1. Mrs. Archer’s Second Grade
San Jacinto Valley Academy

2. Attendance Please have your child to school on time..every day.
Please do not take your child out of school early if possible. Children lose valuable learning time when they leave early.
The morning whistle blows at 7:25 am and children are in their seats ready to learn by 7:30 am. Your child is considered tardy at 7:31 am, if they are not in class.
Students may not remain on campus waiting to be picked up. The office closes at 3:50..so who is watching the kids?

3. Expectations for your child…
I expect your child to come to school on time with homework complete.
I expect your child to ask questions, engage in conversations, complete tasks in class, and follow school/classroom rules.
I expect your child to work hard!
I expect your child to follow our dress code.
I expect your child to notify me when they are having a difficult time with work or with friends.
I expect your child to have fun learning!

4. Expectations for parents…
I expect you to bring your child to school on time.
I expect you to ensure that homework is complete.
I expect your family to show up for school events, conferences, performances, etc. Of course, you can’t come to everything…I get it!
I expect you to discuss concerns with me FIRST! I cannot help you or your child if I am not aware there is an issue.

5. Your expectations for me should be…
You should expect me to educate your child.
You should expect me to notify you FIRST if there is an issue with behavior or learning.
You should expect me to treat your child with respect, kindness, compassion, and truly care about him/her.
You should expect me to keep your child safe.
You should expect me to listen to your child when they speak to me.
You should expect me to be on time and ready at 7:30am.

6. What if any of us is not meeting expectations?
Let’s talk!
me at
Write me a note
Call me
Set up a conference with me

7. Remind 101
Text to Message (3 parents still need to sign up)
All parents were given my Remind code in an and a hand out that was sent home. All of my information for important events, special dress days, assembly information, homework changes, etc. goes out using this two-way texting program. You are able to message me.
I do not send paper reminders home…I am trying to save the Earth one tree at a time!

8. Communicating with your child during school hours
Please do not me or message me using Remind to get messages to your child….what if I am off campus? Your child will not get the message.
If you need a message given to your child, call the front office and they will send a supervisor with the message for your child, or they will call the room with the message.

9. Progress Reports and Report Cards
The year is broken down into six-week assessment periods to focus on your child’s achievement.
Grades are based on reading levels, math test scores, comprehension of material read, language arts assessments, class participation, behavior, and attendance.
Your child’s reading level is assessed once per month at a minimum.
Conferences are scheduled formally twice per year, but at any time you may schedule a meeting with me.

10. Assessment continued..
Your child is scored on a 4-point scale in language arts, writing, and math. Their reading level is assessed differently and they are scored on a reading level.
Scoring is as follows:
4 = advanced, 3 = proficient, 2 = basic, 1= below basic. If your child scores 1’s or 2’s, they are not meeting the requirement for second grade.

11. Electives Your child has electives every day from 11:35-12:30.
They have music, Spanish, PE, Art, and computers.
Our schedule is: Art on Monday, PE on Tuesday, Spanish on Wednesday, Technology on Thursday, and Music on Friday.

12. Electives/Specials ART Music
Through our Art Program students will learn basic art concepts (i.e. color theory and lines), art history and how to express themselves in a positive manner. Art projects will be displayed through Remind. All art projects will come home at the end of the school year in your students art portfolio.
and sign up for remind to 81010
Music
Our music program engages students in diverse activities designed to foster a deep connection with music. In a positive and encouraging environment, students explore fundamentals such as pitch, rhythm, timbre, volume and music literacy through singing, playing, creating and listening to music. Performances taking place throughout the year will showcase the students’ learning and foster engagement with their school and family communities. Thank you for encouraging and supporting your children’s participation in the school music program!

13. Electives/Specials cont.
TECHNOLOGY
When used appropriately - can be a tool for learning.  It is a tool that can  support student learning both at home and in the classroom.  In this years technology elective class , your student will be learning how to use various forms of educational technology including computer based word processing, typing, graphic design and information searches to support their academic work.  Once they have achieved familiarity and met these goals, they will also be introduced to other forms of technology including web design, computer programming and robotics. We look forward to sharing this exciting curriculum with your child, and to their successful learning at SJVA.
SPANISH
An open mind to immerse yourself into a new culture and language. Courage to speak in a foreign tongue. You will be speaking in front of your peers, teacher, and community. “Si se puede!...Yes you can!”

