Welcome to the 2nd grade. We are excited to be working with you and your children this year and look forward to a successful year.

Meet the 2nd Grade Team *Sandi Bowers sbowers@ems-isd.net *Lynnette Darden ldarden@ems-isd.net *Pam English penglish@ems-isd.net *Shanna Harlin sharlin@ems-isd.net *Ashley Malstrom amalstrom@ems-isd.net

Our Schedule

Student Expectations - Rules We as teachers recognize the uniqueness of each of our students. We stress respect and responsible behavior from our students. Each teacher’s classroom rules are listed in the parent packet (sent home on first day of school) and have been discussed in the classroom.

Student Expectations Second grade teacher use Class Do Jo. Class DoJo is an online web-based program that awards students for good behavior by giving them points, and allows for points to be taken away for inappropriate behavior. During the year, students are able to buy special privileges using the points they have accumulated. Parents and students can access the account at any time, and parents are emailed a report each Friday afternoon showing the points awarded for the week.

Student Expectations - Citizenship Students will receive a citizenship grade on their report card each nine weeks based on the number of times they received negative points on Dojo. E = 10 or less negative points S = 11-15 negative points N =16-20 negative points U = 20 or more negative points

Curriculum – Spelling *Each week your child will get a list of words that focus on a pattern such as short vowels, word chunks, or word families. Our goal in 2nd grade is to teach the students to apply phonics/ spelling rules instead of memorization. Lists will be sent home on Monday, and usually a check will be given on Friday. *Sometimes there will be a list of “High Frequency Words” that do not follow a set pattern. The High Frequency Words (Fry words) are widely accepted to contain the most used words in reading and writing. Spelling Test

Communication 2nd grade will communicate with you in the following ways this year: Emails Newsletters School Website Page Notes home in the student folder Class Dojo Remind Our conference time is from 1010-11:00. School phone: 817-236-7191 If you have any questions or concerns, please call or email us. We are happy to answer any questions.

LIINK Eagle Mountain is a proud Liink Campus. We go out to recess four times a day for 15 minutes each time. Students participate in unstructured play during this time. We go out in all types of weather even when it is lightly raining or snowing. Please make sure your child is dressed accordingly for the weather. Check out more LIINK information and news here:

Homework We will be assigning homework each Monday. It might be reading, math or both. There will also be a spelling words each week and a spell check on Fridays. Please take out and look over homework Monday and return to school each Friday.

Absent and Make-Up Work If your child is going to be absent, please call the school and make the office aware. Bring a note when returning to school. Make-Up Work: Student have time equal to the number of days absent plus one day to complete make-up work. If you know your child will be absent and would like to pick up their work, please call the day before the absence so there is time to gather the work. The assignments can be picked up in the office after 2:40pm or sent home with another child or sibling.

School District Grading Policy Daily Work: All daily work that is to be graded should be completed at school under teacher supervision. Students cannot take it home to complete. If a student chooses to not complete a daily work assignment, the code of conduct will be applied to this behavior. Grade Weights: Grades shall be calculated using the following weights: - 40% daily work and projects - 60% summative assessments Assignments Under 70: If a student did not master an assignment, the teacher will re-teach. The grade recorded will reflect an average of the two grades.

Housekeeping Current Information on File – Please keep current home and work numbers and emergency contacts updated in the office. School Hours – It is very important to have your student to school on time each day. Students are TARDY if they arrive after 7:30AM. Early Dismissal – Please understand that you must sign your child out in the front office before your child leaves for an early dismissal. Transportation Changes – If you have an afternoon transportation change, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE and make them aware of the change. Teachers do not always have time to check their email or phones during the day. Field Trips- In order to be a chaperone on the field trip, please make sure you fill out a background check from the office. Food Allergies – Please be aware we have many food allergies this year. Most classrooms are Nut Free. Birthdays – If you are going to celebrate your students birthday by bringing a snack, please following the following guidelines: - please bring pre-wrapped (nut free items) that can easily be distributed to students. - if you are going to bring a cookie cake, please bring plates or napkins and already have the cake cut into enough pieces for each student in class.

School Programs Watch Dogs – Dads interested in becoming a ‘Watch Dog’ and helping out in the classroom, please contact the office. Volunteering in the Classroom – We love volunteers in the classroom. Please make sure you have a current background check on file and contact your child’s teacher for opportunities.

How Parents Can Help At Home… *Explore Books! Give your child an opportunity to explore books. Visiting a library or bookstore gives your child a chance to find books and topics that interest them. *Read, Read, Read! Make sure to read for at least 20 minutes each day. *Make it Fun! Reading shouldn’t be a chore. Intentionally read with your child and discuss books, but also research topics and do book activities together.