American Academy 2008-2009 2 nd Grade Handbook

1. American Academy 2008-2009 2nd Grade Handbook

3. Which Parent Are You? “I got two A’s,” the small boy cried. His voice was filled with glee. His father very bluntly asked, “Why didn’t you get three?” “Mom, I’ve got the dishes done,” The girl called from the door. Her mother very calmly said, “Did you sweep the floor?” “I’ve mowed the grass,” the tall boy said. “And put the mower away.” His father asked him, with a shrug, “Did you clean off the clay?” The children in the house next door Seem happy and content. The same things happen over there, But this is how it went: “I got two A’s,” the small boy cried. His voice was filled with glee. His father proudly said, “That’s great!” I’m glad you belong to me.” “Mom, I’ve got the dishes done,” The girl called from the door. Her mother smiled and softly said, “Each day I love you more.” “I’ve mowed the grass,” the tall boy said. “And put the mower away.” His father answered him with much joy, “You’ve made my happy day.” Children deserve a little praise For tasks they’re asked to do. If there’s to be a happy life, So much depends on you!

4. American Academy Curriculum2nd Grade Reading OPEN COURT READING: Phonemic Awareness Connecting letters to their sounds Systematic, Explicit Phonics Applying the links between letters and sounds to printed words Fluency Reading effortlessly with speed, accuracy, and expression Vocabulary learning word meanings to build comprehension Text Comprehension Thinking actively before, during, and after reading Social Studies Core Knowledge Curriculum: Ancient India Ancient China Japan Today Ancient Greece Making the Constitution The War of 1812 Americans Move West The Civil War Immigration and Citizenship Civil Rights Leaders Geography of the Americas

5. MATH • Saxon Math Program: • Through an effective technique called “incremental development,” we introduce topics to students in spaced steps. The time between steps allows students to gain confidence at one level of a topic before moving to the next. Throughout the year, in every lesson, previously learned information is continually reviewed and practiced. Topics are not dropped but grow in complexity, so learning is systematic and sequential. • Content is divided into five components: • Meeting, Lesson, written practice, facts practice, and assessments. Language Arts Riggs Phonics: Supplement to Open Court Riggs is a Basic information about the structure of English spelling. It ties the shape of the letters with all the sounds they make. Phonics is important for reading, decoding, & spelling. Shurley Grammar: Students learn the parts of speech through repetition and song. The students also learn the basics of paragraph writing. SCIENCE Scott Foresman & Core Knowledge Science Program Plants and Animals Earth and Land Fossils and Dinosaurs Science Biographies Energy and Simple Machines MagnetsCells Life Cycles

6. SNACKS We would like to encourage you to send a healthy snack for your child each day. Examples of healthy snacks are non-messy fruits and raw vegetables. We will have 30 minutes of afternoon recess & snack each day. RESPONSIBILITY Children in our class are responsible for their own actions, attitudes, behaviors, and work habits. We will help the children become more responsible. However, we will not take over individual responsibilities. The students are expected to return homework, Friday folders, planners, library books, etc. ON TIME. They are responsible for taking care of their learning tools and supplies. RULES At all times……. Be respectful, responsible, and honest. Our class has spirit! We work together, support one another, and appreciate the uniqueness each member of our class and learning community has to offer. FRIDAY FOLDERS A folder will be sent home every Friday. The folder may contain student papers and information from the office. It is requested that parents review and help correct all of the student’s work. This is a direct communication as to how your child is doing in class. The folder needs to be returned the next school day.

7. Purpose of homework *Establish a routine which includes study at home *Develop good study habits *Involve parents in their child’s learning *Provide practice and reinforcement of skills learned Late Policy: *1-3 day late: 20% off grade *3 or more days late: 50% off grade STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT!! Recommended Reading Time: *At least 20 minutes per night Recommended Schedule **Set aside the same time each day for homework *Chose a special place for homework to be completed Missed school/Missed Work: If a student is out of school for a family vacation or other reason, homework will not be provided. We suggest the student read, maintain a journal, and practice math facts. When the student returns, any missed assignments which can be made up will be provided. The student will be given one day to complete an assignment for each day missed. If the student does not complete and turn in daily homework and make up work, he/she may receive an incomplete grade on his/her report card.

