2. Teacher: Mrs. Howell Student Teacher: Ms. Powel Port Matilda Elementary School September 2014

3. What to Expect in Second Grade Student-Centered Classroom Classroom Schedules and Procedures Behavior Management Homework Policy Math Science Social Studies Language Arts Send Home Folders Parent and Teacher Contacts

4. Student-Centered Classroom Students are part of the classroom decision making process Students drive their own learning with questions and inquiry Students are presented with enrichment opportunities that are self- guided PA State Standards Based Curriculum

5. Importance of Group Work in a Student Centered Classroom Students need to understand and experiment with the social roles of belonging to a group. Students guide their own decisions and work cooperatively with one another. Research shows higher level of cognitive thinking process.

6. Classroom Schedules and Procedures Why have schedules and procedures? Students are prepared to begin the day – school begins at 8:15 am Students understand the teacher’s expectations Students become responsible for their own decisions Newsletters will provide parents with our weekly schedule and learning goals.

7. Positive Behavior Supports and Discipline Bald Eagle Area Elementary Schools implement School-Wide Positive Behavior. School-Wide has three school expectations: Be Kind, Be Respectful and Be Responsible. Students that get caught displaying positive behavior are awarded with Soaring Eagle Tickets. When students are not following the School-Wide rules and expectations, they will be given a verbal warning. After the warning students will move their “name sticks” on a traffic light system. Green, students lose 5 minutes of recess and must give the class a verbal apology for the interruption. Yellow, the students lose 10 minutes of recess and must write a reflection sheet and apology note. Parent note sent home for parent signature to be returned the next day. Red - students lose 20 minutes of recess and must write a reflection sheet and apology note, as well as a visit to the principal’s office to discuss behavior expectations. Student reflections will be accompanied by a parent phone call home, as well as a written slip that parents must sign and return to school.

8. Positive Behavior Supports and Discipline Continued… When students are not following the School-Wide rules and expectations, they will be given a verbal warning. After the warning students will move their “name sticks” on a traffic light system. Green - students lose 5 minutes of recess and must give the class a verbal apology for the interruption. Yellow - students lose 10 minutes of recess and must write a reflection sheet and apology note. Parent note sent home for parent signature to be returned the next day. Red - students lose 20 minutes of recess and must write a reflection sheet and apology note, as well as a visit to the principal’s office to discuss behavior expectations. Student reflections will be accompanied by a parent phone call home, as well as a written slip that parents must sign and return to school.

9. Homework Policy Homework Monday – Thursday Homework will be detailed on each newsletter Math Reading – bag with a SRC book and parent signature sheet Spelling – test dates will vary – keep your eye on the newsletter Family projects throughout the year Students that don’t turn homework in on time will complete at recess

10. Second Grade Math Everyday Math Program will be implemented. Hands-on math program. SNAP facts daily (Monday – Thursday) Feel free to view instructional materials, student materials, student workbooks, and manipulatives that are located in our classroom.

11. Science Program FOSS Science Curriculum Four science units in 2 nd grade: Pebbles, Sand and Silt, Balance and Motion, New Plants, and Measurement. Hands-on science projects and observations that are student driven. Assessments are based on observation and work completed in student packets.

12. Social Studies Curriculum Learning about the world around us including communities and U.S. history Students will complete short and long term projects School-home connections.

13. Language Arts Curriculum Reading Wonders curriculum Interactive Daily Program Reading Writing Spelling Phonics

14. Guided Reading Your child is currently being individually assessed for reading levels, accuracy, and phonics skills. Students will be placed in reading groups based on their individual needs and levels. Students change reading groups based on assessment data and evidence, as well as learning needs. More information about guided reading will be sent home within the next two to three weeks.

15. Daily Send Home Folders Folders are sent home daily. Folders include students homework, graded assignments, letters from school, announcements, and miscellaneous items. Papers that are graded or marked with a stamp/star or grade are to be removed from the folders and kept at home. They will be on the HOME side of the folder. The papers that need to come back to school are on the SCHOOL side of the folder. Parents and students are expected to check and read the information presented inside the folders daily. Folders are to be sent back to school each day.

16. Parent Volunteers Must have clearances – Volunteer packet If you were on the list last year, you will be renewed Types of Volunteers: Classroom volunteer – help students with projects in the classroom (especially around the holidays). Copy, assemble, cut, and construct classroom materials that students will use at a later time. Home volunteer – teacher will send home materials that need cut, assembled, pasted, and organized. Parent will send the materials back to school completed and ready for student use. Field Trip Volunteer – accompany and supervise students during field trip activities.

17. Parent and Teacher Contacts Parents please contact me with any questions or concerns. Parents will be contacted when there is a concern about a student. Parents will be contacted when students excel or reach a notable achievement. Parents can contact me at the school (692-7429). Parents can contact me by e-mail at elaina.howell@beasd.net

18. Let’s Have an Excellent School Year! Please don’t hesitate to contact me with a question or a concern. I am here to support and enrich your child’s learning experiences. We are all an important part of your child’s success. Students+Parents+Teachers= Child’s Success