Room 7 2nd Grade (2010-2011) Mrs. Maureen Phillips
Welcome to Second Grade! I am looking forward to meeting your children, and to working with them this year.
Listed below are some general explanations of classroom procedures and requirements, and an outline of subjects to be taught. I hope it will be helpful to you.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
On the first day of school, the children do a “Think, Square, Share” activity to determine the rules needed to help our classroom run smoothly. They think about it for a few minutes by themselves, get into groups of 4, and share their ideas. We then come together for our first Class Meeting, and have a discussion on the topic. We begin with a brainstorming session, propose a list of behavior guidelines, and then vote on them. They are typed up, read and clarified again the next day, and signed. Consequences (on a daily basis) are also discussed at our meeting. They include, but are not limited to:
Using a traffic signal system, every child begins the day with their clothespin on green. If he/she interferes with the learning of another student or does not follow one of the rules, he moves to yellow. If the behavior improves, no further action is taken. If the action does not stop, or escalates, the clothespin moves to red, and a brief note will be written in the HW book.
A Sticker Book is also used for classroom management. Stickers are awarded for outstanding behavior, and 10 stickers on a page earn a child their choice of prize from the prize box. This system of positive reinforcement often triggers a ripple effect of the desired behavior in the classroom.
CURRICULUM
Religion – The Blessed Trinity; the Church; the Sacraments; the Mass; Mary; the Liturgical Year; Special Saints’ Feasts
Mathematics – Number concepts (Ordering, Skip counting, Place Value), Operations (Addition and Subtraction of multi-digit numbers with and without regrouping); Problem Solving; Estimation; Geometry; Time; Money; Fractions; Measurement; Statistics; Probability; Roman Numerals to XX. (A great website for Math activities: www.eduplace.com/maf.) A “Math at Home” paper will be sent home at the beginning of each unit to explain the concepts we’ll be working on and to offer some supplementary activities you may want to do at home.
Language – Literature (Poetry, Prose); Grammar (Sentences, Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs); Spelling; Correct Usage; Phonics; Vocabulary; Reading/Listening Comprehension Skills; the Writing Process; Handwriting; Library Reference Skills
Other: Science; Social Studies; Physical Education; Art; Music; Spanish; and Technology
HOMEWORK
Please sign the white homework assignment book each night. Your signature will indicate to me that you have checked the work and reviewed it with your child. A homework average is factored into the Effort grade on the report card, and missed or incomplete assignments may earn a check in that behavior grade. Exceptions will be made, but a note from you will be needed. It is hoped that this policy will foster a sense of responsibility and ownership for one’s own work. Homework should not take longer than 30 minutes to complete. Please let me know if it is consistently taking longer or if your child is having difficulty with it.
In the event that your child does miss school, and you would like his/her work sent home, please let me know the name and room # of the student with whom I should send it.
ASSESSMENT
Report cards are distributed on a trimester basis. Grades will be derived from a variety of sources: pencil and paper tests, quizzes, homework, classwork, and projects. All graded work will be sent home in the Test Folder the following Monday, or first school day of the week. Please sign and return them in the folder the next day. If a test is scheduled for a day when classes are canceled (due to bad weather, etc.), that test will be given on the next school day.
SUPPLIES
Please check periodically to see if your child needs any supplies. We use pencils every day, and crayons, scissors and glue quite a bit. A stationery fee of $9.00 for 4 copybooks and 2 theme tablets @ $1.50 is due as soon as possible.
CORRESPONDENCE
School mail will be sent home weekly in the family envelope. This General Information page, classroom monthly News Bulletins, the classroom calendar (tests dates, project due dates, oral reading turns), homework, and photos can be accessed on the school website. Just go to www.saintlukeschool.org, click Classrooms, Grade 2, Room 7, and finally, what you would like to see.
CONFERENCES
Mid-trimester conferences will be scheduled at the end of October, beginning of November. However, if you should ever have concerns throughout the year and wish to speak with me, please send in a note with your child or e-mail me, mphillips@saintlukeschool.org, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for your cooperation. I look forward to working with you in making this school year a very positive experience for your child. God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Maureen Phillips
