~Classroom Info~
Hello 2nd Grade Students and Parents!! August, 2023
Welcome back! It is very hard to believe that yet another school year is here! I am very excited to be your 2nd grade teacher this year. I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable summer. Below are some important things that you may be interested in knowing about our classroom:
*Class List
We will have 7 smart 2nd grade students in our classroom this year!
*Contact Information
I have an “open door” policy. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns, suggestions, and comments at any time throughout the school year. I can be reached at school (477-3551 Ext. 213) or my cell phone. If I do not answer, leave me a voicemail (or text). You can also send me an email ([email protected]). I will get back to you as soon as I can.
*Classroom Rules
Each of these rules will be discussed the first day of school. They are also posted in our classroom.
1. Respect Yourself. (Think positively., Keep your things neat., Give 100%., Spend your time wisely.)
2. Respect Others. (Raise your hand., Keep your hands and feet to yourself., Be polite., Listen to adults., Use appropriate language.)
*Classroom Discipline Policy
This school year, we will be rolling out a new school-wide discipline policy called “The Lewy Way.” RESPECT is the key concept of The Lewy Way. Respecting Yourself, Respecting Others, and Respecting Things Around You. We will also focus on some key concepts within the Love & Logic Program as well. Taking ownership of his/her actions and learning from our mistakes will allow students to become more responsible with their behaviors. Students will learn more about The Lewy Way and Love & Logic right away this school year!
*Classroom Rewards
Positive behavior is also awarded in 2nd grade! We have a “Ducks in a Row” reward system in our classroom. The class can earn a duck when good behavior is present. When the class earns all 10 ducks, they will receive a reward, such as a movie, popcorn party, extra recess, etc.
*Homework Policy
The homework policy can be found in your school handbook. 2nd grade students should be prepared to do 30 minutes of homework each night. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this Archdiocesan policy.
*Late Homework
Homework is expected to be turned in on the day it is due. Any assignment that is NOT turned in will be considered “late.” If a student has a late assignment, they will be required to spend half their recess in the classroom to finish their work. I do not believe in having students stay in for their entire recess because I feel as though they need to take a break, get some fresh air, and release their energy through physical activity. If late homework becomes an issue, a parent/teacher/student conference will be scheduled. This late homework policy will teach the students to become responsible and hold them accountable.
*Grading Scale
All classroom work, projects, and tests/assessments will be graded using the standards based grading scale. Most homework will NOT be graded. Here is the standards based grading scale that is used in 2nd grade:
1 – I don’t understand yet. I need extra help.
2 – I am starting to understand. I can do it with help.
3 – I understand the concept and can show my understanding. I can do it by myself.
*Water Bottles
All students should have a water bottle at school every day. Water is fuel for your child’s brain and body. Therefore, it is very important to send a water bottle. Water bottles will be sent home daily to be washed and sanitized.
*Birthdays
If a student would like to bring a birthday treat, they are certainly welcome to do so. I just ask that you contact me prior so I am aware they are bringing one. Birthday treats are definitely not mandatory. If your child has a summer birthday, you are more than welcome to pick a day to celebrate during the school year as well. Again, please just give me a heads up.
*Assignment Notebooks
Each student will have an assignment notebook this year. All daily assignments will be written on the board in the classroom for students to copy into their assignment notebook. We will do this together at the end of each day. I do NOT expect parents to sign their child’s assignment notebook, but you are welcome to do it if you’d like. Please be a curious parent, and ask to see your child’s notebook every night!
*Take Home Folder
Students will label one of their folders “Take Home.” This folder will contain important notes and/or any homework your child may have that night. Every Friday, your child will bring home a classroom newsletter that includes an overview of the week, reminders, and updates. Again, please ask to see this folder daily.
*Friday Folders
Every Friday, each 2nd grade student will bring home a RED folder. This is considered their “Friday Folder.” This folder will contain graded and recorded work that your child has completed throughout the last week. It will have a “late assignment chart” on the right side, where late assignments will be recorded weekly. This folder will also have a sheet on the left side. Please sign, date, and provide comments (when necessary) in the space provided. This red folder is expected to be returned the NEXT school day. (Please be sure to take everything out of the folder.)
*PowerSchool
Although you will see all of your child’s graded work on Fridays, all of their grades will be recorded online through the PowerSchool website. This is a wonderful website to keep in touch with your child’s education, as well as keep track of your child’s hot lunch balance, attendance, and academic progress.
*Classroom Website
I do have a classroom website, which will be updated weekly. www.soththirdgrade.weebly.com (Yes, I know it says “third grade.”) This website includes classroom info, Scholastic books info, spelling words, fun websites, weekly newsletters, monthly book reports, and more. Make it a habit to check out this website weekly.
