Welcome to Back to School Night!

1. Welcome to Back to School Night! Ms. Durand Second Grade Pepper Drive School

2. Introduction : Meet Ms. Durand • This is my 4th year as a full-time classroom teacher. Prior to teaching 2nd grade at Pepper Drive, I taught 3rd grade, 7th grade Language Arts and World History, and 8th grade Language Arts and U.S. History at Carlton Oaks. • I have been a Literacy Coach at PRIDE Academy, a private tutor, and a substitute teacher for every school in the Santee School District. • I attended Cajon Park School for Kindergarten through 8th grade and graduated from West Hills High School. • I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English with distinction in the field from San Diego State University. I also received my teaching credential from SDSU.

3. Daily Schedule 8:30 – School Starts 8:30-10:00 – Math 10:00-10:15 – Recess 10:15-11:15 – Reading Groups 11:15-11:55 – Writing 11:55-12:35 – Lunch 12:35-1:45 – Language Arts 1:45-2:20 – Social Studies / Science / P.E. / Art 2:20 – Dismissal

4. Common Core State Standards • On each desk is a handout that details the exact California Common Core State Standards for 2nd grade. • The Common Core is a rigorous set of standards for Language Arts and mathematics curriculum that has been developed based on best practices of schools and organizations around the country and world. • The Common Core focuses on “The Four Cs:” Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. This school year, your student will be engaged actively in all four Cs frequently. • For further information on California Common Core, please visit: http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/

5. Technology in the Classroom • Students will be using a variety of technology this school year to encourage their learning: • Language Arts will be supported with: • RAZ Kids ( http://www.raz-kids.com/main/login ) • Accelerated Reader ( http://renaissance.com/products/accelerated-reader ) • Multiple other technology based items to ensure conceptual understanding • Mathematics will be supported with: • Dreambox ( http://www.dreambox.com ) • Multiple other technology based items to ensure conceptual understanding • The aforementioned websites are supported and required by the Santee School District to ensure student success in the classroom. • These websites are helpful in that they work with the student’s particular lexile level to encourage individualized growth.

6. Class Work • Students will do an array of activities in class every day. Some of these will be completed the same day and some will be completed over time. • These activities include individual, partner, and group work. • Papers completed in class will go home with students. A stamp or sticker will show you that your student completed their work. These do not need to be returned to school.

7. Homework • Homework packets will be sent home every Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) and are to be returned on Fridays. • Please initial the reading log and practice the spelling words. The spelling activities are not assignments and do not need to be returned, however, they are a great support for the spelling test on Friday. • Students who complete their entire homework packet every Friday will be eligible to watch a movie on the last Friday of the month after lunch. Students who do not complete all of their homework will work in a study hall atmosphere with a teacher to support their learning.

8. Behavior • The card system: • All students start on Green Day. When a student struggles with behavior, they are “charged” a ticket. • If the student still struggles with their behavior once a ticket has been taken, they change their card to Yellow Day (warning). • If the student continues to struggle with their behavior, they change their card to Orange Day (a note goes home). • If the student still continues to struggle with their behavior, they change their card to Red Day (a visit to the office for a behavior discussion). • Students who are exceptionally well behaved are given tickets and/or moved to Gold Day.

9. Behavior (Continued) • Tickets: • Tickets are distributed and charged throughout the school day. • At the end of the school day, students receive tickets for the following: • Gold Day = 3 Tickets • Green Day = 2 Tickets • Yellow Day = 1 Ticket • Orange and Red Day are not given tickets at the end of the school day. • Tickets can be used for the following: • 15 tickets = reading time in the fluffy chair • 20 tickets = computer time • 25 tickets = prize box item • Tickets are also given to students who still have restroom passes at the end of each month. Each restroom pass = 1 ticket.

10. Classroom Website • The classroom website has multiple helpful links to support both students and parents. Please visit the website frequently for updates and information. • My contact info is on the homepage: • sarah.durand@santeesd.net • 619-956-5133 • Email is the best form of communication for me, but I will always respond to calls as well.

11. Parent Volunteers • Some things that parents can volunteer to help with: • Putting together homework packets • Tracing, cutting, gluing, etc. • Working with students one on one or in small groups to support learning • I am also still in need of a room parent. • Please consider signing up to support our classroom! There is a sign up sheet on the back counter.