SALVETE, LATINI DISCIPULI!!!!

Mrs. Wise’s Classes
Latin I, II, III, IV

“…Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of heaven as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” Luke 18:17

Dear Trinity Parents and Students:
I am excited about teaching for another year at Trinity and look forward to seeing the returning students again and welcoming some new faces. Since I will be teaching Latin I, II, III, and IV this year, I will attempt to encompass all the information in one letter as most of my requirements and procedures will be the same for each course.

Supplies: You will need (1) a section of a large looseleaf notebook designated for each subject. Include (2) PLENTY of lined paper so that you do not have to borrow from a classmate. You will need to bring (3) THREE sharpened pencils every day. DO NOT take time out of the class session for sharpening your pencils. This takes time away from everyone. Come prepared. If you are using lead pencils, ensure that you have plenty of lead. You will need (4) several packages of index cards for making flashcards for the vocabulary words in each unit.
Homework: Because we only meet twice a week, it is essential that each child complete his/her homework. Homework is designed to cover several days’ work. I distribute a syllabus at the beginning of every unit. The syllabus will include information about what we will be doing in our class lessons and what the home assignments will be. Keep these in your notebook. I will also write homework assignments on the board and discuss them, as well as post them on my blog. SO-OOO, no one should be able to say, “I didn’t know what the homework was”! Right? If you have trouble with the homework, email or call me about it. Points will be deducted from your grade if you do not complete your home assignment. Parents will be contacted after two missed assignments. You may go online to the Cambridge website for extra help: www.cambridgescp.com/page.php?p=clc%5Etop%Ehome
Classroom Conduct: Fortunately, we do not have behavioral problems at Trinity! Occasionally, a student may become a little loquacious (good Latin derivative meaning “talkative”) and I have to remind him or her to be more taciturn (another good Latin derivative meaning “quiet” or “reserved.”) If this becomes a habit, then I will contact parents. Any further progression would require a parent and administrative conference. I do not anticipate the need for this.
I expect every student to participate in our lessons and to ask questions if he or she does not understand a concept. It is important not to let confusion fester until it results in a poor test grade. The atmosphere of our classroom is one of respect, which means that we value the opinions and expressions of our peers – and, of course, the teacher!
I want to add a personal note about tardiness to class. PLEASE ensure that you arrive at classes on time. It is disruptive for ba student to walk into a session late.
Grades: The year’s curricula will be distributed on the first day of school.
Grades for each semester are cumulative, and both semesters will be averaged together at the end of the year. Tests are returned at the next class period following the test.
Latin I: A vocabulary quiz is given at the beginning of each unit, and then a unit test is given at the end of each unit focusing on vocabulary, grammar, derivatives, culture, and translation.
Latin II, III, IV: One or two vocabulary quizzes are given at the beginning of each lesson and then a unit test is given at the end of each unit focusing on vocabulary, grammar, derivatives, culture, and translation.
Absences: Needless to say, because we only meet twice a week, it is imperative that each child attempt to attend every session. If you should miss a class, you will have the syllabus to ensure that you can continue with the assignments at home. If you miss a test, you should be prepared to make it up on the day you return.
Contacting me: Communication is vital for success. If you need to contact me, please email me at teacherwiseowl@gmail.com or call me at 524-2031. I will be more limited in my availability for extra tutorials than I have been in the past because of another teaching responsibility. If you need help, you may come to sessions at 8am on the Wednesdays when Trinity holds classes. (See calendar.) It is important that you contact me about your attendance prior to class so that I will anticipate your arrival. Because there will be four levels of Latin, you will need to have specific questions so that I can help you. As much as I would like to do so, I will be unable to offer private sessions.
How to Have a Successful Year: Come to class ON TIME prepared with notebook, paper, text, and sharpened pencils. Have your homework neatly completed. Keep your notebook organized. Each hand-out should be placed on top of the previous one in the looseleaf notebook so that the most recent is on top. Make flashcards for words in each stage. At the end of each unit, you may place a large paper clip around the completed stage. (But leave it in the notebook in case you need it for reference.) Participate in class and ask questions when you do not understand a concept. Review nightly particularly your flashcards.

I am looking forward to working with all of you.
Sincerely,
Carol Wise