ABCs of Second Grade
A is for Arrival and Attendance
Arrival – The school day begins at 7:45. Your child may arrive between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. Keep in mind that it may take your child a few minutes to walk down the hall and up the stairs, so please have your child at school by 7:30. Children who are not in the classroom ready to begin the day at 7:45 will be tardy. Arriving late to school deprives your child of a smooth transition into the day.
Attendance - Your child’s regular and prompt attendance is crucial to his/her success. Most of our learning activities are hands on, group-oriented, and involve peer and/or adult interaction. Therefore, it is next to impossible for your child to make up work that is missed when he/she is tardy or absent. If an absence occurs, please send a note with your child upon his/her return to school.
B is for Backpack, Baggie Books and Birthdays
Backpack – Your child will need to bring his/her backpack to school each day. Please do not purchase a rolling backpack for your child – they do not fit in our cubbies!
Baggie Books - Baggie Books will begin coming home week 2. Your child's baggie will include a self-selected book that he/she may read each night for pleasure. Second graders are encouraged to read for 20 minutes. Comprehension question stems will be included in your child's baggie and you are encouraged to talk with your child, using one or more of these stems, after he/she reads.
Birthdays – Birthdays are special and significant and I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate with your child. Please talk with me ahead of time if you would like to provide a special snack for your child and his/her classmates. All snack items must be store bought and shared during lunch.
Please note that we will not send invitations home in school folders unless the entire class is invited to attend.
C is for Communication, Conferences and Curriculum
Communication – Believing that educating your child is a team effort I will communicate with you through notes, emails, telephone calls, biweekly newsletters, quarterly reports, Monday folders, our class website, and school conferences. I encourage you to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns. You may reach me at school (919-570-2220), send a note with your child, or send an email to [email protected]. I will return messages from you as soon as possible, but within 24 hours at the latest.
Conferences – Conferences will be scheduled at the end of the first and third quarters. More details regarding conference sign up will be sent home in your child’s Monday folder. You are welcome to schedule a time to talk with me whenever you have a question or concern. Please know that I enjoy talking with you about your child’s accomplishments, but will not be available at the beginning of the instructional day to talk without a scheduled appointment.
Curriculum - The Second Grade Common Core and Essential Standards are posted on our class website and I encourage you to review them prior to the start of each quarter. Please let me know if you have any questions as you review the skills we will introduce, teach and assess.
D is for Discipline and Dismissal
Discipline – Our classroom community is built on the principles of Conscious Discipline. Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive classroom management program and social-emotional curriculum. It is based on current brain research, child development information, and developmentally appropriate practices. In our classroom we view all behaviors as opportunities to teach and learn. Each member of our school family will learn the skills needed to successfully manage learning, forming relationships, communicating effectively, being sensitive to others’ needs and getting along with others. If your child needs more extensive support, a conference will be scheduled to develop and individual plan for success.
**To learn more about Conscious Discipline visit http://consciousdiscipline.com/
Dismissal - We will dismiss at 2:15 each day. Children who carpool will leave the classroom, gather in the multipurpose room, wait for their carpool number to be called and exit through the front doors. Afternoon transportation changes must be put in writing per school policy. Your child will be dismissed in his/her typical method daily unless I receive a note.
E is for EL
Expeditionary Learning - We will be implementing EL curriculum this year in 2nd grade. EL is a comprehensive, standards-based core literacy program that engages teachers and students through compelling, real world content. Please review the handouts in your child's Monday folder for more specific information.
F is for Falcon Tickets, Field Trips and Flexible Seating
Falcon Tickets – As part of our school wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support, children may earn Falcon Tickets from staff members for exhibiting S.O.A.R. behaviors – showing self control, operating safely, acting responsibly and respecting themselves and others. Within our classroom children may earn tickets for exhibiting exceptional behavior and character. Tickets may be collected and cashed in at the Falcon Store for “prizes” on Wednesday mornings before the 7:45 bell.
Field Trips – We will participate in several fun and educational trips throughout the year. Please be sure to complete BOTH sides of field trip permission slips when they are sent home and return them as soon as possible. We are always in need of parent volunteers to help chaperone field trips so please be sure to register as a volunteer! Field trip details will be included in biweekly Newsletters.
