1. WELCOME TO Mrs. Vowler’s SECOND GRADE
We’re ready for an exciting year in Room 6!

2. A brief history about me…
Grew up in Chicago, IL
Have an identical twin sister
Graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Elementary Education
Got a Masters in Literacy from Penn State Harrisburg
This is my 12th year of teaching
I have a son Thomas who is 2 and a daughter who will turn 1 in November.

3. Time for School!

4. Spelling/Word Work
We teach word patterns onsets and rimes not memorization for a test!
Spelling should be practiced daily using the words sorts students bring home on Monday
It is important to practice changing the basic word chunks with your child (cat, bat, brat, etc.) AKA “word operator” because we test the pattern not a set of words
Spelling Test Fridays
Spelling and Word Work will alternate every week
Word work is where we’ll teach things like prefixes, suffixes, etc.

5. Language Arts
READING
100 Book Challenge
Workshop
Writing
Skills Group
Comprehension
Strategies
Groups
Flexible
Reading/
Guided
The language arts block will encompass 2.5 to 3 hours of the school day.
Students will be grouped together according to reading level during guided reading to give them more instructional time with the teacher.
We focus on developing good comprehension strategies that can be used with any book at any level.

6. GOMath
GO Math! combines fresh teaching approaches based on the rigorous Common Core State Standards.
Students represent, solve, and explain—all in one place
Family letters that will be sent home before each new unit!
There will be a tear out assignment from the workbook every night for homework

7. Science Hands on Activities Discovery learning through explorations
The 2nd grade units are:
Animals
Motion and Energy
Water and Weather

8. Social Studies Our focus is on good citizenship and communities
We study how communities grow and change
We also do an Around the World Unit in which we study China, Egypt, Japan, and Mexico.

9. Handwriting
Using handwriting without tears, we will be reviewing proper letter formation
Our goal is to write like “professionals” proving to those reading our work that we took our time and tried our best!

10. Classroom Rules Be SAFE Be RESPONSIBLE Be RESPECTFUL Be Prepared
Be Kind

11. Consequences PURPLE= Great Example PINK = Outstanding
If a student makes a poor choice, he/she will clip down.
All students start the day on Ready to learn.
Check planner to see what color your child landed on during the day.
PURPLE= Great Example
PINK = Outstanding
BLUE = Good Choices
GREEN = Ready to Learn
YELLOW= Think about it (warning)
ORANGE= Teacher Consequences
RED= Parent Contact

12. If you need another letter or help getting signed up let me know!
SIGN UP FOR SEESAW!
If you need another letter or help getting signed up let me know!

13. I can send you reminders about upcoming tests, events, etc.
SIGN UP FOR REMIND!
I can send you reminders about upcoming tests, events, etc.

14. Flexible Seating

15. Extras Homework – ALMOST EVERY NIGHT there will be: Check the PLANNER!
spelling
math
RAH RAH reading
Check the PLANNER!
Graded papers will come home in the homework folder.
O= Outstanding (90-100)
S+= Satisfactory (85-89)
S= Satisfactory (76-84)
S- = Satisfactory (70-75)
N= Needs Improvement (below 70)

16. PTA
Please become an active member of our PTA. The PTA organizes a variety of fundraising activities, assemblies, and other student centered programs.
Website:

17. Communication is Key
Please contact me at any time with your questions, comments, or concerns.
– this is the best way to contact me. I will respond at the end of the school day.
School Phone (717) Leave a message with the secretaries and I will return your call ASAP

18. THE END