14. Primary Years Program (PYP)
We will be using the PYP model of teaching at our school. PYP is a curriculum framework that seeks to promote skills that would help students become better problem solvers in our complex and competitive world, through an inquiry based approach to learning and growing love and respect for all diversities.
In second grade, we will be teaching students how to wonder, think, and ask questions. With their questions, we will explore and use hands on ways to find answers and solutions to their problems. PYP has designed learner profiles and attributes to help students develop lifelong learning skills. There will be six units of inquiry this school year. You will see your child complete many interesting projects and lessons.
For more information please check out this amazing resource for parents:

15. Homework
Math homework will go home on a daily basis and a reading log will be sent home on a weekly basis. Homework is due at 7:30am the following day. Late homework does not help as we review homework from 7:30-7:45 am. You and your child are responsible for maintaining homework folders.
Check your child’s backpack every day! We often see old food, important paperwork, and who knows what else in backpacks!

16. Homework continued….
Homework is an extension of classroom learning and, if your child has difficulty completing homework, this is most likely also true of class work.
If you have any issues with the homework assigned, please me asap! We can meet and discuss options for your child.

17. Second Grade Homework Policy
Homework is given to reinforce concepts learned that day and is a great time for parents to ask their child to teach them what they have learned.
If homework does not come back, you will be invited to attend an SST (Student Study Team) meeting with all second grade teachers. We will want to know why homework is not completed and we will need to develop a plan to have homework turned in.
Our Learning Partnership Agreement calls for parent participation with homework.

18. What does homework look like in second grade?
Your child will practice math concepts they are currently working on in class.
Read daily with your child. Reading logs will go home Friday and are due back the following Friday morning.
We may have additional pages or projects for you to work on with your child.
Homework should not take more than 20 minutes per day.

19. Procedures for Independent Study
Pre-planned Absence
Call the office as soon as you know your child will be out.
Visit office and sign paperwork.
Teacher will have packet ready prior to absence.
Unexpected Absence
Call the office on the first day student misses.
Visit office to sign paperwork and packet will be handed to you. Your child must sign the contract too!
We can fax or a contract to you!
Independent study recovers attendance but does not keep your child at grade-level. Being in school is best!

20. Benefits of Independent Study
Absences are excused.
You are helping SJVA reach their attendance goal of 98%.
Our class is rewarded for 100% attendance with popsicles, pizza parties, etc.
Independent Study will keep your child from being placed on an attendance contract.
Keep in mind that when your child is absent, we do not make-up art projects, group work, partner work, etc.
As of today, we have 100% attendance!

21. Volunteering
I generally do not need regular volunteers in the classroom, but the PTSA has many opportunities to help!
Field trips are scheduled throughout the year and volunteers are often needed. You must have a current TB test and fingerprint clearance in our business office.
Volunteering for a field trip is allowed once per year unless I need more volunteers.
If I do need a volunteer in the classroom, I will notify parents via Remind101

22. Field Trips
All field trips will be available to students who meet our attendance expectation of 98% or higher. This means you may be absent one time per month without an independent study.
Field trips are also tied to behavior. If your child cannot meet the behavior expectations, they may not attend off-site field trips (this would be extreme cases).
Chaperones must be cleared as volunteers at SJVA.

23. Dress Code Reminders
If students violate dress code, they must go to the office for a change of clothes, or they can turn their sweatshirts inside out (if the correct color).
Sweatshirts, hoodies: Must be solid color in maroon, white, black, navy blue, tan, brown, or gray with no name brand logos, emblems, writing, or pictures.
Heavy winter coats do not need to be a solid color, but may not be worn inside the classrooms. 
Polos can be any solid color with no name brand logos, emblems, writing, or pictures.
Uniform pants can be khaki, navy blue, gray, or black.
Shorts or skirts must be no more than 3” above the knee.
Leggings under skirts must be white, black, brown, navy, tan, gray, and maroon and they must be a solid color.

24. Dismissal
Children are released to go home from the classroom, so please make sure they know where to meet you each day. Teachers do not walk students out to cars or walking gate, but parents are welcome to wait in front of classrooms for their child to come out.
Students are not allowed to remain on campus with older siblings for sports or intervention; they must be picked up at their regular dismissal time.

25. In Closing:
I cannot answer personal questions tonight such as, “how is _____________ doing?” There are just too many people around to discuss individual students. If you have individual questions, please see me to arrange a conference after school.
Our first parent-teacher-student conferences are coming up in 5 short weeks.