You will also notice that I am a “PICTURE FANATIC!” I love taking pictures of my students in action. I post pictures on our school’s Facebook page regularly. So, if you haven’t “liked” our school’s FB page, you will definitely want to do that!
*Morning Snack
We will have a snack and milk break each morning. Each child is encouraged to bring a healthy morning snack daily. Some suggestions include: fresh fruit & veggies, cheese and crackers, pretzels, yogurt, and granola bars. Students may bring a full box of snacks to keep in the classroom. Please be sure to label the box with your child’s name. Snacks will NOT be stored in your child’s locker. Each student will have their own drawer in the classroom to store their snack. If your child is having morning milk, it can be purchased in the school office.
*Spelling
Every Monday, your child will bring home their spelling words for that particular week. (Spelling words are also posted on our classroom website.) Your child will have 4 days to study these words. A spelling test will be given every Friday. Students will practice these words through daily spelling activities and classroom games. PLEASE help your child study these words every night for their test on Friday. Spelling tests will be graded every Friday and sent home that same day.
*Book Reports
Students will be assigned a book report every month. Assignments will be given an entire month ahead of time. I am a strong supporter of reading every day! Therefore, I expect the students to always have a book on/in their desk. Reading allows a child to exercise his/her imagination, improve phonetic skills, comprehension skills, and fluency. Your child will only become a better reader if they practice! Every 2nd student is expected to read to an adult for at least 15 minutes every night! The first book report assignment will come home soon.
*Scholastic Book Orders
About every month, I will send home Scholastic Book/Software Order Magazines. If your child is interested in ordering books, please make a check payable to Scholastic Book Clubs; NO CASH please. You can also order your books online. We will receive $3 in free books for our classroom library when orders are placed online. Our classroom code is: DYFFL
*Classroom & School Library
I have a huge assortment of books in my classroom. Any picture or chapter book that is taken home must be checked out with me. Students may have ONE picture/chapter book checked out at a time. If a student loses a book, the cost of the book must be reimbursed.
We will also visit the school library every Thursday. Students will be allowed to check out 2 books. Please remind your child to bring them back every Thursday.
I hope all this information is not too overwhelming. Please keep this information handy. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I am looking forward to a very successful school year. God bless!
Miss Colwin
Welcome back! It is very hard to believe that yet another school year is here! I am very excited to be your 2nd grade teacher this year. I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable summer. Below are some important things that you may be interested in knowing about our classroom:
*Class List
We will have 7 smart 2nd grade students in our classroom this year!
*Contact Information
I have an “open door” policy. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns, suggestions, and comments at any time throughout the school year. I can be reached at school (477-3551 Ext. 213) or my cell phone. If I do not answer, leave me a voicemail (or text). You can also send me an email ([email protected]). I will get back to you as soon as I can.
*Classroom Rules
Each of these rules will be discussed the first day of school. They are also posted in our classroom.
1. Respect Yourself. (Think positively., Keep your things neat., Give 100%., Spend your time wisely.)
2. Respect Others. (Raise your hand., Keep your hands and feet to yourself., Be polite., Listen to adults., Use appropriate language.)
*Classroom Discipline Policy
This school year, we will be rolling out a new school-wide discipline policy called “The Lewy Way.” RESPECT is the key concept of The Lewy Way. Respecting Yourself, Respecting Others, and Respecting Things Around You. We will also focus on some key concepts within the Love & Logic Program as well. Taking ownership of his/her actions and learning from our mistakes will allow students to become more responsible with their behaviors. Students will learn more about The Lewy Way and Love & Logic right away this school year!
*Classroom Rewards
Positive behavior is also awarded in 2nd grade! We have a “Ducks in a Row” reward system in our classroom. The class can earn a duck when good behavior is present. When the class earns all 10 ducks, they will receive a reward, such as a movie, popcorn party, extra recess, etc.
*Homework Policy
The homework policy can be found in your school handbook. 2nd grade students should be prepared to do 30 minutes of homework each night. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this Archdiocesan policy.
*Late Homework
Homework is expected to be turned in on the day it is due. Any assignment that is NOT turned in will be considered “late.” If a student has a late assignment, they will be required to spend half their recess in the classroom to finish their work. I do not believe in having students stay in for their entire recess because I feel as though they need to take a break, get some fresh air, and release their energy through physical activity. If late homework becomes an issue, a parent/teacher/student conference will be scheduled. This late homework policy will teach the students to become responsible and hold them accountable.
