First Week of School

"I am the luckiest teacher ever!".  Did your children tell you that I told them that several times this week?  Did they tell you I called other teachers in their classrooms to share that amazing news?  Did they tell you I told Mr. Coon? It is true.  I am the luckiest teacher ever.

We have had a great start in room 14!  I am very grateful for this wonderful group of students who have worked hard in the heat, and the long days, to be a kind group together.  They are fun and I see many strengths in each of them, and collectively, already.

Thank you to all the families who visited our classroom at Open House on August 27.  I appreciated the chance to meet and make a connection before starting our journey together this year.  Also, your UDL projects have been an engaging way for me to be introduced to your children.  I have thoroughly enjoyed reviewing poems, pamphlets, lists, essays, videos, photographs, etc...they are so thoughtful and creative!  Thank you also for your very helpful donations; it's amazing how many wipes we use in 2nd grade keeping ourselves and our materials clean!

This week we have been busy getting to know each other and establishing our class norms along with building routines and relationships.  We have been working hard to answer and demonstrate what it looks like and sounds like to be Respectful, Mindful and Cooperative throughout our day.  Did you know we earned a total of 250 Marky Marks during the first 3 days?  I'm sure our first class celebration will be coming soon!  More specifically, you can ask your child about:

• Growing our brains in math by solving mazes, seeing numbers within dot pattern quantities and making pictographs of opposite qualities.
• Our read aloud picture books to help build community:  Mary Wore Her Red Dress, Me First!, First Day Jitters, Giraffes Can't Dance, Chrysanthemum, Wednesday Surprise, Recess Queen and My Teacher's Secret Life.
• Playing different TAG games outside with all 4 second grade classes.
• Making models of our "best" drawn person and our "best" written name.
• Attending our creative arts classes for the first time.
• The STEM "Paper Chain Challenge" where we worked in teams to create a paper chain for our classroom.  Our chain totaled 80 links and measured 1021 cm in length!

Please note that we will have our first field trip on Friday, September 14 to Oakledge Park to celebrate International Dot Day as a whole 2nd grade.  We will leave school at 8:45 am and return to school in time for the early release dismissal at 12:30 pm.  This does include eating a bag lunch at Oakledge Park.  More specific information will be coming soon.  Chaperones are not needed at this time for this trip.

Enjoy the 3 day weekend with your families.
Steph Hockenbury

August Welcome Back Letter

Welcome to Second Grade! August 3, 2018 My name is Mrs. Hockenbury and I’m so excited to be your teacher this year! This summer I have enjoyed spending time with Mr. Hock, Eddie, Ryan, Casey, Nana and Bindi. I have also enjoyed setting up our classroom in room 14! I am looking forward to hearing about your summer and getting to know you! Our school year will start with team building, fun writing activities, creative problem solving and interesting books. This year we will also explore earth changes, plants and regions of the United States. We will spend time together with our second grade team at school and on field trips. The first few days of school can be warm, so please bring in a water bottle along with a daily, healthy snack in your backpack. I will supply you with a home/school folder, subject area folders, and creative school supplies. I will start the year using email to communicate with families until our class blog is available. Please send me a quick note to shockenbury@sbschools.net so I can gather your family’s contact information. Enjoy the rest of the long days, the warmth of the summer sun and dream about the upcoming learning adventures ahead this year! I will see you at Open House on Monday, August 27 between 1:30-3:00. Sincerely, Mrs. Hock Possible Classroom Donations: *Baby Wipes (not clorox or lysol) *Tissues *Black sharpies *Pencils

Welcome to Second Grade!

Hello! My name is Stephanie Hockenbury. My students and colleagues call me either Mrs. Hockenbury or Mrs. Hock. I’m thrilled to be starting my 20th year in the South Burlington School District! I have been a classroom teacher at both Orchard School and Chamberlin School. I have also been a math coach at Chamberlin School. Not only do I get to teach in this great community, but I live here as well. I have 3 sons who also attended Rick Marcotte Central School—just like you! Eddie is a student at UVM, Ryan just graduated from SBHS and Casey will be in 8th grade at FHTMS. Nana also lives with us and we have a labradoodle named Bindi. Here is a recent picture of me with my family.

 I enjoy being active. I love to watch and participate in a lot of different sports activities. I also like to read, solve puzzles, bake and hang out with family & friends. I’m looking forward to building our classroom community together as we get to learn about each other. 😊Mrs. Hock