Welcome, Second Grade Families! MSS Back to School Night September 24, 2013

1. Welcome, Second Grade Families! MSS Back to School Night September 24, 2013

2. Contact Information • Room #114 • School Phone – 769-0144 • E-mail – battaglia.j@woodstown.org • Cell Phone – 856-430-8320

3. A little bit about Mrs. Battaglia • Grew up in Salem County • Graduated from Rowan University in 1997 with a degree in Elem. Ed. & Sociology • Hired by Woodstown in 1997 • Taught 5th grade at WMS for 16 years • Wife and mother of 2 – Gianna in 2nd grade- Joey in 5th grade • Lives in Woolwich Township

4. Our Schedule

5. Special Schedule • Students are assigned to a team – Caring Kids/Courageous Crew/Problem Solvers/Team Players • All specials begin in the gymnasium where students join their team • All specials return to the gym where students rejoin their class • Encore days (Day D) are used for special events and activities as needed • Specials are: art, music, gym, health • Students also have STELLAR once a week and Spanish

6. Shared Reading/Language Arts In 2nd grade the children will engage in both a shared and guided reading environment. This is called Balanced Literacy. During our shared reading time the children will be reading stories and books in whole and small groups. These stories and books are most likely on a second grade reading level, although we do read texts below, and above the children’s reading levels too. We will be using a variety of texts to practice reading, fluency, phonics, and comprehension skills.

7. Small Group Reading For 20 minutes every day, all second graders will be part of small, teacher-led reading groups to set personal reading goals and develop individual reading skills. Children may work with other teachers, and will be grouped with children from other second grade classes. During this time, groups of 4-8 students come together to read a new series, explore a topic, or work on a particular reading strategy. In addition to meeting with their small group teacher, children will spend 20 minutes practicing their skills and strategies by reading independently. Small groups may change throughout the year depending on each child’s progress and individual reading needs. Small group reading is the time that we focus on independent reading levels and challenge the students with books they should be able to read by themselves. This is also the time where we challenge our excelling readers above and beyond typical grade level expectations, and help our struggling readers get the small group assistance they need to move forward in reading. .

8. Spelling We use the Rebecca Sittonprogram. The 2nd grade students will be able to spell 130 words by the end of the year. Each Monday we learn 5 new words and add them to our word wall. On Friday we will have a word test. The children will also see the words they learned in 1st grade on their word tests as a way to review and maintain the spelling of those words.

9. Math ? • Our district follows the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. These standards outline the skills and practices students need to master at each grade level. This year, our class is using Progressive Mathematics Initiative (PMI) as our resource to implement the standards. • Topics of Study – Place Value, Addition and Subtraction Facts, Time and Money, Measuring – Length, Basic Geometry and Problem Solving • 60 minutes of math – centers approach • Rocket Math – basic fact drills with weekly quiz

10. Science We will be working on many hands-on science units this year. Our 4 main topics of study are Monarch Butterflies, plants, soils, and dinosaurs. We have our own science kits and they are full of hands-on discovery learning activities.

11. Social Studies – America, A Proud Nation We will start our study of America by learning about Native Americans and Colonial America. We also touch on the Revolutionary War as well as famous Americans and traditions. This year we culminate our yearlong theme with the 2ndGrade Patriotic Program on June 13th. This is an amazing show, so don’t miss it!

12. S.T.E.L.L.A.R. We have S.T.E.L.L.A.R. on Day D. In this class students will get library books and work on various projects throughout the year integrating technology with our already existing curricular units.

13. Spanish We are lucky to have a Spanish teacher! Near the beginning of the second marking period Mrs. Miles will start introducing our class to the Spanish language. In 3rd and 4th grade Spanish becomes a regular class.

14. Homework • Monday through Thursday for about 20 minutes • 15 minutes or reading – baggie books and reading logs should be returned daily – students record titles on log • Math worksheet – returned the following day • Spelling words are made available on • Fridays and then again on Mondays • Math fact practice is always beneficial

15. Behavior Management & Incentives • “Beehaving” Chart – Color Coded – coordinates with BEE folder calendar • Red, Yellow, Green Cubes – serve as visual warnings and reminders • Tokens for STAR behavior • Table Tally Tickets – daily • Tickets for answering questions • Monthly drawing to choose from prize box

16. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS • Birthday Treats • Drop off at the office in the morning • We have 17 students • ALL BIRTHDAY SNACKS MUST BE PEANUT FREE • Summer birthdays may be celebrated on the “half birthday” • Please send in your child’s favorite picture book to share • We would LOVE to have you join us on your child’s birthday – if you’d like to come in and read to us, please just schedule it with me ahead of time

17. STAR STUDENT Each week, one student will have the opportunity to be our Star Student Students receive the “Star Bag” on Thursday – complete their poster over the weekend Monday – share poster Tuesday – Bring in 3 items in the “Star Bag” to share Wednesday – Parent Letter Thursday & Friday – Acrostic Poem Book *See handout in folder for more detailed directions and schedule for the year. *There is also a “Star Student” tab on our website

18. Volunteers Parent Volunteer forms should be returned as soon as possible. Tier I – activities within the classroom Tier II – class trips – Thurs., March 3st– Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA. Final lists for activities will be established and sent home on Monday, September 30th. At that point if you are going on the class trip you can begin to fulfill the Tier II requirements.

19. Communication • Friday “Buzz Letter” Newsletter • BEE folder – daily • Friday Folder – weekly work – PLEASE LEAVE ALL WORK INSIDE • Website - http://www.woodstown.org//Domain/336 • E-mails – please provide on list • Phone Calls as necessary

20. School Reminders • Notes are required to change student transportation • Call the office if your child is out sick • Conferences are in November, but if you need to meet before then please let me know • Write your child a note in the Family Journal composition book – comes home on Friday • Complete student directory forms and volunteer forms

21. You may be overwhelmed and feel as though you need a HUG. Relax! In Mrs. Battaglia’s class, parents and I STICK together. Hopefully tonight’s information has been a LIFE-SAVER and has left you feeling like a real SMARTIE! Thank you for coming tonight! It’s going to be a great year!