2001-2002

What to expect. We will use a variety of media to learn French. You will have a textbook and corresponding activity book. You will listen to cassettes of native French speakers from all over the world. You will listen to CDs of modern French music that French teenagers listen to. You will watch videos of French people in real life situations. You will watch French films*. You will read basic French literature. You will write skits which you will perform in class. You will design your own unit projects. You will participate in class as part of your oral (speaking) grade. You will complete homework assignments every class period. I never assign homework during vacation, and I rarely assign homework on holiday weekends. I do assign homework on regular weekends, so be prepared. You will take written quizzes and tests regularly. You will have an oral exam at the end of each quarter. Your grade will be determined as follows:

Grades are cumulative. In other words, after the first quarter of a semester, the grade does not start over but continues to the end of the semester. Quarter grades, therefore, are basically a report of your progress to that point, and are not counted separately and averaged together at the end of the semester. You will be given a grade update about every 5 weeks at the mid-quarter, quarter and semester, to be signed by our parents.

*French Films. Many French films are unrated which means that I have to preview them to determine whether or not they are suitable for high school viewing. I have a collection of films that I've recorded, being very careful to erase scenes which are inappropriate. My students believe that I am TOO careful! French films are different than American films, which is why I show them. The subject matter is more sophisticated, more "film noir," and less slapstick than your average American teenage film. French films generally force the viewer to reflect upon philosophical issues. I try to pick films which will interest the students yet remain truly "French." The following is the list of films that I choose from each year. Occasionally, I find new films that I add mid-year. Most of these films are available to rent. Blockbuster of Seaside has an excellent selection of French films. You may wish to preview these films yourself, remembering that I do erase inappropriate scenes from my copies.

Participation. You will be required to participate in class by responding to questions in French. Any sincere attempt to answer a question will be rewarded with a Franc bill which you will collect and turn in at the end of each grading period, or as directed by the teacher. About five per week will give you a 90% on participation. You can earn up to 110% by participating more. You may also earn francs by

Materials. Please bring a pen or pencil, paper, a notebook, and your textbook with you every day. You may leave your activity book in the bin in my classroom, but I will not be held responsible foe lost or destroyed workbooks. Of course I will do my best to safeguard them. You may not write inside your activity book unless you wish to purchase it for $17.00. I also advise you to purchase 3x5 index cards to make flash cards with. If you buy white, pink, and blue cards you will be able to distinguish between verbs, masculine nouns and feminine nouns. If you make flash cards for each lesson's vocabulary, you will receive a 10% bonus on your homework score! Dictionaries are available to check out through the library, but if you plan to continue your studies in French you should purchase one of your own. Most of all, please come to class prepared to work!

Cultural Participation and Research (CPR). If you do poorly on tests, are shy and don't participate much, or missed a few homework assignments and need some extra credit, this is for you! You may earn CPR points by choosing an activity from the CPR list (or make up your own and check with me). Once per quarter, you may earn up to 10 extra percentage points that you can apply to any of your grading categories. The number of points you earn depends upon the project chosen and how much time and effort you put into it. Once you've decided to use CPR, come to me with your idea and I will tell you what I expect for the 10 points.

Final Exam. Your final exam will consist of the second quarterly oral exam, and the score will be the average of the two quarterly oral exams, as you will be tested on your writing and reading skills throughout the year. The goal of this course is to be able to COMMUNICATE. Most people get out of high school and say, "I studied French/Spanish/German for two years and I can't speak a word of it." Therefore, your final exam oral questions will be taken directly from the communication cards you will be practicing all semester. You will also be tested on verb conjugations!

Behavior Expectations. Learning a new subject is a challenge. It requires perseverance and discipline, but like any learning experience, it can be a lot of fun at the same time! My goal as your teacher is to provide an appropriate learning environment where every student can succeed in achieving his or her highest potential.  Any person who exhibits disrespectful behavior or who violates any PGHS policy will face the consequences of their behavior as outlined in the PGHS handbook--This means BEHAVIOR CONTRACT. My rule is as follows:

1. We all respect ourselves, and we all respect each other.

Performance Expectations. You have the ability to achieve whatever grade you want in my class, set a goal for yourself and I will do everything I can to help you achieve your goal. If you are not obtaining the results that you desire, please ask me for suggestions or come to Homework Lab.

Homework Lab. If you are earning a D or F grade at the mid-quarter, quarter, or semester, I will require that you see me for after school tutoring. Homework Lab wilt be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at lunch and Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00-3:3Opm. You will need to come in at least twice a week until the next grading period indicates that your grade has improved. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to do poorly in my class. My goal is for every student to earn a C or better, which you must do in order to go on to the next level next year.

Makeup Policy. Your performance in this class will depend highly upon the amount of time you spend here. Excessive absences, therefore, will ultimately reduce your grade. You may make up homework, quizzes, tests, or any other assignment only when you have an excused absence. Makeup homework assignments are due the next class meeting after you return and will not be accepted after that. Half credit will NOT be given under any circumstances. If you are absent on a Tuesday, and at school on Wednesday, you must stop by to get your assignment due on Thursday. It will not be accepted late. You will be granted one "MAKE-UP PASS" per quarter. You may use this pass at your discretion. Makeup tests and quizzes must be taken during Homework Lab hours only. You may not miss my class time to make up a test or quiz for me, OR FOR ANY OTHER TEACHER. Makeups must be taken within one week following the last day of your absence or they will be recorded as a zero.

Campus Passes. You will be allowed to leave the class two times per quarter. It is up to you to decide which times are most important to you. If you fail to go to the restroom or go to your locker during break or lunch, please remember that you will only have two opportunities per quarter to do so during class, unless it is an extreme emergency, of course.

Questions??? I am here for you. I became a teacher because I care about the lives of young people. Please feel free to speak to me anytime about anything. If you have a concern and wish to remain anonymous, drop a note in my mailbox at the front office. I'm looking forward to a fun and rewarding year with you, and I hope you are, tool

Parents and student. Please sign here to indicate that you have read and understand the requirements of this course. If you have any questions, please call me at 6&6-6590, ext. 282   e-mail echupka@pgusd.org

X student_______________________________________________________

X parent________________________________________________________

X My student may attend Homework Lab at lunch/after school. ________initials.