class when they can have support and feedback before they leave class, so they know what they need to study at home to be better the next day. This does NOT mean you don’t have responsibilities outside of this class.  In fact, this class is structured and paced with the assumption that students STUDY targeted vocabulary sets (in Quizlet) and/or grammar concepts.  We will apply vocabulary and grammar concepts in class, but it is the obligation of the student to be disciplined and diligent in their studies each school night at home.  Quizlet has digital flashcards that have many options, including pronouncing the words correctly in Spanish. There are also many games/activities that help students achieve mastery of vocabulary, like Gimkit and Lingco.  Students will be required to memorize vocabulary and grammar concepts, so students need time at home (20 minutes at least) each night to study vocabulary and to practice writing out grammar concepts.  

If absent…

1.  If you know that you will be absent ahead of time, communicate and plan to keep up with the class.  
2. If you are unexpectedly absent (as will eventually happen), always check Google Classroom for the agenda and resources for that day and complete what you can.  You can email Sr. Williams if you have questions.  Also, keep in mind that I post assessment deadlines and communicate those deadlines in class and in Google Classroom daily, so absent students at the least can study current vocabulary set(s) and grammar concepts in place of learning in class.  
3. Reference Grading Policy and Procedures for expectations of making up assessments and work within the time frame allowed.  

Tutoring:  Students are allowed in the building at 8:10am.  I am available at that time, allowing for 30 minutes in the morning.  After school is the best option if you need more time.  Please arrange for transportation, knowing you must leave the building promptly after we are finished. Please check ahead of time to see if I am available for tutoring. I have occasional meetings and appointments that you will want to avoid.  

 Sra. Lopez in room 365 will offer tutoring from 7:30-8:30 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Melissa Zeiger will also be available to tutor after school on Tuesdays after school from 3:40-4:40pm.  You will need to email her at Franscisca.Lopez@jcschools.us or Melissa.zeiger@jcschools.us so she knows to expect you.  Don't forget to utilize the Activities bus if you need a ride home.  

Communication:

It is great for students and parents to utilize two powerful resources with 24/7 access:  

1. A) Google Classroom: Be in the know about learning targets, agendas, and resources 
2. B) Infinite Campus (IC):  Keep up with grades, address positive and negative trends in a timely manner.  I do everything I can to give prompt feedback to my students and record progress/grades on Infinite Campus regularly.  If you do not know how to access IC, contact your counselor, or call 659-3057 to inquire about getting set up if you did not get set up during registration at the beginning of the academic year or have forgotten how to access your account.  

Parents and students are welcome to contact me through email due to absences, grades, questions/concerns at shane.williams@jcschools.us 

My plan period is from 12-12:49pm (4th Period), when I am often available to respond to emails and make phone calls. I can also be available after school at 3:40pm by appointment.                     

I contact parents/guardians if, after working with the student, I feel they are not responding to intervention.  I want students at high school to learn to respond to setbacks and own their education, but if a student fails to live up to that expectation, I will contact home to discuss concerns/next steps with parents/guardians.  Again, please stay informed via Infinite Campus for 24/7 access to grades/progress to address successes and setbacks early and regularly.   

Professional Mission Statement:  In providing access and perspective that empower students to effectively communicate in Spanish, I hope to instill an appreciation for the nature of language and cultivate a more pluralistic worldview.

 Background

This is my 24th year of teaching Spanish here at Jefferson City High School.  This year I will be teaching levels 2 and 3.  I grew up in this community and graduated from this high school in 1996. My educational background includes a Masters in Education (Curriculum & Instruction), and a Masters in TESOL (Language Acquisition).  I believe in lifelong learning to better serve my students in understanding how language is learned, and to predict and diagnose issues/problems that surface when learning a language.  

I look forward to partnering with you in learning the Spanish language this year!  Ask questions when you have them and always remember that you are responsible for the energy that you bring to our learning space...if we all remember that, we will have a great learning experience full of humor and Spanish.     Jay Pride!

