1. Welcome Parents!

2. Our Class Schedule 8:40 – 10:55 Language Arts – Reading/Writing 10:55 – 11:55 Specials (PE T/Th/F, Fine Arts M/W) 12:00 – 12:30 Lunch (no ice cream this year) 12:30 – 12:50 Finish Language Arts 12:50 – 2:30 Math 2:30 - 3:50 Recess 3:50 – 3:25 Science or Social Studies 3:35 – 3:40 Dismissal Library - Wednesday

3. Contact Information Conference time is between 10:55 – 11:55 The best way to reach me is by email as I can scan during the day, but not I may not respond right away. For emergencies, please call the front office.

4. Class Expectations Students will be responsible with class property. Students will be prepared for class. Students will stay safe in class. Students will follow directions. Students will participate in class activities.

5. We have a great PTO that coordinates all the fun things the kids love – parties, crafts, events. Our Room Mom is Mary Everett. We have a Volunteer Spot page where you can sign up to help or donate. It is located on my webpage and I will be sending the link with the next email this week. Room Parent and Volunteer Information

6. Transportation If there are any transportation changes, you MUST send or fax a note to the front office BEFORE 3:00. E-mails are not acceptable.

7. Snack Students are allowed one snack for snack time at 10:00(ish). Snacks must be a healthy choice. goldfish, pretzels, carrots, apple slices, etc. (no Cheetos, Doritos, anything that needs to be refrigerated, deserts or candy.) Students may bring water only. A water bottle with a screw top is allowed and thrown away every Friday.

8. Academic Grading Reading and Writing(these 2 will be averaged for the language arts grade), Math, Science, and Social Studies are as follows: 90-100 A 80-89 B 75-79 C 70-74 D 69 and below F Conduct- E S N U P.E., Music, Art- E S N U

9. Progress Reports Reports (green sheets) will be sent home in Wednesday folders. Please sign and return to school on Thursday. Please sit down with your child and have conversations about their work. Check grades online – don’t wait until you see several bad grades to conference. Reading is a huge part of second grade and is integrated into all other subjects. If you student is not on level for second grade, it will affect his/her grades.

10. Make-up Work 1 day for each absence If students do not finish their work on time, students must take their work to study hall and finish it there. Students will only be given 1-2 days in study hall to finish work and then it will be graded as is. If work is consistently not being finished, parents will receive an e-mail or call home. It is imperative that work is finished on time!

11. Spelling Each week your child will be given a list of 16 spelling words. Most of these words will follow a spelling pattern we are learning in class and two or three will be sight words. Sight words are words that cannot be sounded out, they must be memorized. Our goal for second grade is to teach spelling as an extension of writing. We will be working with the words by emphasizing the patterns and creating new words. For example: If you can spell ash, then you can spell mash, cash, and splash.

12. Spelling Sentence Dictation In addition to the spelling words, there will be 3 dictation sentences. This WILL count as a separate writing grade. The sentences will be graded as follows: 5 points off for each capitalization and punctuation error; the remaining words in the sentences are worth 70 points (70 points is divided by # of words in the sentences); 1 point off for each incorrect capital letter in the middle of the sentences.

13. Example: My mom run aftr the cat and Dog -3 runs -3 after -1 D -5 period 12 points would be taken off for this sentence.

14. Reading 1. Practice reading each day – Monthly Reading Log is in purple Daily Folder. Levels will be tested at least three times a year to ensure progress. 2. 2 nd grade focuses on comprehension, fluency, retelling, analyzing story characters and elements, and beginning research skills. 3. Hearing books read aloud is extremely important. Teachers model good strategies and word attack skills. Purposeful read aloud events will be scheduled everyday. 4. Students need to understand that reading is a meaning- making, problem solving process and not just word calling. This year we will be working with the students to ensure they can take their comprehension to the highest level. They will not move several levels this year unless they are working to be on level for second grade.

15. Tips for success in second grade Reading –Read to your child. Talk and ask questions about the books you read together. –Take your child to the public library. –Make sight word cards. –Ask you child to sequence the events of the day at dinner or bedtime. –Have your child retell the story you or they have read. –Ask your child to read to you. Let them read easy books to build fluency.

16. Writing Our goal this year is to create writers who: can write a strong sentence produce an idea organize the idea revise publish their piece. We plan to do this through modeling, practice, and constructive feedback.

17. Math We are going to stress the understanding and practicing of basic math facts. We plan to do this by many "hands on" activities in class, as well as daily practice. Starting next 9 weeks, a fact proficiency test will be given that will be averaged into one half major grade. We will also expect the students to practice them for homework. Students should show their work by using problem solving strategies.

18. Science We will cover the following topics according to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills: *Safety *Matter *Energy *The Night Sky/Seasons *Sound *Earth's Resources *Weather/ Water Cycle *Plants and Animals

19. Social Studies We will cover the following topics according to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills: *Geography*National Landmarks *Government*Famous Americans *Consumers/ Producers *Community

20. Homework Homework should be returned every Friday (blue spiral). Includes spelling and math. Students should read 20 minutes a night.

21. Parents and Teachers Working Together Could you please… –Check your child’s folder for any papers that need to be returned. –Check their homework regularly. –Read your child’s library book with them and help them return it on time (Wednesdays). –Study math facts and spelling. –Comment on your child’s work and let them know that it is important. –Let me know of any concerns.

22. Decker Strong! We can, We will!

23. Thank you for coming tonight! merilanethomas@tomballisd.net 281 357 3134, ext. 3053