Bienvenue! Welcome to French 1 - 4 and Creative Writing. French and English have much more in common than one might think, as 30%+ of English derives directly from French. (Thank you, William the Conqueror). But I digress: I am a fourteen-year veteran of Montgomery ISD, with twenty-four total years of teaching experience in Texas. As the daughter of military parents, I lived in Germany, Italy, and Turkey a total of six years before the age of fifteen; subsequently, I spent another year and a half in Iran. This fostered not only tolerance,but a real appreciation of others, and delight in travel and multi-culturalism, which I hope to transmit to my students. In fact, this past year we took a 10-day trip to France. We toured Paris, the beaches of Normandy, Mont-St.Michel, the castles of the Loire,the medieval seaport town of St. Malo, the awesome palace of Versailles, and the Riviera, including Nice and Monaco. We ate fabulous regional fare, spent the Night of Music in Azay-le-rideau, and took MANY pictures. Our next planned trip is for summer of 2010. Start saving now!

In the Creative Writing class, we will tap into our creative genius by means of journaling, response to music, etc., and various other exercises with the goal of producing literature in various genres, such as short story, play, and, of course, poetry. The Creative Writing class and the art department plan also to collaborate in the production of a publication second semester showcasing both writing and visual art. Hemingway, watch out!

I look forward to another academic year and the opportunity to work with the truly great students of Montgomery ISD. Feel free to contact me for any further information or questions at jlovell@misd.org.

A bientot,
J. Lovell

My schedule is as follows:

A Day:

Period 1 Conference
Period 2 French III-IV
Period 3 Creative Writing
Period 4 French I
B Day:

Period 5 Conference
Period 6 French II
Period 7 French I
Period 8 French II

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
Cours de francais
J. Lovell

This year we will use a methodology known as TPRS - Total Physical Response Storytelling - in conjunction with a more traditional grammar-based process. In this way, all learning modalities will be addressed and students will more easily master the skills required for understanding and using both the written and spoken language. Homework still remains a vital factor in successful language learning, however, as evidenced in the grading weights.

French I and II:

Homework




Each student will be responsible for organizing and monitoring grades. To this end, each will keep all returned papers and will produce any returned work upon request of teacher, parent, or administrator.

Each student will be awarded 100 points “up front” for participation. In order to retain all of these points, the student must, among other things, speak only French in class, or make a good faith effort to do so; bring all supplies; obey class rules concerning food, gum, etc; and participate!

Quizzes will occur daily, or nearly so. Tests may or may not be announced! This is to ensure that the exam results reflect true learning, not just that which might be memorized. Having said that, any child who is present and actively participating WILL be successful.

Homework is assigned daily. This is a vital part of the study of a foreign language. In addition to any written work, each student is expected to practice reciting or reading aloud that material covered in class. The student will write down each day’s assignment on a designated “Homework Sheet”, which will be checked daily. This sheet is then collected for a grade every five class days.

Each student will keep a notebook for each day’s activities, notes and handouts. This will be graded at least once each marking period.

Cheating and/or copying another’s work is a serious offense. According to the
rules of the student handbook, the teacher will award a grade of 0, file a discipline report with the grade-level principal, and contact the parent.




Absences

Upon return to class after an absence, the student will check the “Been absent?” box located in the bookshelf in the front of the room. This box will contain a list of class activities, assignments, both collected and made, and due dates. It is the student’s responsibility to note upcoming due dates and arrange to make up quizzes, tests, etc.


.


BIENVENUE AU COURS DE FRANCAIS!


ACKNOWLEDGMENT


I, ____________________________________________, have

read the classroom procedures for French, as well as the Student

Handbook guidelines, and understand that I am responsible for

abiding by them. I acknowledge that I am responsible for

learning the material presented and will do everything necessary

to that end.



_________________________________________________
Student signature

_________________________________________________
Date

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
English 4
J. Lovell

Grading

Major grades = 70% Tests, writing assignments, projects

Minor grades = 30% Quizzes, homework, daily reading


Each student will keep all notes, handouts, and returned work and will be responsible for producing same upon request of teacher, parent,
or administrator.


Late work will be accepted only in accordance with school policy.

Cheating and/or copying another’s work, is a serious offense. According to the
rules of the school handbook, the teacher will award a grade of 0, file a discipline
report with the grade-level principal, and contact the parent.

Absences

Upon return to class after an absence the student will immediately check the “BEEN ABSENT?” box located on the side table. This box will contain a list of activities missed and all assignments collected, assigned, etc. Appointments for make-up tests and quizzes must be arranged with the teacher, per school guidelines.
HAVE A GREAT SENIOR YEAR!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT


I, ________________________________________________, have read the

classroom procedures for English IV, as well as the Student Handbook guidelines,

and understand that I am responsible for abiding by them. I acknowledge that I

am responsible for learning the material presented and will do everything

necessary to that end. ______________________________________________
Signature Date