Français 312
Mme Corten
Bureau 415 Tel: 721-2556
Required Texts: C’est à toi!1 online text
Other Materials: Binder with folders for handouts or notebook
Writing Paper/French dictionary/Writing instruments/Assignment pad
General Rules:
1. Class preparation: Students are expected to come to class on time with the necessary materials (binder, textbook, pens, homework, etc.) on a daily basis. Students must be attentive and participate daily to class discussions. They should review and study at home the work covered in class. Failure to come prepared will negatively affect the student’s grade.
2. Target Language: French will be our sole means of communication in class. Students need to be respectful of class time and our need to use French in class. Our time is limited to speak the target language therefore we must make the most of it in the little time we have. Students should demonstrate the common courtesy of listening attentively while others are speaking. During group work, each participant in the group must be involved, on task, and speaking the target language at all times. Every student must commit to speak ONLY French when entering the French class. Before or after class, outside of class or during extra help students are also encouraged to continue speaking the target language; however we can clarify any questions students may have in English. Speaking out unnecessarily in English will negatively affect the student’s grade.
3. Assignments: Homework will be assigned every night in different forms. It must be completed thoroughly and conscientiously. Students are responsible for completing homework assignments in a timely fashion. Long-range projects require appropriate planning in order to be completed on time. Failure to complete homework or incomplete homework assignments will have an adverse affect on a student’s grade. Tests and long-term project deadlines will be posted regularly on the high school’s website.
4. Punctuality: Students must arrive to class on time and must be ready to start when the bell rings. Waking up late, missing one’s ride to school, or difficulty finding parking are not acceptable reasons for tardiness. If a student is late for class more than three times in a marking period, parents will be notified and detention assigned.
5. Attendance: Students are expected to be in class every day. Every day a student misses class, the harder it is for him or her to keep up with the material. Parents are required to call the General Office the morning of the student’s absence. Missing class for any reason other than those specified by New York State will be considered illegal and parents will be contacted. Students who cut class will receive a zero for any graded work that day including quizzes, exams, homework, class activities and oral presentations. Parents should notify me in advance of any special circumstances and are asked to respect the school calendar. Parents are urged not to write absence notes for students who are not ill.
6. Test and Quizzes: If a student misses a test or quiz because of a legal absence, he/she must be prepared to make it up on the day he/she returns to class. If a student has been legally absent for several days, he/she must see me on the first day back to school to make special arrangements to make up the work missed within five days upon return. If a student cuts a test, he/she will receive a zero for that test. It is always better to show up for class and discuss special circumstances with me rather than cut a test (Mercy rule). It is the student’s responsibility to contact me and make arrangements.
7. Cheating: Cheating has many faces. Copying another student’s homework, lifting material from the Internet or other sources, using an electronic translator, receiving too much help on a project, copying answers during a test are all forms of dishonesty. Students will receive a zero for work done dishonestly and their parents will be notified. School policy requires that the department chair and the dean be notified as well. For multiple infractions the principal will meet with the parents.
8. Respect: For the class to function well, all participants must be respectful of one another. This includes raising one’s hand to participate, not interrupting while another is speaking, listening politely to different opinions, being open to personal and cultural differences and encouraging and supporting others in an atmosphere of cooperation. Students are expected to dress and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect for themselves, their classmates, their teacher and the school setting.
9. Extra-help: It is important for students to take the initiative when they feel the need for extra help. Make an appointment with me as soon as you sense that you are confused. Do not wait until you are completely lost. Schedules indicating my free periods are posted in the classroom and the office (415). Other times are also possible by prior arrangement.
10. Final Grade: Each quarter counts 20% of the final grade. The final exam is also 20% of the final grade.
11. Marking period grades: While each quarter may vary in requirements, marking period grades are based primarily on Speaking (15%) (picture sequences, short directed responses, dialogues, improvisations, oral projects, class participation), Listening Comprehension (15%) (dialogues, short narrations, oral/aural presentations), Quizzes (30%) (vocabulary & grammar quizzes, cultural and reading comprehension quizzes, homework, journal entries, short compositions), Tests (40%) (Unit tests).
Speaking another language is such an asset and you are so lucky to be given the opportunity! Learn, Discover, Master, and Enjoy!
Une bonne année scolaire à tous! Que tous vos rêves se réalisent!