“Soaring’ Into Second Grade ”

1. “Soaring’ Into Second Grade” Miss McCurdy 2012-2013

2. Learning Focus Classroom • Small class size • More one-on-one and small group instruction by myself as well as Mrs. Izydore(Reading Specialist), Mrs. Dohn(Speech Therapist), Mrs. Long-Meyers(RTII Teacher), Ms. Seery(Special Education Teacher) and Mrs. Pesci(Instructional Aide)

3. Classroom Rules Work quietly. Follow directions. Work and play safely. Respect others’ property. Keep to your own space. Listen to others.

4. 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Clip Up or Clip Down?? Expectations, guideline, and rules are all necessary in a classroom so that order is maintained for students’ learning, they have a feeling of being in a “safe” place, and they have growth in learning acceptable behavior in a social setting with peers. Our class will use a Clip Chart system to recognize daily student behavior. The illustration below is a replica of our room chart. Students will each have a clothespin clip with their name on it. Students’ clips are in the Ready to Learn position to start each day a new.

5. Below is a short explanation of each level. * Ready to Learn At this starting level, students are expected to arrive at school with required materials (book bags, homework, etc.) They are to follow classroom/school rules throughout the day and work appropriately on classroom assignments. This level should be the daily behavior report for students. * Think About It This level indicates the student has been reminded sometime during the day to follow a classroom/school rule, put more effort into class assignments, or to bring homework assignments to school. * Teacher’s Choice This level indicates the student, after being reminded to “Think About” a choice they have made, has continued making wrong choices. I will assign a consequence for the student’s choice that will be most effective in helping the student think about future choices they make. (For example, some students do not like to go out for recess, so to take away part of their recess is not seen as a consequence by them. I would choose another consequence that would help instruct them more on the effect of the choices they make.) 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

6. * Parent Contact This level indicates the student has continued making choices that do not align with expected behaviors to a degree that indicate talking with a parent/guardian is necessary. The contact will be made as soon as possible. A note will be sent home that will need to be signed and returned. A phone call will be made if necessary. * Good Day/Great Job/Outstanding These levels are used only when the student demonstrates behavior/choices above the expected daily behavior in class/school. All students are expected to make good choices. At this level the student has gone beyond that: behavior that is shown to be especially caring, helpful, encouraging and thoughtful to others. * Upward/Downward Movement Students will have the opportunity to move up and down the chart depending on the choices they make throughout the day. **Look daily on your child’s “Second Grade News” sheet for behavioral level. 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

7. Positive School –Wide Behavior At Highlands, we have high expectations for our students. Each day at Fawn, we expect the children to listen and learn. While doing so, we must be sure that all children are safe. So that all children are able to learn in a safe environment, we focus on four main expectations. The children are expected to be R.A.M.S.: Respectful Accountable Motivated Safe ** The “Clip Chart" Behavior plan reinforces the Highlands RAMS expectations

8. Positive School-Wide Behavior • Students will have an opportunity to earn a “Raffle” ticket(s) from any adult in the building.(Including cafeteria workers, custodians, aides, etc.) If a staff member sees your child doing something, Responsible, Acceptable, Motivated, or Safe, they will be given a raffle ticket. • The students will then write their name on the ticket and place it in one of the RAMS Reward Raffle Boxes.(In hallway or in the individual classrooms.) • Once a month at the RAMS Rundown program, raffle tickets will be pulled and students will win various prizes from the Fawn Staff.

9. “3 Cubes Rule!” • We take two “class” bathroom breaks over the course of the day. The first one is after special from 11:20-11:35. and the second one is from 1:00-1:15 P.M. During the “class” bathroom breaks, the students are encouraged to use the bathroom and get a drink. • When the students come in the morning, they are to get 3Unifix Cubes that they keep at their desk. If they have to use the bathroom or want to get a drink another time besides the “class” bathroom break, they put one cube in my basket. Then they have 2 left for the morning and so on. If they have used all of their cubes, then they are not allowed to leave the classroom. **I am lenient with students with medical issues. • In the afternoon, the students start off again with 3 Unifix Cubes. Then it follows as above.

10. The second graders will have the opportunity to complete different classroom jobs throughout the year. The jobs will change each week. * Attendance/Lunch Count Helper: The student will take the Attendance folder to the office and Lunch Count sheet to the cafeteria each morning. * Messenger: The student will take any necessary items(notes, etc.) to the necessary place whether it be the office, cafeteria, another teachers room, etc. * Line Leader: The student will "lead" the class anytime we leave the classroom. * Calendar Helper: The student will "assist" the teacher with the calendar routine. * Paper/Materials Passer: The student will be responsible for distributing any papers, math manipulatives, rulers, calculators, etc. to their classmates. * Lights: The student will be responsible to "turn off" the lights when the class leaves the classroom and "turn on" the lights when the class returns to the classroom.

