Queridos estudiantes,

Before we begin this journey together, I want you to think about one important question:

¿Por qué estás tomando esta clase?

Your answer matters. Whether you are taking AP Spanish Language and Culture or Heritage Spanish 1, this class is about much more than a grade. It is about finding your voice in Spanish, challenging yourself, connecting with others, and discovering the power of language and culture.

For my AP Spanish students, you may be here to challenge yourself, prepare for the AP exam, strengthen your communication skills, or become more confident using Spanish in the real world. Whatever your reason, I want you to leave this class with more than an AP score. I want you to be able to communicate, analyze, connect, and express your ideas in Spanish with confidence.

For my Heritage Spanish students, I want you to remember:

Tu español es un recurso. Tu español es parte de tu historia. Tu español importa. You may speak Spanish with your family, understand it better than you speak it, or feel more comfortable speaking than reading and writing. There is no single way to be a heritage Spanish speaker. This class is not about telling you that your Spanish is “wrong.” It is about building on what you already know and helping you develop the Spanish you need in academic, professional, and everyday settings.

For all of you, remember that learning a language is not about being perfect. You will make mistakes, forget words, and sometimes wonder, “¿Qué significa esto?” That is okay! Mistakes are not evidence that you cannot learn; they are evidence that you are learning. Trust the process. Language acquisition takes time. Every conversation, reading, discussion, song, story, presentation, and writing assignment gives you another opportunity to grow. Our lessons are intentionally designed to help develop your skills.

I encourage you to use the language outside our classroom—when you listen to music, watch movies, talk with family and friends, or hear Spanish in your community. Use it to learn about different cultures and perspectives, connect with others, and learn more about yourself.

I have been a language educator for eighteen years and am beginning my nineteenth year. Teaching languages continues to be something I genuinely love. For eight years, I was part of the COACH Foreign Language Project, a nonprofit organization focused on professional development for language educators. I have also had the privilege of coaching teachers and mentoring university students preparing to become educators. Outside of teaching, I am a mom to two incredible children, a salsa dancer, a hiker, a reader, and a volunteer at a dog shelter in Long Beach.

As your teacher, I don't expect you to know everything or speak perfect Spanish. I expect you to try. Be curious. Be respectful. Take risks. Ask questions. Support one another. Celebrate your progress. And when something feels difficult, don't give up on yourself.

I am excited to see where this year takes us. ¡Bienvenidos a nuestra comunidad!

Con cariño,

Maestra Vallejo ❤️

If you need help come to our Spanish tutorials: 

• Tuesdays -  Heritage Spanish 1
• Thursdays - AP Spanish Language
• Fridays - AP Spanish Literature
• Make an appointment after school.

Don’t forget to check our calendar on google classroom if you are absent for assignments you may have missed.