What is your discipline policy?

In order to maintain an orderly environment where all
children have equal opportunity to learn, we will be using a 'Go for the
Green' behavior reminder system.  All students will start each day on "green".
 They will receive one verbal reminder to change problematic behavior before
being asked to move to "yellow".  This is a loss of five minutes of recess. 
Continued poor choices will result in a move to "red", loss of an entire
recess, and a student written note home that must be signed and returned the
next day.

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Can I send a birthday snack on my child's birthday?

Your child's birthday is an exciting day!  In class, they will
get to keep our 'Birthday Hamster' on their desk for the day!  They will also
receive a birthday book created they their classmates, as well as get a
birthday pencil.

I will gladly set aside about 20 minutes for us to celebrate your child's
birthday with a birthday snack.  Cupcakes, popsicles, and other individual
serving items work well!  Remember to send napkins too!

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What is the Scholastic Book Order my child brought home?

For families wishing to participate in our book order program,
 an order form will come home about once a month.  You are welcome to place 
an order for your child.  Keep in mind that every purchase you make earns
points that I can use to order special books, games, and other rescources 
for our classroom!!  You can also order online with a debit or credit card by
following the directions on the link on the menu bar on our class website!

If you choose to order books, please send your order form back with your 
money (a check or money order made out to "Scholastic")by the date written on
the form.  Please keep in mind that I cannot order your books without your
payment!

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Does my child have homework today?

Homework will be assigned each day, Monday through Thursday. 
Please check your child's HORSE folder and initial the homework sheet each
night.  The HORSE folder will need to come to school every day and go home
each night!

Homework is always speller's choice and (almost always) a math home link. 
Students are also required to read for 15 minutes nightly.  I know that
sometimes other engagements come up and the reading cannot get done.  It can
be made up on another night.

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What is a HORSE?

Please check the HORSE page on the website for answers to all
of  your questions!  Your child is responsible for their HORSE and must bring
it to and from school EVERY DAY!

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What are 'Snazzy Snacks'?

"Snazzy Snacks" are something we will make in class.
 Students will learn how to create a tasty 
snack, while using math skills to measure ingredients and writing the recipe
in their best handwriting.  There will be a sign-up sheet at Open House Night
if you would like to volunteer to donate ingredients for one snazzy snack!  

If your child has any food allergies, or if there is any other reason your
child cannot have certain foods, please let me know!

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How do I opt out of having my child's photo posted on the class website?

I would love our website to be a place where you can come and
see pictures of our class in action!

I would like to post photos of our class, but I will not post children's last
names.

However, if you would like to 'opt out' of having your child's photo posted on
our site, you must fill out and return the 
"OPT OUT" form in our school handbook.

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How can I get involved helping out in class?

I would love parent or grandparent volunteers in class!  If you
are interested in volunteering to help, please let me know through a note,
call, or e-mail. 

Volunteer opportunities include putting up bulletin boards, helping students
with AR tests, assisting with activities like Snazzy Snack or art projects,
being a Mystery Reader, or just coming in to lend a hand on a normal day!  

If you aren't able to come in during school hours due to work or other
obligations, but still want to lend some time, let me know and we can think of
other ways to put your time and talents to use to help extend and enhance the
learning of our students!

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What are these type 1 and type 2 writings my child is bringing home?

We are using the "Collins Writing Program" for the 3rd year. 
In the Collins program, there are 5 types of writing.  

Type 1 is used for brainstorming.  Generally children receive a credit/no
credit for completing a type 1 writing assignment.

Type 2 is used for quick assessment or a "content" writing assignment.  This
is graded based on the content, not conventions used in writing.

Type 3 is similar to type 2, except children are given 3 "FCAs"
(FocusCorrection Areas), which they write on their paper to remind them what
they are supposed to work in in the paper.  The FCAs in 2nd grade would
typically be things like "caps and ends", "2nd grade sentences", the format of
the 
piece of writing, or specific content they must include.  A type 3 is assessed
not only for content, but also for sticking to the FCAs.  For example, if the
FCA is "caps and ends", to receive full credit, students must make sure all
sentences start with a capital letter and have end punctuation.

Type 4 and 5 writings are reserved for upper elementary grades.

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What other programs does Central use in their curriculum?

We use "Everyday Mathematics" for math.  This program has proven to be a
fantastic tool in our district!  It is a spiraling program that continually
builds on previous knowledge.

For reading, we use Macmillan/McGraw-Hill. Click here to go to
their site where your child can play games and extend our classroom learning
at home!  I highly recommend encouraging your child to explore this site!
Macmillan/McGraw-Hill is also where our spelling words will come from.

We follow Macmillan/McGraw-Hill for social studies and our science curriculum
is based on the Michigan State Standards and Benchmarks.  In 2nd grade, we
will states of matter,
weather, plants, landforms, and mixtures/solutions, and  in science.

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