1. Welcome to Second Grade!
Ms. Neighbors’ Class

2. A Little About Me Texas by choice “Three” Children
Transplanted to Houston, Texas from Michigan 36 years ago
I taught the 4th grade here for 5 years, 3rd grade for 2 years, and this is my first year teaching 2nd grade.
Have 2 boys ages 18 and 26, my youngest recently graduated high school and the oldest is a teacher and in college working on his master’s degree in educational administration. His wife is a teacher of 4 years.

3. Education Bachelor of Science M.Ed. Educational Administration
Licensed Teacher
Bachelor of Science
Masters of education in educational administration
Licensed Teacher for the great state of Texas

4. Goals Students’ Social and Academic Success
Student and Parent Communication
Enjoying Second Grade! 

5. Arrival and Dismissal School hours are 8:00 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
TARDY at 8:05 a.m.
If there is ever a change in how your child is going home, please send a note!
Any walker or biker in K-2 must be accompanied by an older sibling or adult
Absences – All students who miss a day of school are required to return with a written explanation of the absences within 48 hours.

6. Red “Take Home” Folder Brought to school and taken home M-F
Reading log within a sheet protector
Student’s responsibility to read, write the title of the book, and ask parent for parent signature (you know your child, he or she may need reminders)
Research
Things to look for on the left
Homework, notes from me, notes from you, conduct card,
things to be returned to school
Things to look for on the right
important information from District, School, PTO, or Faculty and Staff
things to keep at home (do not return)

7. Home Expectations
Students read Monday-Thursday for 20 minutes at the appropriate level! (fill out reading log in red homework folder)
Parents sign and students return reading log in red homework folder Tuesday - Friday.
Students math homework needs to be completed and turned in by Friday in red homework folder.
Students complete homework and both students and parents initial homework packet.

8. The Fall Creek Elementary Community
Our school is a community. In our community, we have expectations to help us be successful.
Our Cardinal Creed (school and classroom expectations) are to :
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible

9. Behavior Reward system Negative consequences Classroom Brags
Table Points
Reward
Personal
Best Behavior Catalog
Negative consequences
Verbal warning, minutes off recess, call/note home, classroom behavior sheet, or office referral
Consequence depends on the action

10. Our Daily Schedule 7:50-8:00 Organization 8:00-8:20 Morning Meeting
8:20-9:10 Math Investigations
9:10-10:00 Specials
10:00-10: CATCH Break/Math Fluency
10:45-11: Word Study
11:10-12: Reading
12:20-1:20 Lunch/recess/read aloud
1:20-2:10 Writing
2:10-3:00 Science/social studies
3:00-3:10 Organization
3:10 Dismissal

11. C.A.T.C.H. Break
The students are allowed to bring a snack for CATCH break, but it must be HEALTHY and READY TO EAT.
Coordinated Approach to Child Health
We will have a snack break each morning in the classroom.
Please send nutritious snacks such as fruit, crackers, cheese, etc…
Please do not send Cheetos, Takis…anything that turns fingers orange
Water bottles with a sport top are also encouraged.

12. Birthday Treats
Store bought treats are allowed from home for birthdays.
You may purchase a snack such as ice cream for each student from the cafeteria.
Fall Creek Policy – No Treat Bags.
If you have party invitations you would like given out, we can only pass them out if there is one for each classmate.

13. Lunch and Recess Lunch: 11:15-11:45 Recess ends at 11:45-12:05
You are welcome to have lunch with your child.
We have special tables for parents and their child in the main hallway. (Student/Parents only)
Please remember to sign in at the front office.
Monthly menus can be downloaded on Fall Creek’s Website
Cafeteria Prices: Breakfast - $1.40, Lunch - $2.20
Accounts for “extras”, snacks, and ice cream may be “frozen” at parents’ discretion.
If you come to eat with your child it is a Fall Creek policy that you and your child sit at the Reserved table so you can enjoy this special time alone with your child. You must check in at the front office and wear your Visitor’s tag.
No carbonated beverages
Be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather or he/she will not be allowed to play outside at recess.

14. Our Monday Schedule 7:50-8:05 Jobs
8:05-8:15        Meeting 8:15-8:45        Reading lesson
8:45-9:15        JRR/guided group
9:15-9:45        Workstations/guided group
9:45-10:00       Read/Snack
10:00-11:15     Math 
11:15-12:15     Lunch - Recess
12:15-1:10       EE/Writing
1:15-1:35         Word Study
1:35-2:10         Science
2:10-3:05         Specials

15. Our Tuesday Schedule 7:50-8:05 Morning organization
8:05-8:15        Community Meeting 8:15-8:45        Reading lesson
8:45-9:15        JRR/guided group
9:15-9:45        Reading Workstations/guided group
9:45-10:00      Read Aloud/Snack
10:00-11:15    Math 
11:15-12:15    Lunch - Recess
12:20-1:15      Specials
1:15-2:05        EE/Writing 
2:05-2:25        Word Study
2:25-3:05        Science/Soc. Studies

16. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Schedule
7:50-8:05        Organization
8:05-8:15        Meeting 8:15-8:45        Reading
8:45-9:15        JRR/guided group
9:15-9:45        Reading Workstations /guided group
9:45-10:00      Read/Snack
10:00-11:15    Math 
11:15-12:15    Lunch Rec.
12:15-1:10      EE/Writing
1:15-2:05        Specials
2:05-2:25        Word Study
2:25-3:05        Science/S.S.
Thursday PLC: 2:05-3:00

17. Specials Schedule Please see emailed classroom calendar A: Library
B: P.E.
C: Computer
D: P.E.
E: Computer
F: P.E.
G: Music

18. Reading Balanced literacy approach: Read-Alouds
Multiple genres, poetry, biography, etc.
Just Right Reading
Shared Reading
Guided Reading Groups
Reading Workshop
**The more your child reads, the better the comprehension – proven by research

19. Reading Balanced literacy approach: Read-Alouds Poetry
Just Right Reading
Shared Reading
Guided Reading Groups
Reading Workshop

20. Writing Writer’s Workshop incorporates: The writing process
Writing exercises
Editing / Revising lessons, expectations

21. Spelling/Word Study
Phonetic principles for spelling words and high frequency words will be emphasized as well as the consonant, vowel pattern
Spelling lists usually come home every other Monday
List will show phonetic PATTERN (CVC)
Test will be given at the end of two weeks
The test will look for application of the phonetic principles being studied

22. Mathematics Investigations Word problems Logical thinking
Math processes and reasoning
Memorization of basic addition facts with sums to 18
Money
The clock
Number of the day

23. Math Investigations Word problems Logical thinking
Math processes and reasoning
Memorization of basic addition facts with sums to 18

24. Science and Social Studies
The Scientific Process
Seasons, matter, weather, living things, and our environment
Social Studies- How things work together (communities, citizenship, government, natural resources, and economics)

25. Tutorials
An will be made informing parents when tutoring is suggested.
Tutoring begins promptly at 7:30. I will pick up your child at the door at 7:25, if he or she is a car rider or biker or walker. If your child is a bus rider, and is getting breakfast at school, they will go to the front of the breakfast line and ask for a disposable tray and come directly to class.

26. Standards-Based Report Cards
Similar to kindergarten and 1st grade report cards
Documents academic growth
Provides specific information about what students know and are able to do
Success is determined by improvement over time

27. Reading the Standards-Based Report Card
Documenting Mastery
Teachers take the work that the student completes and then evaluate it based on a rubric. The rubric score will provide specific information about where students are in the process of learning the standard.

28. Scoring Grid for 2nd Grade Report Cards4
Advanced 3
Proficient 2
Basic 1
Below Basic
Standard
Consistently meets and often exceeds.
Regularly meets.
Beginning to meet.
Working below grade level.
Errors in Work
Rare to none
Limited
Many
N/A
Teacher Support
Rarely needs teacher support to meet standard. Works independently
Occasionally needed. Demonstrates proficiency.
Frequently needed.
Strong instructional support needed.

29. If the standard is…..
To bake a cake.

30. Advanced Proficient Basic Below Basic4
Advanced 3
Proficient 2
Basic 1
Below Basic
Ingredients
All ingredients used; measured exactly; used all natural ingredients; no substitutions.
All ingredients used; no substitutions; measured exactly.
All ingredients used; made a few substitutions; measurement not exact.
Missing ingredients; made substitutions; did not measure exactly.
Appearance
Decorated cake above and beyond expectations; added a second layer of cake; candles; used several icing techniques.
Iced cake; candles on cake.
Iced cake; no candles.
No icing; no decorations; cake did not rise appropriately.
Directions
Followed exactly; needed no support to complete cake.
Followed directions; asked few questions; needed little assistance.
Attempted to follow directions; had many questions; needed frequent support.
Did not know how to begin; had many questions; needed constant help.

31. Portfolios
Your child will have a portfolio that is used to collect a sampling of work. Some work will be sent home to you for review but most work will remain in the portfolio that is housed in the classroom.

32. Report Card
At the end of the grading period, your child will get a report card. Your child will receive a score of 4, 3, 2, or 1 on each of the standards listed. This will give you information about how your child is progressing in mastering the standard. If an area is shaded in, that particular standard is not taught during that grading period.

