August 2008

Welcome to another school year. I am delighted to have your Hickman Kewpie in my Spanish class. I also look forward to meeting you at Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 3. I hope this newsletter will provide you with a little insight into what Spanish at Hickman is all about.

This year will bring many changes for students as well as to our building. I am in the new addition in room 252 for all five hours. It is air conditioned so some students may need something extra if they think it is too cold. Also, there is a diverse list of extra-curricular activities available to the students at Hickman. With these new opportunities come new responsibilities. I have given students a list of classroom expectations. You can also find a copy of them on this Web site. It reminds them that their responsibilities are (1) checking the homework book when they are absent, and (2) making sure assignments, labs, quizzes or tests missed when absent are made up promptly. Assignments due on the day missed are due the day they return. If an assignment is made while the student is absent, students will have the number of days they are absent to complete the assignment and turn it in. Late assignments will not be accepted. Grades will be posted periodically on the Internet providing your student feedback on their grade. I will also e-mail to you as well if I have your address.

There is a contract to be signed for the correct use of the language. You should have already received it. We have a brand new state of the art lab. There is a copy of it at this Web site. This contract needs to be signed in order for your student to be permitted to use it. In the lab we use a workbook/lab manual that needs to be purchased for $15.00 for Spanish 2 and 3. A check can be made payable to Hickman High School or you can pay cash.

To help your student get the most out of Spanish, it will be important that they attend class everyday and complete all assignments. The concepts in Spanish are usually not practiced in any other location, therefore daily work will be given for practice and review. Homework is given almost every night.

Spanish is not always the easiest for all students. I am available before and after school on Mondays for tutoring and by appointment on other days. I will also help your student with learning strategies. I feel that most committed students can be successful. If you need to contact me, please call 214-3000 ext. 43820. You can also e-mail at dphillip@columbia.k12.mo.us. I also have a website at Mrs. Phillips' Web site This includes any important information including extra credit opportunities plus a calender indicating assignments.

I hope that it will be another great year. I also want to encourage your student to be their best in order to get the most out of the high school experience. Once again, Back to School Night is Wednesday, September 3, 2008. I look forward to seeing you there.

Deanna Phillips