Welcome to Parent Night 2016

Mrs. Taylor Our family lived in Crystal Lake for 31 years. My three adult daughters all attended West. My husband and I are now empty nesters and live in Huntley with our dog Bailey. 13 th year teaching at West (10 years in multiage 1-2) 20 th year with District 47 Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education Master Degree in Educational Literacy I LOVE children and I LOVE teaching!

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 * Snack & Read Aloud 2:05 – 2:20 Math2:15 – 3:20 (*Except Friday) Pack Up/Dismissal 3:20 – 3:30

CURRICULUM ELA Units of Study Based on balanced literacy with emphasis on: Informational texts Academic vocabulary Shared reading of grade-level texts – rereading for purpose Guided reading & independent reading

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.

Math Expressions It is NEW, focusing on deeper, extended practice of skills. District 47 Video Math Intro 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

HOMEWORK Reading - 20 minutes daily Please initial Reading Log and spend a few minutes discussing the books. Math – Homework/Remembering 4-5 times weekly Spelling - please practice the weekly words

District 47 Homework Policies Homework is used to reinforce and apply previously covered concepts, principles, 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.

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.

NEW Progress Reports 5 point scale Trimester grading periods will remain November, Early March, and the end of May.

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 develop a safe and positive environment in which all students can learn. Paw Pride slips & Class paws

* Feel free to call before or after school, send an , or write a note. * Please check out the latest news at our team/classroom website: Mrs. Taylor's Page Mrs. Taylor's Page * Watch for s from West that include important dates and reminders. Communication is Vital!

Reminders! Please be on time. Class begins at 9:00. Snacks ~ quick, healthy, & nut-free Clean gym shoes for locker No food allowed for birthdays Lunch account should be monitored from home. If sending money, lunch is now $2.75 daily.

It’s an electronic way to sign up for Parent-Teacher conferences. Watch for an regarding this later in September. You will use this format to sign up for classroom parties this year too!

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