Mrs. Powell's Second Grade 2017-2018 Welcome Parents!

Mrs. Powell BA in Education from SUNY Geneseo 15th year of teaching 4 year old, Charlotte and 2 year old, Noah Loves spending time outdoors, playing/watching sports, reading, and doing anything with my family

Learning Atmosphere Responsive Classroom Active and engaging Hands-on Authentic Differentiated Classroom community Student Choice  

Behavior Management In our classroom, you will see: Teachers and students paying attention to how we treat each other Students setting goals for their own learning Activities that build and foster community Students collaborating on projects to learn together Morning Meeting - Greeting, Sharing, Announcements

PBIS - Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support Creates a positive climate for learning We use a common language to set expectations Respectful Responsible Ready to Learn  

Assessments Diagnostic - administered prior to the teaching of concepts to see what student already knows about a topic. Formative - administered throughout units to check for understanding. Summative - administered to evaluate a student’s understanding of a learning target after the teaching of concepts.

BYOT – Bring Your Own Technology Discovery is a BYOT school. Our class will begin when routines and expectations are set. Students are invited to bring in their own personal devices – iPads, Chromebooks, laptops, etc. We will use the devices for academic purposes only - Reflex Math, Raz Kids, Kidblog, Google Classroom, etc. BYOT is not mandatory. Devices will be provided for children without a personal device.

Digital Citizenship Certification CommonSense Media Students need to understand how to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly online. Empower students to make safe, smart, and ethical decisions online. Constantly revisiting and learning more about CommonSense Media units throughout the year.

Belongings Please make sure that all items your child brings to school are clearly labeled. Many coats, sweaters, gloves, and hats look alike. Please leave all toys at home, as these items tend to get lost or broken and are distracting. Your child is welcome to bring a water bottle with a pop-up or straw lid to have on his or desk.

Birthdays Birthdays are very special in Room 206! We will celebrate your child with a birthday routine during Morning Meeting. Loudoun County Food Policy - “no food is to be brought into and shared within the classroom.” If you plan to invite every student of Room 206 to a birthday party for your child, I am happy to distribute invitations.

Book Orders Throughout the year, I will send home Scholastic Book Club flyers, which offer books at reduced prices. If you choose to participate, you can do so by logging onto www.scholastic.com/parents. Our “Classroom Code” is Q2NFQ.

Communication Open lines of communication Parent/teacher partners I will communicate with you electronically via email – ashley.powell@lcps.org If this does not work for you, please let me know, and I will be happy to establish another means of communication.

Dismissal Changes/Absences For all changes in after-school arrangements, please: Email dis-absentee@lcps.org and Email me at ashley.powell@lcps.org or send in a note Without a note or phone call to the office, I am unable to allow any changes from usual arrangements. If you need to make a change after 7:30, please call the school. If your child will be absent due to an appointment or family trip, please inform me as soon as possible. This will allow me to provide your child with any assignments he or she will miss during the absence.

Homework The primary homework for your child will be: Reading. 20 minutes per night Complete Reading Log Math Reflex Math/Math Facts   There will be occasional projects

Lunch Packers – Please send your child’s lunch in a clearly labeled lunch box. Buyers – Please send all money to school in an envelope with your child’s name and five-digit number clearly indicated.

Star Student Each week we will celebrate a Star Student. When your child is selected as the Star Student, a letter will be sent home the Friday before, which will detail the special events of the upcoming week. Students will complete an “All About Me Poster” at home and share it with the class on Monday.

Discovery Communicates Discovery Website – http://www.lcps.org/des Facebook – @DIS.elem Twitter – @Discovery-elem

Students Rights and Responsibilities The Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook is available on the Discovery website. Click “Student.” Select “Student Rights and Responsibilities.” Please complete and return the following forms: Acknowledgement of Receipt Media Release and Photographs Student/Parent Technology Usage Form    

ParentVUE Visit the ParentVUE from the Discovery website. An activation key is required to activate account. If you do not have an activation key, please contact Discovery Elementary at 571-252-2370.

Thank you for coming! I look forward to a great year together! Please complete the Parent’s Homework and return with your child next Monday!