Curriculum Night 2015-2016

Mrs. Cáceres , Mrs. LeBeau, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Smith and Ms.

Madrid – 2nd Grade

Preparing today's learners for tomorrow's

world by instilling in every student the 21st century skills, attitudes, and self-confidence for

personal success.

Classroom Management

We are a Love and Logic campus We will give children warnings

before writing on a calendar unless it is something they should know. (i.e. – no writing on walls)

Children can earn tickets that can be redeemed on Fridays for various “rewards”.

Pushing Students to Excel

Our aim is for all instruction to be at the student’s academic level.

Workshop Model of InstructionReadingWritingMathScience

Writer’s & Reader’s Workshop

In Writer’s and Reader’s workshop students will engage in activities that build on their prior knowledge and skills in order to strengthen their reading, writing, and oral language.

Students should come to 2nd grade reading on or near a J level and leave reading on a M level.

Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop

Personal Goal Sheets Small group instruction based on needs Students practice concepts using books

at their reading level. Students work on their writing based on

their specific needs, levels, and goals. Students share out their thinking at the

end of each work period.

Million Word Challenge

Students should read 20 book each six weeks. Picture book are worth one credit and chapter books are two credits.

To earn credit for a book, the book must be at the student’s reading level!

Use Reading Logs – They must be filled out to earn credit with the date

Awards will be given at the 6 Weeks Awards Assemblies to students that have met their goal for the grading period. There is a school-wide celebration for students who have read 100 or more books at the end of the year. This year we are looking to move the final reward off campus.

Math Workshop

Concepts are introduced Students explore a variety of ways

to solve problems through games and practice within small groups, partners, or as individuals.

Students share out their thinking showing a variety of complexity

Origo - Stepping StonesAddition and SubtractionMoney and TimeGeometry, Measurement & FractionsNumber SenseGraphing Problem Solving

Math

Science Workshop

Workshop model that mimics Language Arts and Math Inquiry-based

Process & Inquiry Physical Systems (matter, force) Earth Systems (plants/rocks,

moon, stars) Life Systems (life cycle)

Social Studies

We will be focusing on the many ways to show leadership.

Citizenship

3 Branches of Government

Famous/Innovative Americans

Social Studies will be integrated into Language Arts.

Recess Recess time is 12:10-12:40 We like to take the kids outside,

weather permitting, so please make sure your child is dressed accordingly.

No more Monkey Bars until further notice.

Dress Code Reminders

No backless shoes - (flip-flops included) No halters or spaghetti straps

(students must have shirts that cover the shoulder with at least a three finger width)

Shorts cannot be higher than three finger widths above the knee.

Please refer to the Student Handbook

LunchOur lunch time is from 12:40-1:10

We do love having visitors, but we ask that you sit with only your child at our reserved parent tables. This will allow you to enjoy your lunch with your child!

Conference/Specials

Specials are from 1:35 - 2:30 We have no instructional

time to waste on changing

clothes/shoes, so please make sure

your child is dressed accordingly.

Students will be allowed to change

shoes for Specials. The specials

schedule can be found on our website.

Graded WorkWe will be using a lot of notebooks this

year to record our thoughts and to complete activities. We will also be doing a lot of hands on activities, therefore there will not be a lot of graded work coming home. You are more than welcome to come to school and take a look at your child’s notebooks anytime.

Internet Grade Viewing

Students daily and 6-week grades can be viewed online at any time.

Attendance is also available online. You can set up notifications Please pick up directions on how to

use this program from the office.

STARR Folder

Organization

Communication

Reading Log - Logs are checked at two week intervals

It is your child’s job to check their STARR Folder and give any notes to the teacher each morning.

How You Can Help Your Child

Making sure your child is rested and prepared for school each day. Attendance is very important to the success of your child.Make sure your child is at school and on time for school.We do have a snack time, so please send a nutritional, appropriate snack.Knowing how your child is doing by communicating with the teacher by checking your child’s folder, email, in person or by phone.Monitor your child’s homework and make sure study time is in a quiet place. Be an active participant in your child’s education.

Independence

As we enter our 3rd week of school, the students are becoming familiar with the procedures and routines of 2nd grade. This would be a great time to begin letting your child be responsible for their own homework, papers, notes, etc.. This will foster independence that will be very beneficial to them.

Homework 100 Minutes of reading each week READ, READ, READ!!! Weekly Spelling Homework Math Homework Packet every other

week, study math facts on the alternate week. A quiz will be given each week the kiddos are responsible for practicing their facts. The highest score will be included on the report card each six weeks.

Extra-curricular Activities

Second Graders are eligible to participate in UIL this year!

Storytelling and Creative Writing

More information will be emailed as the dates get closer.

NISD is Paperless

Progress Reports and Report Cards are online

Principal’s Monthly Newsletter and the 2nd grade newsletter are emailed weekly.

These are available online. If you need a paper copy, you must submit a written request.

Communication Email is a good way to contact us with any

concerns. Please put your child’s name as the subject. Due to a district filter, we might not receive your email, so if your email is not responded to in 24 hours, please call.

Please make sure I have your correct e-mail address so we can send notes home as needed

You can also check our webpages for information at www.nisdtx.org

Please sign up for Remind to receive quick updates on events

School Communicatio

n Hawk folder Teacher and School Web sites Emails from teachers and principal School messenger phone system Internet Grade Viewing Parent Conferences – will be held

the week of Oct. 5 – 9th

Transportation Changes

Please send in a note or email us if your child’s transportation changes. If we don’t receive a note, your child will go home their usual way. This is for the safety of your child.

Remember, emails can get caught in our district filter, so we might not get it in time.

ITBS/CoGatAll second graders will be taking these

tests in the spring. They are timed tests. The ITBS compares your child to other students across the country. They are tested in Language Arts & Math. The CoGat assesses your child’s ability to think on their feet. Since the ITBS and CoGat are taken during the same time period we can use the data to see if your child is performing at their ability.

Parent Volunteers

We always need help with making copies, laminating, organizing books, etc.

We have a group called “Helping Hands” that meets on Tuesdays, but you can help any day of the week.

Must complete a background check to be able to volunteer or be a chaperone.

If you would like to volunteer, contact PTA.

Thank You!Thank you for coming this evening to partner with us to ensure your child’s success! We look forward to working with you and your child this year. It is going to be a wonderful year filled with exciting learning opportunities!