Mrs. Ross’ Second Grade Class Welcome!

Welcome to Second Grade! Thank you for attending Open House! If you have any questions during my presentation, please feel free to ask!

All About Me My background I grew up in Portage, IN. I attended Indiana University for my degree in Elementary Education. I have received a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with Technology from Grand Canyon University. My experience This is my sixteenth year of teaching. I have also taught kindergarten, first, third and fifth grades.

My Goals To give your child the academic and social skills they need to progress to third grade. To provide a supportive and fun classroom environment. To help your child make new friends and discover new interests.

Sample Day in Second Grade  Morning Procedure and Journal Writing Reading Workshop The students listen to and read stories. The students read selected stories independently, with peers and with the teacher. Pre-reading and post reading activities, comprehension, vocabulary, spelling/phonics and centers are included in this area. Writing Workshop The students use this time for grammar, handwriting and writing process activities. Lunch / Recess at 11:55 Specials 1:05 Math An activity or lesson is presented to the students. A workbook page for the students to practice the skill follows the lesson. The back of the worksheet (practice side) is homework. Please review this side with your child and sign to acknowledge that you have reviewed it. Social Studies or Science Dismissal at 3:20

Reading Each week we will read a new story. A slip will be sent home with your child. Please have him or her read the story aloud and return the signed slip to me the following day. They will be tested on their comprehension of the story and also vocabulary words. A listing of important vocabulary words will be provided.  Accelerated Reader (AR) In order to encourage and reinforce reading outside of class, students will be responsible for reading and Quizzing on their Library books . Please encourage students to read at home on a daily basis to ensure they read their required amount of books. This counts towards their reading grade.  

Math Daily homework is assigned, except for test days. In second grade, students solve problems using addition and subtraction. They measure and learn about fractions. They also must learn addition and subtraction facts These are just a few examples of the topics covered this year.

Science We will explore the nature of science, technology, matter, energy, rocks and minerals, and plants.

Social Studies We will explore the history of our country, government, geography, and communities.

Homework Homework is assigned in Reading, Spelling and Math. It should take about 30 minutes per night. Math– Every night except on test days Spelling– Study words Monday-Thursday, Test on Friday Reading– Basal story once a week 2 library books per week Occasionally, your child may bring home a special project that may require some outside work.  

Specials and Lunch Week One: PE and Computers Week Two: Art and Music This is a rotation schedule. After week 2, we start back with week one.   Our lunch and recess is from 11:55-12:45. Please make sure your child brings/wears gym shoes. Students should take library books home to read but MUST bring them back every day. Library Check-out is on Wednesday.

Classroom Behavior   We will discuss and practice appropriate behavior many times. If the student is not on task or not acting appropriately for a certain activity (talking excessively, breaking a class rule, or wandering about the room) they will get an x in the teacher comment box. If the student gets three x’s on one day, he/she must write a paragraph for homework. I will have a behavior conference with the student and also call you. The paragraph must state what they did wrong and what they will do in the future.

Technology We have an online program called Harmony for you to view my lesson plans and your child’s grades. If you did not receive a user name and password, please see Mrs. Rittel in the office. You can access my website by using the Simatovich school site. It has links to useful info and textbook websites. (union township http://uniontownshipsc.schoolinsites.com/ All of our text books are available online. I will pass on the necessary access information soon!

Tardiness/Absent School starts at 8:50 A.M. If for some reason your child will be arriving late, please sign your child in at the school office before sending him/her to class. Please call the office if your child will not be in school.

Let’s Have a Great Year!