Señora Shoemaker's Classroom Policies and FAQ

What supplies do I need for Spanish every class?

Binder, Writing Utensils, Headphones, and my Chromebook!

What "non-supplies" should I also have every day in Spanish class?

A Positive Attitude, Patience, Open Ears, and an Open Mind

Where should I keep my binder (if I choose to leave it in class)?

In my class' color crate (3rd=Pink, 4th=Lime Green, 6th=Purple, 7th=Teal, 8th=Light Blue)

What should I write on the front of my Binder (if I leave it in class)?

My name and block number!

What's Señora Shoemaker's Late Work policy?!

It's the same as the LCPS policy: 1-2 classes late is 90% max, 3-4 classes late is 80% max, 5+ classes late is 50%. Late work will not be accepted (for a grade) after the major summative is taken.

What's Señora Shoemaker's Summative Make Up Policy (due to class absence)?

I can make up any major or minor summative, at any time, for any reason.

Does Señora Shoemaker offer Retakes?

YES (on major summatives only)! The maximum grade is a 70% (according to the LCPS Grading Policy).

Can I do Make-ups or Retakes during class time?

Nopety-Nope-Nope! Class time is reserved for language acquisition activities.

If I need to do a Make-up or a Retake, what should I do?

I should complete the Pass Request form.

Where can I find the Pass Request Form?

It's linked in Schoology (as a pretty, colored button at the top!)

What should I do when I get to the classroom and the door is locked?

Knock on the window. After they verify who wants in, someone will open the door for me.

What are "Descansos"?

"Descansos" are brain-breaks. You get a descanso when the timer runs out, when Señora feels like it's needed, or at a good stopping point during the block.

How many "descansos" will we get?

We will have 1-2, depending on what's needed.

What will we do for the "descansos"?

We might play a game, sing a song, learn a dance, take a siesta, or use the restroom/get water.

What should I do when I need to use the bathroom or get water during class?

Unless it's an emergency, I should wait until one of our "descansos". (If it's an emergency, I will let Señora Shoemaker know and then I will HUSTLE straight there and back!)

What should I do if I need to go to the nurse?

I'll talk to Señora Shoemaker and she'll make me a pass.

What's the phone policy?

Phones should be in the phone caddy at all times unless special permission is granted.

How do I know where to put my phone in the caddy?

I simply put my phone in the pocket that matches the number under my chair!

What's the earbud/airpods/headphones policy?

Earbuds/Airpods/headphones should be off and away at all times unless special permission is granted.

What's the tardy policy?

If I am not PHYSICALLY in the classroom when the bell rings, I will be marked tardy (unless I've already checked in with Señora).

What if I need to use the restroom/get water but the bell is about to ring?

I need to verbally check in with Señora so she doesn't mark me tardy.

What is the 10/10 policy?

This is a Freedom rule that stipulates that no one should leave class during the first or last 10 minutes of the block.

What should I do if I need to charge my Chromebook?

If I have a charger, plug it into a nearby outlet. If I don't have a charger, I can borrow one from the student section (as long as I return it before the end of the block).

What should I do if I need to charge my phone?

Señora Shoemaker has a power strip near the Student Section! I can plug it in before class (but I should bring my own charger!).

When is the best time to ask questions or get extra help from Señora?

Señora Shoemaker is available before school (appt preferred), after school (appt required), or during blocks 1, 2, or 5.

How can I know what I missed while absent?

I should check the lesson plan document in Schoology (pretty colored button at the top). Find the week, and column for that day's date and scroll DOWN. Anything that can be read/looked at/completed will be linked.

How can I know what assignments need to be submitted (after an absence, or anytime, really!)?

I should check the Running Assignments List in Schoology (pretty colored button at the top), follow the instructions for me there, and submit the missing work in the Late Work Form ASAP.

What should I do on my way into the classroom?