Flexible Seating - Our class will enjoy the benefits of flexible seating this year. Please review the parent letter included in your child's Monday folder for more information. Children who do not return signed parental consent, will remain in a traditional seat.
G is for Guests
Guests – Family members are encouraged to visit our school for lunch and special classroom activities throughout the year. Whenever you, or a family member, enter the building please make sure you sign in and receive a visitor sticker from the front office. Thank you for respecting our instructional time by avoiding unscheduled classroom visits.
H is for Health and Homework
Health – For the sake of your child, your child’s classmates, and your child’s teachers please keep your child home if he/she is not feeling well. Learning is impossible for your child when he/she is sick.
“The BEST thing you can do is to keep your children home when they are sick. This will help stop the spread of illness to other children and teachers. Children need to be kept home when they have any of these symptoms:
Fever of 100.6˚ or higher. Children should stay home until they have been fever free for at least 24 hours. Children should
not be given Tylenol or Advil (ibuprofen) to reduce the fever and then sent to school. The child may be highly contagious to others.
Nausea or vomiting within the last 12 hours
Severe headache
Diarrhea within the last 12 hours
Red, watery eyes with yellow drainage
Unexplained rash
If you are called to pick up a sick child at school, please come quickly.”
from Wake County’s Human Services Memorandum
Homework – Nightly homework will consist of reading WITH your child. Beginning week 3, your child will also have Letterland homework each night that will be consistent week to week. Letterland homework should be completed in your child's Homework notebook and returned daily in his/her homework folder.
I is for Independence
Independence – Developing independence is an expectation for your child because it builds self-esteem and self-confidence. Second Graders are capable of doing many things on their own and I will encourage that independence within the classroom.
J is for AdJustment
AdJustment – Starting a new school year is a time of adJustment for most children. Many children struggle with adjusting to a new environment, schedule, classroom and academic expectations. Please feel free to talk with me at any time if you have questions about your child’s adJustment.
K is for Keep it Brief
Keep it Brief – Transitions into the school day are crucial for starting the day in a positive way. Please keep these times consistent and brief so your child feels comfortable and confident starting the day!
L is for Lunch
Lunch - We will have lunch from 10:30-11:00 each day. You are welcome and encouraged to join your child for lunch.
M is for Money and Morning Meeting -
Money - On occasion, it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school. To ensure that it gets to the appropriate place, always send money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name, teacher’s name, and purpose for the money on the front. Thank you for your help!
Morning Meeting - NFP will begin implementing school-wide Morning Meeting this year. Please review the letter in your child's Monday folder for more information.
N is for Newsletters and Notes
Newsletters – A Newsletter will be posted on our class website biweekly and will provide important school and classroom information. Please visit our website consistently and read our Newsletter to stay informed.
Notes – If you send a note to school with your child, please remind your child to put it on my table. I do not check book bags so it will be your child’s responsibility to give me any information you send in with him/her.
O is for Observant and Organization
Observant – Please be observant of what your child is bringing home in his/her book bag and Monday folder. Reinforcement at home of your child’s success and areas of need will be of great benefit to him/her.
Organization – It is important that your child have a designated working spot at home that is clutter and distraction free. Please also establish a designated location for homework and school materials. Being organized at home will help your child develop the independence he/she needs to be successful in the classroom.
P is for Parent Involvement and P.E.
Parent Involvement - Throughout the school year there will be a variety of special classroom activities and celebrations. I encourage you to attend these functions when possible and to support them by sending in needed materials. Your support of classroom activities will make your child feel important and will send the message that you value his/her school experience. A Volunteer Information sheet will be provided at Open House. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete and return this form. Volunteers will begin serving second quarter.
P.E. – Your child will participate in Physical Education class each week. Please make sure your child wears tennis shoes/sneakers to school.
Q is for Questions
Questions – Please be intentional when questioning your child about his/her school day. Avoid general questions like “how was school?” or “how was your day?” When talking with your child about his /her day, be specific. Use our schedule and the information included in our biweekly Newsletter to ask specific questions like “tell me about the work you did in Letterland today?” or “tell me about the exercise you practiced in P.E. today?” Specific, intentional questions will produce more elaborate responses from your child. For more information please visit, http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/going-to-school/talking-with-kids-about-school/
R is for Recess and Report Cards
Recess – We will play outside daily unless it is raining, extremely hot/cold, or a red Ozone day. Water bottles are encouraged and tennis shoes/sneakers are recommended for playground play!
