Welcome Letter 2023-2024

Mr. Owens 6th Grade Homeroom

Good morning and Welcome Parents and Students of Escambia Christian School. We are excited to kick off the 2023-2024 school year!  My name is Mr. Richard Owens and I will be the 6th Grade Homeroom teacher for the year. Along with 6th Grade Homeroom I will also work with the Middle School students in Social Studies and Science.

 Before going into expectactions for the school year allow me a moment to introduce myself. I am originally from Central Alabama; we moved down to the Pensacola area in 2017 and abosulutely love the Gulf Coast. Married for 18 years my wife and I have a wonderful 8 year old daughter. I graduated from Auburn University of Montgomery in 2013. Both of my parents were teachers and growing up I was blessed with the opportunity to watch and learn from them during their tenures in Education. God has allowed me the privilege to work with young people in a variety of settings during the years; I am both humbled by this while at the same time well aware of the importance of those opportunities. My personality is one that helps me to bring 110% effort each and every day to everything I take on in life. This mentality is one that has been fostered through years of coaching, playing, and learning with other driven and successful individuals. Your chidren deserve nothing less than our absolute best effort to help put them in positions to learn, grow, and be successful now and later in life. This is a process that takes dedication and discipline along with a positive attitude to achieve the desired results.

 Together we are a team of parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors who are working to setup and support these amazing young people as they learn this school year. When we work togther as a cohesive team towards a common goal it is incredible what we can accomplish! Before we get into a few of the expectations for the class this year I ask each of you to pause and reflect on this last statement. I would appreciate each of us to make a commitment to these young people for the upcoming year to help provide them with the support they need to achieve their goals and dreams.

During the first couple of days back to school the students and I will work together to build a social contract for the upcoming year. This will include classroom rules and expectations for the year; this format is one that allows for a higher buy in from the students. Along with a social contract they will also receive a syllabus to give each student the chance to see the objectives for the school year. Please work to ensure that each student is accomplishing tasks for homework and studying for quizes and exams. Last minute studying and rushing to accomplish tasks will not be as effective to reaching their goals.

 Communication is huge when it comes to successful teams.  Please reach out earlier rather than later with any issues or problems. It is so much easier to correct something when it is minor and early. Thank you for reading this welcome letter and for your commitment to creating opportunities for your children. Together we will work to foster an environment of learning and growth where we help your child develop into the person that accomplishes their dreams and goals!

Sincerely

Mr. Richard Owens