ASL 1

American Sign Language

VHMS 2018-2019
Teacher: Mrs. Christa Kelley
Email: christakelley@alpinedistrict.org
Room: F-127
Welcome back to ASL! I am excited to start another year with you and
dive deeper into the language and culture of American Sign Language. We
will continue to learn and expand our knowledge of the language, culture
and history. My goal is to help expand your understanding and confidence
in understanding and “speaking” the language. Everyone learns at a different rate and in different
ways. An important aspect of our classroom is to make sure we all feel SAFE in class and around each
other. As you put forth your best effort to learn I will do my best to help you learn the language and
enjoy the adventure as we go through it together.
Contact Information: If you need to contact me, the best way is through email. I do my best to
respond to emails in a timely manner typically within a 24 hour period. I will be in three different
classrooms this year, which is why email will be the best. If it is an urgent matter, please call the
school’s main number and they will know which room I will be in at any given time.
Materials: Everyday students need to bring the following to class:
* Pen or pencil
* Notebook to take notes and for in-class assignments (needs to be able to tear out paper)
* Pocket folder or binder for keeping handouts, notes, assignments etc.
* 1-2 dry erase marker (dark colors are best)
* A positive attitude

Class Policies:
* Respect: Please be respectful of the other students in class as well as the teacher. This includes not
distracting other students in class and respecting the teacher and the lessons and activities that have
been planned. This year, the orchestra teacher Mrs. Braithwaite, is one of the teachers kindly sharing
their classrooms with me. Please be respectful of the various items in her classroom and do not touch
or play with anything that is in her room that is not part of our class. Please keep your hands, feet and
everything else off the instruments and out of the lockers.

* No voice policy. Leave your voice at the door! The best way to learn a new language is to immerse
yourself in it. As a result I am asking that no voices be used in class (except for specific times which will
be discussed in class).

* Cell Phones or earbuds stay in a backpack out of sight. ASL is a visual language and any distractions
mean missing important information. Cell phones are a distraction to all those in class. There will not
be a need for students to have phones out during class. If I see a student with a cell phone or earbuds I
will first give a warning and then I will take the phone and/or earbuds and keep them until the end of
class. If the cell phones and/or earbuds continue to be an issue the parent or guardian of the student
will be notified with regards to the continuing disruptions. If your parent or guardian needs to get
ahold of you in case of an emergency they can contact the front office and the office will call you
down.

Attendance: Most of the material for this class will be learned during class, so attendance is important.
School attendance policy will be followed. For more information please see the student handbook.

Participation: ASL is a visual language and as a result participation is of utmost importance. Students
will need to come to class prepared and ready to engage with me as well as their classmates. Students
will be given participation points each day. Students simply cannot learn by watching, they need to
participate in the activities in class. Participation will be a large part of your student’s grade.

Late Work: Late work will be accepted, but points will be taken off for each “A” day past due. If you
have an excused absence the day the work is due you can turn it in your first day back to class for full
points.

Make-up Work: An absence must be excused for make-up work to receive full credit. Once a student
returns to class after missing multiple days you will have 1 week to turn the work in for full points.
After that week points will be docked accordingly. When you are given the make-up work I will give
you the specific due date. If you know that you will be missing class (ex. extracurricular activity) you
are always welcome to turn work in before the work is due.

Classroom Rules:
*Be in your seat when the bell rings and be ready to do our daily starter activity.
*Cell phones, earbuds, other electronic devices stay in a backpack out of sight
*Participate in class (I promise learning ASL will be fun)
*Be respectful and responsible to everyone in class including all students, teacher and yourself.
*No putdowns. The goal is for this class to be a “safe zone” for everyone.

Homework, Assignments and Quizzes: Because ASL is a visual language, a lot of the homework
assignments and quizzes will involve the student recording themselves in order to show their
progression with the language. The student will then upload the video to Canvas (you will more about
this the first few weeks of school) and submit it to me for points and grading. If you do not have
access to a cell phone or computer with a web camera at home, please let me know when the
assignment is made. This will give us enough time to figure out an alternative. Homework,
assignments & quizzes along with participation will make up your grade each term. If you have any
questions or concerns please do not hesitate to email me.

Grading: Students will be graded based on the following:

* Participation and preparation (due to the nature of ASL participation in class is crucial)
* Tests and quizzes
* Homework, assignments and projects as assigned

Grading Scale: A= 94-100% A- =90-93% B+= 87-89% B= 84-86%

B- = 80-83% C+ = 77-79% C= 74-76% C- = 70-73%
D+ = 67-69% D= 64-66% D - = 60-63% F= 0-59%
 American Sign Language Disclosure Document 2018-2019

Please sign and return this portion of the disclosure document

STUDENTS:
I, _____________________________, have read this disclosure document and agree to follow classroom
policies and procedures as outlined.
SIGNATURE: ________________________Period :_________ DATE: _____________

PARENT or GUARDIAN:
I, _____________________________, have read this disclosure document for my student and am
supportive of this document’s policies and procedures.
SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________ DATE: _____________

American Sign Language Disclosure Document 2017-2018

Please sign and return this portion of the disclosure document

STUDENTS:
I, _____________________________, have read this disclosure document and agree to follow classroom
policies and procedures as outlined.
SIGNATURE: ________________________Period :_________ DATE: _____________

PARENT or GUARDIAN:
I, _____________________________, have read this disclosure document for my student and am
supportive of this document’s policies and procedures.
SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________ DATE: _____________