2009-2010
“The Lakeland School District’s Department of Modern Language believes that all students can learn a second language and should be encouraged to understand and appreciate other cultures and to function at their appropriate levels and abilities.
Attendance
Lateness
Students are expected to be seated at their desks and prepared with all of their supplies, homework and books before the second bell rings. Lateness to class will result in the following consequences:
· First student/teacher conference
· Second parent will be notified
· Third after school detention and an administrative referral.
Unexcused absence
Students are expected to attend classes every day that classes are in session. If a student chooses not to attend class and incurs an unexcused absence on the attendance report a grade of ZERO will be given for all tests, quizzes and any work that was due or assigned on the day of the unexcused absence. This is the policy set forth in the school district’s disciplinary code. Parents will also be contacted with regard to the unexcused absence and the student will be assigned to after school detention. If a student chooses not to come to class a second time an administrative referral will be generated. Refer to the revised attendance policy in Student Handbook or district website http://lakelandschools.org for more specific information.
Excused absence
There will be occasions when a student is absent from class due to illness, class trips, assemblies, scheduled music lessons, family or legal matters. These absences are excused absences. These absences however do not excuse the student from the work that is due for class.
Absences due to class trips, conferences or music lessons:
- It is the student’s responsibility to secure all class work and homework covered during his/her absence in a timely fashion and hand in any due work.
- Arrangements must be made with the teacher to make up any missed tests or quizzes.
- All work, tests or quizzes missed during an absence MUST BE DONE within 3 Days upon returning to class or a grade of ZERO will be earned. Refer to the Student Handbook for more specific information.
*** If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student must obtain a pass from the teacher before going to the nurse’s office. If a student does NOT receive a pass from the teacher, the student will be marked Absent and an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE will be incurred. This will cause the student to obtain a grade of zero for the work, test, quiz or any assignments due during the class period.***
Homework
The Modern Language Department supports giving homework on a regular basis since it reinforces the work done in class. Homework will only be accepted on the day and period that it is due unless there is an excused absence. Students MUST consult with the teacher prior to any school trip, assembly or music lesson and turn in any assignments due during the class period. There are no make-up home works. Students also need to consult with the teacher in order to obtain the assignments that will be missed. If the student does not consult with the teacher, the student will receive a grade of zero for that homework assignment. This will allow the student to be able to participate in class when he/she returns. It is required that the student obtain the telephone number of another student in that particular class.
Tests and Quizzes
The Modern Language Department supports giving a variety of tests and quizzes to assess the progress of students in the study of a language. These tests and quizzes take many forms, such as speaking, listening or formal written tests and quizzes. The student is asked to be prepared on a daily basis to be evaluated for their speaking and listening ability in class. Quizzes on occasion may be given unannounced to test the student’s progress on a particular topic. Formal written exams will be announced so as to allow the student time to study. Both quizzes and tests can be oral presentations, compositions, or projects. A homework assignment can be counted as a test or quiz grade.
***If a student is absent on the day of a quiz or test the student needs to make up the test or quiz within 3 days upon returning to school. It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the teacher and make arrangements to complete the work missed during their lunch, Study Hall or after school Monday-Thursday.***
Grading Policy
The Modern Language Department uses the following 4 criteria for calculating grades:
Class Preparedness and Cooperation 15%
1. oral contribution to class
2. coming to class prepared with required materials (supplies, hw etc)
3. being actively engaged in all activities in a positive manner
4. Cooperation and appropriate classroom behavior
Homework 15%
Quizzes 30%
Tests 40%
****No individual extra credit assignment will be given****
The grades are calculated using E-Schools and parents are able to view a student’s progress online. For any clarifications or inquiries, please feel free to e-mail your child’s teacher.
Students and parents are required to obtain
their E-school password to view student’s
progress and record.
Extra Help
All teachers are available for extra help every day Monday thru Thursday until 2:30 with the exception of days with meetings and conferences.
CELL PHONE USE
In order to maintain a well-balanced educational learning environment, distractions need to be kept at a minimum. The Modern Language Department requests that every student must adhere to the regulations that cell phones not be used in the classroom. The use of cellular phones and texting devices are strictly prohibited in the classroom. Failure to abide by the department request will result in after school detention and confiscation of the device in addition to an administrative referral.