Spanish III Syllabus

Course Description:  Spanish III expands vocabulary and grammatical structures on a more sophisticated level so that students can become proficient at the beginning-intermediate level. Students approximate native-like pronunciation. Through comparisons of English and Spanish, students develop an appreciation for the nature of language. Broad cultural perspectives are analyzed. After this level, students are prepared for the immersion experience of Spanish IV. 

Course Recommendation:  Earning a C average (semesters 1 & 2 combined) or above in Spanish II is highly recommended for students who enroll in Spanish III to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in level three. Native speakers can advance without mandatory prerequisites with department approval. NCAA approved course.

Units of Study:

• Students will develop grammar and vocabulary knowledge in each unit to increase proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

• Cultural awareness in Spanish II will focus on raising students’ awareness of the people who speak Spanish and where they live.  Students will study demographic trends and implications globally and domestically to understand the place Spanish takes in a world of many languages, bringing relevance and a context to their studies.  

Course Materials: 

• Bring your school-issued Chromebook to class daily and fully charged.  We use it daily.  Also, have your charge cord ready if needed.
• Note-taking:  If you take notes digitally, you simply need to manage the extension on your Chromebook.  If you take notes on paper, you need a notebook (or section of a notebook) dedicated to this class.   
• There are times in this class we need to listen to content on our Chromebooks.  Many students prefer to use their own earbuds.  There are classroom sets of headphones if students do not want to use their own.  

Grading Policy & Procedure:  Letter grades align with percentages on the grading scale set by Jefferson City Public Schools.   

Grading Categories:

Semester 1:

30% Coursework/Classwork

70% Assessments

Semester 2:  

25% Coursework/Classwork

65%  Assessments

10% Final Exam

Late work:  If you are absent, you can reference Google Classroom to check the agenda and access all resources necessary.  It is always encouraged that students who know they will be absent to prepare themselves proactively to keep up with the class and not wait until they return to class to ask the teacher what they missed.  Absences happen.  Plan accordingly and responsibly to keep up with the class.  Late work needs to be submitted before the end of the unit.  Reasonable accommodations can be agreed upon with the student who needs alternative deadlines.  The key to this flexibility is proactive planning and communication with the teacher.  If you miss an assessment, speak with the teacher on the day of your return to set a date to take your assessment, whether that be during class or after school.  

Academic Dishonesty:  

At Jefferson City High School, we uphold the principles of academic integrity as fundamental to our shared pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Academic integrity ensures that each student's work reflects their authentic understanding and effort while maintaining a fair and respectful learning environment. The integration of technology, such as generative AI, translation tools/services, cell phones, and smartwatches, presents unique challenges to maintaining academic honesty. Therefore, it is imperative that all students adhere to the following guidelines:

Original Work: All assignments, projects, and assessments should be the result of your individual effort, ideas, and understanding. Plagiarism, which includes presenting someone else's work, ideas, or words as your own, is strictly prohibited. This includes using generative AI to produce content without proper attribution or misrepresenting the authorship of work.

Citing Sources: If you utilize external sources, including information from the internet, academic texts, or translation tools/services, you must appropriately cite them using a recognized citation style (e.g., MLA). Failure to give proper credit to the original authors constitutes academic dishonesty.

Collaboration: Collaboration can enhance learning, but it must be conducted ethically and within the boundaries set by the instructor. If collaboration is allowed for a specific assignment, ensure you understand the extent to which collaboration is permitted and always acknowledge your collaborators.

Technology Use: When using technology tools, such as translation services, ensure that their use aligns with the guidelines set forth by the instructor. Relying solely on technology to complete assignments that require personal understanding and interpretation is not acceptable.

Assessment Security: During assessments, including tests and quizzes, using unauthorized resources or seeking assistance from others is considered cheating. Smartphones, smartwatches, and any other electronic devices should not be used unless explicitly allowed by the instructor.

Honesty in Documentation: If you encounter technical issues while completing assignments or assessments, communicate with the instructor as soon as possible. Providing false documentation or excuses to seek extensions unfairly disadvantages other students.

