2 nd Grade Back to School 2013

1. 2nd Grade Back to School 2013

2. 2nd grade schedule School begins: 8:25 Dismissal (Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.):3:20 Dismissal (Wed.): 2:40 A.M. Recess (Monday-Friday): 10:15 – 10:30 Lunch: 11:40 – 12:20 P.M. Recess (Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.): 1:15 -1:30

3. Specials B1 Monday: Library Tuesday: Gym and Counseling Thursday: Gym and Music Friday: Technology (Ipads) with Mrs. Louk B2 Monday: Gym Tuesday: Library Wednesday: Counseling Thursday: Music and Technology (Ipads) with Mrs. Louk Friday: Gym B5 Tuesday: Counseling and Gym Wednesday: Library Thursday: Gym and Music Friday: Technology (Ipads) with Mrs. Louk

4. B1 – Peanut Free Classroom • B1 is the designated peanut free classroom. • No food or snacks containing peanuts, nuts, or peanut oil, or manufactured in a facility that processes nut items or items using peanut oil will be allowed in the B1 classroom. • Safety is our first concern! • Ideas for Peanut-Free Snacks and Treats/Birthday Treats for B1 Students • Popsicles go-gurts fruit snacks • pre packaged Rice Krispy treats applesauce • Popcorn cheese balls fruit rollups string cheese • Blue Bunny brand of vanilla ice cream sandwiches

5. Homework • The district’s homework policy for 2nd graders is 20-30 minutes per night, so even if your child has finished his/her homework, he/she could still be reading, practicing Spelling words, or reviewing Math concepts. • Every Monday (or Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday), your child will bring home his/her homework folder. • Homework will cover concepts introduced and/or reviewed • in class. • The folder may contain Spelling, Math, Reading, and/or Handwriting practice. • Homework folders should be returned by Friday morning. • Remind your child that he/she does not need to get everything correct on every sheet. Teachers like to see mistakes so they can figure out how to teach better!

6. 2nd Grade Curriculum • Spelling • A list of spelling words will come home every Monday. • Spelling tests will be on Fridays. • Words will begin relatively easy but will become more difficult as the year progresses! • To be successful in Spelling, it is important to practice the words every night! • Reading/A.R. • A.R. book level and point goals will be set quarterly. • Students who achieve these goals will earn an invitation to a celebration. • Students who earn 100 points by the end of May will earn a larger celebration (maybe a limo ride to Dairy Queen!). • Your child should always be reading, reading, reading! • Encourage your child to read non-fiction and fiction books.

7. 2nd Grade Curriculum (continued) • Math • We are adopting a Common Core curriculum this year so math will look differently this year at all grade levels. • Concepts introduced and practiced in 2nd grade include: • time, money, addition and subtraction, geometry, fractions. • Science • Units include Air and Weather; Solids and Liquids; and Insects. • Writing • We will be writing in all of the subject areas. • We hope to have the students journal write every day. • Handwriting/Typing • Handwriting practice prepares students for learning cursive • in 3rd grade. • Learning to type begins in 2nd grade, in preparation for • Smarter Balance testing.

8. Classroom Management • We have high expectations for all of our students and believe that all students deserve the best chance to learn. • We expect 2nd graders to be respectful, responsible, and honest. • We follow Valley View’s discipline guidelines.

9. Tips for Reading with Your Child • Encourage your child to use the pictures! This is not cheating; it’s what good readers do! • Encourage your child to look at the beginning letter. Not all words can be sounded out but the first letter is a good clue to help your child understand what will and will not make sense. • Have your child break the words into parts. Have him/her look for little words they know inside of big words. • Have your child read on. Your child could skip the word he/she is stuck on and read to the end of the sentence. When the sentence is finished, ask him/her what would make sense. • Give your child vocabulary clues. Help him/her make a guess about a new word by telling him/her about the word. • Make sure your child has “just right” books. A book that is too difficult for your child to read will be too frustrating to read and your child may stop trying. • Most importantly – read with your child every day! Reading to your child is just as important as having your child read to you!

10. Miscellaneous Information • Parties • 4 celebrations are usually held in 2nd grade: Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and an end of the year celebration. • Star of the Week • After Winter break, students will have the opportunity to be • “Star of the Week”. • Students will have special responsibilities during their week (line leader, messenger, etc.). • Students may bring Show and Tell during their special week. • More information about this will be sent home around Christmas time.

11. Miscellaneous (continued) • Thank you for “coming” to our Parent Night! • We look forward to a great year of learning and fun! • Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email, call, or drop by to chat with us! • beth_mcwilliams@gfps.k12.mt.us 268-7158 (B1) • cindy_clark@gfps.k12.mt.us 268-7159 (B2) • tara_habel@gfps.k12.mt.us 268-7162 (B5)