Welcome to Latin III Pre-AP!
In Latin III, you will continue your adventure into the realm of the classics and read real Latin from famous Roman authors. Not only will you read, speak, and analyze Latin, you will become better acquainted with the history, mythology, politics, and culture of the ancient world! You also have the unique opportunity to connect, compete, and network with other scholars, locally and globally, through (optional) membership in the Westlake Latin Club and JCL. With the all that you will acquire on your journey through the classics, you will gain invaluable and relevant skills for your own journey through high school and beyond.
Course Description Through the Cambridge Series, we will continue to emphasize comprehension of the Latin language through reading and, thus, gain a greater understanding of the social and political history of the Romans. This year we will learn to read authentic works by Roman authors in the Latin language, as well as develop an acquaintance with the Roman world. In the Spring semester, we begin the AP material. Upon completion of Latin III Pre-AP, you will be prepared for Latin IV AP.
Materials needed for class
Your school-issued iPad, a Latin binder/organizer, paper, pens & pencils, a red pen or pencil for correcting, dry erase markers, ear buds or head phones, a USB to Lightning cable so that you can use the charging station, 2 boxes of kleenex, and all distributed digital/printed materials. At times, other supplies like markers, highlighters, etc. may also be required. Certain Apps and Home Screen “Links” on your iPad will also be required, as needed.
All students have digital access to the text and online resources via the Cambridge Elevate website and app on their iPad. The app also contains on offline web-book, so students may have access to the book on their iPads, even when they do not have WiFi access.
Class Expectations
- Be respectful, kind, & honest
- Be on time & ready-to-go
- Be the mindful creator of your work
Class Procedures
- Homework is due electronically by 8am
- Give it your best, even if it is new or challenging
- Use the published & posted calendars to plan & keep up with your work
- Expect & be patient with tech issues, yours & mine
- Be responsible with the iPads, class materials and texts, & the furniture
- Follow all school rules, policies, & procedures
Grading Procedures *1 daily & 1 quiz grade will be dropped @ the end of each grading period
Daily (homework, class work, participation, etc.) 10%
Quiz (vocabulary/grammar quizzes, projects, etc.) 30%
Major (tests & projects) 60%
The World Language Department's re-testing policy allows a student who fails a test to re-test 1 time each grading period for up to a 70. For details about the policy, read the PDF below and/or ask your teacher.
Test corrections are an opportunity to show learning after the fact and, if submitted with a parent’s signature, will also earn points back on any test. Magistra will not promise what you might earn for your effort, but a parent’s signature is worth at least one point. Please ask for help in tutorial or class, use your notes and textbook, use my posted resources, and/or search google for the correct answer when you are working on test corrections. The idea is to help you learn and move forward with your studies, not to penalize mistakes.
Make-up Work Your work is your responsibility. Online assignments can be submitted anywhere you have internet access or data-plan access. If you miss class but are present for other classes/activities, you are still responsible for assignments or projects due that day. For school-related absences, make arrangements for make-up work BEFORE you leave. Missed quizzes/tests will most likely be in the Testing Center. School policy allows 2 days for each day that a student is absent. Ask me about an alternate make-up schedule if you miss several days and get over-loaded in all of your classes. Fair Warning: all missing grades are entered as a 1 after I grade the assignment and find any missing. I will replace the 1 with your actual grade once your make up work is submitted and graded.
Need Help? I offer tutorial on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning, and students are welcome to drop-in any time my door is unlocked. If you want to guarantee that I am there, email me to ask for an appointment.
Latin Club Join the 2019 award-winning Latin Club! Your annual $20 dues cover membership in the local JCL chapter, the Texas State JCL, and the National JCL, as well as the cost of the National Latin Exam and membership in the National Latin Honor Society for students who have an 89.5 average in Latin. Latin Club provides leadership opportunities & a chance to participate in activities such as: club banquet, Blazer Tag, service projects, Area F convention (February 22-23, St. Andrew's Upper School on Southwest Pkwy), our co-hosted State Convention (April 5-6 at Anderson HS), and National Convention (July 26-July 31, North Dakota State U in Fargo), regional Certamen competitions, as well as competitions sponsored by the JCL aside from convention, and any other activities students may want to do (within reason).
Got talent? Bring it to Latin Convention! Every Latin student is highly encouraged to join and participate in the JCL, but membership is voluntary. Only JCL members may run for office or participate in events, competitions, national exams, and NLHS. Only officers attend meetings, and no time commitment is required of Club members, aside from the time spent signing up. We will, however, need help with planning and running the State Convention, so there are also lots of opportunities for Service Hours! For more information, just ask!