Mrs. Miller’s 2nd Grade Class 2017-2018

Our Schedule Morning Duties (Student enter the classroom at 8:10) Reader’s Workshop Specials (Art, Music, and P.E.) Reading Intervention Lunch/Recess Writer’s Workshop Math Math Intervention Science Social Studies Dismissal (3:50)

What Can We Expect in 2nd Grade? Students are given numerical grades 100 – 90 = A 89 – 80 = B 79 – 75 = C 74 – 70 = D Below 70 is not passing Students must earn a 70 average or above in LA and Math to pass 2nd Grade. Their overall average must also be above 70. I will request a conference if your child’s average in any area is a 74 or below.

Increased Expectations Students are progressing from learning to read to reading to learn. Knowing how to read will be vital to success. Students will use critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies. We expect higher level thinking. Students will need to develop the stamina to attend to work for greater periods of time.

What does that mean in Math? Students success with problem-solving is greatly affected by reading ability. Students must be able to prolong focus in order to break down multi-step problems and use strategies. Students must know math facts to 20 and understand key vocabulary terms.

Fact Fluency Students will be assessed on their math fact fluency on a regular basis as required by the TEKS for second grade. The first nine weeks, weekly quizzes will be given and averaged for a daily grade. Beginning the second nine weeks, Weekly assessments will be taken and the average of those weekly assessments will account for 1/2 of a major grade for students for the nine weeks.  This ½ of a major grade will be in addition to the 3 major grades taken in each nine weeks.

What does that mean in Reading? Students must read daily to build fluency (90 wpm), accuracy and comprehension (95% on grade level text.) Decode multi-syllable words. Self monitor and correct when comprehension breaks down by using reading strategies proficiently. Read for prolonged periods of time and be able to retell what was read.

Tomball Expected Reading Levels 1st nine weeks 2nd nine 3rd nine 4th nine Exceeds (100%) K L M Meets Expectations (90%) J Approaching Expectations (75%) I Below Expectations (60%) H

Reader’s Workshop Rubric Skill 6 5 4 3 Independent Reading *Consistently engaged in the book and produces evidence of their reading. * Reader is engaged in the book and produces evidence of their reading most of the time. * Reader is engaged in the book and produces evidence of their reading some of the time. *Reader is engaged in the book and produces evidence of their reading little to none of  the time. Reading Strategies *Consistently uses ideas to make and confirm predictions. *Consistently asks relevant questions and seeks clarification about stories. *Consistently establishes a purpose for reading the selected text. *Uses ideas to make and confirm predictions most of the time. *Asks relevant questions and seeks clarification about stories most of the time. *Establishes a purpose for reading the selected text most of the time. *Uses ideas to make and confirm predictions some of the time. *Asks relevant questions and seeks clarification about stories some of the time. *Establishes a purpose for reading the selected text some of the time. *Uses ideas to make and confirm predictions little to none of the time. *Asks relevant questions and seeks clarification about stories little to none of the time. *Establishes a purpose for reading the selected text little to none of the time. Student Management *Consistently quiet and respectful of reading time. *Consistently respectful of small group/teacher time. *Consistently stays in reading spot. *Reads quietly and respectfully most of the time. *Respects small group/teacher time most of the time. *Stays in reading spot most of the time. *Reads quietly and respectfully some of the time. *Respects small group/teacher time some of the time. *Stays in reading spot some of the time. *Reads quietly and respectfully little to none of the time. *Respects small group/teacher time little to none of the time. *Stays in reading spot little to none of the time. Mini Lesson *Consistently pays attention and participates. *Pays attention and participates most of the time. *Pays attention and participates some of the time. *Pays attention and participates little to none of the time. Response *Consistently uses appropriate interactions with partner/small group. *Consistently uses grade-level appropriate text fluency (rate, accuracy, expression, and appropriate phrasing) when reading. *Uses appropriate interactions with partner/small group most of the time. *Uses grade-level appropriate text fluency (rate, accuracy, expression, and appropriate phrasing) when reading most of the time. *Uses appropriate interactions with partner/small group some of the time. *Uses grade-level appropriate text fluency (rate, accuracy, expression, and appropriate phrasing) when reading some of the time. *Uses appropriate interactions with partner/small group little to none of the time. *Uses grade-level appropriate text fluency (rate, accuracy, expression, and appropriate phrasing) when reading little to none of the time.

What does that mean for Writing? Students must be able to speak and write in complete sentences, using correct grammar and mechanics. Students must be able to brainstorm ideas, organize thoughts, and speak and write about the topic.

Spelling and Dictation Sentences Our weekly spelling consists of a spelling pattern and sight words. We have a total of 16 words and 2 bonus words. Weekly tests will be averaged for one major grade. The dictation sentences use the spelling words, sight words, and past patterns to ensure mastery of spelling. The sentences are designed to help build working memory. They are graded for accuracy, beginning with a capital and ending with a punctuation. Weekly dictation will be averaged for one daily grade.

Attendance Daily attendance is vital to your child’s success. It is important for your child to be at school on time and stay the entire day. Students enter the classroom at 8:10 in the morning. We will begin working on warm-ups at that time. Students who are late often feel left behind and struggle to catch up.

Homework Homework is the reinforcement of learning that occurs in the classroom. Students will receive their homework folders on Friday afternoon and return them the following Friday morning. Homework will include reading for 15 minutes per night, a short reader’s response, a math worksheet and practicing spelling words and math facts.

Great Expectations This year Willow Creek is implementing Great Expectations. This program provides staff and students with the skills needed to create harmony and excitement in the entire school. Student Expectations (as listed on weekly progress report) Self–Discipline – controls actions and emotions Respect – pays attentions and shows consideration to other Cooperation – works well with others Attitude – positive feelings about someone or something Accountability – returns homework on time and completes classwork on time.

Positive Behavior Incentives Students can earn… Compliments if they are caught being good, Cat Cash Tower Treasure Tokens Good phone calls home Nine week rewards for WCES students with all E’s in all classes and no office/bus referrals.

Library We check out books as a class every week. Students will be able to visit the library as they need new books. Students must take books home daily and return with them daily for independent reading. Check out two books – one on level AR book and one of their choice. Students are expected to take at least one AR test per week.

Lunch Please use parent tables to eat lunch with your child. You cannot invite other children to sit with you. You can only eat with your own child. Please check online at www.parentonline.net for your child’s cafeteria balance.

Snacks Snack - We do not stop for a snack time, however, students may bring a nutritious snack to eat in the afternoon while they work.

Birthdays Celebrated during the last 10 minutes of lunch. Store bought cookies, cupcakes, or ice cream from the cafeteria. (Ice cream passes are 75 cents each) Provide enough for the entire class. (22 students) Please do not bring items that contain any nuts. I have several students with food allergies. If your child has food allergies please let me know ASAP!

Transportation Transportation changes will require a written note or fax before 3:00 p.m. Phone calls and e-mails will not be accepted. If we do not have parent notification, your child will be sent home the way they normally go home. Please do not put notes in the Wednesday Folder or the Homework Folder. 

Communication Please feel free to call me at 281-357-3080 ext. 3468. You may also reach me through Edlio or roseannmiller@tomballisd.net. Sign-up for my newsflash on Edlio! Wednesday folder: Please sign and return every Thursday. The Wednesday folder is my main way to communicate important information about our class and your child.

Let’s Have a Great Year!