AP Spanish Language and Culture

Seora Smithson
2017-2018

Hola y bienvenidos! I am Sra. Smithson, your teenagers Spanish teacher this year. I
look forward to a challenging as well as rewarding year in AP Spanish.

We will be using Conexiones (Prentice Hall) throughout the year. However, there are
two additional texts I request that my students purchase to enhance the learning
experience. These materials are:

AP Spanish: Preparing for the Language and Culture Exam workbook $44.00
Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal (Amazon, Barnes and Noble) $?????

One check totaling $44.00 may be made out to Collierville High School, or you may
send cash, sealed in an envelope with your students name on the front. If your childs
last name is different from yours, please put both of your names on the check and
envelope to avoid any confusion about whether or not the payment has been made. I
will order all materials as soon as I have the money. You may also pay using the Online
School Payments (OSP) system online with a credit card located on the schools website
or http://osp.osmsinc.com/colliervilletn/. The fee for the materials ($44.00) is due on
or before Friday, August 11th.

I believe parent involvement is very important in a students education. Your student

receives the best education possible when you and I work together. Therefore I have
enclosed copies of my classroom discipline plan and grading procedures. Please read
these carefully. They explain many of my expectations for your teenager in this class.
You and your teenager will be required to sign the bottom of it.

I welcome your calls and messages. You can call the school at 853 3310, however, my
main preference of communication is email. I am available through e-mail at
ksmithson@colliervilleschools.org.

Also, I have a web page: http://senorasmithson.weebly.com where I post messages,

homework, and other important documents. You may follow me on Twitter as well
@Senorasmithson. Another tool I utilize is Remind. Enclosed is a handout for signing
up to get information and reminders for class via text messaging.

Sincerely,

Kristen Smithson
Syllabus for Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture
Collierville High School 2017-2018
Seora Smithson

Rules/Procedures for Seora Smithsons class

1. Students are expected to observe the following classroom rules at all times:
Respect others.
Come to class on time.
Stay seated during class.
Raise your hand.
Bring all materials to class everyday.
CELL PHONES Only allowed when given permission by teacher.
**If a student decides to break the rules, students will be warned in class and then
parents will be notified should it continue. If the behavior is not modified, a
disciplinary referral is the next step.

2. Students are required to take the College Board Advanced Placement Spanish
Language and Culture Test on May 8, 2018. The fee for this test is $95. You may pay
using the Online School Payments (OSP) system online with a credit card located on the
schools website or http://osp.osmsinc.com/colliervilletn/ or via check written to CHS.

3. Students are asked to purchase extra course materials. Each student must purchase
AP Spanish: Preparing for the Language and Culture Examination, a workbook, for $44
and Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal, and each student should possess a Spanish
dictionary.

4. Students will have to record their voices for the speaking components of the AP
exam. Recorders will be provided by the school, but the students might be asked to
bring in some AAA batteries second semester. Sra. Smithson will let the students
know at that time.

5. Students are to attend class regularly and on time. Make-up work is the
responsibility of the student. Upon returning to class, pick up missed assignments from
Mrs. Smithson. By checking my website, the student can see what homework
assignments were missed as well. Please hand in all make-up work directly to Mrs.
Smithson. Follow CHS policy about excused and unexcused absences and make up
work. ***However, for a pre-planned absence such as a field trip with the school or a
college visit, the student must discuss assignments and their due dates PRIOR to
leaving. Normally, the work will be due BEFORE the pre-planned event.

6. Students are to come to class prepared for the day's lesson and activities. This
includes bringing the novels, notebook, workbook, pens, pencil, regular notebook
paper, and any other required texts or written assignments.

7. Students are expected to communicate with the teacher and other students in
Spanish. Active participation is required for success in this class.

8. Students are expected to rise to the challenges of learning the subject matter as well
as to strive to achieve personal success. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course is
roughly the same as a third-year Spanish course at a university. Many universities
award college credit or advanced placement at the university in Spanish to students
who do well on the exam. To see what your chosen university offers for specific AP
Spanish Language and Culture results, visit the College Board website.

9. Assignments are to be completed and turned in on time. If the student does not have
the assignment ready at the time I collect it, then the student will receive at most half
credit on the assignment and only up to one day late is allowed.

Grading Scale:
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 70-74
F 69 and below
*Five additional points added to quarter and exam grades for this course.

With an online grading system, parents and students can check grades daily. I tend to
update the grades at least once if not twice a week. If there is any problem or questions
arise, please email me as soon as possible. Do not wait until the end of the nine weeks
to email me.

I use the total point system of grading. All assignments receive a point value. The final
nine weeks grade is derived from the total points earned divided by the total points
possible. There are several different assignments that will determine your grade: class
participation (nota oral), Harry Potter, projects (proyectos), AP practice, etc.

Cheating or plagiarism is an automatic zero for the assignment and a disciplinary

referral. Parents will also be notified of the incident. It could also lead to being put
on probation and/or termination in the National Spanish Honors Society.

If a student needs extra help, I am available in room 111 by appointment in the

morning or afternoon. The following website is also recommended for help:
www.studyspanish.com.
Please indicate that the student and the parent/guardian have reviewed the syllabus
together by signing on the appropriate line.

Student signature: ___________________________________________________________

Student email address: _______________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature: ____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian email address: ________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian daytime phone number/s: _____________________________________

Parent/Guardian evening phone number/s: _____________________________________