1. Thank You for Coming to Back to School Night

2.  Please check the website each month for updates and important information.  This is an important information tool that I use to communicate with parents.  http://www.fremont.k12.ca.us/Domain/1558 http://www.fremont.k12.ca.us/Domain/1558

3. This is the web Link to the California State Standard and the Common Core State Standards. http://www.cde.ca.gov/

4. Learning to read is an integral part to being successful. http://www.fremont.k12.ca.us/Page/23332

5. Math Press Release Regarding Adoption of New Math Program Fremont Unified School District Adopts New Math Programs On May 7, 2014, the Fremont Board of Education unanimously voted to adopt the new math programs for grades kindergarten through eight. Numerous math programs were evaluated by the Fremont USD 2014 Math Adoption Committee. Over 60 teachers and administrators worked collaboratively, over a series of meetings spanning two months, to evaluate potential texts in the areas of: assessment, alignment to the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS),

6. the digital component, supports for English learners, students with disabilities and instruction in higher mathematics. Community input was also solicited. Based on the findings from the evaluation, the programs that best fit the needs for the students of Fremont Unified School District are: Math Expressions (2015) by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for grades K-5, and Springboard Math (2014) by the College Board for grades 6-8 and Algebra I All teachers have receive professional development in the summer to help prepare them for the new adoption. All student texts are consumable which will result in a lighter load in backpacks. Families will receive digital access codes to the student online component in the fall. This is forthcoming. The District Office is still in the process of accomplishing this goal.

7. History–Social Science 1.Students in the second grade are ready to learn about people who make a difference in their lives and who have made a difference in the past. 2. They develop their own identities as people who have places in their communities. 3.Students start their study of people who make a difference by studying the families and people they know

8. 4. Students themselves can make a difference by engaging in service- learning to improve their schools or communities. 5.Teachers are encouraged to build understanding of history– social science concepts while furthering beginning literacy skills as outlined in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).. History–Social Science

9. Science In second grade, scientific investigation focuses on the students ’ questioning, observation, and communication skills

10. Students need time to: examine different ideas, ask questions, observe patterns, make predictions, use simple equipment and tools, and discuss what they see with others. They develop skills in making careful, replicable, and validated observations Science

11. and have multiple opportunities to communicate their findings in writing, through pictures, and orally. In addition, students learn about the important role of technology in science. Science

12. In the physical sciences: second-grade students learn about forces (pushes and pulls) and the phenomena of gravity, magnetism, and sound. In the life sciences, they learn about the life cycles of animals and plants and the basics of inheritance they provide about Earth’s history. Science

13. In the earth sciences, students learn that rocks are composed of different combinations of minerals, that smaller rocks and soil are made from the breakage and weathering of larger rocks, and that soil also contains organic materials. Students are introduced to fossils and the evidence Science

14. Technology Ms. Commendant is our current computer teacher. Below is her website link. http://www.fremont.k12.ca.us/Page/22812

15. Technology

18. Lexia Core 5 Reading App This is the symbol for the I pad. This is a technology based App that requires Google Chrome, Firefox or at least an I pad 2. Students need a password to access this information. This will come home later in Thursday Folders.

19. 3 Ideas for Common Core at Home 1. Think Deeply The Common Core emphasizes critical thinking. It requires students to analyze more, discuss more, evaluate more, justify more and explain their thinking & understanding deeply, especially in writing. Take-Away: Really thinking deeply is hard. Let it BE hard, help them talk it out.

20. 2. Integrating Learning The Common Core emphasizes learning across disciplines (reading with math & social studies standards combined into one task). Students spend more time working together with different settings, structures & tools. Take-Away: Problems & solutions happen everyday in the real world.

21. 3. Showing How they know: The Common Core emphasizes proof & evidence. Long gone are the days of worksheets, fact memorizations and skill & drill. Students are not taught this way and they are not assessed this way. Take-away: The new tests will require students to explain how they know.

22. Supporting The Common Core at Home 1 Ask *why* when children tell you they want something or want to do or not do something. 2 Use the word *because* after “No” or “Not tonight…” 3. Give reasons--you to them and them to you. 4. Encourage questions & explore answers (especially questions whose answers are not yes or no.) 5. Explain & discuss issues or problems in your house, neighborhood, & community. Brainstorm solutions.

23. Supporting The Common Core at Home 6 Compare how things are alike and different- videos, movies, food. 7 Look for patterns 8 Describe & categorize stuff. 9Tell your children what you value & why. 10 Encourage & celebrate opinions.

24. New Grading System for 2014-2015 The district has revised the report card grading system for K-6. Instead of using number grades the district has opted to return to O,S, and N. These grades will also be used for classroom assignments/assessments and progress reports.

25. 1. I believe each student is responsible for their own learning and every child is capable of learning. 2. I believe every child is wonderful and has something great to share with others. 3. I believe in active and interactive learning where each child is valued as an active participant in learning with an emphasis as much as possible with hands on learning where they are doing and creating a positive environment for themselves and others. 4. I believe in positive reinforcement of excellent behavior and try to reward each child individually with prizes and positive words that will encourage excellence in their learning environment. 5. When negative things happen, I remind them that we are not perfect and ask them to be honest and handle these situations to get a positive outcome. ( They may have to write a letter to you and let you know what happened. The letter needs to be signed, so I know you saw it. I do not keep these after they are returned. Discipline Policy

26. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at gharris@fremont.k12.ca.us You may also call me at 510-657-6100, ext. 44011. You may also make an appointment.