Academic dishonesty on assessments will result in a grade of zero points accompanied by a written referral to document the infringement and communicate with administration and parents/guardians.  Whether the student earns the chance to take the assessment honestly will be granted contingent on how the student accepts responsibility for their actions and accepts the consequences of their choice to cheat.    Upholding academic integrity is a shared responsibility, and by adhering to these principles, we foster an environment of trust, respect, and authentic learning.

By signing this syllabus, you agree to abide by these principles of academic integrity. Remember that the ultimate goal of education is not just the acquisition of grades, but the development of skills, knowledge, and character that will serve you throughout your life.

Retaking Assessments:  Students have 3 “tickets” to retake any assessment each semester.  Your 3 retake tickets in the first semester do not carry over to the second semester...use them or lose them.  To earn the opportunity to use those three retake tickets, you must have the acknowledgment form for the syllabus signed by yourself and your parent/guardian that states you have read and understand the course procedures and expectations.  Once those three tickets are used up (at the student’s discretion) in a given semester, you will not be able to retake any assessments.  Also important to note, students must notify the teacher of the intent to retake an assessment within two days after the assessment results have been shared with the student, and the assessment must be reasonably taken within one week of the original assessment date.  Students are not required to meet with the teacher for additional help before a retake, but it is highly recommended if the student needs the help.  When you retake an assessment, the second score counts, regardless of which score is higher.  

Technology Statements:  

• Students are expected to use their Chromebooks responsibly and for academic purposes.  There are many productive applications of this device that support learning, but for undisciplined students, it can be a distraction with games and social media.  Please consider coping without games and social media during class.  It is expected that students mindfully and respectfully accept redirection from the teacher if a student is found focusing on trivial media that interferes with learning.  
• There is no need for cell phones in this class since the school provides a device and wifi.  Having a cell phone and using it at your discretion during class is not a right.  The expectation is that cell phones are put away out of sight during class.  This is a JCSD policy. 
• The Chromebook is used daily in class.  It is the responsibility of the student to manage, care, and charge the device daily, ready for class.  The Spanish program does not have textbooks.  We manage the learning experience digitally, so it is imperative that students learn how to navigate a hybrid learning environment, an increasingly common trend in education at the secondary and post-secondary levels in an ever-increasingly connected and digital world. The tech center above the library by the red tower can assist students with technical issues and questions.  Please be proactive and aware of technology needs that need to be addressed.  Do your best to take care of issues outside of class. 
• There will be frustrations, especially for novice users, with any device.  Sometimes wifi will temporarily fail or weakens.  Sometimes an app/extension will glitch and need to be closed out and reopened.  Understand these setbacks happen and that it is an opportunity to learn troubleshooting skills, experience that will serve you in a world that is increasingly dependent on technology, updates, and transition.    

• Common uses of Chromebooks in this class:
• Google Classroom: We manage the entire course through Google Classroom.  It is our Learning Management System that will have all daily agendas and resources/links/documents.  Students also submit work in Classroom.  
• Lingco:  This is our virtual language lab.  We use it for listening and speaking activities and assessments.  We will also use it for vocabulary and grammar development.  
• Digital assessments, including speaking/listening tasks that are recorded and submitted.
• Formative tasks (concept checks) that inform the student and teacher of progress and next steps
• Create products (presentations, infographics, word processing, etc.) 
• Research 
• Accessing websites such as WordReference.com, Studyspanish.com, etc.  
• Accessing and watching instructional videos
• Managing note-taking if students choose 
• Managing emails and checking grades on Infinite Campus
• Quizlet: All vocabulary in the Spanish program is managed through Quizlet.  This is a powerful learning tool that helps students manage and learn vocabulary.   

