2nd Grade Handbook
2006-2007

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In 2nd grade,
Each child is a unique child…
whom I will prepare for a lifetime of learning
by
encouraging curiosity and teaching the skills
to face academic challenges.
by
becoming caring, tolerant, and responsible people
in our ever changing world.

Schedule of the Day

Morning Duties: 
When student first come into the classroom, they will take care of putting their things in the “coat closet”, putting their chairs down, handing in their homework, giving me notes from home and reading the morning message.  This time of the day will be used to foster independence and organizational skills.  Students should be here at 7:45 a.m. 

Math: 
Our school-wide math program is called Investigations.  While there are no student textbooks, Investigations has several teacher books that I use to create the activities.  Investigations is a hands-on program that teaches kids how to think about the math they are doing.    Problem solving and memorization of math facts are the other large parts of our math program.  

Snack and Break: 
We will be eating snack in the classroom.  Students are encouraged to bring healthy snacks.  Students may purchase a snack from the cafeteria or bring their own from home. 
                        
Read Aloud: 
After break, the kids will gather on the floor so I can read them a story.  I read the students fiction and non-fiction books.  All of the books are carefully chosen.  Some of the books I read just because the story is entertaining and the pictures are fun.  Sometimes I read books that have a social message (tolerance, bullying, friendship…).  I also read non-fiction books to build up the student’s knowledge base (books that contain information such as a book about beavers or one about the Statue of Liberty).  Some of the books I read help make the connection between reading and writing.  After I read the story, I will often ask someone to tell me what the story is about so we can work on the skill of retelling (comprehension) which is a crucial skill in reading.   I will be reading several lengthy chapter books to the class this year (such as Charlotte’s Web and My Father’s Dragon series). 

Reading: 
During our ninety minute reading block, students will read alone, read with a partner and/or read in a small group.  Each student will have a reading folder where I keep track of which books are being read as well as strengths/challenges for a particular book.  This folder will be shared at parent/teacher conferences.  Each student has a book bucket which will hold books that your child can read independently as well as new books that your child is learning how to read.  At the end of each reading class, the students will take a book home for homework so they can share their successes with you. 

In May, all 2nd graders will take the Vermont State DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment).  Students will be tested on their reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension.  We will spend the year getting students ready for this assessment. 

Recess and Lunch:
Students will go outside for a 20 minute recess and then come in for a 20 minute lunch in the lunchroom.   During lunch, students are welcome to sit with their friends in grades K-3.   We will start the year working on lunchroom behavior, good eating habits and nice manners.  Anything you can do to reinforce this at home would be appreciated.  

Writing is a complex process, even for adults. To help make it easier for my students, I will be using the Six Traits Writing model to guide my writing instruction.  Students will receive instruction in each of the traits listed below.

• Organization
• Ideas
• Word Choice
• Voice
• Conventions
• Sentence Fluency

Specials: 
On Monday and Friday we will have P.E.  Students are responsible for having their sneakers on these days.  On Monday we will also have Guidance or Library (alternating weeks).  On Tuesday and Wednesday we will have Music.  On Thursday we will have art (so dress accordingly). 

Word Study (Spelling)/ Phonics):
            “Learning to spell isn’t only about having a good memory.  It’s about mastering the patterns, principles, and rules that enable us to spell nearly 90 percent of all words in English.  Mastery comes with plenty of opportunities to practice and apply those patterns in daily reading and writing”.

Our 2nd grade spelling program, which I call Word Study, is made up of several components.

• Teaching students spelling strategies
• Helping students memorize high frequency words (there, because, that, very…)
• Teaching students to generalize spelling patterns.
• Helping students use what they know to spell correctly when they write.

We will work on spelling skills as a whole group at times and at other times, students will work in small groups based on their needs.  We will be keeping our spelling words in mini books that will go home for you to look at (although they will need to be returned).  These spelling books will help serve as a record of your child’s spelling growth as well as help me plan my next teaching steps with each child. 

 Handwriting: 
Our handwriting program is called Handwriting Without Tears!  Students will have handwriting practice worksheets based on their needs.  The goal is for students to use correct letter formation in their writing.  If a child is having difficulty in this area, then he/she will receive practice sheets to do at school and at home. 

Workshop:   
This time is an open time of day.  What we do during this time is based on what we are studying, what we need more time for and what the kids are interested in.  We may cook, do an art project, do an experiment, work in our science journals, work on individual interests….etc.

Science/Social Studies:
As you can see on our schedule, there is not a specific time for science and social studies.  Both of those academic areas will be covered during our reading and writing time.  We will also work on science and social studies goals during our workshop time.