Report Cards – Your child will receive a Report Card at the end each quarter. Interims will be sent home at the mid-point of each quarter.
S is for Schedule, Snack, and Supplies
Schedule - A copy of your child’s Daily Schedule is posted on our website. Please refer to our class schedule when planning appointments for your child.
Snack – Please send in a ten-minute snack for your child daily. Snacks should be nutritious and easy for your child to open. We will have flexible snack time during our afternoon EL block so your child will be able to decide when he/she would like to enjoy snack .
Supplies – Please refer to the supply list provided at Meet the Teacher and posted on our website.
T is for Transportation
Transportation - It is very important that we know how your child will get home each day. If you plan to change your child’s typical method of afternoon transportation, please send in a note with your child. I must have any transportation changes in writing.
U is for Unexpected
Unexpected – Please keep me informed of any unexpected changes in your child’s environment. Changes in family dynamics (loss of a family pet or family member, move to a new home, birth of sibling, etc.) can greatly impact your child’s social, emotional, behavioral, and academic performance at school.
V is for Volunteers
Volunteers – If you would like to volunteer, please register in the computer lab during school hours. Volunteers must be registered and approved in order to work with children in small groups at school and on field trips. Approved volunteers will begin serving second quarter.
W is for Website and Wish List
Website – Please visit our website on a regular basis. It will be used as a major tool for communication. If you are not able to access our website, please let me know.
Wish List - Our class Wish List is posted on our class website. If you would like to make a donation please purchase the item and send it to school with your child. Our wish list will be updated as needed on our class website. All donations will be greatly appreciated.
X is for XIX
XIX - We currently have 19 children in our class! Please keep this in mind when sending in items for our class.
Y is for Younger Siblings
Younger Siblings – I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. Please make arrangements for the care of your Second Grader’s younger sibling(s). Your time at school should be focused on your Second Grade child and assisting our class.
Z is for ZZZs
ZZZs – The transition into the expectations of a new grade can be physically exhausting for young children. Please make sure your child is getting plenty of sleep each night. Setting and keeping a bedtime is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help him/her to be alert and ready to learn each day!
Arrival – The school day begins at 7:45. Your child may arrive between 7:15 and 7:45 a.m. Keep in mind that it may take your child a few minutes to walk down the hall and up the stairs, so please have your child at school by 7:30. Children who are not in the classroom ready to begin the day at 7:45 will be tardy. Arriving late to school deprives your child of a smooth transition into the day.
Attendance - Your child’s regular and prompt attendance is crucial to his/her success. Most of our learning activities are hands on, group-oriented, and involve peer and/or adult interaction. Therefore, it is next to impossible for your child to make up work that is missed when he/she is tardy or absent. If an absence occurs, please send a note with your child upon his/her return to school.
B is for Backpack, Baggie Books and Birthdays
Backpack – Your child will need to bring his/her backpack to school each day. Please do not purchase a rolling backpack for your child – they do not fit in our cubbies!
Baggie Books - Baggie Books will begin coming home week 2. Your child's baggie will include a self-selected book that he/she may read each night for pleasure. Second graders are encouraged to read for 20 minutes. Comprehension question stems will be included in your child's baggie and you are encouraged to talk with your child, using one or more of these stems, after he/she reads.
Birthdays – Birthdays are special and significant and I appreciate the opportunity to celebrate with your child. Please talk with me ahead of time if you would like to provide a special snack for your child and his/her classmates. All snack items must be store bought and shared during lunch.
Please note that we will not send invitations home in school folders unless the entire class is invited to attend.
C is for Communication, Conferences and Curriculum
Communication – Believing that educating your child is a team effort I will communicate with you through notes, emails, telephone calls, biweekly newsletters, quarterly reports, Monday folders, our class website, and school conferences. I encourage you to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns. You may reach me at school (919-570-2220), send a note with your child, or send an email to [email protected]. I will return messages from you as soon as possible, but within 24 hours at the latest.
Conferences – Conferences will be scheduled at the end of the first and third quarters. More details regarding conference sign up will be sent home in your child’s Monday folder. You are welcome to schedule a time to talk with me whenever you have a question or concern. Please know that I enjoy talking with you about your child’s accomplishments, but will not be available at the beginning of the instructional day to talk without a scheduled appointment.