33. Work Habits & Conduct + √ - Work & Study Habits
Rubric used for evaluating student:
Quarters 1 2 3 4
Work & Study Habits
Uses time wisely
Stays on task
Follows written directions
Follows oral directions
Listens attentively
Completes work carefully & neatly
Organizes work area & materials
Works at a steady pace & avoids making careless mistakes
If an item is not marked it is not applicable at the time. +
Consistently demonstrates at independent level √
Demonstrates with support -
Needs improvement

34. Work Habits & Conduct + √ - Citizenship
Rubric used for evaluating student:
Citizenship
Quarters 1 2 3 4
Follows rules
Interacts appropriately with others
Accepts responsibility
Demonstrates self-control
Respects others and their property
Is gaining independence
Works democratically with others in a group
If an item is not marked it is not applicable at the time. +
Consistently demonstrates at independent level √
Demonstrates with support -
Needs improvement

35. Questions or Comments

36. Together we are successful.
It will be a fun adventure!

37. Reading **The more your child reads, the better he/she will become!
It is Fall Creek policy that your child reads at least 20 minutes four times a week. A parent must sign the reading log. I will check the reading logs each morning.

38. Word Study
A list will be sent home on Mondays. Students will be tested on Thursday after working with the pattern for two weeks.

39. Writing Writing occurs in all subject areas. Writing Workshop
write creatively to develop effective communication, conferencing, revising, and editing skills
learn components of writing process

40. English
The correct use of punctuation, capitalization, and parts of speech will be taught and reinforced through writing.
Grammar will also be taught traditionally when needed.

41. Science/Social Studies
The 4th grade teachers are requesting a $5.00 lab/activity fee to supplement any special materials the children use.

42. Mathematics Concepts we will be working on: Multiplication
Problem solving and critical thinking
Measurement
Probability and statistics
Geometry
Logic
Patterns

43. Handwriting
Students are expected to be proficient in cursive handwriting and use it for daily work.

44. Homework
Students are expected to complete homework Monday thru Thursday and to bring it back the next day.
If homework has not been completed they will have an opportunity to catch up with their work at recess.

45. Tutoring
We will not request tutoring before school unless we see a real need. We make every attempt to tutor students using alternative resources.
Tutoring Hours: 7:25-7:50
Wednesday—Math
Thursday—Reading/Writing

46. Progress Reports and Report Cards
Each child will receive a Progress Report 4 to 5 weeks into the grading period (except 1st 9 weeks)
Report Cards
sent home every 9 weeks
**Please sign and return
Please sign and return. It is your child’s responsibility to return the signed progress reports and report cards to me.

47. STAAR State of Texas Academic Achievement of Readiness
Writing in March
Reading and Math the last week of April
The tested objectives are taught in the course of daily lessons because the test is a criterion-based test. Occasionally, you will see STAAR related papers coming home in the graded paper folder. We spend several months teaching the students how to take the test.

48. Homework Folder--red
This folder should come home nightly and will contain the math homework, word study, daily planner, and reading log along with any other assignments that need to be completed.
The homework folder is a primary source of communication. Please sign planner and reading log daily.
Homework assignments will be written in red ink in the Daily Planner.

49. Take Home Folder--blue
The blue folder is sent home on Tuesday of each week
It will contain graded assignments, the school newsletter, and any other paper needing to be seen or signed by you. Graded papers should be kept at home unless a signature was requested.
In it you will find graded papers, news, announcements and your child’s conduct card. Please sign and return the conduct card Wednesday.

50. Conduct Fall Creek Expectations: We are safe. We are respectful.
We are responsible.
Weekly conduct marks will be based on these expectations.

51. Arrival and Dismissal Arrival- Dismissal- school doors open at 7:30 am
stay in cafeteria until 7:50
Dismissal-
released to dismissal rooms at 3:07
car riders are released at 3:10
Walkers, bike riders, and bus riders are dismissed at 3:20

52. Book Orders
When ordering books please make the CHECK out to the SCHOLASTIC BOOK COMPANY for the amount of the purchase.
The book company will not accept cash. You may order on-line if you would rather not send a check. Any points earned will be used to purchase reading material for our classroom library.

53. Classroom Parties Winter party and Valentine’s Day
The Parties are set up by the PTO and classroom volunteers.

54. Medications A note and the medication are to be given to the nurse..
Parents must bring the medication to and from school. Medication may not be transported by students. She must have the medication in the original bottle or she cannot distribute it to your child

55. Dress Code
Straps on shirts must be 3 fingers wide (no spaghetti straps).
Arm holes on boys’ shirts cannot hang down low, but sleeveless shirts are acceptable.
No cut-up jeans.
No colored hair (crazy colors after carnivals).
Tennis shoes with backs must be worn for PE.
Shorts should reach the finger tips.

56. Explanation of the Homework Policy
Students should not spend more than 90 minutes per night. This time should be budgeted in the following manner.
15 minutes – looking for assignment
11 minutes – calling a friend for the assignment
23 minutes – complaining that the teacher is mean and just does not like kids
8 minutes – in the bathroom
10 minutes – getting a snack
7 minutes – checking the TV guide
6 minutes – telling parents that the teacher never explained the assignment
10 minutes – sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Mom or Dad to do the assignment

57. Contact Information
Please do not hesitate to contact me concerning your child…
Phone #:
Humble ISD Website
Fall Creek Website: Humble - Fall Creek – Teacher Websites – Dana Neighbors