Welcome to Parent Night 2017

I love teaching your children! Our family lived in Crystal Lake for over 30 years and my three adult daughters all attended West. My husband and I now live in Huntley with our dog Bailey. 14th year teaching at West (10 years with multiage 1st-2nd ) 21st year with District 47 Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education Master Degree in Educational Literacy Mrs. Taylor I love teaching your children!

Our Class Schedule Science/Social Studies 9:00 – 9:45 Reading & Stations 9:45 – 11:15 Lunch & Recess 11:15 – 12:05 Spelling & Writing 12:05 – 1:05 Encore Classes 1:05 – 2:05 * Snack & Read Aloud 2:05 – 2:20 Math 2:20 – 3:20 (*Except Monday) Pack Up/Dismissal 3:20 – 3:30

Are based on balanced literacy and feature . . . CURRICULUM ELA Units of Study Are based on balanced literacy and feature . . . Informational & literature texts Academic vocabulary Shared reading of grade-level texts – rereading for purpose Guided reading & independent reading with focus on comprehension

Narrative – Informative - Opinion 6+1 Traits Writing Narrative – Informative - Opinion Handwriting E-Z Write is the handwriting being taught in K-3 this year. Please encourage correct letter and number formation at home. Spelling Based on high-frequency word lists, awareness of letter/sound correlation and spelling patterns with word sorts, and application in their writing.

Math Expressions FOSS Science Social Studies Emphasis on deep, repeated practice of skills and application FOSS Science Pebbles, Sand & Silt ~ Balance & Motion New Plants Social Studies Our Government ~ Native Americans Famous Historians ~ National Holidays Goods & Services ~ Mapping Skills Landforms

HOMEWORK Reading - 20 minutes daily Please initial Reading Log and spend a few minutes discussing the books. Math – 4 to 5 times weekly Homework/Remembering page Spelling - please practice the words at home

District 47 Homework Policies Homework is used to reinforce and apply previously covered concepts, principles, and skills. Please check the D47 Handbook for the policy regarding homework missed due to illness. It can be requested after 1st day of absence by calling the office. Homework missed due to vacation can be completed upon return of the student.

MAP Testing What is MAP Testing? MAP stands for Measures of Academic Progress. It is an assessment that can measure individual student academic growth and is unique in that it adapts during testing to be appropriate to each child's level of learning. Where are students tested? 2nd graders take the MAP test in their classroom on Chromebooks. There are two assessments - one in math and one in reading. The assessments are not timed, but each subject area takes approximately one hour to complete. When does MAP Testing take place? Three times per year – fall, winter, and spring

Progress Reports 5 point scale Trimester grading periods will remain November, Early March, and the end of May.

What is PBIS? Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports PBIS is an approach to teaching and supporting positive behaviors while meeting the needs of all students. The focus is school-wide expectations that develop a safe, respectful place where students are responsible. Personal Paw Pride slips and Class earned paws to fill the W  

Communication is Vital! * Feel free to call before or after school, send an email, or write a note. * Please check out the latest news at our team/classroom website: Second Grade Page on website * Watch for emails from West that include important dates and reminders.

Reminders! Please drop students off by 8:45 a.m. Snacks ~ quick, healthy, & nut-free Clean gym shoes needed for locker No food allowed on birthdays Earbuds/earphones needed for iPads Lunch account should be monitored from home. If sending money, lunch now costs $2.85 daily.

You will use ParentVUE to sign up for conferences this year You will use ParentVUE to sign up for conferences this year! It’s an electronic way to sign up for Parent-Teacher conferences. Watch for an email regarding this later in September.

Let’s work together to make this a memorable year filled with growth for your child! THANK YOU FOR COMING!