11. * Board Eraser: The student will be responsible for erasing the chalkboard and dry erase board(s) at the end of the day. * Computer Helper: The student will be responsible for turning "on" the computers in the morning and turning "off" the computers at the end of the day. * Boy Bathroom Monitor: The student will be responsible for making sure only 2 boys from Miss McCurdy's room are in the bathroom at a time. Also, they will be responsible for telling Miss McCurdy when all of the boys are out of the bathroom. * Girl Bathroom Monitor: The student will be responsible for making sure only 2 girls from Miss McCurdy's room are in the bathroom at a time. Also, they will be responsible for telling Miss McCurdy when all of the girls are out of the bathroom.

12. Second Grade News • Be sure to look here so that you know what is happening in our • classroom and school. • The news also serves as a daily assignment sheet. Your child • will also be responsible for writing some of the assignments. • Please sign this sheet after seeing your child’s folder for that day. • Return it daily in your child’s folder. • Your child will circle the behavior level they ended up at the end of the day.

13. Second Grade Classroom Newsletter • The Classroom Newsletter will be sent home each Friday or last day of the week in your child’s graded folder. • Be sure to read it over so that you know what is happening in our classroom and school. • The newsletter contains homework assignments, upcoming events(tests, field trips, etc.), schedule for the week, and a small blurb about what we learned about the previously week in Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. • A Link to the Classroom Newsletter is also on my • homepage.

14. Homework • Homework is usually given daily. The amount of time it should take your child to complete homework should be approximately 20 minutes. • If your child does not understand his/her homework, he/she must make the effort to complete the tasks (even if it is incorrect). The math family letter gives the answers to the home links. • Students are not graded on correct and incorrect answers. They earn a completion grade for completing the homework. This grade is part of their report card grade. Please note that if homework is consistently not completed it could effect their grade. ** Students will have the opportunity to start their homework during “wrap-up” time which is everyday from 2:50-3:10.

15. “Earn and Return Card” • Each student has been given a “Earn and Return” Card that they are to keep in their pencil boxes. • When your child has completed a homework assignment and has their “Second Grade News” paper signed by an adult for the previous night, they will receive a punch on their card. • When your child has received 10 punches on their card, they will be awarded a “Homework Pass” to use for a future assignment. • Your child should check with Miss McCurdy and see if they can use their “Homework Pass” on an assignment of their choice. • If Miss McCurdy agrees, the child must staple the “Homework Pass” onto the assignment and turn it in the next day! • If your child loses the “Homework Pass” another one will not be awarded.

16. Graded Folder • Each Friday, your child will bring home a green folder which will contain your child’s graded papers from the past week. • Inside the folder will be a chart telling you how many assignments for each subject will be in the folder. (Ex: Math +3/3). If your child is missing a paper(s), the number will be less than the total for that week. I will try to indicate what assignment, test, etc. they are missing on the chart. • Please review the paper(s) with your child and sign the chart showing that you saw the graded papers for that week. If the paper does not have a “Sign and Return” sticker or stamp on it, you may keep the graded papers and return the folder with the chart with your child to school the following Monday. • If you have any questions or concerns, write them on the chart where it says, ”Parent Comments” that is in the green folder and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

17. Everyday Math The Highlands School District uses the Everyday Math curriculum in the elementary schools. It emphasizes the application to real world situations. Each lesson includes time for whole-group instruction as well as small group, partner, or individual activities. The program provides numerous methods for basic skills practice and review. These include mental math routines, practice with fact triangles, daily math boxes, homework, and math games. The daily Home Links provide opportunities for family members to be involved. There is a “Family Letter” sent home for each unit or chapter to keep the parents informed about the concepts and vocabulary being taught in the unit. It also contains the answers for the Home Links. Please remember that in Everyday Math some skills may be introduced and they are not expected to be proficient at it at this grade level. Only the secure skills are tested. Everyday Mathematics The Highlands School District uses the Everyday Math curriculum in the elementary schools. It emphasizes the application to real world situations. Each lesson includes time for whole-group instruction as well as small group, partner, or individual activities. The program provides numerous methods for basic skills practice and review. These include mental math routines, practice with fact triangles, daily math boxes, homework, and math games. The daily Home Links provide opportunities for family members to be involved. There is a “Family Letter” sent home for each unit or chapter to keep the parents informed about the concepts and vocabulary being taught in the unit. It also contains the answers for the Home Links. Please remember that in Everyday Math some skills may be introduced and they are not expected to be proficient at it at this grade level. Only the secure skills are tested.

18. Everyday Mathematics Listed below are some of the topics that are covered in the second grade curriculum. Some are secure and others are beginning or developmental skills. • Graphing • Patterns • Numeration • Number facts to 20 • Missing Addends • Problem Solving • Place Value • Counting Money • Telling Time to 5 minutes • Adding and Subtracting 2-digit numbers • Fractions • Geometry • Measurement • Adding and subtracting 2- digit numbers with regrouping • Multiplication –0, 1,2, 5,10

19. Math • Homework: • Homelinks (Review the skills taught that day) • Family Newsletters: • Explanations of skills/concepts • Answer key for “homelinks” • Game ideas for skill practice • Sent home at the beginning of each unit • Mad Minutes: • Later in the year, we will be doing “Mad Minutes” in basic addition and subtraction facts. • Grading: • Generally, only the secure skills will be graded.

