1. Welcome to Parent Night 2015

2. Mrs. Taylor 12 th year teaching at West (10 years in multiage) 19 th year with District 47 Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education Master Degree in Literacy I LOVE children and I LOVE teaching!

3. What is PBIS? Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports *PBIS is an approach to teaching and supporting behaviors while meeting the needs of all students. The focus is school-wide expectations that develops a safe and positive environment in which all students can learn.

4. CURRICULUM ELA Units of Study Based on balanced literacy with greater emphasis on: Informational texts Academic vocabulary Shared reading of grade-level texts Rereading closely for a purpose

5. 6+1 Traits Writing Narrative – Informative - Opinion Handwriting E Z Write is the handwriting being taught in K – 2 this year. Please encourage correct letter and number formation at home. Spelling Based on high-frequency words, awareness of letter/sound correlation, spelling patterns, useful rules, and application in writing.

6. U of Chicago Everyday Math Pattern counting Telling time to the minute Counting money Addition/subtraction facts, double digit numbers, regrouping Problem solving with explanations of the process FOSS Science Pebbles, Sand & Silt ~ Balance & Motion ~ New Plants Rand McNally Social Studies Our Government Cultural Diversity Famous Historians National Holidays Environment Economics Native Americans Mapping Skills

7. Second-GRADE Schedule Science/Social Studies 9:00 – 9:45 Reading & Stations 9:45 – 11:15 Lunch & Recess 11:15 – 12:05 Spelling & Writing 12:05 – 1:05 Encore Classes 1:05 – 2:05 Read Aloud 2:05 – 2:15 Math2:15 – 3:20 Pack Up/Dismissal 3:20 – 3:30

8. HOMEWORK Reading - 20 minutes daily Please initial Reading Log and spend a few minutes discussing the books. Math - Home Link 4-5 times weekly Spelling - please practice words Weekend News – brainstorm ideas for writing on Monday mornings

9. District 47 Homework Policies Homework is used to reinforce and apply previously covered concepts, principals, and skills. Please check the D47 Handbook for the policy regarding homework missed due to illness. It can be requested after 1 st day of absence by calling the office. Homework missed due to vacation can be completed upon return of the student.

10. MAP Testing What is MAP Testing? MAP stands for Measures of Academic Progress. It is an assessment that can measure individual student academic growth throughout the current school year and ongoing growth in both reading and math. The MAP assessment is unique in that it adapts during testing to be appropriate to each child's level of learning. Where are students tested? Students take the MAP test in the school's computer lab. The assessments are computerized tests. There are two assessments, one in math and one in reading. The assessments are not timed, but each subject area takes approximately 1 hour to test. When does MAP Testing take place? MAP Testing takes place three times per year – fall, winter, and spring.

11. NEW Progress Reports Trimester grading periods will remain the end of November, Early March, and June.

12. * Feel free to call before or after school, send an email, or write a note. * Please check out the latest news at our classroom website: http://home.d47.org/wes/jctaylor/ http://home.d47.org/wes/jctaylor/ * Watch for emails from West that include important dates and reminders. Communication is Vital!

13. Bits of business! Be on time ~ Class begins at 9:00. Snacks ~ quick & healthy please Clean gym shoes for locker Headphones/earbuds needed No food allowed for birthdays Lunch ticket encouraged ($27.00) Write your child a quick note!

14. It’s a new, electronic way to sign up for Parent-Teacher conferences. Please take a copy of the instructions sheet.

15. THANK YOU FOR COMING! Let’s work together to make this a memorable year filled with growth for your child!