BMS Exploratory Latin Syllabus

2016 - 2017
Course Description
Exploratory Latin is a pre-introductory level course offered for one semester of 6th grade.
Students will be exposed to several new concepts and ideas. Since most students have had
limited or no exposure to a foreign language, this course requires a commitment of 15-20
minutes minimum of daily preparation. Successful completion of Exploratory Latin will create
scaffolding of vocabulary and concepts for Latin I students.
INSTRUCTION:
The topicsand skills covered include but are not limited to:
Vocabulary consisting of the most frequently occuring nouns, adjectives, verbs, and
prepositions.
Reading a novel in Latin
Discussing personal information and preferences in Laitn.
Simple question and answer in Latin
Latin storytelling.

Materials Needed
Students will need a composition notebook to store vocabulary and class notes. Students are
also expected to bring a fully charged iPad to class each day. Students will use a stylus to
electronically handwrite all assignments. On assessment days, students must have a pen or
pencil. There are no fees for Latin class.

Resources:
Brando Brown Canem Vult, provided
Grading Policy
The final quarter grade will be calculated via raw points, weighted at 90% summative and 10%
formative. Formative grades include such things as homework, comprehension checks, and
exit slips. Summative grades comprise of unit vocabulary, content, and grammatical tests as
well as projects and formal presentations. Summative assessments will always be announced
ahead of time. Students must check schoology each day for the current assignment, even if
they are absent.
Homework scores are worth 8 points. Students will grade themselves on a range from 0-4
points depending on effort, accuracy, and completion, and then I will award the additional
points based on the following: 2 points awarded if turned in and self-graded at or before the
assignments due date and time, and up to 2 points awarded if students correct their mistakes
and resubmit the assignment after class. If I cannot read a student's handwriting, it is wrong.

Cheating is UNACCEPTABLE. Cheating includes but is not limited to allowing someone to

copy or copying another student's work, using translation services (such as Google Translate),

friends, and/or family to do your work. Students who cheat will be dealt with according to the
rules of the Sudent Handbook.
PLAGIARISM and CONSEQUENCES OF PLAGIARISM:
Students will be held accountable for violating the districts rules on plagiarism as recounted
in the Student Handbook.

Make-Up Work/Late Work Policies:

Making up work from an absence:
Students who are absent should check schoology for assignments. Upon returning, students
will have one day for each absence to make up their work. Failure to complete the work within
this time period will result in a ZERO.
Making up quizzes:
Students should complete all makeup quizzes within one week. After this time, students may
make up the missed quiz at the teacher's discretion, at a maximum of 50% of the earned grade.
All makeup quizzes should be done during Colt Time or LUNCH. No makeups will be done
during class.
Making up work that was not completed:
If a student simply does not turn in the work despite being present, he or she will be allowed
to complete the assignment up until the day of the summative assignment for that unit. No
late work from previous units will be accepted.
All summative projects must be turned in on time. Summative projects that are not turned in
will receive 50% of the total points for that assignment (effectively and F). Summative
projects that are turned in late may be penalized.
Retake Policy
Please see the schools website for a detailed explanation of the retake policy. One in-class
summative assessment (but not take home summative, including projects) may be taken per
semester, if planned ahead for with Mr. Fleck.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
Students:
Attendance Policy: Students should maintain the highest level of attendance possible.
Students are to bein their seats when the bell rings. Please refer to the student
handbook for consequences.
Classroom Rules:

o Be respectful.
o Come prepared.
o Speak when recognized.
o Do your graded work by hand (do not type your homework, unless requested by
Mr. Fleck).

Classroom Policy/Procedures:
o Follow all classroom and BMSrules.
o Homework must be completed BEFORE the bell rings. Students are expected to
revise and resubmit their assignments during class.
o Be seated when the bell rings.
o Snacks and drinks will be allowed until they become a problem, and may be
banned on an individual or class-wide basis.
o iPad behavior must conform to the shcools policy on responsible iPad usage.

Consequences

1st Infraction: Warning

2nd Infraction: Parent contact
3rd Infraction: Lunch or minor detention
4th Infraction& thereafter:Behavior notification/Discipline referral

Preparations
o Studying is absolutely essential to Latin class. We wont have very many at home
homework assignments, so this is largely self-driven by the students. Vocabulary
is an integral part to learning any language and students should dedicate 15-20
minutes a night to ensuring that they are proficient with the vocabulary to date.
They should also make sure to know all of their noun and verb endings.

Teacher:
Contact Information
o Paul Fleck
o Barrington Middle School
o pfleck@barrington220.org

In the event that students grades fall below 70, I will endeavor to contact the parent first by
phone, then by email, last by snail mail. The best way to contact me is via my email address
listed above. I generally respond to emails within 24 hours.