Dear Parents,
Welcome to the second grade! We look forward to an enjoyable year with your children. Our setting provides us with a special meeting place for all three classes in the lower wing section of Markham. We would like to share some information and procedures that you and your child may find important.
1. Please label all belongings—art smock, lunch box, jackets, boots, and backpacks.
2. Please inform teachers with a written note or email when your child has been absent, or will be eating lunch at a friend's home, or if there is a change in your regular schedule.
3. Parent conferences are formally scheduled twice a year--in November and April. We support active parent involvement and encourage you to contact your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
4. Excused absence: Please file an educational trip form (form number 173) in the office prior to the trip.
5. Please check your child's take-home folder each day for papers, notices or special notes. Also, look for the second-grade newsletter and Markham Flyer to keep you informed.
6. We do recognize children’s birthdays during the school year. Children are not required to bring any type of birthday treat. Edible treats are not allowed due to food allergies and our school policy of no food in the classroom. Pencils, erasers, and lunchroom ice cream coupons or other non-food treats are allowable. The school librarian has suggestions of books that may be donated to the library in honor of your child’s birthday.
7. Our special subjects are:
|
|
Mrs. Nuckles |
Mrs. Grossman |
Miss Strauch |
|
Monday |
Gym |
Gym |
Gym |
|
Tuesday |
Music/Spanish |
Music/Spanish |
Music/Spanish |
|
Wednesday |
Spanish/Music |
Art/Spanish/Music |
Art/Spanish/Music |
|
Thursday |
Gym/Art |
Gym |
Gym |
|
Friday |
Library |
Library |
Library |
OUR DAILY SCHEDULE
LANGUAGE ARTS
Harcourt Trophies is a literature-based, integrated Reading/Language Arts program. It provides for the integration of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing. This year we will emphasize modes of writing: procedural, narrative and informational. The program also uses collaborative learning and higher-order thinking skills, and builds on the students' interests and experiences. Each grade level is organized around six themes, allowing teachers to personalize students' experiences with related readings at higher or lower levels of readability as needed. In addition, the program provides a variety of supplementary materials to use in meeting students' needs across a range of skill levels.
Key points:
* Emphasis is placed on making reading meaningful and pleasurable.
* Reading aloud quality literature is an important component.
* Spelling, grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary are integrated.
* Provides language arts activities to explore content across the curriculum.
* Assesses student achievement and documents student progress with a variety of formal and
informal assessment options.
* Writing Workshop is standards-based, with emphasis on narrative and informational writing.
HANDWRITING
Correct letter formation and neatness are stressed. Cursive handwriting will be introduced during the second semester. Spelling tests may be written in cursive during the last nine weeks.
MATH
Our Mathematics Program is a combination of Scott Foresman – Addison Wesley Mathematics and Investigations in Number, Data and Space. Scott Foresman – Addison Wesley Mathematics is a traditional text focusing on procedural understanding. Investigations in Number, Data and Space is an activity-based program focusing on conceptual understanding.
Key Points:
*Problem solving, technology and manipulatives integrated into lessons.
*Student-centered activities encourage creative thinking and enable students to construct knowledge.
*Students participate in engaging games that reinforce their understanding of important mathematical concepts and skills.
*Communicating mathematically is emphasized both orally and in writing.
SOCIAL STUDIES
In social studies, we incorporate the Social Studies Alive program. We study rules, neighborhoods, good citizenship, map skills, and communities. In the fall we take a walking tour of Mt. Lebanon. We teach character education through stories, discussions, and activities. We will be incorporating character education themes (respect, honesty, love, justice, courage, loyalty, and hope) with other areas of our curriculum. This year we are continuing, Markham’s Circle Against Bullying Behaviors, that teaches how to be kinder, more respectful and more helpful to one another. If you haven’t done so already, please review the parent letter packet, and sign and return the pledge form.
SCIENCE AND HEALTH
We use an inquiry approach in science, which incorporates hands-on materials. In Science we study Plant Growth and Development, and Changes (ASSET programs). In Health Science we study the Human Body, Nutrition, and Drug and Alcohol Awareness. Miranda is the bird puppet who helps children learn about drugs, self esteem, and how to ask for help in our "Here's Looking at You" program.
PORTFOLIOS
We are continuing to use student portfolios. Children will collect, select, and reflect upon their work. This portfolio will demonstrate student progress and self-reflection. Two writing samples are added to the portfolios and passed on to third grade.
GROUP TIME
Two or three times a week, all second graders meet for poetry, news, songs, and sharing time. A note with detailed instructions will be sent home when it is your child's turn to be the Newscaster, Poetry Reader, or Very Important Person (VIP). Each homeroom takes turns conducting Group Time.
HOMEWORK
We encourage your child to develop good study habits and responsibility with 15-20 minutes of daily homework. A zip lock bag will be sent home on Friday each week. It will include activities to review and practice math concepts, writing, and spelling. It will also contain a book to be read daily to strengthen fluency and comprehension skills.
We look forward to working together with you to make your child's second-grade experience meaningful, enjoyable, and intellectually stimulating.
Sincerely,
Sally Nuckles
Jean Grossman
Erin Strauch