8. Second Grade Homework Routine The student works at a desk or table (never on the bed) in a room away from the flow of traffic. No TV, stereo, radio , or phone calls during study time. School nights are Monday through Thursday. Occasionally there will not be homework assigned on those days. Try to have a regular study time each day. Parents need to support their student by making the quiet study time a priority in the household. Study time is always done independently. If the student needs help, please follow these procedures: • The student should try to understand and answer his/her question 3 times before asking a parent. • If he/she needs adult assistance, the student comes to the adult with the necessary materials to work (book, pencil, paper) and shows/tells 3 ways he/she has tried to work the answer out. • Do a sample together and have student return to his/her study area. • The focus of attention should be getting done with the homework with little or no adult attention during actual study time unless the assignment is to be done together. These procedures allow the student to gain independence and problem solving skills while maintaining a high degree of success.

9. How Parents Can Help Give your child a special place (box, etc.) to keep items he/she must take to school each morning. Read to your child. Listen to your child. Play games with your child. Help your child get a library card from the public library nearest you. Encourage your child to go to the library as often as possible. Go to the library with your child. Help him/her pick out interesting books to read. Find out about activities for children that take place at your library. Talk to your child about subjects that are interesting to him/her. Set aside a special reading time. Let your child know you look forward to and enjoy your time together. Give your child his/her own place to keep books. Write notes to your child. Help your child write letters. Encourage your child to keep a scrapbook about a subject that interests him/her. Limit your child’s TV. watching- select certain shows to watch; turn the TV. set on for the show and turn it off immediately when the show is over. Read and discuss your child’s schoolwork. Provide materials such as crayons, art paper, and paints for creative projects. Five your child a calendar so he/she can write down special events and mark off each day. Help your child make a telephone directory with the names and phone numbers of his/her friends. Give your child specific duties to perform on a regular basis at home. Let your child help you prepare dinner. Subscribe to a children’s magazine in your child’s name. They love to get their own mail. Bring books for your child to read in the car while he/she waits for you to run errands. Look up words in the dictionary with your child. Encourage your child to show his/her schoolwork to your relatives and friends. When traveling, read road signs with your child. Discuss what they mean. Show your child how to use a yardstick, ruler, and tape measure for measuring objects around the house. Provide counting/math experiences for your child. Show/Practice counting change with your child.

10. As you go through the list, there are some rules you may like and decide to use with students and children in your life, and there may be some that don't inspire you. We all have different levels of tolerance when it comes to the behavior of children, and we all have different levels of expectations for ourselves and others. I offer these rules as suggestions, as tried-and-true methods that have served my students well. I hope you find them useful. • 14 of The Essential 55 From Ron Clark's book, The Essential 55- An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child • Make eye contact • Respect other ideas and opinions • Do not save seats • Say thank you within three seconds of receiving something • When you win, do not brag; when you lose, do not show anger • Do your homework each and every night without fail • Do not talk in a movie theater • Be the best person you can be • Always be honest • If you are asked a question in conversation, ask a question in return • Perform random acts of kindness • Learn the names of all the teachers in the school and greet them • If someone bumps into you, even if it was not your fault, say excuse me • Stand up for what you believe in

11. Miss Lusk’s Contact Information School Main Line: 720-873-7395 Attendance Line Voicemail: 720-873-7395 My Direct Line: 720-873-7375 My Email: hlusk@americanacademyk8.org

12. Mrs. Yrastorza’sContact Information School Main Line: 720-873-7395 Attendance Line Voicemail: 720-873-7395 My Direct Line: 720-873-7364 My Email: lyrastorza@americanacademyk8.org

13. Mrs. Weiss’ Contact Information School Main Line: 720-873-7395 Attendance Line Voicemail: 720-873-7395 My Direct Line: 720-873-7374 My Email: jweiss@americanacademyk8.org