Say the Password/Answer the question, greet my teacher ("Hola", "Buenos días"/"Buenas tardes" all work just fine :) ), put my phone in the caddy, and find my seat QUIETLY.

What should I do after I find my seat QUIETLY?

Check the front board for further instructions.

What should I do if I forget my Chromebook and need it for class?

I will let Señora know so she can email the Tech staff and I will have to go get a loaner laptop.

What should I do when Señora Shoemaker is being unclear or I am confused?

I will signal her by running my hand over my head. ***Señora Shoemaker is working hard to help you understand Spanish and she doesn't want to be unclear or to leave you confused, so be sure to use the signal!***

Why might there be a timer during class?

It helps us stay focused and on-task and let's us know when we've earned a descanso! A stopwatch will keep track of wasted class time and then we have to make up that time AFTER the bell rings.

What happens if I use my technology without permission during class?

I will be asked to put it away, a note will be made, and if it continues to happen, parents and administrators will get involved. (***This could cause the timer to pause or the stopwatch to start tracking wasted class time.)

What should I do if I am unsure/confused while working independently?

Ask THREE, then ME (Señora Shoemaker)

How do absences affect my learning in this class?

Input is what helps me acquire Spanish and so the less input I receive due to absences and tardies, the harder it will be for me to acquire Spanish and earn the grade I want.

How am I assessed in this class?

Assessments are focused on what I can do with the language - How well can I UNDERSTAND it? How well can I USE it?

What will assessments look like?

They will include Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. Plus any cultural information we've discussed. Also, Graded Formatives are any classwork or homework that Señora assigns.

How much will I have to study for this class?

Almost never! The only things I might need to study for would be a minor summative (usually 1-2 per quarter) if the content is explicit, factual information (vocab, grammar, celebrations, culture, etc).

What are the classwork expectations in Spanish class?

Since there is little assigned homework, class time is provided for students to complete activities. I am expected to complete them in class (or I will need to finish them on my own if I need more time).

How much Spanish should I use in class every day?

As much as possible! In the beginning of the year it will probably be less but the idea is that we are always paying attention/working to improve and so more Spanish should be used as the year goes on! (Be sure to look at anything on the walls or board to help you use more Spanish!)

What happens if I am academically dishonest?

Assessments are always about how much Spanish I can understand and produce. Outside help of any kind will result in parent contact, a referral, and a retake with a different prompt and 70% max score.

Where can I go to find extra OPTIONAL resources to help me acquire Spanish more quickly?

I can check the Resources button (at the top) in Schoology for links to websites for extra Spanish input! And pat myself on the back for being so proactive!!

What should I do if I'm struggling in Spanish class (for any reason)?

I should definitely communicate with Señora Shoemaker so she's aware and/or can work with me on a plan to improve! She wants everyone to be successful in her class but sometimes needs help identifying who is struggling!

What are the classroom rules?

Phones go in phone caddy.

Respect yourself, others, and the classroom.

One person speaks, others listen.

Face the speaker.

Answer questions in the requested way (hand signals, choral response, etc).

No blurting unless requested.

Be responsible for your own learning.

"Play the game"

Have fun!

What does "Play the Game" mean?

Literally - Participate in class games and activities.

Figuratively - Have fun, let your guard down, enjoy the class

Where can I find another copy of a paper if I was absent or lost mine?

Señora will have a binder of extra copies in the classroom. Copies will also be linked in the lesson plans in Schoology.

What should I do if I do not have a supply needed for class (writing utensil, binder/paper, charger, headphones, etc)?

I can ask a classmate if they have an extra to borrow OR I can check the Student Section for extras I can use. ***I promise to return anything I borrow to it's correct spot!***

What is the Student Section and where can I find it?

It houses extra supplies and materials that I might need to use during class. It's located in the front of the room near the door.

Where should I turn in any Paper assignments that Señora wants collected (assignments, assessments, etc)?

In the light blue bin in the Student Section that's labeled with either "Spanish 1" or "Spanish 3" on it.