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     Hello everyone:  
     
    Hope you are having a great time, alternating between rest and exciting activities... I am trying to do the same...but... I want to make sure all information is shared correctly and in a timely matter --- we are still connected even if we do not see each other 5 times a week :)
     
    Most of you already know that there is a summer assignment to be completed before the official start of the 2017-18 school year.  As a reminder, instructions and detailed information is on Classroom - for now known as "Summer for juniors 2017"
     
    *** Remember that you can only access Classroom through your school email--- if you check it you will see that you have already been "invited" to join the class - Please do so by the start of August so you can pace yourself! 
     
     I invite all my students to join our Google Classroom -  the code for this year's Junior class is:   luqx2g
     
     
     
         For your information- here are my expectations for this year and our plan:

         As you know, Level 4 of our Italian language program is considered an Honors class and the first part of your preparation for the Advanced Placement course in senior year. The level of instruction as well as your work will be weighed accordingly.  It is also a college-approved course.  If you choose, you can register with the “University in the High School Program” offered through SUNY Albany, and this will allow you to earn four (4) college credits upon successful completion of the course.

    Course objectives:

         This course is an elective … and if you elected to take on the new level of learning, it is with the understanding that you will be seriously working on improving your concrete understanding and use of the language in all its forms (grammar, expressions, cultural nuances).  It is expected that we use the language orally on a daily basis, therefore YOU will be expected to “speak up” constantly.

         We will review and learn new grammar points that will help achieve the higher degree of fluency and comprehension that is expected at this level, therefore…. NOW is the time to MEMORIZE those verb forms!!!  During the course of the year, we will read and discuss authentic materials such as plays, short stories and current events. We will take a look at cultural expressions within Italian cinema and music (both contemporary and classical), you will be involved in a number of research projects, and you will be working with classmates on some original creations of your own.

    ***Note ….  the pace of our lessons this year will be quite a bit more accelerated than for sophomore year.  You will be expected to work on your own and to study and learn new materials responsibly. I am here to show, explain, teach….but it is up to you to work on absorbing and incorporating it. The “repetitive” work must be done at home, using your most effective techniques, while we work with the material and manipulate it in class.  That’s what this course is about and I expect that you are all up to the challenge!

    Assignments and grading:

         Many assignments will be ongoing, requiring daily readings and feedback as per the schedule we agree upon. Other assignments will be of a more specific technical nature (such as grammar rules and forms to be mastered). All students are required to respect deadlines and to follow through on daily assignments. It is also the individual student’s responsibility to obtain and complete all missed work as soon as possible.  Incomplete assignments will affect your grade and late work will only be accepted–at my discretion- when caused by valid circumstances.  If help is needed, I am always available after school for clarification and support…do not hesitate to ask!

         Evaluation for the course is based on four major components:

    • participation in class discussions and mandatory oral presentations
    • research assignments/reports
    • test and quizzes
    • original written assignments

    All these components are of equal importance to obtaining your best possible results, so do not neglect any assignment!

     

    Use of technology- in the classroom and at home:

         It is my goal this year to integrate more use of technology both during class time and for student assignments. We will work more on our district- approved network- Google Classroom. Here you will to do work collaboratively on task and get involved in oral presentations that are done at home. Such tasks are intended to give you a greater sense of comfort and allow for more opportunities to use the language orally- which is always difficult for many. We will work with the system as often as possible.

    Final Note:  The Internet, translation and “original” works:

         In an honors class such as this, it is expected that all students work with diligence and honesty at all times. You will be asked to present original thoughts and writings in Italian, and although there are numerous sources available on-line for translation, YOU MAY NOT use them to convert your thoughts and complex phrases into Italian! Use of these programs- which use others’ words and linguistic terms- is the same as plagiarism!

         There are some approved “dictionary” sources that you are encouraged to consult for vocabulary and phrases (such as www.wordreference.com), but you MAY NOT have entire sentences or paragraphs translated with such help! If there is ever a question about the “authenticity” of your material, be advised that disciplinary action will be taken!

                  Teacher contact information:  paolina.fusco@wcsdny.org   Tel: 897-6700, ext. 30016