Welcome! Mrs. Velander’s Class 2016-2017

Daily Schedule 9:15-9:30 Tardy Bell, Attendance, Lunch Count, Morning Work   9:30-10:15 Pathways 10:15-11:15 Reader’s Workshop 11:15-12:15 Math 12:15-12:40 Lunch/Recess 1:00-2:00 Writer’s Workshop 1:25-2:20 Computer Lab (Tuesday & Thursday) Parents have the option to send a set of headphones to use in the computer lab 2:00-2:20 Science/Social Studies (Monday & Wednesday) 2:20-3:05 Special Class Art/Library/Music/PE/Rotation 3:10-3:30 Recess 3:30-3:55 Read Aloud/Prepare for home/ Review of day 4:00 Dismissal      **Teacher Plan Time-2:30-3:00

Common Core We want all students to be successful and to feel good about reading. Our reading program is designed to integrate the language arts of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Skills such as writing, phonics/decoding, comprehension, spelling and grammar will be an integral part of the Language Arts block. The program also affords students the opportunity to explore content across the curriculum by integrating science, math and social studies throughout. We use the Readers/Writers Workshop Models for Language Arts instruction. This involves the teacher working with small groups of students at their academic levels. Student interest level is high as they are involved in selecting their own reading materials. Individual conferencing is a major component of this model.

Reading & Pathways Pathways to Reading is a phonemic awareness program currently used by the district. Spelling – Our spelling program is part of the Pathways to Reading program. It builds on the guides they’ve previously learned. Spelling tests will be given on Fridays and will include the week’s words, along with two dictation sentences. Part of this year’s homework will be to read 20 minutes every night. Students will have a reading log to complete. Let your child see you reading, read to your child, and have them read to you.

Math Students will learn math skills using Common Core curriculum, math manipulatives, games and math practice. Your child should work at home to be fluent in the basic addition and subtraction facts to 20. Please purchase or make addition and subtraction flashcards and practice with your child daily. We will be giving timed tests to check their progress. Other skills to practice are counting money to $2, making change from $1, and telling time to 5 minute intervals.

Social Studies and Science Social Studies curriculum includes: Democracy, Government, MO and US History, Economics and Geography Science curriculum includes: Force and Motion, Sound, Rocks & Soil and Animal Life Cycles

Homework Weekly Homework Please check your child’s backpack and PUMA folder each day for papers. Homework will be sent home on Monday and due on Thursday and will consist of spelling, reading, and math. We are building life-long work habits and responsibility.

Grade Cards Grades are listed as follows: 3-Meets or exceeds expectations (90-100%) 2-Makes acceptable growth (89-80%) 1- Below grade level expectations (79% and below) Blank - Not Assessed (Skill not yet introduced/measured)

Behavior The Blue Springs School District implements Positive Behavioral Supports. These are proactive strategies that actively teach students appropriate behavior while preventing and/or reducing inappropriate behavior. Keep hands & feet to yourself. Turn in completed assignments on time. Walk in the hallway. Come to class on time, prepared, with all your supplies and assignments. Sit in your seat unless you have permission to leave it. Work when you are supposed to. Follow directions immediately.   SEVERE CLAUSE: Send immediately to principal.

3. Behavior note issued if all 3 beads are moved over. If a student chooses to ignore the rules, the following consequences will be imposed: Verbal Warning 2. Move a bead over on the bead board. Walk 5 think laps or sit out for 5 min. of recess for each bead moved, up to a total of 3 beads. 3. Behavior note issued if all 3 beads are moved over.

**PLEASE CHECK PUMA FOLDER DAILY!** Procedures We are looking forward to a great year with your child. We would like to explain some of the classroom procedures, so that the year will go as smoothly as possible.  **PLEASE CHECK PUMA FOLDER DAILY!** Library Books Each week your child may check-out a book from the school library. The book can be kept for one week. We will go to the library at the same time every week. Please return the book by the due date as your child cannot check-out another book if he/she still has a book checked out. (We have a basket in our classroom for returned library books.)

B.S. School of Economics. MANY parent volunteers will be needed. Procedures Field Trips The Blue: Date to be determined. The students will attend the BSSD pool for 1 week of swimming lessons. Your child will need a swim suit and towel. More info to follow B.S. School of Economics. MANY parent volunteers will be needed. Book Orders Once a month a book club order form will be sent home with your child. Please do not feel that you have to order something. The book orders are a good way for you to increase your child’s library of books at a reasonable cost, plus our classroom benefits by receiving free books and other materials. If you would like to place an order, please complete the form and return by the date listed or you can order on line. Make checks payable to SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB. We will call in the order within a week after sending the form home, please be prompt in returning the forms. The books will then arrive within a week of placing the order. Although we feel the book club is a good way to get books, please feel no pressure to order.

Treats and Birthdays Birthdays Birthday party invitations may not be distributed at school unless invitations are issued to every student in the class. Simple, store bought, individually wrapped treats may be brought to school for sharing with classmates. Summer birthdays may be celebrated anytime during the year. Lunch You are welcome to join your child for lunch (12:15-12:35). Please wait for them at the gym doors. Due to the safety concerns for all the children, parents are not allowed to join us for recess. Visiting SPE Please remember to check in at the office and get a visitors badge. In 2nd grade we are developing independence. It is developmentally appropriate for your child to walk to the classroom and unpack their belongings by themselves. Your cooperation with this is greatly appreciated! If it is necessary for you to talk with your child, please have the office call for them to come meet you at the office. This will be less disruptive for the rest of the students.

Thanks so much for being here! If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me during my plan time (2:30 – 3:00), before or after school! I am SO excited to be able to have your child in my class this year. We are going to learn lots of new things together!