Curriculum - The Second Grade Common Core and Essential Standards are posted on our class website and I encourage you to review them prior to the start of each quarter. Please let me know if you have any questions as you review the skills we will introduce, teach and assess.
D is for Discipline and Dismissal
Discipline – Our classroom community is built on the principles of Conscious Discipline. Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive classroom management program and social-emotional curriculum. It is based on current brain research, child development information, and developmentally appropriate practices. In our classroom we view all behaviors as opportunities to teach and learn. Each member of our school family will learn the skills needed to successfully manage learning, forming relationships, communicating effectively, being sensitive to others’ needs and getting along with others. If your child needs more extensive support, a conference will be scheduled to develop and individual plan for success.
**To learn more about Conscious Discipline visit http://consciousdiscipline.com/
Dismissal - We will dismiss at 2:15 each day. Children who carpool will leave the classroom, gather in the multipurpose room, wait for their carpool number to be called and exit through the front doors. Afternoon transportation changes must be put in writing per school policy. Your child will be dismissed in his/her typical method daily unless I receive a note.
E is for EL
Expeditionary Learning - We will be implementing EL curriculum this year in 2nd grade. EL is a comprehensive, standards-based core literacy program that engages teachers and students through compelling, real world content. Please review the handouts in your child's Monday folder for more specific information.
F is for Falcon Tickets, Field Trips and Flexible Seating
Falcon Tickets – As part of our school wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support, children may earn Falcon Tickets from staff members for exhibiting S.O.A.R. behaviors – showing self control, operating safely, acting responsibly and respecting themselves and others. Within our classroom children may earn tickets for exhibiting exceptional behavior and character. Tickets may be collected and cashed in at the Falcon Store for “prizes” on Wednesday mornings before the 7:45 bell.
Field Trips – We will participate in several fun and educational trips throughout the year. Please be sure to complete BOTH sides of field trip permission slips when they are sent home and return them as soon as possible. We are always in need of parent volunteers to help chaperone field trips so please be sure to register as a volunteer! Field trip details will be included in biweekly Newsletters.
Flexible Seating - Our class will enjoy the benefits of flexible seating this year. Please review the parent letter included in your child's Monday folder for more information. Children who do not return signed parental consent, will remain in a traditional seat.
G is for Guests
Guests – Family members are encouraged to visit our school for lunch and special classroom activities throughout the year. Whenever you, or a family member, enter the building please make sure you sign in and receive a visitor sticker from the front office. Thank you for respecting our instructional time by avoiding unscheduled classroom visits.
H is for Health and Homework
Health – For the sake of your child, your child’s classmates, and your child’s teachers please keep your child home if he/she is not feeling well. Learning is impossible for your child when he/she is sick.
“The BEST thing you can do is to keep your children home when they are sick. This will help stop the spread of illness to other children and teachers. Children need to be kept home when they have any of these symptoms:
Fever of 100.6˚ or higher. Children should stay home until they have been fever free for at least 24 hours. Children should
not be given Tylenol or Advil (ibuprofen) to reduce the fever and then sent to school. The child may be highly contagious to others.
Nausea or vomiting within the last 12 hours
Severe headache
Diarrhea within the last 12 hours
Red, watery eyes with yellow drainage
Unexplained rash
If you are called to pick up a sick child at school, please come quickly.”
from Wake County’s Human Services Memorandum
Homework – Nightly homework will consist of reading WITH your child. Beginning week 3, your child will also have Letterland homework each night that will be consistent week to week. Letterland homework should be completed in your child's Homework notebook and returned daily in his/her homework folder.
I is for Independence
Independence – Developing independence is an expectation for your child because it builds self-esteem and self-confidence. Second Graders are capable of doing many things on their own and I will encourage that independence within the classroom.
J is for AdJustment
AdJustment – Starting a new school year is a time of adJustment for most children. Many children struggle with adjusting to a new environment, schedule, classroom and academic expectations. Please feel free to talk with me at any time if you have questions about your child’s adJustment.
K is for Keep it Brief
Keep it Brief – Transitions into the school day are crucial for starting the day in a positive way. Please keep these times consistent and brief so your child feels comfortable and confident starting the day!
L is for Lunch
Lunch - We will have lunch from 10:30-11:00 each day. You are welcome and encouraged to join your child for lunch.