Dismissal:
 Dismissal will be at 2:15.  If you are picking up your child, you really don’t need to be here until 2:20 ish as the bus students are dismissed first.  Parents/Guardians need to wait by Mrs. Plumb’s office until you hear the loud speaker indicating that you may pick up your child. 

It is VERY important to send in a note with your child if there is going to be a change in dismissal plans.  I will not let your child go with another parent without a written note (or a call to Mrs. Ahern).  I will not let your child take a bus other than the one they are supposed to take without a note (or a call to Mrs. Ahern).  This is for the safety of the kids and I am firm about this.  If you need to pick up your child early due to an appointment, please send in a note just so I can have your child ready.  Thanks.

I give homework on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. If your child completes his/her homework on those nights, he/she has the weekend off.  If your child does not complete his/her homework on those nights, homework will be sent home for the weekend.   

Homework Certificates:
Each morning, I will be asking the students to show me their homework.  If they have completed their homework, they get a sticker to put on the homework chart next to their name.  When the chart is filled, if your child has only missed one or two homework assignments, he/she will receive a homework certificate good for one free night of reading homework.  They can skip a night of homework and hand in the certificate and still get a sticker!    Students who miss more than one homework assignment during a week may miss their recess/break time and a note will be sent home.  If homework is repeatedly missed, we will have a parent-teacher-student conference so we can work together to solve any issues.   It is important to note that the homework chart is not used to compare students – it is only used as a record.   

This is what I am looking for when I test and assess:

• What students already understand.
• What they are currently struggling with.
• What is still beyond their knowledge base.
• How to analyze this data to determine a student’s independent, instructional and frustrational levels.

Classroom Consequences:
(We will discuss behaviors that would fall under this category during parent night).

• Receive a warning/talk with student. 
• Oral Plan between teacher and student.
• Move to a quiet space in the room.
• Write a plan in Miss. Hammond’s room.
• Planning Room.
• Principal’s Office.

The discipline policy in the student handbook will be followed.  A list of classroom rules is not included as they will be created with the students during the first week of school. 

Magic Carpet and Apology of Action:
Every once in a while, two (or more) students may have a disagreement/argument that they can not settle.  Instead of having the kids asking me to solve the problem, I will be teaching the kids how to use the Magic Carpet.  The Magic Carpet is a small carpet that the students sit on to work out their problems.  We will spend many days role playing how to do this.  When the students are done, they need to choose an Apology of Action that we will create as a class.   An Apology of Action could be:  to draw that person a picture, to play together at recess, to eat lunch together….etc.   Essentially what this system does is to allow kids to work it out together and come to a solution that works for both sides. 

Birthday Invitations:
If you are planning a birthday party to take place outside of school, I ask that you hand out invitations outside of school unless everyone in the class is being invited.  I really do not want any feelings to be hurt.  You are welcome to send in a treat on or near your child’s birthday – just let me know. 

I know parents/guardians are very busy during the day and can’t usually take time to help out during the day.   Sometimes I have projects and cooking tasks that can be completed at home, so let me know if you are interested.  If you want to be involved, we will find a way.  J

Community Service:
I am a big advocate for showing children how they can help out in their community – even when they are young.  We will complete several community service activities throughout the year.    In the past, we made pies to raise money for the PTG and we baked banana bread for the residents of Gill Home for Thanksgiving.   We made Christmas decorations and sang Christmas carol at Gill Home and at the Superintendent’s Office.  We raised money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, we held a read-a-thon to raise money for Heifer International and we ran the Silent Auction to benefit the LES Scholarship and Playground Funds.   

Absenteeism/Tardiness:
Just a reminder – school starts at 7:45 a.m.  Students are considered tardy if they arrive after 7:50.  If your child is absent, please remember to send in a note explaining why your child is absent.  You may call to let the school know your child is going to miss school.   The current attendance policy is in the handbook and was sent home in the first day packets. 

Communication:
You are your child’s first and last teacher.  I am lucky enough to be able to spend the year with your child, but you are the one who knows your child best.  It is important that you attend both scheduled parent conferences – one in October and one in January.  You are welcome to send me an e-mail at any time as I check my e-mail each day: ryanm@ludlowelementary.org  You are also welcome to reach me by calling the school (228-5151) or by sending in a note. 

The bulletin board outside of our classroom is dedicated to providing you information.  It has a calendar of events, notices, lunch and breakfast menu, and a list of items that we could use in the classroom.  This board will be maintained by me at the start of the year, but then the kids will maintain it for the rest of the year.   Feel free to check it out when you are at school. 

Book Orders:
 Each month you will receive two book order forms – one from Trumpet and one from Scholastic from which you can order books.  I will send home a note with the book order forms that lets you know when the orders and money are due in by.  This is a great way to build your home library. 

Let’s have a great year!