Expectations Outside of This Class

Don’t think “homework” but “study”:  It is rare that I assign “homework” in the traditional sense, meaning a worksheet and “problems/examples” to complete at home.  This does not serve our needs for learning Spanish. I want students to do the application and practice in class when they can have support and feedback before they leave class, so they know what they need to study at home to be better the next day. This does NOT mean you don’t have responsibilities outside of this class.  In fact, this class is structured and paced with the assumption that students STUDY targeted vocabulary sets (in Quizlet) and/or grammar concepts.  We will apply vocabulary and grammar concepts in class, but it is the obligation of the student to be disciplined and diligent in their studies each school night at home.  Quizlet has digital flashcards that have many options, including pronouncing the words correctly in Spanish. There are also many games/activities that help students achieve mastery of vocabulary, like Gimkit and Lingco.  Students will be required to memorize vocabulary and grammar concepts, so students need time at home (20 minutes at least) each night to study vocabulary and to practice writing out grammar concepts.  

If absent…

1.  If you know that you will be absent ahead of time, communicate and plan to keep up with the class.  
2. If you are unexpectedly absent (as will eventually happen), always check Google Classroom for the agenda and resources for that day and complete what you can.  You can email Sr. Williams if you have questions.  Also, keep in mind that I post assessment deadlines and communicate those deadlines in class and in Google Classroom daily, so absent students at the least can study current vocabulary set(s) and grammar concepts in place of learning in class.  
3. Reference Grading Policy and Procedures for expectations of making up assessments and work within the time frame allowed.  

Tutoring:  Students are allowed in the building at 8:10am.  I am available at that time, allowing for 30 minutes in the morning.  After school is the best option if you need more time.  Please arrange for transportation, knowing you must leave the building promptly after we are finished. Please check ahead of time to see if I am available for tutoring. I have occasional meetings and appointments that you will want to avoid. 

Sra. Lopez in room 365 will offer tutoring from 7:30-8:30 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Melissa Zeiger is also available to tutor after school on Tuesdays from 3:40-4:40pm.  You will need to email her at Franscisca.Lopez@jcschools.us or Melissa.Zeiger@jcschools.us so she knows to expect you.  If you need a ride home, utilize the Activities bus.  

Communication:

It is great for students and parents to utilize two powerful resources with 24/7 access:  

1. A) Google Classroom: Be in the know about learning targets, agendas, and resources 
2. B) Infinite Campus (IC):  Keep up with grades, address positive and negative trends in a timely manner.  I do everything I can to give prompt feedback to my students and record progress/grades on Infinite Campus regularly.  If you do not know how to access IC, contact your counselor, or call 659-3057 to inquire about getting set up if you did not get set up during registration at the beginning of the academic year or have forgotten how to access your account.  

Parents and students are welcome to contact me through email due to absences, grades, questions/concerns at shane.williams@jcschools.us 

My plan period is from 12-12:49pm (4th Period), when I am often available to respond to emails and make phone calls. I can also be available after school at 3:40pm by appointment.                      

I contact parents/guardians if, after working with the student, I feel they are not responding to intervention.  I want students at high school to learn to respond to setbacks and own their education, but if a student fails to live up to that expectation, I will contact home to discuss concerns/next steps with parents/guardians.  Again, please stay informed via Infinite Campus for 24/7 access to grades/progress to address successes and setbacks early and regularly.   

Professional Mission Statement:

In providing access and perspective that empower students to effectively communicate in Spanish, I hope to instill an appreciation for the nature of language and cultivate a more pluralistic worldview.

Background

This is my 24th year of teaching Spanish here at Jefferson City High School.  This year I will be teaching levels 2 and 3.  I grew up in this community and graduated from this high school in 1996. My educational background includes a Masters in Education (Curriculum & Instruction), and a Masters in TESOL (Language Acquisition).  I believe in lifelong learning to better serve my students in understanding how language is learned, and to predict and diagnose issues/problems that surface when learning a language.  

I look forward to partnering with you in learning the Spanish language this year!  Ask questions when you have them and always remember that you are responsible for the energy that you bring to our learning space...if we all remember that, we will have a great learning experience full of humor and Spanish.     Jay Pride!