Lawrence Free State High School

TEXTBOOK:  Komm mit! offers the opportunity to learn a language spoken by millions of people in several European countries and around the world. Proficiency is the goal of language instruction in Komm mit!.~ Each chapter contains authentic situations that model communicative needs common among young people.~ In these situations, students learn the functions, vocabulary and grammar that support natural expression.~ The book has a functionally driven scope and sequence.~ The students develop proficiency in the four language skills (i.e., listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and build their critical thinking skills.~ Grammar is presented in context to support the functions, enhancing the students' ability to communicate with accuracy and confidence.~ The spiraling of functions, vocabulary, and grammar increases the students' retention of newly acquired language and presents opportunities for using the language in various situations.~ The book's strong cross-cultural perspective enriches the students' understanding of the multi-cultural nature of the German-speaking world.

GRADES will be weighted in the following manner:  Tests and Quizzes 40%, Class Participation 30%, Homework 20%, and Notebook 10%.  There is a vocabulary quiz and a test for each chapter.  Following every two chapters is a notebook check.  Class and oral participation will be assessed on a daily basis.  A final assessment will be given at the end of each semester.

GRADING SCALE:  90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, below 60% = F.

SYLLABUS:  Each chapter will be covered in approximately 2-3 weeks. In the second week the students will start taking the vocabulary quizzes 3 times. They are expected to fill in 15 or more words each time. At the end of the third week they will take the chapter test. 

NOTEBOOKS:  All students will purchase and organize a 3-ring, loose-leaf notebook (at least 1” wide) containing: 1) dividers, 2) all notes from each section for the entire semester, 3) all assignments from the current and previous chapters, 4) all required handouts from the semester, and 5) all tests or quizzes handed back.

I believe a well kept notebook is a reflection of the attention that a student paid in the classroom, a tool for better learning and studying as well as a record that can be shown to future German instructors at the college level.  To aid the student, class notes should be copied from the board as directed, dated and entered in sequential order. The class notes should be reviewed after every lesson and preferably be memorized so the student retains all relevant information and is able to use it in classroom discussions and dialogs. I also recommend that all notes are reviewed before tests, since they summarize what was taught in class.  Each student should also consider these additional guidelines:

ORAL ASSESSMENT reflects listening and speaking skills as well as general classroom behavior and cooperation. Students receive +'s and -"s on the seating chart. Plus signs reflect participation and cooperation above the level of expectation. Minus signs reflect participation and cooperation below the level of expectation, e.g. being unprepared, uncooperative, or displaying inappropriate behavior.

PARENTS may help by checking the folder and notebook for completeness, by reviewing and appraising tests or grade print-outs, and by occasionally supervising the preparation for school, e.g., studying vocabulary.

Free State High School is committed to providing a quality education for all of our students.

Part of a quality education includes a positive working environment for both students and staff.

Students and staff are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly, courteous, dignifi ed, and

respectful manner at all times.

Student Conduct Expectations:

1. Students will give their best effort at all times.

2. Students will meet high standards of personal conduct.

3. Students will respect the person, rights, and property of others.

4. Students will use appropriate and proper language at all times.

5. Students will comply with the authority of teachers, administrators, and all other staff members.

6. Students will be regular and punctual in meeting school obligations.

7. Students will help maintain school property free from damage and defacement."

If you are tardy or choose to break a rule (see the student handbook for further details):

1^st Time:       You will be warned and your name will be marked down.

2^nd Time:       You will be given 15 minutes detention to be served with the teacher after/before school or in the detention room

         within 2 school days.  Your parents will be contacted.

3^rd – 5th Time:       You will be given 45 minutes detention to be served in the      same manner as above and your parents will be 

        contacted.

A. Student Conference with Teacher: Done formally or informally at the discretion of the teacher, this is an attempt on the behalf of the teacher to make clear the expectations for the student and ramifications if those expectations are not met.

B. Parent and Student Conference with Teacher: A meeting between the teacher and bothparents and student, in person, or by phone, for the purpose of sharing concerns about student behavior. Expectations are made clear by the teacher and potential consequences for continued inappropriate behavior are discussed. Parental advice on ways to assist the student should be considered. A formal record of the conference shall be maintained by the teacher.

C. 15 Minute Detention

D. 30 Minute Detention

E. 45 Minute Detention

F. Confiscation of Equipment: Staff may request and obtain student property that is a disruption to the class environment including, but not limited to, any electronic equipment. Obtained devices may be picked up at the end of the school day from the teacher or administrator. Repeated violators may have their property confiscated for an extended period only to be released to a

parent.

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Cheating (e.g., copying tests or homework) will result in a score of zero on the test or homework for all participants and will also result in a call to the parents.

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Mr. Lipp's Food and Drink Policy:  no open food or liquids in the classroom except for water in closed containers.

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For any help outside of class, I am usually at school from 7:30 am to 4:15 pm.  Visitors and answer seekers are always welcome.

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The Golden Rule for the classroom is:  Respect Yourself and Others, and all will fall into place.