Welcome back to school! I hope you all had a wonderful summer. I am incredibly happy and grateful to the another opportunity to teach your child this year. As your teacher, I have planned an exciting and informative year for my students. Please take some time to review the class syllabus with my rules, procedures, and expectations. As always, let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to another successful school year.
Thanks for your support!
~Mr. Hockwater
Course Description
Character Education is an exciting new course that seeks to instill good qualities in students and create the leaders of tomorrow. Students will complete the “Leader in Me” program, which includes lessons on being proactive, planning for the future, making priorities, and building strong positive relationships with others. Class will include strong team and character building games and activities, as well as lessons on these and other life skills and tips. Spanish 4/5 is an introductory Spanish course meant to give students a taste of the Spanish language and culture. Students will build their Spanish speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Some major topics of study that will be explored in this course include the Spanish alphabet, numbers, colors, greetings and introductions, gender of nouns, noun and adjective agreement, and simple Spanish syntax/sentence structure. Students will also learn about the history, people, and cultures of Spanish speaking countries, with an emphasis on Latin American countries and Mexico.
NOTE 1: 1/2 of class time will be devoted to Character Education and 1/2 to learning the basics of Spanish.
NOTE 2: Character Education/Spanish is NOT a graded course. Thus, it will not show up on your report card/eSchool. Since this class does not count for a grade, there will be no homework, tests, quizzes, etc. However, I may occasionally ask students to complete brief assignments.
NOTE 3: Although this course may not count for a grade, I still expect students to participate fully and pay attention. They should treat this class as if it were any other class.
Rules, Procedures, & Expectations
No talking out of turn; Speak only when spoken to by me. Always be sure to raise your hand if you have a question, comment, or concern. We do not have time to entertain side conversations this year. We need to be ultra focused on the one day I see you. If I have to ask a student to be quiet more than three times I will issue that student a demerit slip. If constant talking becomes an issue, I will notify parents.
Remain seated and focused during instruction. Please no aimlessly wandering the classroom or multiple trips to the tissue box, garbage, or pencil sharpener.
Listen carefully to directions. Your eyes should be on me when I am talking.
Come prepared to class with all of your materials (notebook, folder, pen/pencil, etc.). In the event that you forget your materials/supplies, you may look on with another student or borrow their supplies.
RESPECT. Students are expected to respect themselves, teachers and staff, fellow students, and school property. I strive to create a welcoming, inclusive, accepting, and supportive classroom environment where all students are encouraged to participate and actively construct their learning.
Any assignments given will be completed diligently and on time.
NOTE: Parents, you have done a great job raising incredibly kind, respectful, and responsible children. I expect them to exhibit these good qualities in my classroom. If a significant behavioral issue ever arises, I will contact you immediately to resolve it.