*Grading Scale
All classroom work, projects, and tests/assessments will be graded using the standards based grading scale. Most homework will NOT be graded. Here is the standards based grading scale that is used in 2nd grade:
1 – I don’t understand yet. I need extra help.
2 – I am starting to understand. I can do it with help.
3 – I understand the concept and can show my understanding. I can do it by myself.
*Water Bottles
All students should have a water bottle at school every day. Water is fuel for your child’s brain and body. Therefore, it is very important to send a water bottle. Water bottles will be sent home daily to be washed and sanitized.
*Birthdays
If a student would like to bring a birthday treat, they are certainly welcome to do so. I just ask that you contact me prior so I am aware they are bringing one. Birthday treats are definitely not mandatory. If your child has a summer birthday, you are more than welcome to pick a day to celebrate during the school year as well. Again, please just give me a heads up.
*Assignment Notebooks
Each student will have an assignment notebook this year. All daily assignments will be written on the board in the classroom for students to copy into their assignment notebook. We will do this together at the end of each day. I do NOT expect parents to sign their child’s assignment notebook, but you are welcome to do it if you’d like. Please be a curious parent, and ask to see your child’s notebook every night!
*Take Home Folder
Students will label one of their folders “Take Home.” This folder will contain important notes and/or any homework your child may have that night. Every Friday, your child will bring home a classroom newsletter that includes an overview of the week, reminders, and updates. Again, please ask to see this folder daily.
*Friday Folders
Every Friday, each 2nd grade student will bring home a RED folder. This is considered their “Friday Folder.” This folder will contain graded and recorded work that your child has completed throughout the last week. It will have a “late assignment chart” on the right side, where late assignments will be recorded weekly. This folder will also have a sheet on the left side. Please sign, date, and provide comments (when necessary) in the space provided. This red folder is expected to be returned the NEXT school day. (Please be sure to take everything out of the folder.)
*PowerSchool
Although you will see all of your child’s graded work on Fridays, all of their grades will be recorded online through the PowerSchool website. This is a wonderful website to keep in touch with your child’s education, as well as keep track of your child’s hot lunch balance, attendance, and academic progress.
*Classroom Website
I do have a classroom website, which will be updated weekly. www.soththirdgrade.weebly.com (Yes, I know it says “third grade.”) This website includes classroom info, Scholastic books info, spelling words, fun websites, weekly newsletters, monthly book reports, and more. Make it a habit to check out this website weekly.
You will also notice that I am a “PICTURE FANATIC!” I love taking pictures of my students in action. I post pictures on our school’s Facebook page regularly. So, if you haven’t “liked” our school’s FB page, you will definitely want to do that!
*Morning Snack
We will have a snack and milk break each morning. Each child is encouraged to bring a healthy morning snack daily. Some suggestions include: fresh fruit & veggies, cheese and crackers, pretzels, yogurt, and granola bars. Students may bring a full box of snacks to keep in the classroom. Please be sure to label the box with your child’s name. Snacks will NOT be stored in your child’s locker. Each student will have their own drawer in the classroom to store their snack. If your child is having morning milk, it can be purchased in the school office.
*Spelling
Every Monday, your child will bring home their spelling words for that particular week. (Spelling words are also posted on our classroom website.) Your child will have 4 days to study these words. A spelling test will be given every Friday. Students will practice these words through daily spelling activities and classroom games. PLEASE help your child study these words every night for their test on Friday. Spelling tests will be graded every Friday and sent home that same day.
*Book Reports
Students will be assigned a book report every month. Assignments will be given an entire month ahead of time. I am a strong supporter of reading every day! Therefore, I expect the students to always have a book on/in their desk. Reading allows a child to exercise his/her imagination, improve phonetic skills, comprehension skills, and fluency. Your child will only become a better reader if they practice! Every 2nd student is expected to read to an adult for at least 15 minutes every night! The first book report assignment will come home soon.
*Scholastic Book Orders
About every month, I will send home Scholastic Book/Software Order Magazines. If your child is interested in ordering books, please make a check payable to Scholastic Book Clubs; NO CASH please. You can also order your books online. We will receive $3 in free books for our classroom library when orders are placed online. Our classroom code is: DYFFL
*Classroom & School Library
I have a huge assortment of books in my classroom. Any picture or chapter book that is taken home must be checked out with me. Students may have ONE picture/chapter book checked out at a time. If a student loses a book, the cost of the book must be reimbursed.
We will also visit the school library every Thursday. Students will be allowed to check out 2 books. Please remind your child to bring them back every Thursday.
I hope all this information is not too overwhelming. Please keep this information handy. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I am looking forward to a very successful school year. God bless!
Miss Colwin