20. Language Arts StoryTown is our new PreK-6 reading /language arts program. With surprises around every corner and adventure just down the street, you'll find StoryTown is a great place to read. StoryTown is filled with a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature. Fiction offerings include narratives, poems, plays, and fantasy while nonfiction features contemporary news articles, biographies, research material, and more. The program authors have included a robust vocabulary that helps to create a rich learning environment through carefully selected words. Clearly marked routes allow children to easily traverse Student Edition pages, while instructional planners help teachers navigate daily lessons and differentiate instruction.

21. Spelling • Words are tied in with the current reading story and phonics skill. • New lists will be announced on the Stories Study Guide. • Tests will be announced on our Classroom Newsletter as well as the Second Grade News. • For the tests, students will be asked to write 6 words and dictated sentences 4 sentences to write that go with the weeks words. Students will be graded on spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. Sentences are graded as follows: 1 point for capitalization, 1 point for punctuation, 1 point for applied spelling, and 1 point for the word.

22. Spelling Practice Ideas/Homework See enclosed handout for detailed explanation of each activity. * Spin and Spell(use the enclosed “spinner board”) * Word Scramble * Hang Man * ABC Order * Computer * Letter Tiles * Rhyming Words * Memory Game Spelling Homework Students will be given occasionally. Please review the assignment with your child and make sure it makes it back into the Second Grade folder to be turned in.

23. Reading • Homework will include: • Reading the current story. • Refer to the reading study guides sent home at the start of each new story listing high frequency words and robust vocabulary. • Review meanings of robust vocabulary and encourage the use of these words in daily conversation.

24. Reading Practice Ideas • For High Frequency Words & Vocabulary: • (see enclosed handout for detailed explanation of • activity) • Play “I Spy A Word”, giving clues for each word.(high frequency words) • Say a sentence leaving out the word; your child identifies the missing word.(high frequency words and vocabulary) • Try to create sentences using more than one of the words.(high frequency words and vocabulary) • Put words in ABC order.(high frequency words) • Identify familiar parts, sounds, etc. (high frequency words) • Refer to study guide sent home at the beginning of each story for “robust” vocabulary words and their definitions. Encourage your child to use their “new” vocabulary in conversation during the week.

25. More Reading Practice • Echo Read (You read, then your child “echoes” what you just read) • Choral Read (Reading together at the same time) • Leave out key words for your child to supply as your read. • Identify words pertaining to skill being taught.

26. Grammar/Daily Proofreading • As a part of second grade’s morning work, students will be proofreading daily sentences. Upon completion of the given set of sentences, the work will be sent home for review and the following day the same set of sentences will be completed again as a test. • Please be sure to check the Second Grade Newsletter for test dates.

27. Flex Groups • Beginning end of September/beginning of October • Entire second grade involved • Focus: to improve different components of reading(phonics, fluency, comprehension, etc.) • Students will be grouped by ability level and needs • Daily for approximately 30 minutes • Several staff members leading groups

28. Report Cards • Subject Graded: • * Reading * Social Studies • * Spelling * Science • * Grammar • * Math • Graded Scale: • 100%-90% A 79%-70%C 59% & Below—failing • 89%-80%B 69%-60%D • Misc: • Evaluated every 9 weeks • Class participation and effort are considered when grading. • Homework is small portion of the grade.

29. Miss McCurdy’s Webpage As a communication tool between you and I, I have made a webpage which I change frequently to show what we are learning in Second Grade. Follow the following steps to access Miss McCurdy’s Webpage. 1. Type in www.goldenrams.com into the address bar 2. On the Highlands website at the top left will be a pull down window. Click on “Fawn Primary Center.” 3. When Fawn’s webpage comes up, click on the tab which says “teachers”. 4. Click on “MCCURDY, MELISSA” 5. On the left hand side of our webpage is an index for you to use. ENJOY! HAPPY SURFING!

30. Misc. • Water bottles are permitted. They can be kept on the shelf and used when needed. Please remind your child to take home each night for washing and refilling. **If it becomes a toy or distraction, they will be asked to not bring it back to school. • Scholastic Book Club order forms will be sent home periodically. Be sure to send a check(Made out to Scholastic Book Club) or money order if ordering. NO CASH please. • If you are going to send home “Birthday” Invitations through the school, only send them in if everyone in the class is invited.(School Policy)

31. Closing • Questions? • Thank You for attending! I am looking forward to a great year with you and your child! • Feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail: • Phone: (724) 224-4844, ext. 3 • E-mail: • mmcurdy@ goldenrams.com