The ABC’s
Of Second Grade
Policies and Routines
A is for Attendance, Absences, Arrival and Allergies
Attendance: A successful school experience is the responsibility of the child, the parents and the school. Your child’s progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great extent by daily participation. Regular attendance without tardiness is critical.
Absences: Excessive absences hinder a child’s progress. Please plan family trips during our scheduled breaks (a school calendar is available on my blog makingthegradeinsecond.blogspot.com).
Arrival: Second graders should arrive at school in time to line up for the first bell at 8:10 a.m.
Allergies: If your child has any allergies please make sure that I am aware of them. I especially need to know about food allergies and insect bite reactions.
B is for Backpacks and Blog
Backpacks: Backpacks help your child carry folders, notes, projects and books to and from school. Please check your child’s pack back DAILY. Your child will have a Roundtrip folder that goes home throughout the week. It will contain homework, reading calendars, spelling lists, words to work on and notes from the school.
Blog: This year I have started a blog that you can check for current information and other classroom information the blog is makingthegradeinsecond.blogspot.com
C is for Clothing
Clothing: Please dress your child in comfortable clothing that is appropriate for Second Grade. Be sure to be thoughtful about footwear, as we do go out to recess everyday. As cute as sandals and flip-flops are, they may not be the best choice for children who like to climb on the playground equipment. Also, please make sure your child’s shirt is long enough when wearing lower cut pants,
D is for Dismissal
Dismissal: Dismissal for the class is at 2:41 p.m..
E is for E-mail
E-mail: I can be reached at huntsmaj@d93.k12.id.us or pig5010@msn.com, which is my home e-mail. E-mail is the quickest way to reach me during the day. If you have to get an important message to your child regarding an after school change, please call the office and they will notify us directly
F is for Fire Drills
Fire-Drills: Fire Drills are held on a monthly basis throughout the year. All students will participate and are expected to walk quickly and quietly to our designated exit. We will practice and become familiar with procedures before our first scheduled drill.
G is for Good Behavior
Good Behavior: Second grade is a place where lots of learning and growing happens. We are a classroom family where teamwork and good relationships are expected. We will spend time learning class procedures and practicing them. Each student is expected to act within our standards of behavior. Problems will be dealt with one on one. If misbehaviors continue, I will contact you for support.
H is for Homework
Homework: The most important homework your child will have is reading 20-30 minutes each night. There may also be math homework which has a purpose and is related to what we are working on in class. Occasionally there will be special homework, you will be notified about this with a letter. Homework is a good habit that when started early and supported by you, will last throughout your child’s academic career.
Internet Usage: The students will be using a program in second grade called Fast ForWord. Your students will also learn how to research a subject on the Internet, this activity will be closely supervised.
Joyful Learning: Children learn best when they are feeling loved and encouraged to try new things. Our classroom will build a feeling of mutual respect, being risk-takers, and supporting each other even when we make mistakes.
Kindness: Students in my classroom are encouraged and expect to treat all members of our class, as well as others in society, with kindness and respect. Bothering others, bullying, and interrupting learning will not be permitted.
L is for Library
Library: We have a scheduled library time every week.
M is for Meeting and Duties
Meetings and Duties: Please respect that teachers are not available before or after school unless you have a scheduled appointment. As you can imagine our schedules are quite full with weekly staff meetings, staff development trainings, or other committee work and school obligations. Because of this, I am not able to meet with you unless you have a scheduled appointment. I appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
N is for Newsletters and Nightly Reading
Newsletters: A weekly newsletter is sent home on Mondays and will be posted on the blog. It will contain information about our thematic units, classroom activities, announcements and upcoming school events. I would like to send the newsletter by e-mail for those of you who have e-mail. If you do not want the letter to come by e-mail please let me know.
Nightly Reading: Nightly reading is essential for future success. In class, we will work on many reading comprehension strategies and I will share those with you to practice at home as well. Each student will be required to read 20-30 each night, four nights a week.
O is for Open Communications
Open communications: Please let me know if you have ANY concerns or questions regarding your child throughout the year. I feel that it is our job to work together as partners to help your child have a successful first year.
P is for Parent Involvement
Parent Involvement: I love parent involvement! Please be involved in your child’s second grade year as much as you can. Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you value school! I am always happy to have your help for special activities in the classroom. I will try and let you know at least one week ahead of time if we need help. I hope you can come and join in the fun.
Q is for Questions
Questions: Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education.
R is for Reading and Restrooms
Reading: Please let your child see you reading daily. It encourages them to become good readers and demonstrates that you feel reading is an important skill to master.
Restrooms: Children are allowed to use the restrooms as needed, although not encouraged during direct instruction time. Restroom visits will only be restricted if the privilege is abused by overly frequent trips or messes made in the restroom.
S is for Safety
Safety: Your child’s safety is top priority. I take every precaution when your child is in my care. Please be sure the office always has your updated emergency contact numbers (work, cell, and home) and the numbers of your emergency contacts in an event you cannot be reached.
T is for Tardies and Toys
Tardies: Please help your child arrive at school on time. Tardies are disruptive to the class as well as your child’s learning.
Toys: No toys are to be brought to school.
U is for Unique
Unique: Each child in our class is unique and wonderful. In second grade, we learn about how we are unique and special, and we celebrate our differences and similarities. We also learn about the different cultures within our class.
V is for Volunteers
Volunteers: Volunteering in the classroom is encouraged and welcomed! Occasionally in second grade, students will behave very differently when their parents are helpers in the room. If this becomes a problem, I will ask that you help prepare projects in the teacher workroom instead of helping in the classroom. In addition, younger siblings will not be permitted to join you on your volunteer day.
W is for Water
Water Bottles: Please do not send water bottles to school. Students may get drinks as needed from the water fountain. Water is good for the brain and students are encouraged to get drinks several times each day.
X is for X-tra Special and eXciting!
X-tra Special and eXciting: Second grade is an exciting year as your child learns many new ways to use the math and reading skills he/she has learned in kindergarten and first grade.
Y is for You!
You: Please remember that YOU are your child’s first and most important teacher. No one can influence your child’s life in the way that you can! You can help to make your child feel successful this year by discussing your child’s school day with the. Ask questions like, “What did you learn today?”, “What did you work the hardest on?” What was the best part of your day”” or “What are you getting better at?” These questions cause children to reflect on their learning which in turns helps them remember new information. The way your child perceives your feelings about his/her school and teacher will have a direct effect on how he/she feels about them. Show an enthusiasm for learning. It is contagious!
Z is for Zzzzz’s!
Zzzzz’s: It is so important for your child to be alert and ready to learn each day. Set a bedtime and be consistent. Setting and keeping a bedtime is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help them be attentive and prepared to learn each day! Don’t forget to read a book before bedtime.
