Below, you will find some important information about each Specials class and our expectations for this year.
YELP Reviews
- Each class will be rated from 1-5 stars after each Specials class session based on their participation, behavior, and overall attitude.
- Once a class earns enough stars, they will earn a class reward.
Hi there! My name is Ms. Jess. Many of you may already know me, as I have been at GVA North for just about 10 years now. During that time, I taught K-5 STEM and had a two-year stint in 6th-grade science. I want to welcome everyone back for what I know will be another fabulous year here at GVA!
As for my mission as a teacher, I strive to allow and encourage every student to truly be a scientist. My ultimate goal is to spark curiosity while creating an inclusive and supportive environment for every student who walks through my door. Our focus will always be to learn more about the world around us through observation, hands-on activities, fostering curiosity, and the asking of questions.
We hope you’ll come along with us as we explore the planet Earth and beyond in our STEM class this year! Please be sure to consult the specials team newsletters that are sent out monthly via email to see what your student will be focusing on that month with me. I look forward to another amazing year. Thank you for sharing your budding scientist with me!
Hello! I’m Mr. Hilton, commonly known as “Mr. H.”
I am a proud graduate of THE University of Iowa - GO HAWKS!! I am the 2nd of my parents’ 5 sons, however, I am the smallest of the 5 of us.
Welcome to Music!! This is my 3rd year at GVA, but my 35th year of teaching. I have taught music at the K-5, Middle School, High School and at the University levels.
In music there is differentiated instruction according to grade level. Activities are incorporated into lessons to reinforce the concepts introduced and covered.
Please read the monthly Specials Newsletters that are sent via email so you can help your student will be doing each month. I look forward to helping your student succeed.
This year I’ll be focusing on teaching the “Elements of Art” to your students and making sure they learn a broad range of Mediums and Forms of Art.
We will begin with working on shape, lines, color. We will then move into a “Drawing and Perspective” unit.
I am so excited for this year and I can’t wait to create something awesome with the students!
Teaching has always been a passion of mine and I enjoy teaching the kids how to regulate their emotions and communicate them in a way that fits their style.
Throughout the year I will also teach the kiddos how to interact with each other through a variety of social skills and how to accept differences even if they don’t agree. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have a question and I am looking forward to a great year.
Thank you!
For the first couple of weeks we will be going over my procedures in the classroom and outside of the classroom. Before we go outside for lessons, I want to make sure all students are able to participate and for that to happen I need them in the correct shoes.
- For example, any closed toe tennis/athletic shoes will do.
- Crocs will not be acceptable for PE class.
- If the students would like to bring an extra pair of shoes to change into for class then that is fine with me.
- If students do not have the right shoes on for PE, then they will not be able to participate in the lesson for the day. This is for the students' safety.
Also, PLEASE remind students to bring their water bottles to school especially when they have PE that day. It is very hot most days and I want to make sure everyone is staying hydrated:)
3 Classroom Rules: be RESPECTFUL, be RESPONSIBLE, be READY TO LEARN:)
Bathroom Procedure
- One student is allowed in the bathroom at a time.
- Students will take the bathroom pass when they go to the bathroom. This shows me if there is a student in the bathroom.
- When the pass is not in class, I know not to send another student to the bathroom until the pass is back in the classroom.