M is for Money and Morning Meeting -
Money - On occasion, it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school. To ensure that it gets to the appropriate place, always send money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name, teacher’s name, and purpose for the money on the front. Thank you for your help!
Morning Meeting - NFP will begin implementing school-wide Morning Meeting this year. Please review the letter in your child's Monday folder for more information.
N is for Newsletters and Notes
Newsletters – A Newsletter will be posted on our class website biweekly and will provide important school and classroom information. Please visit our website consistently and read our Newsletter to stay informed.
Notes – If you send a note to school with your child, please remind your child to put it on my table. I do not check book bags so it will be your child’s responsibility to give me any information you send in with him/her.
O is for Observant and Organization
Observant – Please be observant of what your child is bringing home in his/her book bag and Monday folder. Reinforcement at home of your child’s success and areas of need will be of great benefit to him/her.
Organization – It is important that your child have a designated working spot at home that is clutter and distraction free. Please also establish a designated location for homework and school materials. Being organized at home will help your child develop the independence he/she needs to be successful in the classroom.
P is for Parent Involvement and P.E.
Parent Involvement - Throughout the school year there will be a variety of special classroom activities and celebrations. I encourage you to attend these functions when possible and to support them by sending in needed materials. Your support of classroom activities will make your child feel important and will send the message that you value his/her school experience. A Volunteer Information sheet will be provided at Open House. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete and return this form. Volunteers will begin serving second quarter.
P.E. – Your child will participate in Physical Education class each week. Please make sure your child wears tennis shoes/sneakers to school.
Q is for Questions
Questions – Please be intentional when questioning your child about his/her school day. Avoid general questions like “how was school?” or “how was your day?” When talking with your child about his /her day, be specific. Use our schedule and the information included in our biweekly Newsletter to ask specific questions like “tell me about the work you did in Letterland today?” or “tell me about the exercise you practiced in P.E. today?” Specific, intentional questions will produce more elaborate responses from your child. For more information please visit, http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/going-to-school/talking-with-kids-about-school/
R is for Recess and Report Cards
Recess – We will play outside daily unless it is raining, extremely hot/cold, or a red Ozone day. Water bottles are encouraged and tennis shoes/sneakers are recommended for playground play!
Report Cards – Your child will receive a Report Card at the end each quarter. Interims will be sent home at the mid-point of each quarter.
S is for Schedule, Snack, and Supplies
Schedule - A copy of your child’s Daily Schedule is posted on our website. Please refer to our class schedule when planning appointments for your child.
Snack – Please send in a ten-minute snack for your child daily. Snacks should be nutritious and easy for your child to open. We will have flexible snack time during our afternoon EL block so your child will be able to decide when he/she would like to enjoy snack .
Supplies – Please refer to the supply list provided at Meet the Teacher and posted on our website.
T is for Transportation
Transportation - It is very important that we know how your child will get home each day. If you plan to change your child’s typical method of afternoon transportation, please send in a note with your child. I must have any transportation changes in writing.
U is for Unexpected
Unexpected – Please keep me informed of any unexpected changes in your child’s environment. Changes in family dynamics (loss of a family pet or family member, move to a new home, birth of sibling, etc.) can greatly impact your child’s social, emotional, behavioral, and academic performance at school.
V is for Volunteers
Volunteers – If you would like to volunteer, please register in the computer lab during school hours. Volunteers must be registered and approved in order to work with children in small groups at school and on field trips. Approved volunteers will begin serving second quarter.
W is for Website and Wish List
Website – Please visit our website on a regular basis. It will be used as a major tool for communication. If you are not able to access our website, please let me know.
Wish List - Our class Wish List is posted on our class website. If you would like to make a donation please purchase the item and send it to school with your child. Our wish list will be updated as needed on our class website. All donations will be greatly appreciated.
X is for XIX
XIX - We currently have 19 children in our class! Please keep this in mind when sending in items for our class.
Y is for Younger Siblings
Younger Siblings – I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. Please make arrangements for the care of your Second Grader’s younger sibling(s). Your time at school should be focused on your Second Grade child and assisting our class.
Z is for ZZZs
ZZZs – The transition into the expectations of a new grade can be physically exhausting for young children. Please make sure your child is getting plenty of sleep each night. Setting and keeping a bedtime is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help him/her to be alert and ready to learn each day!