Meet the Teacher September 5, 2012 Mrs. Young

About Me O I would like to introduce myself. I am Courtney Young. This will be my second year teaching second grade at Siliverlake Elementary and my 11th as a teacher. My undergraduate work was conducted at Texas Tech University. There, I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. I am certified Art Instructor, as well as a practicing artist. I hold certificates in Early Childhood, Elementary General Instruction and upon completing my Master of Library Science, in 2012, am a certified librarian. O I am one of the original staff that opened Silverlake Elementary. I was CEO of the Young Household (The official title of a “stay at home mom”) for ten years and then, I returned to teaching last year. A daughter (10yrs), a son (7yrs), a wonderful husband and a dog named “Max” complete my family. O I look forward to working with you and your student to ensure a fruitful year of learning and growing. It is going to be a great year!

Communication O Communication is the foundation for a successful school year. Feel free to send a note with your child if you have any questions or concerns, or call the school. I will return your call within 24 hours. You are may also me for questions or minor concerns, or to request a phone call. School policy says that I cannot discuss your child’s grades or behavior via . I do prefer to talk over the phone when the concern is your child. Of course, privacy dictates that I will not discuss any other child in the class with you, just as I will not discuss your child with any other parent.

Homework Folder (BLUE) O On Mondays you will find your child’s homework packet for the week, along with their Peek of the Week. The Peek will provide current information about what we are learning about and upcoming events. You will also find your child’s spelling and vocabulary words on the Peek. Your child will need to return their completed homework packet in the homework folder to school on Friday. Should your child not bring their homework folder with completed homework packet then they will receive a work habits mark.

Tuesday Folder (Red) O On Tuesday your child will bring home their Tuesday folder. In this folder you will find their conduct chart. This chart shows your child’s behavior for the previous week. You will also find graded papers from the week before and information from the school. Please sign the behavior chart, remove and review graded papers and keep at home, and have your child return the folder on Wednesday. If your child returns their folder on time they will receive a ticket (see below). If they return their folder after Wednesday then they will receive a work habit mark.

Homework O Homework correlates with what we are learning in class. Homework is designed for the students to practice skills we are learning in class. Please work with your child to support them and encourage good homework habits, but please do not do their homework for them (will not show me what we need to work on). Homework is a good indication where your child might excel or need improvement. Please check over your child’s homework. If your child is having trouble with a skill or concept, please note it for me on the packet. I will be keeping track at school as well. The homework is also great study material for weekly tests and quizzes. Thank you for supporting your child’s education!

Reading O Your child should read minutes every night. This is critical to your child’s success in the second grade. Children need to have experience with all sorts of texts. Have your child read age-appropriate books, magazines and newspapers.

Behavior O Students will receive weekly conduct and work habits grade. It is important to note that Silverlake Elementary has a silent hallway policy. If the student talks or plays on the hallway, it is an automatic mark. Each grading period your child will begin on E. Grades are based on the following (marked separately for Work Habits AND Conduct). O E = 0-8 marks O S = 9-14 marks O N = marks O U = 20 and above marks

Conduct Rules CONDUCT: 1. I will pay attention and follow directions given by the teacher. 2. I will stay on task during instruction AND during group or independent work. 3. I will raise my hand for permission to speak. 4. I will keep my hands, feet, and objects to myself. 5. I will NOT be disruptive or disturb others during teaching, working, or study time. 6. I will follow the Silverlake hall expectations: walk silently, stay in line, hands and feet to self. 7. I will follow the Silverlake café expectations: silent in line, whisper voices, seated at table. 8. I will use correct Silverlake restroom behavior: no talking or playing around. 9. I will follow the expectations of the PE, Music, Art, Library, and Computer teachers.

Work Habits Rules WORK HABITS: 1. I will use MY TIME WISELY during class in order to finish my work in a timely manner. 2. I will write the correct classroom heading on all assignments. 3. I will turn my class work in on time. 4. I will turn my homework and projects in on time. 5. I will do my work neatly, and I will keep my desk neat and in order. 6. I will return folders, notes, forms, and report cards needing a parent signature on time. 7. Other

Positive Reinforcement O I believe in positive reinforcements. I use the Silverlake Silver Dollar system (students can receive Silver Dollars from any teacher/staff/faculty for great hallway behavior, doing something nice, being helpful or especially kind). I also use my “smiley face system.” Whenever I see a child or a group of children doing what they are supposed to be doing, or going beyond what is asked of them, then I give them a ticket or maybe more (depending on the action). Every Friday your child will have an opportunity to put their tickets in a drawing for a prize coupon from my treasure box. Your child may also choose to save their tickets for a “bigger” prize at the end of the year.

Progress Reports and Report Cards O Your child will receive a progress report every 3-4 weeks and a report card every 8-10 weeks (depending on how many weeks in the grading period). Please check Skyward to monitor your child’s grade. O Grading Scale: O 100 – 90 A O 89 – 80 B O 79 – 75 C O 74 – 70 D O 69 and below F

Additional Academic Opportunities The last Friday of each month, unless otherwise indicated, will be "Monthly Book Report Day". This is a voluntary assignment option that will be graded and the grade will replace the student's lowest score in reading per each grading period. Expectations: Students will present a report on a book of their choice. The book must be an independent read, not class assigned. The student will then choose how to present the report. The format is of their choice and will need to fulfill the rubric requirements. Specific requirements are provided on the Rubric and Citation Form. Students will turn in the "two page" report form upon the presentation of their projects. This form may be acquired at school or downloaded via the class website. The day of the report students bring their project, along with their bibliography/Rubric Report Form, and will present to the class. The presentation needs to be a maximum of 3 minutes.

Book Report Dates Fall Dates: September 27th October 25th November 22nd Spring Dates: January 31st February 28th March 28th April 25th

Semester Extension Projects O Detailed instructions for all projects/assignment extensions will be sent home at a later date. O Fall Projects O3-Dimensional Shapes in my World OMultimedia Book Report O Spring Semester OBiography Project OPower Point Animal Research Report - Done independently in class and supported by individual research from home.

Other O LUNCH will be from 11:31 – 12:01. If your child will be buying their lunch they will receive a card with their number. You are welcome to come eat with your child. Please sign- in at the office and sit on the stage with your child. O PEAMS On PE days, please make sure your wears tennis shoes. Please, no crocs, flip – flops or sandals with holes. Your child might be running and their feet will need to be protected. On any other PEAMS, your child may wear any dress-code approved foot wear. O TRANSPORTATION If you would like to change how your child is to get home for a day or two please send me a note for my records. If you want to change how your child gets home for a week or permanently please call up to the office. If you are making the change after your child has already gone to school for the day, please call the office to make the change. They will notify me.

O BIRTHDAYS AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES O 23 Students O HOW CAN I HELP? Room Parent Copy Mom/Dad Help from home Party Planners Buddy Readers