Instructor: Sra. Druessel
Courses: Spanish I & III
Email: ssdruessel@yahoo.com or sdruessel@blmcchs.org
Bienvenidos (Welcome)
Who am I?
My name is Mrs. Druessel (rhymes with “muscle”) and I am very excited to be working with the students at Central Catholic and sharing my love of Jesus Christ and the Spanish language with you. We moved here from West Des Moines, Iowa two years ago. My husband works at State Farm and I have two boys (5th and 7th grades) at Tri-Valley. I have a major in Spanish from the University of Northern Iowa and lived and traveled extensively in Mexico. I have taught Spanish at the high school level for nine years. I really enjoy working out in my spare time, so you may see me at 4-Seasons or running around the track.
Why Study Spanish?
Sra. Druessel’s Top 10 List on why to study Spanish at CCHS:
10. Because your mommy told you to
9. Understand the lyrics in Shakira’s latest hit
8. Entertain your friends and family with the Mexican Hat Dance
7. Teach your dog to follow simple commands in Spanish
6. Understand what the waiters are saying about you at the local Mexican restaurant
5. Have fun learning about “strange” Hispanic holidays such as Day of the Dead
4. Be able to say more than “Yo quiero Taco Bell”
3. Make more money than your non Spanish-speaking friends
2. Hold secret conversations with other Spanish students
and the #1 reason for studying Spanish at CCHS…
1. Play games and eat Hispanic foods DURING the school day!!
On a more serious note, the ability to speak Spanish is a great asset in the job market. Many companies look for employees that can speak Spanish and offer them a higher salary because of it. Spanish is the official language, not only of Spain but also of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean islands of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, and most of South America. Spanish, with approximately 320 MILLION speakers worldwide, is the fourth most spoken language on the planet. The U. S. is now officially the fifth largest Spanish-speaking country in the world! Nearly 33 MILLION people in the U.S. alone speak Spanish!! I hope you see the importance of being bilingual and strive toward mastering the Spanish language!!
What do I need to bring to class?
We will be using the textbook called “Expresate”. Please have these covered within the first week of school and bring it to class each day. You will also need to have a notebook , folder or 3 ring binder and a WRITING UTENSIL (seriously) We will be taking A LOT of notes throughout the year and it is important to keep them neat and organized so that you may refer back to them when questions arise or before a test. Past experience shows that neat and organized notebooks are very helpful for beginning foreign language students.
Rules
My #1 and only rule:
Respect yourself, your classmates and the learning environment
I do not think it is necessary to spell out specific do’s and don’ts to my high school students. By this point in time you know what type of behavior is expected in the classroom. My goal is to create a positive learning environment which is Christ-centered. Any student exhibiting disrespectful behavior toward anyone in class will not be tolerated and will be held accountable according to the rules in CCHS handbook.
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How can I be successful in Spanish class?
I will try to make learning Spanish as fun as possible for you. In order to do this, I will need your cooperation. I will be calling on everyone in the class to answer questions, repeat words, sing, dance, etc. I may assign people to work together or let you choose groups. Please try to keep the noise level to a minimum and get organized as quickly as possible. Everyone needs to participate (without complaining) in games and activities. Please don’t think that games are just a way to waste time. I put a lot of work into creating games/activities which will help you practice what we are learning in class.
You will need to look over your notes or do homework every night. This should only involve 10 -15 minutes. You can take your textbook home or you can access your book online at http://www.go.hrw.com . We will review how to use this site in class. With your help we can make this a fun, successful year.
What do I do if I am absent?
I will have a make –up binder that you will need to check upon your return. It is your responsibility to get the handouts and assignment from this folder. If you have an excused absence, you will have twice number of days absent to make up the work. For example, if you are sick 1 day you will have 2 days to make up the work. When you complete the work, please place in the “IN” basket (don’t hand it to me-I might misplace it) After the allotted time, you will still need to complete the work but will only receive half credit.
Another option is to access my website at www.blmcchs.org. I will post weekly lesson plans and provide links to your textbook and other useful websites.
How am I graded?
Your grades will be calculated on a total point system and are based on: tests, projects, quizzes, homework and extra credit. The following grading scale will be used.
99-100 A+ 78-79 C+
92-98 A 72-77 C
90-91 A- 70-71 C-
88-89 B+ 68-69 D+
82-87 B 62-67 D
80-81 B- 60-61 D-
59 and below F
Skyward is a great tool to track your progress in all of your classes. I am sure your PARENTS will be checking it frequently I will show you your grade every 2 weeks. I will also be happy to show grades BEFORE or AFTER school (not during class). If you ever feel that there is a mistake, please let me know –in a kind way- and I will be happy to make the necessary corrections. With a 100 + students, it is very possible that I could make an error.
How can I get extra help?
I will be available before school (7:30- 8:00) and after school (2:45-3:15) for extra help and make-up work. If these times do not work, I will try to accommodate your schedule. Please feel free to email me (sdruessel@blmcchs.org or ssdruessel@yahoo.com ) with questions concerning Spanish. I will try to get back to you that day.
Is there extra credit?
I occasionally offer extra “puntos” on chapter tests. Please don’t expect me to “create” extra work for you in order to bring your grade up. If you put forth an honest effort, this will be recognized.
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Please indicate that you have read and understand the course rules and expectations. Place this completed form in the “IN” basket by August 28th.
Student Signature:__________________________________________________
Parent Signature:___________________________________________________
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