Welcome to Second Grade!

CURRICULUM  Emphasis on strong basic skills in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science and includes art, music, health, and physical education.  Every student will participate in Pathways To Literacy this year which is based on best practices in reading.  The services of a guidance counselor, reading teacher, and technology specialist are utilized.  More information is available on the website.

SPECIAL CLASSES  Music (Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Stetz )  Physical Education (Mr. Myers, Mr. Lettington)  Art (Ms. Hassinger, Mr. Tracey)  Library (Mrs. Alpher, Mrs. Nguyen)  Computer/Technology (Ms. Homer, Mr. Colucci)  S.E.A.R.C.H (Mrs. Palmer)  Guidance (Mr. Hak, Mrs. Saxe)  Resource (Mrs. David, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Lopez, Ms. Sri)

GRADING – Report cards!  For each content area, there are progress indicators: E = Exceeds standard, M = Meets standard, P = Progressing towards standard, B = Performing below standard and “.” denotes knowledge or skill not assessed at this time.  Reading  Language Arts  Math  Social Science  Science

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS Three Rosa Lee Carter “PAWS”  Respect Self  Respect Others  Respect Property Coyote Cash: (School-wide positive behavior plan.) Students or Classes earn coyote cash and other recognition for demonstrating good character traits.

REWARDS Individuals – Stickers – Bookmarks – Praise Group or Team – Prize Box Class – Special activity

HOMEWORK Assigned nightly Each child should read for 15 minutes every night Homework agenda and reading log should be reviewed each night by parent Homework papers and reading log should be kept in their blue folder and returned to school each day Word Study homework is assigned 4 times a week with an assessment on Fridays.

 Daily in the blue Homework Folder  Please send money to school in an envelope marked with the purpose and your child’s name and lunch number.  The second grade newsletter will be available monthly on the Rosa Lee Carter website. In an effort to “go green” we will not be sending hard copies home. PARENT COMMUNICATION

 Our success depends on you!  Please volunteer in our classroom  Sign up for a Conference TODAY in your child’s classroom.  Sign up for Home Room Parent  Note your name, phone number, and days & times you would be available to help. Someone will contact you for specific jobs:  Weekly copying and laminating  Put together Math and reading materials  Activity assistance  Reading to the class as a Guest Reader  Guest Speaker – on what topics or areas will you speak? VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !

As it states in the Student Handbook/Agenda: “Loudoun County elementary schools no longer permit families to send in cupcakes, cookies, or other treats to celebrate their children’s birthdays. Nutritional guidelines have been developed which discourage children from passing out such treats on their birthdays.” You may send in a small token (pencils, stickers etc…) if you wish. Birthday invitations may only be passed out at school if the entire class is invited. Birthdays!

 Language Arts  Math  Math Fact Fluency***  Progress Monitoring  Goal Setting  Games  Communication  Look for a letter to come home soon! Mobymax.com

 The second grade team will be using an optional free text-messaging / system periodically to help keep you informed.  Look for sign-up information coming your way soon! Remind 101

 LCPS requires each student to participate in daily physical activity which includes Physical Education classes and recess  P.E. – Three times per week (please send gym shoes on PE days)  Students are also required to participate in PE and recess unless a doctor’s note is provided to the Teacher. Parents notes will not be accepted.  Daily recess will be outside weather permitting when temperatures are above 32 degrees. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the present and expected weather. REMINDERS!

We will be using Scholastic News to keep up with current events in the 2 nd grade classrooms this year. A one year subscription costs $6 per student. We are requesting each student contribute $6 to cover the cost of this magazine. Scholastic News!

We look forward to working with you and your student this year. Mrs. Bonasso – Room 15 Mrs. Rankin – Room 17 Ms. Ozl – Room 18 Miss Sisson soon to be Mrs. Shepard – Room 19 Mrs. Kinney – Room 20 Mrs. Freeland – Room 21 Mrs. Myers – Room 22 Thank you!