Welcome to Huckleberry Hill! Grade 2 Parent/Guardian Orientation 2014 Mary Rose Dymond, principal Jules Scheithe, assistant principal

Huckleberry Hill Purpose Statement At Huckleberry Hill Elementary School, we are committed to creating a student-centered learning community. School staff and families partner to nurture thoughtful, respectful, curious children in fulfilling their potential. Our students become responsible, critically thinking citizens who care for themselves, others, and the world around them.

Schoolwide Behavior Expectations Students as PAWS-itive role models

Responsive Classroom “an approach to teaching that emphasizes social, emotional, and academic growth in a strong and safe school community” Evidence Based – studies show the Responsive Classroom approach is linked to increases in math and reading test scores as well as improved social skills Responsive Classroom at HHES: –Morning Meeting –Hopes and Dreams –Schoolwide Behavior Expectations (PAWS) –Logical Consequences For more information:

Safety and Security Enhanced security measures Front entrance buzzer Visitor procedures Surveillance cameras Monthly safety drills Parent pick-up procedures Volunteer clearance Physical and emotional safety Officer Phil presentation Internet safety

K-4 Approach Curriculum –K-4 Team –Balanced, sequential –Skills scaffolded from kindergarten through fourth grade –Assessments –Report cards and conferences Procedures and Expectations –Security –Schoolwide behavior expectations Events –Parent forums Professional Development –Literacy Initiative

Transitioning from CES to HHES Sharing student information between schools is imperative! Curriculum and assessment work Literacy folders Meetings for students with IEPs and 504 plans Sharing meetings First graders visit HHES – June 10 th First grade teachers share with Mrs. Dymond

Comprehensive Balanced Literacy Common Core State Standards Workshop model ~ Focus on “reading and writing to learn” ~ Balance of Literature and Informational text Math Common Core State Standards Number sense ~ Fact fluency ~ “Real-world” problem-solving Science The scientific process ~ Inquiry and exploration ~ Informational literacy skills Social Studies Develop an understanding of: History, Geography, Citizenship, Social Science, Global Awareness Support Informational literacy skills: Create meaning using text structures and features by “close reading” Apply newly learned information Second Grade Curriculum

Special Areas’ Curricula Art Music Health Physical Education Library/media

Spanish at HHES Spanish instruction at Huckleberry Hill will beginning in the 2014/2015 school year We are in the process of hiring two Spanish teachers for the start of next year and developing the curriculum in order to bridge from grade 1 at CES to grade 5 at WMS

Technology Facilities: –2 Computer Labs –Library Media Center Chrome Books Software and web-based programs to support academic growth while building technology skills Interactive whiteboard technology in all classrooms Google Apps – individual student accounts iPads in Grade 2 classrooms

How is my child doing? Homework expectations –Nightly independent reading –Math menus posted to grade level website weekly Assessments –Beginning and End of year assessments in literacy and math –Unit tests in math, reading, science, social studies Progress Monitoring Standards Based Report cards –3 times per year (trimesters) Parent/Guardian conferences –After 1 st marking period –As necessary after 2 nd marking period

Support Programs and Staff Early Intervention Services –Reading, Math, Behavior Schilling Hand in Hand Literacy Program Big Brothers, Big Sisters (BHS volunteers) Special Education – Dr. Pat Hartman Curriculum Coordinator – Mrs. Jennifer Galik School Nurses – Ms. Nicole Stoltz, Mrs. Monica Walsh School Psychologist – Mr. Kent Gemmell School Social Worker – Mrs. Sarah Jones

Communication and Information Public Portal School, grade level, and teacher websites Weekly Updates School Reach – and phone calls Parent-student handbook (on website) Grade level and Specials newsletters Parent/guardian forums Channel 17 programs

Beyond Academics Grade 2: School newspaper Cup stacking Student Council Jr. Great Books H-kids Grades 3 and 4: Chess club Yearbook Odyssey of the Mind

Community Events Rise and Shine Morning Boost Positive School Climate activities Jump Rope for Heart International Celebration Book fairs Art show Science fair PAWS Pride Day

Nuts and Bolts – Part 1 School Hours: 8:40 AM – 3:25 PM Arrival and Dismissal –Details will be available at the end of August Blue Notes D ownload from website ~ print ~ fill in ~ send in with your child or fax to the office Blue Notes do Not need to be blue... Reporting absences Send an to the attendance reporting address first thing in the morning **School Reach automated dialing system activates for absences not reported by 9:30 AM. **HHES follows the statewide attendance policy regarding 9 absences Child care offered on-site by Education Connection

Nuts and Bolts – Part 2 Lunch program: –Pay via or by check Healthy snacks and celebrations Medication –Forms must be completed before ANY medication can be administered. –Parents/guardians must bring in medications in the original containers.

The first few days of school… Arrival and Dismissal –Additional staff members on duty –Unload buses by grade level –Line up by class to enter building Transitioning through the building –Accompanied by an adult to all specials, lunch, recess, etc.

Families as Partners “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.” Sitting Bull, Chief of the Lakota Nation Volunteer Advisory Board (VAB) –PTO –Room Parents –Cultural Enrichment –School Volunteers –Community/Public Relations **All volunteers must complete volunteer forms to be cleared, attend volunteer training, and sign a confidentiality statement prior to working with HHES students. **Volunteer Training will be held at Open House in the fall.

Last summer, students from all over the world joined together to set a world record, reading 176,438,473 minutes! This summer, students will unite again in an effort to set a new world record for the number of minutes read Keep track of the minutes you read during summer break online at The twenty schools with the most minutes logged will receive recognition in the 2015 Scholastic Book of World Records. The school with the most minutes logged will win a visit from a famous children’s author! We have set a goal of 200,000 minutes for Huckleberry readers.

Summer Reading Challenge Here’s how to participate: 1. Read! Incoming 2nd graders have a goal of 400 minutes over the course of the summer! 2. Keep track of your summer reading minutes on Scholastic’s website ( 3. Have a great summer!!

Final Thoughts Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time! Read with your child this summer! We look forward to collaborating with you!