6th-8th Grade Student/Parent Welcome Letter

Greetings students and parents to another great year at Providence Christian Academy!  My name is Mr. Mayfield, and I have been given the honor to teach 6^th through 8^th grade Latin.  I am excited about being a part of such an outstanding, Christ-centered school. 

I would like to take a moment to share some expectations for the coming year.

Materials: The students are expected to bring the following items to class each day:

Ø  Latin notebook, Ecce Romani textbook, Ecce Romani: Language Activity Book (LAB – stored in the front pocket of the notebook), flashcards

Ø  notebook paper, pencils with erasers (necessary for Latin/no pens in Latin for daily work), blue/red ink pen (for corrections), PCA Planner, a high level of concentration, and a GREAT attitude.

Ø  Items needed for occasional use: color pencils, Bullfinch’s Mythology, Holy Bible (students will be told in advance when to bring these)

Grades:

Homework: Much of the coursework will be accomplished in class.  However, there will be occasions for homework.  One of the most valuable types of homework is the review that all students should do of work covered in class each day (this is CRITICAL for Latin).  A little study time set aside each night to review vocabulary and grammar will cut back on time spent “cramming” for quizzes and tests, and aid the student for the duration of their Latin studies (i.e. 6^th grade grammar and vocabulary is still used and necessary to know in 8^th grade).  Each student is responsible for logging the assigned work for the day in their PCA Planner.

Discipline: Classroom discipline is guided by the schools discipline policy outlined in the student handbook, along with the “T.H.U.M.B.s Up for Good Discipline” covered during orientation, and summarized below:

Ø  T – Tardy – You must be in your seat writing down the day’s objectives when the bell rings.

Ø  H – Homework – Late homework is any homework not submitted when the teacher calls for it.  If late, it will be penalized 10%, an additional deduction of 10% is made for every day that passes before it is turned in.

Ø  U – Uniform – Follow PCA’s uniform guidelines.

Ø  M – Materials – All materials must be brought daily to class, unless directed otherwise by the teacher.

Ø  B – Behavior – We are here to pursue excellence in learning for the glory of God.  Disruptive or disrespectful behavior from one student disrupts the entire class.

Infractions in areas covered by “T.H.U.M.B.s Up” will be noted in the student’s PCA planner by the corresponding initial and a checkmark. 

Preparation: Each student is created in the likeness and the image of God, thus they are a priceless treasure.  Students and teachers affect the learning environment.  Knowing this, I will come prepared to class daily, anxious to see every student.  If at any time, you see ways that I may improve in this, feel free to speak with me.  As a teacher, I am still learning, and seek to be a lifelong learner. Continually pray that we may glorify God in all that we do during the school year

I encourage you to seek the Lord in all things.  I am constantly reminded of Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”  It is by His strength, wisdom, and power that we are here. May every action and word bring God glory.

All classroom rules and procedures are in place to create a safe and productive learning environment.  It is up to all of us to make it an environment that is honoring to God, and brings Him glory.

1. Enter the classroom prepared and ready to learn.  Have all of your supplies ready for the day.  Use the restroom facilities before class begins (leaving the classroom is a distraction, and results in the student missing information). 
2. On days when a test or quiz is given, bring something to work on after the assessment such as homework, flashcards, or a book to read.  No one will be allowed to leave the room while others are testing or taking a quiz.
3. Be in your assigned seat copying down the day’s objectives when the bell rings.  The objectives for the day will be posted on the overhead projector, along with instructions for the next procedure in class.  Use a clean sheet of paper with the day’s date in the upper-right-hand corner to write down the objectives.  This will be the information used for your tests.
   1. Example:

                                                              i.      Objective – Give the location and purpose for the home of the gods.

                                                            ii.      Test Question – Describe the home of the gods.

1. If we are to enter the hallway as a class (to go to or from science, assemblies, Monday prayer), do so with respect for the other classes that we will pass.
2. In case of an emergency (fire drill/tornado) we will proceed with the emergency procedures.  Please move without speaking to the assigned area.  Role will be taken once we have reached that location, so stay with the class.  Speaking during a drill will result in a check.
3. My pet peeve – DO NOT throw trash away as if you are playing basketball, during class.  Trash needs to be walked over to the trash can and disposed of properly.  Tossing it is a distraction to the class.
4. Snacks and drinks need to be consumed before class starts.  Water and other clear liquids may be consumed during class, but must be in a closed container such as a bottle or cup that can be closed.  Eating during class is not allowed due to cleanliness of the room, and ability to engage in conversation immediately when called upon.

By signing below, you are simply stating that you have read and understand the above information.

Student Signature: __________________________________