Mom, Dad and/or Guardian… Please take the time to write me a note on the heart at my desk, My teacher and I will read it tomorrow!

Welcome to Second Grade STEM Class Mrs. Mesa

Areas to be Discussed STEM SAC About Mrs. Mesa Academics Behavior General

STEM

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M) Prepares students to become innovators who create solutions to the world’s toughest problems. Early S.T.E.M. education provides a solid foundation for students to be competitive in the global marketplace through: Teamwork Critical Thinking Scientific Discovery Project-based Learning Development and Evaluation of Prototypes

SAC

School Advisory Council (SAC) Assists in preparation and evaluation of The School Wide Plan Decides how school improvement funds are spent Assists principal with the school budget Making suggestions relating to the improvement of the school in all areas SAC meetings are held quarterly Students are notified of SAC meetings by distribution of flyers, parent link notifications, teacher s and the Somerset School website. Meetings are usually held at 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center 2 volunteer hours are given for attending these meetings Works hand in hand together for the success of the students and the school!

About Mrs. Mesa

All About ME My background Cuban-American born and raised in Miami, FL. My experience This is my 3rd year teaching at Somerset Miramar. I previously worked at Hallandale Elementary School for 9 Years. I have previous experience in Kindergarten, Second and 3 rd Grade. I love to… Spend time with my family and friends, travel, workout and take pictures and go to Disney.

A day in our little world… We are “family” Work as a team Learn from each other Motivate each other

Academics

Daily Schedule Reading/Language Arts 9:51-10:21Specials 10:21-10:43 Reading/Language Arts 10:47-11:17 Lunch 11:17-11:37 Recess 11:37-12:05Reading/Language Arts 12:05-12:35Social Studies 12:35-2:00Math 2:00-3:00Science *Library on Friday 11:30-12:00 *PE on Friday 9:51-10:21

Curriculum The 2nd grade curriculum consists of Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies (Times for Kids). Our Second Grade STEM class has an additional Curriculum EIE. Our curriculum follows the Florida State Standards, providing your child with a well-rounded and complete education.

Language Arts Florida Standards (LAFS) The LAFS consist of Six Strands: –READING STANDARDS FOR LITERATURE –READING STANDARDS: FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS –READING STANDARDS FOR INFORMATIONAL TEXT – WRITING STANDARDS – STANDARDS FOR SPEAKING AND LISTENING – LANGUAGE STANDARDS *Writing is incorporated within the Language Arts standards. Extended responses and writing will be based on textual evidence. *The use of digital tools and technology to conduct research and publish writing using keyboarding skills is required.

Mathematics Florida Standards (MAFS) The MAFS consist of different Domains (varies by grade level) *Some Common Domains are: –OPERATIONS AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING –NUMBER AND OPERATIONS IN BASE TEN –MEASUREMENT AND DATA –GEOMETRY

Science and Social studies Science and Social Studies instruction will continue to be guided using the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. However, we will be incorporating Science and Social Studies content into the Reading/Writing lessons.

Reading Journeys Series Whole Group Centers (differentiated) Individual Shared / Buddy Reading Assessments (i.e. weekly story test, quizzes, cold reads, Accelerated Reader/STAR tests, I-Ready)

Math Go Math! Series

Homework Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday. Your child’s blue folder is their homework folder. Your child’s homework folder must come to school on a daily basis. Please remember HW goes home on Mondays and is due on Fridays. Spelling activities and Math Workbook pages correlated with our weekly lessons Reading: minutes per night Weekly Writing & Comprehension Participation in special assignments and projects

Students will receive a grade for each subject. Students are expected to complete ALL class work during the allotted time in the school day. Students have sufficient time in class to complete assignments; therefore, incomplete work is NOT given for home learning unless otherwise specified. Weekly assessments are administered on Fridays or when the skill/concept has been taught.. 90% - 100% A 80% - 89% B 70% - 79% C 60% - 69% D 0% - 59% F Grading Scale: Grading

Behavior

Classroom Rules *Follow directions the first time given. *Raise your hand to walk and talk. *Keep your hands and feet to yourself. *Show respect for school, teachers, and peers. *Always keep a positive attitude and try your best.

Behavior System Color Chart system. Six Colors Students have a chance to redeem themselves during the day. Color will be in planner each day.

How else can we work together? Check Planner, class website and regularly. Keep me updated on how your child is doing at home. Encourage the life skills we are working on in class outside of school. Celebrate wonderful classroom moments at home :) Let me know how I can be most helpful!

Rewards Verbal praise and recognition Student of the month. Class Coupon Compliment Party Treasure Box Lunch Bunch Group Point System

Compliment System Our Candy Land Game is used as our compliment system. A Step will be added each time a compliment is received around the school from adults. Teacher/office staff compliments= 1 part Administrative compliments= 2 parts Upon moving towards a picture, the students will receive a party of their choice.

General Items

Communication Folder Check every night for notes/letters and homework (Blue folder). Initial each day in the planner Return to school the next day Weekly Newsletter Ask your child every night about what we did today.

Communication Parent involvement and constant communication between us is essential for your child’s success. The best way to communicate with me is through or via folder. My address is below. Send me a quick hello (now )

Class Webpage All important generic information regarding my class is always on my class website.

Lunch and Birthdays Lunch and breakfast can be prepaid by check. $3.50 Birthday celebrations will take place during our lunch break. Cupcakes, napkins and juice boxes are encouraged. Please notify me ahead of time so that we may plan accordingly. Also, when choosing a treat, please know that we have students with peanut and egg allergies in class. Birthday invitations will not be passed out in class unless ALL children are invited.

Planners Planners are $5.00 The planner must go home and return to school on a daily basis. Please check your child’s planner every day for important information. You will find your child’s spelling words and behavior updates in here.

Money Procedures Please make sure that all money is in the blue communication binder. Please write what the money is for. No checks are accepted under $20.

Volunteer Hours As parents you are required to complete 30 volunteer hours. If your child has a sibling in middle school you will be required a total of 40 hours. In order to complete your hours you have the choice to volunteer your time or purchase items from our classroom wish list (look for our wish list in my webpage). Please keep all receipts for items purchased and complete the appropriate form. Please keep track of your own hours and staple all receipts to the volunteer form. Without the receipts, you will not receive volunteer hours. NO EXCEPTIONS

Volunteer Opportunities Celebrations (coordinate celebration activities/arts & crafts/door decorating/bulletin decorating) Photographer (take & develop photos) Print Copies Field Trips Donate from Wish List Help with Centers

Attendance Be here everyday! Doors open at 8:00. Students are marked tardy if they arrive after 8:15. Excused absences

Dismissal Carpool pickup is from 2:30-2:45 p.m. Students who are not picked up by 2:45pm will be send into the office. If you pick-up from the car lane: Please place colored decal on the right of your dashboard and make sure to include your child’s name using a dark permanent marker. If there is a change in the way that your child is getting home the best way to notify me is by sending a note or calling before 1:30 pm.

Conferences Given by appointment In person or by phone Twice a year (fall and spring) or if there is a concern

Fieldtrips Only registered volunteers will be allowed to attend.

Ways to Stay In Touch Send in a note in our communication folder. Class website

Thank You For Coming! We’re going to have a great year!